A significant advantage Kawasaki may have is if they keep the ZX and Concours models running together (meaning the Concours will have to get the larger, current ZX engine and so forth) then they can spread R&D, development and all or almost all certification costs across two models. Yamaha, for example, is flapping out in the breeze by not having anything but an FJR use that engine.
Of course the above would only be an advantage if Kawasaki can make the sales of two (or more?) models using the basic -14 chassis sell more total units than Yamaha can sell FJRs. If not, then there is no advantage at all.
Clearly the sport touring market is small in sales, small in suppliers and models, and getting smaller yet. I personally do not really think of the BMW 16 series as a sport tourer but more of a pure tourer; that may be incorrect but IMO the last sport tourer BMW made was the K1300 GT. Which, by the way, is surprising that they dropped the GT as they continue to make the 1300S; the same advantages would apply that I already mentioned regarding the two Kawasakis.
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. Same for Yamaha if it will make the old FJR Euro5/6 compliant unless they have something NEW in the pipeline. If not, only BMW RT and K16... one will have to pay the piper.