The new 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14, C-14 fixes seem to be the same things the FJR did way back in 2006. All these are worthy improvements that make it competitive. But, the C-14 is still too heavy, and it looks too wide as well - affecting handling and touring range. My FJR1300AE runs nicely on regular fuel getting 200 miles to the tank plus another 55 miles on reserve. The K-14 requires premium fuel, so your shoot-out should run all bikes on regular or all bikes on premium fuel to be consistent. I’m looking at the next generation of S-T bikes, where the Honda VFR1200F promises to be lighter, slimmer, sleeker, more powerful, and more agile, but (alas) it has a small tank. The new KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) does offer on-the-fly adjustment – ON and OFF – via the left handlebar-mounted button. The KTRC system adds no weight, sourcing the same sensors at the ABS. The 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 is an upgrade over its predecessor thanks to improved handling and more touring creature comforts, not to mention production traction control.Upon detecting wheelspin the ABS unit sends a signal to the ECU, 
which then controls engine output by modulating ignition timing, fuel delivery and intake airflow through sub-throttle valves – the intake control key to the smooth operation of the system, according to Kawasaki. Testing the system, Kawasaki hosed down a skid plate, fixed outriggers to a Concours and turned us loose. Holding down the KTRC button to disengage the system, we made some passes and negotiated sketchy slides (after deprogramming our brain to snap the throttle of a 140-horsepower near 700-lb bike on a wet, slippery surface!). A redesigned fairing and exhaust cap improve the previous complaint of engine heatblasting on the riders leg - the worst on the right shin at idle.Turning the KTRC on we made similar runs, with an even wilder throttle hand and experienced complete stability, with the dash light flashing every time the KTRC engaged. Changes to the 2010 chassis include a little more oil in the fork, but the new Bridgestone BT021U tires seem the most probable reason for the improvement. Tire wear was a leading suspect for ’09 handling complaints, and Kawasaki says the 2010 front tire has thicker rubber, with promises of longer tire life. Anecdotal evidence while attending the Pirelli Angel ST press intro confirmed speculation faulting tire wear as the main culprit for the handling quirks, with fellow journalists (we didn’t get seat time on the Pirelli-shod Concours) reporting improvement over the stock Bridgestone-shod ‘09. Either way, we can say the 2010 Concours felt better in the corners and turns in quicker than the ’09 unit we sampled just two weeks prior. Is the C14 now the quickest turning tourer in the market? No. Is it a better handler than our 2009 tester? Yes. ut the big story this year are those touring improvements. The KTRC system is not made for enhanced sporting performance, but instead to deliver increased confidence for touring riders on slippery surfaces. Are they enough to vault the Concours ahead of its class? Well, the Kawasaki has certainly gained ground on its competition. At $14,599 in base form and $15,299 for the ABS/TC version we sampled, it delivers a lot for the pricetag (A comparably equipped BMW K1300GT with heated grips and ASC (Anti Slip Control), for example, is well over $20K.) The new Connie is also possibly the best looking sport-tourer out there, available for 2010 in Candy Neptune Blue and Flat Super Black. Yeah I know you'd probably sell only one, to me, but could you run this through the washer and drier on high and shrink it down. Go ahead and replace the shaft with a belt too. Otherwise I'd like something like this as the 3rd bike in the driveway. Pity the local Kawi dealer went tits up.
which then controls engine output by modulating ignition timing, fuel delivery and intake airflow through sub-throttle valves – the intake control key to the smooth operation of the system, according to Kawasaki. Testing the system, Kawasaki hosed down a skid plate, fixed outriggers to a Concours and turned us loose. Holding down the KTRC button to disengage the system, we made some passes and negotiated sketchy slides (after deprogramming our brain to snap the throttle of a 140-horsepower near 700-lb bike on a wet, slippery surface!). A redesigned fairing and exhaust cap improve the previous complaint of engine heatblasting on the riders leg - the worst on the right shin at idle.Turning the KTRC on we made similar runs, with an even wilder throttle hand and experienced complete stability, with the dash light flashing every time the KTRC engaged. Changes to the 2010 chassis include a little more oil in the fork, but the new Bridgestone BT021U tires seem the most probable reason for the improvement. Tire wear was a leading suspect for ’09 handling complaints, and Kawasaki says the 2010 front tire has thicker rubber, with promises of longer tire life. Anecdotal evidence while attending the Pirelli Angel ST press intro confirmed speculation faulting tire wear as the main culprit for the handling quirks, with fellow journalists (we didn’t get seat time on the Pirelli-shod Concours) reporting improvement over the stock Bridgestone-shod ‘09. Either way, we can say the 2010 Concours felt better in the corners and turns in quicker than the ’09 unit we sampled just two weeks prior. Is the C14 now the quickest turning tourer in the market? No. Is it a better handler than our 2009 tester? Yes. ut the big story this year are those touring improvements. The KTRC system is not made for enhanced sporting performance, but instead to deliver increased confidence for touring riders on slippery surfaces. Are they enough to vault the Concours ahead of its class? Well, the Kawasaki has certainly gained ground on its competition. At $14,599 in base form and $15,299 for the ABS/TC version we sampled, it delivers a lot for the pricetag (A comparably equipped BMW K1300GT with heated grips and ASC (Anti Slip Control), for example, is well over $20K.) The new Connie is also possibly the best looking sport-tourer out there, available for 2010 in Candy Neptune Blue and Flat Super Black. Yeah I know you'd probably sell only one, to me, but could you run this through the washer and drier on high and shrink it down. Go ahead and replace the shaft with a belt too. Otherwise I'd like something like this as the 3rd bike in the driveway. Pity the local Kawi dealer went tits up.
source: Motorcycle-usa.com
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