2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – First Look Review

2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
Several important refinements should help make the Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS more popular than ever.

For its eighth model year Kawasaki has nicely revised and updated the 2015 Concours 14 ABS sport-tourer, which offers a high-powered but flexible 1,352cc engine derived from an earlier version of the Ninja ZX-14R sportbike in a machine with far more comfort and versatility. The 2015 model benefits from enhancements including a revised first gear ratio, lighter steering at low speed, stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity, a new windshield, revised ABS braking and a new rear luggage base.

 Read our 2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 Road Test here

2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
The rider’s seat is sculpted and narrower in the front for more comfort and an easier reach to the ground.

New features of the 2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS:

  • First gear ratio for easier starts from a standstill and low-speed maneuvering
  • Steering stem seal provides lighter steering at low speeds
  • Stiffer rear suspension settings for enhanced control and carrying ability
  • Sculpted seat for improved comfort (optional Touring Seat available)
  • Electrically adjustable windshield with three-position vent
  • Exhaust heat shield improves rider comfort when stationary
  • Revised ABS settings to reduce the linked braking effect
  • Silver bezels on instrumentation
2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS.

The Concours 14’s four-cylinder engine has Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for economy and fluid engine response, providing the kind of torque that makes relaxed, sixth-gear overtaking maneuvers easy. Additional technology includes the latest K-ACT ABS brakes, KTRC traction control and a Fuel Economy Assistance Mode. For convenience it also has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as well as KIPASS keyless starting technology.

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For 2015, the Kawasaki Concours14 ABS has been further enhanced with a series of key refinements. These include a revised first gear ratio to make it easier to pull away from a standstill. It also has revised catalysers for cleaner emissions, as well as ECU updates to suit the changes to the transmission and cats. There is also a new seat that is narrower at the front to help the rider reach the ground more easily. The seat is sculpted at the front for improved comfort, while at the rear, the seat is flatter and longer for the passenger. The adjustable rear suspension was stiffened on the initial preload setting to maintain the motorcycle’s stability when carrying a passenger and full luggage.

2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
New electric windscreen with a three-position vent reduces backpressure and buffeting.

Other updates to the 2015 Kawasaki Concours14 ABS include refinements to the ABS system, which reduces the linked effect on the front brake when the rear brake is applied. There is also a new steering stem seal, which helps to reduce steering effort at slower speeds. And once speeds climb, the new windshield reduces the aerodynamic load on the rider with its integrated, adjustable vent.

For 2015, the Concours14 ABS will be available in a choice of Candy Lime Green or Metallic Spark Black for an MSRP of $15,499.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Cruise control or not – if I sell my switchback I’ll be looking to try the concours out. We live in the mountains of NH. The secondary roads are a little rough & I like the amount of travel in the suspension. I looked at the bike three years ago and really liked it. I’m short and I think the new seat will let me reach the ground.I subscribe to Rider magazine. Keep em coming. Bruce.

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