Looking for test ride

[holabird]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2012 or 2013 Concours. The only thing stopping me is that I have not ridden one yet and the linked brakes scare me that I won't like them. I like to use a little rear brake and I don't know how the bike will react. I am in the Atlanta area and none of the many dealers have a demo and there isn't one for sale on Craigslist. Anybody in ATL willing to help me out?  Thanks

[Rhino]

Would be happy to let you ride mine but I'm about 1400 miles away.

[twowheeladdict]

Look on Kawasaki's website to see if one of the demos is coming near you.  Also look to see if they still have a dealer demo program.  You might even want to call Kawasaki's customer service. 

Also, get a price from the dealer in Rockingham, NC.  Tell your local dealer that you will go there to buy if they don't let you test ride.  I've not noticed a difference with the linked brakes, but then again I don't drag my rear brake.  I ride the pace instead of braking for every corner like I am in a race.

[Aussie]

See if you can rent a bike ... In Orlando I have rented a Concours numerous times. Check Eagle Rentals and others

[Conrad]

Look on Kawasaki's website to see if one of the demos is coming near you.  Also look to see if they still have a dealer demo program.  You might even want to call Kawasaki's customer service. 

Also, get a price from the dealer in Rockingham, NC.  Tell your local dealer that you will go there to buy if they don't let you test ride.  I've not noticed a difference with the linked brakes, but then again I don't drag my rear brake.  I ride the pace instead of braking for every corner like I am in a race.

From what I've been reading, you seem to be just about the only person who is at peace with Kawasaki's implementation of linked brakes on these bikes. I don't have linked on mine but I test rode a '12 and I hated the linked brakes. Just because a rider likes to trail brake into corners doesn't mean that the rider thinks that he's in some kinda race.   

[maxtog]

From what I've been reading, you seem to be just about the only person who is at peace with Kawasaki's implementation of linked brakes on these bikes.

I am at peace with it, but only because I just don't use the rear brakes

Just because a rider likes to trail brake into corners doesn't mean that the rider thinks that he's in some kinda race.   

True

[twowheeladdict]

From what I've been reading, you seem to be just about the only person who is at peace with Kawasaki's implementation of linked brakes on these bikes. I don't have linked on mine but I test rode a '12 and I hated the linked brakes. Just because a rider likes to trail brake into corners doesn't mean that the rider thinks that he's in some kinda race.   

I didn't say I don't trail brake.  I said I don't drag the rear brake into the corners.

From "Total Control" by Lee Parks:

Motorcycle students are usually taught to do all of the braking before making a turn.  This is generally good advice, but there are times when it is necessary, or even preferable, to brake while entering a corner.  This is commonly known as trail braking.  Under braking, a forward weight transfer causes the front end to "dive."  This has the effect of reducing the rake and trail of the machine, which makes it want to turn quicker and with less effort.  The benefits are obvious when trying to corner quickly.  But it is a difficult skill to master and should be learned by gradually working up to a quick pace.  Here again, the Spencer technique of slowly rolling on the throttle while simultaneously slowly releasing the brakes will keep the front end from "pogoing" up, allowing the traction to remain as consistent as possible.

Trail braking is not the same as braking once you are already in corner.  That has the opposite effect and actually makes the bike want to stand up.  The specific point at which you release the brakes is less important than making sure that the release is slow and controlled.

So, when I do trail brake I only use the front lever.

[Son of Pappy]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2012 or 2013 Concours. The only thing stopping me is that I have not ridden one yet and the linked brakes scare me that I won't like them. I like to use a little rear brake and I don't know how the bike will react. I am in the Atlanta area and none of the many dealers have a demo and there isn't one for sale on Craigslist. Anybody in ATL willing to help me out?  Thanks

Call Kawasaki and ask for Mark, I'm sure he will hook ya up

[Cuda]

The brakes are GREAT , bitches, like to bitch , I love the one complaining the throttle is to stiff  ,
 I think it's time to change your Depends your getting a rash

[CADMAN97]

I bought mine without any test ride....no regrets. I don't care for the linked brakes, but I've adapted

[stevewfl]

The brakes are GREAT , bitches, like to bitch , I love the one complaining the throttle is to stiff  ,
 I think it's time to change your Depends your getting a rash

+1

next they'll be biatching about KiPass or such

[connie14boy]

I agree with Cuda. The only 2 bad things I found on my '09 were the spooky #021 Bridgestone tires and the seat which can ruin your jewels when braking hard. A pair of PR 2's and a Seth Laam custom leather seat make the bike perfect for 500 mile rides and playing with the Porsches when necessary.

[Riverdawg]

Hey Holabird, did you get the picts I sent you?

[holabird]

Riverdawg, I got them.  I hope to get a test ride tomorrow.  If that happens I will report as to how it went.

[holabird]

Well, today I got my test ride.  I was in Charlotte for meetings all week so I left early and drove to Rockingham to see the guys at Sport Cycles.  They said they would let me drive a new one off their floor, no problem.  I live in ATL and none of the many dealers here would let me take one out.  The Rockingham guys had no problem with that what so ever.  They were as nice as could be, no pressure no anything but kindness.

What I was looking for was how they brakes worked.  I have read so many unhappy stories about the linked brakes.  I like to ride the rear a little going into a corner and I was really concerned about the nose diving as I was heading to a corner if I hit a little rear brake.  I was pleasantly surprised.  When I hit the rear, the bike kind of hunkered down a little but it was even both front and rear.  The front end was totally controlable.  No, it might not be the best system out there but it was nothing to turn me away from the bike.  I have been riding 40 years but this did not bother me enough to not buy the bike.  No I have to head back up there and pick one up.

[TallyRex]

Good for you.  I also like to set up for a corner by applying some rear brake, but don't care for the front dive, so I gently apply the front and then the rear while letting off the front and don't feel any dive that way.

So did you find a good price on a 12 leftover or are your getting a 13?

[holabird]

I am looking at a 2012.  They are going for $12298 right now.  Hard to pass that up.

[twowheeladdict]

I am looking at a 2012.  They are going for $12298 right now.  Hard to pass that up.

$500 less than I paid for my 2012 one year ago.  Those guys are great to work with.  I showed up, made sure the bike was ready to ride 500 miles, did a little paperwork, got a T-shirt and hit the road.

[556ALPHA]

I am looking at a 2012.  They are going for $12298 right now.  Hard to pass that up.

Those guys at Sport Cycles are outstanding.

[Rhino]

I am looking at a 2012.  They are going for $12298 right now.  Hard to pass that up.

Man I paid too much for my 10.