Thanks for the insights, Blue. I would not buy a supercharged or turbo bike for sport/touring duties and I'm way past pure sport use. Just because they built it doesn't make it the best tool for the job. The way nobody trusts dealers to change the oil let alone do a valve lash check I would have to wonder about required maintenance. Even though I'm probably no longer in the target market I would like the model to continue because it's a solid proven platform.
Just returned from the NY motorcycle show where I was able to speak with Bill Jenkins. Bill is a VP at Kawasaki USA. He had some interesting things to say about the various possibe futures for the Concours 14.
First initially sales were around 4000 per year, today that has dropped to around 1000 per year. Kawi was happy with 4000, not so much at 1000.
They are aware that the Concours has fallen behind the competition without features like cruise control and touchscreens and flyby wire and electronic suspension. These items are costing sales. They also see the adventure bike fad costing them sales of a sport touring bike.
The new H2 SX is simply a hopped up Ninja 1000, much less space for rider, passenger and luggage than the Concours. Kaw has spent a pantload of money developing the supercharged engine platform and are actively seeking areas to broaden its use. Sporttouring is one.
At the same time they are not ruling out a Gen 3 OR IS IT 4 Concours 14.
Another strong possiblity is replacing the 1352 motor with the supercharged 1000 into the existing Concours chassis as near as possible. The goal is to retain the roominess of the present Concours but expand the use of the supercarged 1000.
For me the H2SX doesnt cut it. A H2SX with simply a shaft drive wont do it either.
If we all like the Concours14 for its size, performance and abiliy to bring things along on the ride, we need to help Kawasaki to reach the decision of a new Gen 3 or a Concours SX. Three different Kawi guys said emails/snail mails from current owner sent to Kawasaki USA carry more weight than any other with the likely exception of money.
So if you guys like your bike and would like to see an improved version of the same thing send in those cards and letters and emails. The next bike is coming in one year, two at most. Feel free to pass this on to the other forum, the more they hear from us the more they will feel they might get back to 4000 units per year.
I see no future for the present Concours /GTR 1400. It was canned in Europe in 2016, no updates to meet Euro4.
Cars are already on Euro5/6.... January 2021 Euro5 will kick in for bikes too. see link below
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/performance-bikes-uk/20170405/281513635992095
The Supercharger is the technique of choice by Kawasaki to meet the Euro5/6... similar with what cars are doing with turbos. The future is here now... just get used to
I see no future for the present Concours /GTR 1400. It was canned in Europe in 2016, no updates to meet Euro4.
The Supercharger is the technique of choice by Kawasaki to meet the Euro5/6... similar with what cars are doing with turbos. The future is here now... just get used to
Just went looking around at other bikes that might be suitable as a substitute for a C-14 for me. And the best thing I can come up with is a modified ZX 14. ??
Wouldn't do it for me at all. There is no way it could be made comfortable- bars wrong, pegs REALLY wrong, no electric windscreen, etc, etc; and I am way beyond chain drive.
So far there seems to be a fatalistic response. If Kawi saw that sales could be 2000 a year that might be enough to decide to upgrade the 1352.
Respectfully, it might be better to contact Kawi USA instead of discussing what would be a suitable alternative.
I can tell you that Bill Jenkins likes the rider position and comfort of our preent Concours as opposed to the Ninja 1000 H2SX. Some more gentle push from existing owners might do it.
I can tell you that Bill Jenkins likes the rider position and comfort of our preent Concours as opposed to the Ninja 1000 H2SX.
You may be right but honestly, I do not think a 10,000 / year letter- writing campaign is worth much of anything in view of the sales numbers.
That will leave only Yamaha in the 'main line' sport tourer market. Yes there is BMW, Triumph and a few others, or at least 'close enough' models, but they are all too expensive to really compete directly with the C-14 or FJR.
Brian
That's because the H2SX isnt' a real sport touring bike [IMHO].
I have to agree with that. I do think feedback is important, and we certainly SHOULD let Kawasaki know what we are thinking and desire. But sales numbers will win every time. Of course, I would love to know how sales compare to the FJR- if the FJR is increasing at the expense of the Concours, then that indicates Kawasaki is dropping the ball by not keeping up. Releasing the H2SX is great from a power standpoint, and a lose in every single other category for this particular market segment- reliability, warranty, value, comfort, convenience, ride, storage, room, range, style, etc. Honestly, I would never turn away more power, but the C14 is a beast (especially when flashed) and I really don't need any more power.
First initially sales were around 4000 per year, today that has dropped to around 1000 per year. Kawi was happy with 4000, not so much at 1000.
You may be right but honestly, I do not think a 10,000 / year letter- writing campaign is worth much of anything in view of the sales numbers. What good does it do any manufacturer to be contacted and told what a great product they make, only to have them sit on the dealer's floors? Put simply: words are great but dollars convey a LOT more weight.
What would be most interesting would be to see the sales of Yamaha FJR's by comparison. That would yield a very good picture of how much more market Kawasaki could take I think.
Hey, I was planning on buying on in the next couple of years myself, assuming they did not mangle it into something too much different than it is now. So it is not my hope that they drop the line, merely my thought after reading your information. At some point, fatalistic is merely realistic.
Brian
the Trophy is gone for a while in Europe, non Euro4 compliant... I have my doubts Kawasaki will make the ZX14 to comply with Euro 5/6, leading to the H2SX as its replacement.