2010 Concours 14 ABS

[Big Daddy Funk]

Picked up my new Kawi on Friday.
Apparently the Japanese engineers and designers have been very busy since the XS11's were introduced.
ABS, Traction control, Variable valve timing, 6 speed trans, Electric windshield, Variable fuel mapping, Tire pressure monitor, Heated grips etc. I haven't figured out all the other computer related stuff yet, BUT.......Best of all it's lightning quick, stable at high speed and goes around corners like it is on rails. The seat is comfy and the ride is smooth.
Worth every penny so far.
BDF

[dpotter58]

Picked up my new Kawi on Friday.
Apparently the Japanese engineers and designers have been very busy since the XS11's were introduced.
ABS, Traction control, Variable valve timing, 6 speed trans, Electric windshield, Variable fuel mapping, Tire pressure monitor, Heated grips etc. I haven't figured out all the other computer related stuff yet, BUT.......Best of all it's lightning quick, stable at high speed and goes around corners like it is on rails. The seat is comfy and the ride is smooth.
Worth every penny so far.
BDF

They are very nice bikes. Have fun with it!

[cywelchjr]

Sounds really nice. There was recently an article online saying the those inflation monitoring systems can be read by hackers as well as the built in systems. Not sure what they could do with that information, but someone seemed to think it was a big deal (maybe just being able to identify YOUR bike electronically after capturing the initial data?).

[Big Daddy Funk]

I rode the Short Bus to school....

Sounds really nice. There was recently an article online saying the those inflation monitoring systems can be read by hackers as well as the built in systems. Not sure what they could do with that information, but someone seemed to think it was a big deal (maybe just being able to identify YOUR bike electronically after capturing the initial data?).

Not being very computer gifted, I would have no idea what anyone could do with the data other than perhaps steal the bike. It's insured.
I did find out that the bike can display in four different languages. I have managed to figure out how to work the traction control and the brake modes.
There also are two separate economical fuel icons. One tells you if you are riding economically and the other is a leaner fuel map for the computer to run. I don't think I would ever engage the leaner fuel map unless I was going someplace that had fuel stations spaced 400kms apart.
Turns out reading the owners manual isn't a waste of time after all.
BDF

[Big Daddy Funk]

My Favorite Operators Manual

Not being very computer gifted, I would have no idea what anyone could do with the data other than perhaps steal the bike. It's insured.
I did find out that the bike can display in four different languages. I have managed to figure out how to work the traction control and the brake modes.
There also are two separate economical fuel icons. One tells you if you are riding economically and the other is a leaner fuel map for the computer to run. I don't think I would ever engage the leaner fuel map unless I was going someplace that had fuel stations spaced 400kms apart.
Turns out reading the owners manual isn't a waste of time after all.
BDF

My favorite statement out of the Kawi manual....
"The fuel economy assistance mode can be activated using the meter mode on the left side switch housing when the RPM is less than 6,000, throttle is less than 30% and vehicle speed is less than 250kph (152mph)".
Good to know if you need to save gas when riding at 150mph.

[ManitoulinLad]

new inline 4 - "smooth power"

Hey Rick: I heard about the purchase through the Tinman905. Good for you man. I can only imagine the grin on your face taking that new powerfull baby out. Maybe you'll take this new one to the island next year? Talk to you later - Dan

[madmax-im]

Awesome Rick...you have come over to the Sport-Tourer Dark side...This bike is even better than my ST1100...we need some pics...

[motoman]

+1 madmax........worthless witout some Conny pics.......

[Big Daddy Funk]

I still LOVE my XS's but...

2100kms and only one complaint. This is a top heavy bike at crawling speeds. Great turning radius but you have to be centered or you will be trying to pick up almost 700 lbs.
Got the display screen figured out. The riding position is forward leaning for me. (Short arms and legs) In the off season I'm going to lower the bike 1 inch so I can flat foot. Also put on some 1 inch set backs on the bars.
Even as it is, I can ride 4 hrs. straight with no discomfort. The saddle and suspension are great.
She's real dirty tonight, but I'll post some pics after clean up.
I would imagine the "Flagship" will be attending XS East, Around the Bend(Manitoulin Island) , and XS North next year. Maybe even a trip to Newfoundland
Super pleased with the bike and definitely worth every penny. It makes me feel like a better rider than I am.
Thx BDF

[tinman905]

BDF is having trouble with his Photo Bucket so he asked me to post some of his pictures of his bikes .
His new 2010 Concours 14 ABS

















His "Hot Rod"

[CatatonicBug]

Very nice! Makes me question my desire for a goldwing. One thing that I have grown to love about my XS is the driver backrest that attaches to my rear rack. I like the additional support I get from it, especially on long rides. Is a driver backrest an option on the concourse?

[Smash]

The C14 puts you sitting a bit far forward to be using a drivers backrest... You'd need to add some serious risers and have really long arms...

I've ridden one. What a hoot. My girlfriend on the other hand hates it, the passenger accommodations are miserable. My only big issue with it is fuel range. Tiny tank.... I'll stick happily with my ST1100!

[ManitoulinLad]

What a bike!

Hey BDF: That Concours is one great lookin machine. Love the colour of course. Everything a guy can want & more, (heated grips & seat etc.even hard bags). Great choice man! Have a blast with it. - Dan

[tinman905]

Rick's new bike is amazing for sure. I was stuck behind a truck for a couple of minutes and when I was able to pass he was gone ,disappeared. I was riding his "Hot Rod" and that in itself was amazing. I was able to catch up to him about 15 minutes later when he decided to pull over and wait for me . He sat in the bushes like a cop waiting . He finally got to hear his "HOT Rod" up front and close going faster than I ever want to go on a bike again. It only took a few minutes for him to catch me from a dead stop. If you ever want to experience a nice road take that trip up to New Liskeard across Hyw #64 with Rick . They have some fantastic roads up there for cruising and for site seeing.

[Big Daddy Funk]

Thx Tinman

I really enjoy this bike. You can ride it like a sport bike or relax and cruise.
If you ride two up any distance, this would not be a comfortable bike for the passenger. If you ride distance solo, you'd love this thing. Very comfy.
It has the same powerplant (de-tuned for driveability) as the ZX14. The 2010 has the same 22 litre fuel tank but with ECO mode, 400 kms (250 mi) between fuel stops is no problem. My bladder maxes out at about half that range.
Thx to Tinman for getting the pics up and letting me hear what "The Hotrod" sounds like at WOT. Ya gotta love the sound of an XS1100 being worked.
Thx BDF