Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: mcman56 on March 24, 2014, 09:36:49 PM

Title: Concours alternative?
Post by: mcman56 on March 24, 2014, 09:36:49 PM
I use my Concours as a winter bike.  The shield and fairing make it a comfortable commuter down into the 30s.  The bags are also nice.  However, it is too warm in summer.  It is also larger and heavier than I like.  My summer ride is a Hawk GT.  It is light and quick handling yet still pretty comfortable on long rides.  I prefer a bike without wind shield. Is there a bike that could serve well in summer and winter?  Would an SV650 with good size removable windscreen be as warm as the Connie in winter?  There is a weestrom but my in-seam is 28" so anything on the tall side would not be good.   Any suggestions?       
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: stevewfl on March 24, 2014, 10:07:57 PM
180 HP to the rear wheel and featherweight  ;D

1290 R

(http://medias2.auto.woopic.com//images/content/big/escalade_a_la_cylindree_chez_ktm_avec_la_super_duke_1290_r.jpg)

and geez  why would someone want panniers on the street fighting beast!?

"mom I'm coming to visit for the weekend"

(http://i0.wp.com/www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2014-KTM-1290-Super-Duke-R-11.jpg?resize=635%2C515)

Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Gsun on March 24, 2014, 10:19:57 PM
Man, that's one ugly bike! :pukeface:
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: martin_14 on March 25, 2014, 04:58:39 AM
"mom I'm coming to visit for the weekend"

I think "mom" is having a heart attack...  ;)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: stevewfl on March 25, 2014, 07:04:28 AM
Man, that's one ugly bike!

^^^this bike isn't designed for bike night beauty contests, being king of sonic parking lots, nor  Starbucks  ;)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Daytona_Mike on March 25, 2014, 11:30:20 AM
OMG!!  Do you have to put that bike porn up there!!!
Dam that is one gorgeous bike.  A work of art. Most people have no idea what they are looking at.
If you have never ridden a KTM then you really should.
Once you do you will wonder why you ever bought anything else.
They are very light weight  and very powerful and  all come with fantastic brakes and suspension.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Gumby on March 25, 2014, 12:38:50 PM
OMG!!  Do you have to put that bike porn up there!!!
Dam that is one gorgeous bike.  A work of art. Most people have no idea what they are looking at.
If you have never ridden a KTM then you really should.
Once you do you will wonder why you ever bought anything else.
They are very light weight  and very powerful and  all come with fantastic brakes and suspension.
I'm with Mike on this one. I love the looks of the KTM.  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 26, 2014, 07:22:59 AM
Man, that's one ugly bike! :pukeface:

As ugly as this one...? http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16710.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16710.0)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: martin_14 on March 29, 2014, 06:13:13 AM
As ugly as this one...? http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16710.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16710.0)

let's keep it real...
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: omcrider on April 10, 2014, 04:13:09 PM
I love KTM's use of the trellis frame design and find most of their bikes attractive,  but that headlight is hideous.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Pokey on April 10, 2014, 09:16:29 PM
If I won a KTM or was given one, I would try to sell it.  ;)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Gsun on April 10, 2014, 09:54:32 PM
Hey, I didn't say it wasn't a nice or good bike, just ugly.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Son of Pappy on April 10, 2014, 10:47:42 PM
If I won a KTM or was given one, I would try to sell it.  ;)
Hurry up, I have cash in hand ;)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: ManofManyGTs on April 13, 2014, 08:13:37 PM
I've been in a similar conundrum but looking for a tour and a track bike in one.  I tested the Tuono, the Duc Streetfighter, and the new BMW S1000R.  Holy moly what a great bike the bmw is.  So far, it is the only one that I could actually lose my connie for.  Be careful if you test one, you just might take it home. I would like to but timing is not right yet.  Also waiting to see/ride the new super duke.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Pokey on April 13, 2014, 10:28:35 PM
Hurry up, I have cash in hand ;)


You would be my first choice, no need for me to look further!  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: CADMAN97 on April 20, 2014, 07:40:11 PM
I have a Kaw ninja 1000, as a second bike, and love it. That 1043cc engine absolutely rips & has upright ergos for more comfort than your traditional RR style bike. I find myself taking the N1K more often when I'm by myself.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: shreveportSS on April 22, 2014, 06:41:23 AM
 +1
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: freebird6 on April 22, 2014, 09:50:30 PM
I've been in a similar conundrum but looking for a tour and a track bike in one.  I tested the Tuono, the Duc Streetfighter, and the new BMW S1000R.  Holy moly what a great bike the bmw is.  So far, it is the only one that I could actually lose my connie for.  Be careful if you test one, you just might take it home. I would like to but timing is not right yet.  Also waiting to see/ride the new super duke.

saw and sat the S100R at Holt BMW in Athens a couple of weeks back. Just awesome feel and look. They were tryiing to figure out how to rig a different look to the back end by relocating the plate and getting rid of the plastic. It is pretty sweet...and light
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: martin_14 on April 23, 2014, 11:03:48 PM
saw and sat the S100R at Holt BMW in Athens a couple of weeks back. Just awesome feel and look. They were tryiing to figure out how to rig a different look to the back end by relocating the plate and getting rid of the plastic. It is pretty sweet...and light

