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10 Reasons the Kawasaki Concours 14 Is a Great Sport-Touring Motorcycle

The Concours 14 pairs a large four-cylinder engine and touring equipment with useful rider aids. Here are 10 reasons it suits sport touring, plus the fit and specification details to check.
Entry228 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The Kawasaki Concours 14—called the 1400GTR in some markets—makes a strong case as a sport-tourer because it pairs a large four-cylinder engine with touring equipment and adjustable rider aids. Kawasaki’s 2021 and 2022 U.S. specifications document those capabilities, but they do not establish that the bike is the best in its class or comfortable for every rider. Check the specific motorcycle’s model year and market before relying on any specification below.

What makes the Concours 14 suited to sport touring?

1. A large four-cylinder engine with substantial published torque

Kawasaki lists a 1,352 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder DOHC engine and maximum torque of 100.5 lb-ft for the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Concours 14 ABS. That combination gives the bike the high-capacity engine configuration expected of a sport-tourer; those figures alone do not establish acceleration or a performance advantage over another motorcycle. See Kawasaki’s 2021 specifications and 2022 specifications.

2. A six-speed transmission

The 2021 U.S. specification lists a six-speed transmission. Multiple ratios give the rider options across changing road and speed conditions, though Kawasaki’s cited specifications do not establish a particular cruising engine speed.

3. Shaft final drive

Kawasaki specifies a Tetra-Lever shaft final drive. It is a touring-oriented alternative to a chain final drive, but it does not eliminate maintenance, and the available specification does not quantify any maintenance savings.

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#1 Best Overall
Cyclemax Full Syn Oil Change Kit for 2008-2022 Kawasaki Concours 14
  • Fitment: 2008-2022 Concours 14
  • CONTENTS: Contains 5 Quarts Genuine OEM KPO Full-Synthetic 10W-40 Engine Oil, 1 Genuine OEM Kawasaki 16097-0008 Oil Filter, 1 12MM Washer and 1 Convenient Disposable Funnel.
  • QUALITY GUARANTEED: Keep your Kawasaki Concours 14 running at MAX power with this Cyclemax Full Synthetic OEM Oil Change Kit, tailored specifically to have everything you need for models produced from 2008 to 2022! Experience worry-free riding with our expert fitment. Have questions? Our eager staff will gladly help you find the right kit for your ride!
  • PROPER FITMENT RESEARCHED BY PROFESSIONALS: Our team of powersports professionals has done the research to make sure this kit fits the models listed. If there are any issues with your product please contact us for prompt and friendly customer service.

4. Factory saddlebags

The factory specifications account for saddlebags in the bike’s weight and overall width, making luggage part of the documented touring package rather than an assumed aftermarket addition. Kawasaki does not state a luggage volume in the cited material, so capacity should be checked on the exact bike and its accompanying documentation.

5. An electrically adjustable windshield

Kawasaki lists an electrically adjusted windshield as a special feature. The rider can change its position without manually replacing or repositioning a screen. That adjustment is useful in a touring setup, but the specification does not promise a particular level of wind protection for every rider or seating position.

Rank #2
Cyclemax Full Syn Tune-Up Kit for 2008-2022 Kawasaki Concours 14
  • Fitment: 2008-2022 Concours 14
  • CONTENTS: Contains 5 Quarts Genuine OEM KPO Full-Synthetic 10W-40 Engine Oil, 4 Genuine CR9EIA-9 Spark Plugs (6289), 1 Genuine OEM Kawasaki 16097-0008 Oil Filter, 1 Genuine OEM Kawasaki 11013-0014 Air Filter, 1 12MM Washer and 1 Convenient Disposable Funnel.
  • QUALITY GUARANTEED: Keep your Kawasaki Concours 14 running at MAX power with this Cyclemax Full Synthetic OEM Tune-Up Kit, tailored specifically to have everything you need for models produced from 2008 to 2022! Experience worry-free riding with our expert fitment. Have questions? Our eager staff will gladly help you find the right kit for your ride!
  • PROPER FITMENT RESEARCHED BY PROFESSIONALS: Our team of powersports professionals has done the research to make sure this kit fits the models listed. If there are any issues with your product please contact us for prompt and friendly customer service.

Which rider aids and chassis features help on longer rides?

6. KTRC traction control

KTRC appears in Kawasaki’s rider-aid list. The manufacturer describes the system as helping control wheel slip, including on slippery surfaces. Kawasaki’s corporate technical publication notes that the system was announced with the 1400GTR (Concours 14 in North America) released in 2010; this is background on the system, not a claim about performance in every condition. KTRC cannot replace suitable tires, sound judgment, or safe riding practices. See Kawasaki’s technical description of KTRC.

