Tyler Hopper
AllAboutBikes.com Staff Writer
Kawasaki’s 2010 Concours 14, the supersport touring bike that packs a punch, features the first year of Kawasaki Traction Control, a larger windscreen, heat dissipating bodywork, and revised suspension.
The next-generation Concours is powered by a 1,352cc DOHC I4 engine with 4-valves per cylinder. It produces 102 ft. lb. of torque with a compression ratio of 10.7:1. Keeping the power on the road is the Kawasaki Traction Control. The traction control system senses wheel spin and reduces power to the wheel. This is possible with the existing ECU and ABS sensors, so no additional weight is added.
Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology links the front and rear brakes for effective stopping power. Riders can choose from standard mode or high combined mode. Standard mode feels more natural when the brakes are initially engaged. High Combined Mode is ideal for touring and two-up highway use with a more pronounced linked effect from the beginning of the pedal stroke.
Activating fuel economy assistance mode will give the rider 25% more fuel economy by utilizing a leaner fuel map. Fuel economy assistance works in any gear below 6,000 rpm with the throttle less than 30 percent open.
A 70mm taller windscreen reduces upper-body turbulence. The windscreen is electrically adjustable, with four programmable preset positions. Passages from windscreen slits direct air through the inner fairing to vents next to the instrument panel; alleviating lower pressure in order to prevent turbulence around the rider’s head.
A completely redesigned fairing is designed to facilitate heat dissipation, with new inner guide surfaces and outlets, greatly reducing the amount of hot air spread to the rider.
This ultimate-touring bike has an MSRP of $14,559 and the ABS version is priced $15,299.