... and the handling is unbelievable. I rode an R1200RT and I wasn't able/confident to lean enough to scrap the pegs. I jumped on the S1000R, did a few laps, and when I went back to the RT 20 minutes later I put first, turn around for the track and scrapped the pegs, first thing. That S1000R is just amazing. And it lifts the front wheel in 3rd.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: DucRider on May 13, 2014, 12:25:33 PM
I was looking at the new Multistrada to replace the connie...i think i made a mistake when i got rid of my fjr for this....the other ride its a harley(but dont count, Yes i said it)... so if i do keep the connie i will look into a fz1 to be hanging out with.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: CADMAN97 on May 14, 2014, 11:24:20 AM
I was looking at the new Multistrada to replace the connie...i think i made a mistake when i got rid of my fjr for this....the other ride its a harley(but dont count, Yes i said it)... so if i do keep the connie i will look into a fz1 to be hanging out with.
The '14 FJR has been tempting me pretty good. I've seriously been considering one...just don't care for red tho
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: stevewfl on May 14, 2014, 01:27:23 PM
After a few more miles on my C14....    then for a mile eater I'm looking at this for a sport tourer...

less practical, more aggressive riding position....but more SPORT in the sport touring  ;D


And actually i'm hoping when I'm ready the K1600s is out!

(http://img.bmw.msc-hara.com/20111022_1643582.jpg)

Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: DucRider on May 16, 2014, 06:18:48 AM
^^ those are sexy as hell...i have seen a few and my wife its always telling me"get a bmw" but i am really afraid of all the stuff that you got to do to them...
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Gumby on May 16, 2014, 08:14:35 AM
but i am really afraid of all the stuff that you got to do to them...
WHAT? Like pay for them?  :rotflmao:

Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: twowheeladdict on May 16, 2014, 05:59:05 PM
Interesting topic.  Whenever I ride the Concours I either get bored or find myself running 80 in a 45.  It just takes too much restraint to ride this bike.  I'm thinking about combining the Concours and Versys by trading both for a sport adventure bike.  I need to go test ride some.  I want to stay with shaft drive, electronic cruise control, good handling.  I wish they put shaft drives on 800cc bikes.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: texrider on May 17, 2014, 06:15:46 AM
Why lose the Versys?
I had an '09, and would have another as a second bike, especially now that it comes with ABS.
With a better seat and windscreen it could also do as an only bike, if getting somewhere fast was less of a need.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: twowheeladdict on May 17, 2014, 06:46:27 AM
Why lose the Versys?
I had an '09, and would have another as a second bike, especially now that it comes with ABS.
With a better seat and windscreen it could also do as an only bike, if getting somewhere fast was less of a need.

I have a hard time keeping a bike longer than 4 years.  I have made the Versys perfect for me with almost $4000 in mods. I even designed my own seat. It would be too close in purpose to an adventure touring bike, and eventually I would like to try a cafĂ© bike.

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/Versys/DSCN7482_zps3a0bc12a.jpg)

No padding to speak of under the passenger part of the seat.  Designed for solo riding with a drybag strapped on the back part of the seat.
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/Versys/Versys007.jpg)

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/Versys/Versys006.jpg)

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/Versys/Versys002.jpg)

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/Versys/Versys001.jpg)

The new 'green' ABS one is pretty sweet.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: texrider on May 17, 2014, 05:42:15 PM

The new 'green' ABS one is pretty sweet.

I know what you mean, I can get one out the door at $7300 locally...

Yours looks great  8)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: GTRrob on May 31, 2014, 10:45:28 PM
Beast of a bike. Just traded HD Road Glide in on this today. I think this will do for the summer...
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: Gumby on June 01, 2014, 09:09:37 PM
Beast of a bike. Just traded HD Road Glide in on this today. I think this will do for the summer...
Excellent choice. That looks like a fun bike.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: martin_14 on June 10, 2014, 03:55:27 AM
After a few more miles on my C14....    then for a mile eater I'm looking at this for a sport tourer...

less practical, more aggressive riding position....but more SPORT in the sport touring  ;D


And actually i'm hoping when I'm ready the K1600s is out!

(http://img.bmw.msc-hara.com/20111022_1643582.jpg)

that K1300 engine is strong, but loads of vibes. The gearing is shorter than the C14 and puts the engine above 4000 rpm most of the time and makes the buzzing present at all times. Annoying. And the turning radius is the same as the rings of Saturn. And the play on the transmission. And...
As a sport machine is frustrating. As a touring machine is impossible. And the price.
Errr... no thanks.

But yes, it looks the part.
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: AlbertaDoug on August 31, 2014, 09:23:14 PM
180 HP to the rear wheel and featherweight  ;D

1290 R

(http://medias2.auto.woopic.com//images/content/big/escalade_a_la_cylindree_chez_ktm_avec_la_super_duke_1290_r.jpg)

and geez  why would someone want panniers on the street fighting beast!?

"mom I'm coming to visit for the weekend"

(http://i0.wp.com/www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2014-KTM-1290-Super-Duke-R-11.jpg?resize=635%2C515)

There's something primal about a naked street fighter  8) :finger_fing11: :thumbs:
The bags just give you more room for food to keep the energy up to hang on. The only real issue I see is hanging on to your tag.   ;D ;)
Title: Re: Concours alternative?
Post by: twowheeladdict on September 02, 2014, 05:58:38 AM
That 1290R even has a GPS mount.   8)

Almost all my bikes have the ability to have luggage.  A bike without that ability is just a toy for local riding.  Remember that in Europe bikes are also utility.