Kawasaki Concours 14
The Kawasaki Concours 14 has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited), produces 155 hp and weighs 319 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.
The Kawasaki Concours 14 (ZG1400, also known as the GTR1400 in some markets) was introduced in 2008 as a replacement for the long-running Concours 1000 (ZG1000), which had been in production since 1986. Built around a detuned version of the ZX-14 engine, it featured advanced technology including a shaft drive, KTRC traction control, and an electronic suspension system, making it one of the most capable sport-touring motorcycles of its era. It remained largely unchanged through its production run, cementing its reputation as a high-performance long-distance tourer favored by riders who wanted supercar performance with touring practicality.
155 hp
Power
155 Nm
Torque
319 kg
Weight
250 km/h (electronically limited)
Top Speed
7.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Shaft Drive Advantage
The Concours 14 uses a shaft drive system, eliminating chain maintenance entirely. This makes it significantly more practical and cost-effective for high-mileage touring riders.
Heat Management Issues
A well-known complaint is excessive engine heat radiating onto the rider's legs, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Aftermarket heat shields and exhaust wraps are popular fixes among owners.
Strong Resale Value
The Concours 14 holds its value well due to its reputation as a versatile sport-tourer with a powerful 1352cc engine. Used examples with moderate miles remain in high demand among experienced riders.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial launch with 1352cc inline-four, ABS option, shaft drive, integrated luggage, traction control introduced.
"The GTR1400 eats sport-tourers alive, mostly."
That 1352cc inline-four pulls like a freight train from 3,000 rpm and never apologizes — I've two-up'd through the Rockies with full luggage and still had enough grunt to embarrass sportbikes on highway on-ramps. The shaft drive is a genuine blessing on long tours, zero chain maintenance across 30,000 km, though the torque reaction through slow-speed U-turns takes real adjustment. At 302 kg wet, low-speed parking lot maneuvers are genuinely sweaty work, and the front end can feel a touch vague when you push hard into a tight canyon corner. The integrated panniers are genuinely waterproof and capacious, but the early traction control system is blunt and intrusive enough that most experienced riders just switch it off.
Pros
Cons
KIPASS keyless ignition added, minor suspension and ECU refinements, updated color options.
Revised suspension settings, updated bodywork colors, Kawasaki traction control improvements, minor ergonomic tweaks.
Cornering management system, LED lighting, updated TFT dash option, revised chassis geometry, improved wind protection.
Used Buyer Review
"The ultimate budget sport-tourer if heat and heft don't scare you."
$5,500-$9,500 usedThe Concours 14 is one of the most underrated sport-tourers ever built, and the used market prices reflect that unfairly. You're getting a 1400cc inline-four that'll shame sportbikes off the line while hauling you and a passenger across three states without complaint. The shaft drive eliminates chain maintenance, the panniers are genuinely usable, and that engine is basically bulletproof if the previous owner wasn't an idiot about oil changes. That said, go in with eyes open. The electronics on early models (2008-2011) are primitive by today's standards — no traction control, basic ABS. Heat soak at stoplights in summer is legitimately miserable; your inner thighs will know about it. The suspension is set up for loaded touring, so solo riding feels wallowy until you dial in the preload. Check the throttle bodies for sync issues and inspect the shaft drive output seal — common weep point on higher-mileage examples. Buy a clean 2012-onwards example under 30k miles and you've got a legitimate bargain. These things routinely run 80,000 miles with basic care.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Kawasaki Concours 14 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALAftermarket exhaust wrap or heat shield installed already
Clunking on acceleration, inspect rear drive splines for wear
Idle quality, hesitation at low RPM during test ride
Oil residue on fork tubes below seal area
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Strong long-haul tourer, maintain shaft drive religiously
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki Concours 14
Yamaha Fjr1300
Yamaha Fjr1300es
Honda St1300 Pan European
Bmw K 1200 Gt
Bmw K 1300 Gt
Compare Kawasaki Concours 14 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Kawasaki Concours 14 vs Yamaha Fjr1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Concours 14 vs Yamaha Fjr1300es
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Concours 14 vs Honda St1300 Pan European
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Concours 14 vs Bmw K 1200 Gt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki Concours 14 vs Bmw K 1300 Gt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Kawasaki Concours 14 Guides
More from Kawasaki
View all Kawasaki models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Kawasaki Concours 14? +
Heat soak from engine at low speeds: Aftermarket exhaust wrap or heat shield installed already (moderate) | Final drive shaft spline wear or failure: Clunking on acceleration, inspect rear drive splines for wear (serious) | Throttle body sync causes rough idle: Idle quality, hesitation at low RPM during test ride (moderate)
Is the Kawasaki Concours 14 a good motorcycle? +
The ultimate budget sport-tourer if heat and heft don't scare you. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: Long-haul riders wanting sportbike performance with luggage. Avoid if: You ride stop-and-go city traffic daily.
What is the horsepower of the Kawasaki Concours 14? +
The Kawasaki Concours 14 produces 155 hp @ 8,800 rpm, with 155 Nm @ 6,200 rpm of torque. Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Is the Kawasaki Concours 14 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Kawasaki Concours 14 is better for experienced riders (155 hp can be intimidating). Long-haul riders wanting sportbike performance with luggage Avoid if: You ride stop-and-go city traffic daily
Is the Kawasaki Concours 14 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Kawasaki Concours 14, notably: Final drive shaft spline wear or failure (Clunking on acceleration, inspect rear drive splines for wear). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Kawasaki Concours 14 good for daily use? +
Long-haul riders wanting sportbike performance with luggage Fuel: 7.5 L/100km (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Kawasaki Concours 14? +
The Kawasaki Concours 14 reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited), producing 155 hp at 319 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Kawasaki Concours 14? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Kawasaki Concours 14, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/kawasaki/concours-14/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
