The new 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14, which should arrive sometime in the Spring of this year, looks like one fine machine for high speed touring and Kawasaki has a video up on the Italian web site. It’s known as the 1400GTR over there and while the video hasn’t made it to the U.S. web site yet, it appears to be the kind of machine many folks are looking for, especially the current Concours owners who have been waiting patiently for Kawasaki to update the venerable but aging Connie.
The video isn’t very long but you get the flavor of what the bike is all about, very efficient, high speed touring with great handling and loads of power to spare. I bet Kawasaki sells a whole lot of these, they look really good to me.
Link: Kawasaki video via Motoblog.it
Related: New Kawasaki Concours 14
Link: Kawasaki US
F451 says
I’ve been looking for a personal rocket like this to add to the stable. Having just sold my King of Tupperware GL1800A (much to the chagrin of my wife), and dumping my American v-twins (hallelujah) it is time to get back to motorcycling.
stacius says
I hope these take off too! I want to get my hands on an older Connie for my introduction to touring.
I realize the Kawasaki needed something to compete with Honda and Yamaha’s offerings, but the ST and FJR are out of my price range! One of the things that was great about the Concours was that it was a decent bike AND affordable. I fear that will no longer be the case…
F451 says
stacius,
They’ll takeoff, and spawn an entire new category that everyone has been waiting for to boot: hyper-performance sports touring. Picking up a used Connie shouldn’t be too hard, but I know their owners hands will have to be pried from the handlebars as they love those motorcycles with a passion.
Erik says
I’ve had two Concours’ before and they were both great fun. A bit large compared to my current bike but comfortable and loads of power. Just don’t try to run with the guys on the Gixxers and you’ll be alright.
And boy did the model need an update and upgrade! It looks slicker and nicer than before, I wonder what they’ll do with the pricepoint, which was a major selling feature.