7. K-ACT ABS with linked braking action

Kawasaki lists K-ACT ABS. Its feature description says the system combines front and rear braking action. ABS and linked braking are rider aids, not guarantees against a crash or a substitute for leaving appropriate stopping distance. The manufacturer’s description is available on its 2021 Concours 14 ABS feature page.

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Rank #3
Cyclemax Standard Oil Change Kit for 2008-2022 Kawasaki Concours 14
  • Fitment: 2008-2022 Concours 14
  • CONTENTS: Contains 5 Quarts Genuine OEM KPO Standard 10W-40 Engine Oil, 1 Genuine OEM Kawasaki 16097-0008 Oil Filter, 1 12MM Washer and 1 Convenient Disposable Funnel.
  • QUALITY GUARANTEED: Keep your Kawasaki Concours 14 running at MAX power with this Cyclemax Standard OEM Oil Change Kit, tailored specifically to have everything you need for models produced from 2008 to 2022! Experience worry-free riding with our expert fitment. Have questions? Our eager staff will gladly help you find the right kit for your ride!
  • PROPER FITMENT RESEARCHED BY PROFESSIONALS: Our team of powersports professionals has done the research to make sure this kit fits the models listed. If there are any issues with your product please contact us for prompt and friendly customer service.

8. Rear suspension adjustment for changing loads

The 2022 U.S. specification describes Tetra-Lever rear suspension with stepless rebound-damping adjustment and a remote spring-preload adjuster. These settings give the owner ways to adapt the rear suspension when the passenger or luggage load changes. The specifications do not quantify a comfort improvement, and setup should follow the owner’s manual.

What should you check before buying one?

9. Fuel capacity is useful for planning, but it is not a range figure

Kawasaki lists a 5.8-gallon fuel capacity for the 2021 U.S. model. That tells you the tank’s stated capacity, not how far the motorcycle will travel on a tank. The cited specifications do not establish fuel economy or real-world range, so use consumption information for the exact bike and your riding conditions when planning stops.

Rank #4
Front and Rear Brake Pads for Kawasaki ZX1400 ZZR 1400 ZX 1400 R 2006-2023 Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2008-2021 Ninja ZX14R ZX 1400 2006-2018
  • Fit for: for ZX 1400 R 2006-2007; ZX1400 R ABS 2006-2023; ZG 1400 Concours 14 ZG 2008-2010; ZG1400 Concours 14 ZG ABS 2008-2021; ZZR 1400 ZX 1400 Special Edition 2012-2016
  • Fit for: for ZZR 1400 ZX 1400 A6F/A7F 2006-2007; ZZR1400 ABS ZX1400 B6F/B7F 2006-2007; ZZR 1400 ABS ZX 1400 D8F/D9F/DAF/DBF 2008-2011; ZZR 1400 ABS (FCF/FDF) 2012-2013; ZX14R Ninja ZX 1400 FB/H ABS 2013-2016; ZX14 Ninja ZX 1400 A/C 2006-2018; ZX14R Ninja ZX 1400 E 2012-2014; ZX14R Ninja ZX 1400 J ABS 2016
  • Top High Quality: Meet or exceed OEM quality, Good toughness, high temperature resistance, The grooves in the brake pads help to dissipate heat quickly and reduce noise. The brake pads perform well in all harsh riding conditions, including sandy creeks, muddy trails, and rocks, whether dry or wet, to maintain good performance and increase product life
  • Easy to install: No need special tools to install, few minutes done
  • Notice: Please check the description and compatibility chart before you purchase and contact us if you have any questions

10. Weight and seat height make fit an essential part of the decision

For the 2021 U.S. model, Kawasaki lists a 32.1-inch seat height and curb weight of 690.2 pounds with saddlebags, or 672.5 pounds without them. These figures matter when assessing whether the bike fits your reach and how manageable it feels during parking, slow turns, and other low-speed maneuvers. They are considerations, not a verdict on what any particular rider can handle.

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Is the Kawasaki Concours 14 a good sport-touring motorcycle?

It is a well-equipped sport-tourer on paper: Kawasaki’s cited specifications combine a large four-cylinder engine, six-speed transmission, shaft drive, factory saddlebags, adjustable windshield, and electronic rider aids. Whether it is a good choice for you depends in part on fit and comfort, which cannot be settled by specifications alone. The figures here are from 2021 and 2022 U.S. model materials; the 1400GTR name and equipment may vary by market, and other years may differ.

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Quick Recap

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  • Versatile Usage: Suitable for weekend trips, road trips, camping, and daily use with convenient carrying options including heavy duty carrying handles and shoulder straps for easy transport.
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  • Custom Fit: Specifically designed to fit Kawasaki Concours 14 GTR1400 pannier system precisely, ensuring seamless integration with your motorcycle's saddlebag compartments. Each bag measures 16 inches length x 7.5 inches width x 11 inches height, providing ample storage space for your motorcycle touring needs.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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