Kawasaki Concours?

[Wayne]

Anyone out there have any experience with this bike? I am considering a new sport tourer, as I'm getting more into Long Distance riding (IronButt type stuff). I have heard lots of things about this bike, both good and bad. Would love to hear from some XSives that might have first hand knowledge.

This one if for sale in my area. A 2003 for $7,899.00. Isn't even 03 yet and already its on sale! Hmmm...could be good, could be bad.



Thanks

[sixtysix]

I looked at them when I bought the Trophy, I was lacking in leg room, ie the pegs were too close to the seat, and I am only 6 foot. Basically and outdated hunk of crap from what I read on it. Almost everthing needs to be replaced or upgraded to make the bike handle and brake and as comfortable as other bikes in it's class. I even looked at one again after I bought my Trophy (cause it was like new and very cheap) and came to the same conclusion again. If all you want is cheap, than it's a great bike. With the ST1300 coming out many great ST1100 will be getting traded in.

[Wayne]

I kinda figured it was not just a bargain but CHEAP. I don't want a mount that isn't comfy and reliable, especially since I'm getting it for Long-Distance competition.

I will be competing in the Waltz Across Texas Rally, next April, with the ole XS. If she holds up perhaps I will just keep using it.

[uk1.1s]

No direct riding experience, but recently read an article on tourer bikes and the Kwack didn't get a very high rating.

Very outdated in comparision with what's out there - and like sixtysix says - the ST1100 is the Jap tourer to go for. Have a friend over here in the UK with an old one he swears by (rather than at).

[Shack]

Hey Wayne,
I think you should look for a Bandit!!! You can add bags or what ever..I have seen 3 2001 Bandit 1200's for less than $4500.00 I love the leg room and ability to sport tour or run with most anything....The insurance is about the same as the Kawa but twice the bike IMHO I really like your xs...but I would consider a Bandit for the money...Hard to beat!!!!!!! Easy to add bags and easy to take them off!!!FWIW
Shack

[Wayne]

I have considered the bandit. My only concern about it is in the use for IronButt competition. I don't know if it has the wind protection and the "dash" room I need for all my bells and whistles.
That being said, I would love to get one anyway, I do like the look of them and I have heard nothing but good things about them.

Thanks Shack. God bless.

[sixtysix]

Here is the link for Connies:

http://www.concours.org/

[Wayne]

Well I guess when you get down to it, the Kaw isnt any more a motorcycle than this one...



Heck my XS only has 18500 miles on it. Its not even broke in.

[Shack]

WOW!!
Your Bike is looking NEW!!! Did you get a new paint job?? You are correct about thw wind protection and dash area...But you could remedy all that and still have less than a Kawa or FJR etc...Do you have an extra beake line for an xs.. I am thinking of adding riser to my xs...Have a Blessed Day!!
Shack

[Wayne]

I have some old break lines I took off when I got my Chris Rawson Stainless ones. But they are for a Standard and you have a special. Won't fit I'm afraid, as they are shorter that yours.

E-mail Chris and get a set of his. He made mine a few inches longer than stock for my risers. You just gotta tell him what you want. (Note: He isn't quick about turn around so you will be waiting for them)

You can see the info about his ss lines Here...

BTW, the pict above isn't (actually) my bike even though my bike looks just like this. This is a factory pict that I touched up on the computer in PhotoShop. I like to cybercycle dream.