Author Topic: Look underneath that skirt and tell me your not smitten. (Read 5062 times)

CWO4GUNNER · « **on:** November 11, 2006, 06:28:37 PM »

Anyone who knows me knows I love my Bandito but I think I am in love with the most powerful, most technologically advanced, most sport capable, standard touring motorcycle in production. The 2007 Kawasaki 1400 Concourse. Its not just everything I mentioned but look underneath that skirt and tell me your not smitten.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2006, 07:34:07 PM »

I've seen this pic posted repeatedly on a couple of sites. I think that is one mean lookin' bike.

If I hadn't just bought two new cars...

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2006, 09:45:56 PM »

December Cycle World magazine has the article and some of the modern details on the bike which has not yet been priced but is supposed to be nominal considering the advanced technology. Kawasaki has dubbed it the first Transcontinental Supersport Tourer. It uses the Ninja 1400 computer controlled engine for manageable power (200 HP) but in addition has variable valve lobe timing so that it puts out max torque through the entire power curve. Its held together by the next generation monocoque aluminum frame using the engine and gas tank (which is also a trunk) as stress members (no frame and super light). A new rear suspension called Tetra Lever Drive which eliminates all the previous jacking behavior known of shaft drives making it super supple at any power application. Almost no wiring harness as it uses a separate computer in the consol to manage display all the basic functions including tire pressure, fuel mileage, gear position, trip meter, and electric adjustable wind screen. Kawasaki officials claim that the Concourse 14 will be the most powerful, controllable, best handling, maintenance free production sport -tourer ever seen.

GSFStiny · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2006, 11:30:46 PM »

There is a bunch of stuff in Bike this month about it. Havent done much reading yet, but I found it funny that its top speed is 5mph faster than a honda CBR1kRR.

Definitely the sweetest tourer out there. This coming from someone that loathes the day when I will own a touring bike.

Sven · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2006, 12:19:09 AM »

Yeah, it's on my short-list for a 2nd bike. Somebody go buy one and tell me how great it is!

jimmym1296 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2006, 06:36:57 AM »

Maybe in a few years. I hardly have time to ride now, let alone go transcontinnetal. Looks more fun than a Wing, that's for sure.

smooth operator · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2006, 07:03:12 AM »

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I still have the hots for a SV1000. If I had time & $ to go on tour, it would be a great bike. (Or a 'Busa) But I like something flickable.Seems most my rides are 2-3 hr. burst or less.

Sven · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2006, 12:42:45 PM »

I think they've done a good job in making yards of plastic look sporty...the saddlebags are alwasy gonna look un-aerodynamic, but again, they've done a good design job to make them look less clunky. And then we can thank the photog, who put a silver bike on a grey background, for a hi-tech look...let's see what this looks like in school bus yellow on a blood red background. Anyone wanna photoshop that?

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2006, 04:22:38 PM »

Yah, too bad they decided on only color silver they show on the Kaw site. However this bike isn’t due out until early 2008 (my mistake 2007). But this is the first time a manufacturer has listed the bike on their web site so far in advancebecause they say it will revolutionize conventional Supersport and Touring bike concept. I think black or yellow or maroon would be cool. I think this bike is going to be the best of all worlds. Able to out compete most stock sport bikes and yet be more comfortable then most sport touring bikes all for a nominal price, I predict $10,000-$13,000 MSRP. Although TBD in the manufacturer specs, rumor has it weighing just under 380 pounds, talk abou power to weight ratio!

interfuse · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2006, 06:31:29 PM »

I can't wait to see a streetfightered version! It looks fantastic without all the plastic bits.

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2006, 09:36:49 PM »

Yah, it will be cool if they can at least have a half fairing version to show the engine. But it would be wicked if they could smooth out and polish up the tank/stress member so that you could have the option of stripped down street fighter with minimal plastic. But that would be asking too much. I actually hope the bike has problems when it comes and gets poor review when road tested by Cycle World because I like the engineering, looks and concept of this bike way too much already. Just hope its not as good as they claim because I will go crazy and sell a bunch of stuff to buy one.
**********
What do you know I managed to find some one taking early orders which confirms my price guess.
Year: 2007
Make: Kawasaki
Model: CONCOURSE 14
Mileage: 0
Price: 13000
Description: 2007 KAWASAKI CONCOURSE 14, Arriving early in 2007, the all new Concourse 14 ABS: Sport Touring without compromise. Will have breathtaking engine performance inspired by the ZX 14 motor, shaft drive, locking hard luggage, and electrically adjustable windscreen, and a host of new features. Smart Key, an aluminum monocoque chassis, radial mount brake calipers, and ram air induction. A physically impressive machine, but very lightweight. Call and reserve yours today.
Contact: Somerset Motorsports
Phone: 6066797484
Somerset Motorsports
5025 S. Hwy 27
Somerset KY 42501
http://www.somersetmotorsports.com

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2006, 04:36:43 PM »

So that's the same price range as the FJR (without the clutch lever-less option - which I wouldn't want anyway).

I think the new Connie has bumped the FJR from the top of my list! I'll still wait a year or two to be sure any first run glitches get a chance to get ironed out.

ttewejnodnarb · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2006, 05:39:03 PM »

Quote from: "CWO4GUNNER"

December Cycle World magazine has the article and some of the modern details on the bike which has not yet been priced but is supposed to be nominal considering the advanced technology. Kawasaki has dubbed it the first Transcontinental Supersport Tourer. It uses the Ninja 1400 computer controlled engine for manageable power (200 HP) but in addition has variable valve lobe timing so that it puts out max torque through the entire power curve. Its held together by the next generation monocoque aluminum frame using the engine and gas tank (which is also a trunk) as stress members (no frame and super light). A new rear suspension called Tetra Lever Drive which eliminates all the previous jacking behavior known of shaft drives making it super supple at any power application. Almost no wiring harness as it uses a separate computer in the consol to manage display all the basic functions including tire pressure, fuel mileage, gear position, trip meter, and electric adjustable wind screen. Kawasaki officials claim that the Concourse 14 will be the most powerful, controllable, best handling, maintenance free production sport -tourer ever seen.

Put a seat, a headlight and maybe add clipons just like this and the bike would be SICK! Too bad it wouldn't have a gas tank

ttewejnodnarb · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2006, 06:10:17 PM »

This really says "wow, I wish I had photoshop...and some talent" but you might get the idea.

Think Confederate Hellcat:

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2006, 09:57:57 PM »

Oh my gosh your right, I can see it. If someone customized there own fiber glass or carbon coverings people would flip at any biker gathering you went to. You would have the best of 3 worlds. Competitiveness, luxury and bad ass to the bone looks that would make the the best Harley look like girly-man bike. The first motorcycle “Roadster”.