So, I know you're a bunch of zggtr fanatics in here. I know it. It's the forum for it. So at the risk of getting gutted I am going to post a link to an article I wrote - this is a shameless plug - about my thoughts on the differences between the Kaw and the Beemer. Just remember I own one of these things before you gut me too bad if you don't agree, K? Hope you enjoy. Here's the opener...
I've owned a Connie (2009 Kawasaki Concours 14) for a while now. If you're feeling technical, or pedantic, it's been one year and four months. It's a good machine though with a with a few flaws. As a first generation machine it carries bugs and oversights – which I've enumerated on several occasions. My personal peeve is the heat. If the mercury crests 90, the Connie's saddle resembles a Dante-themed roller coaster spiraling into the 8th level of hell. Of course, I'm from Minnesota and don't necessarily handle the heat all too well, but there are other problems, too. The stock riding position is too sporty for any real touring. Unless you're a long-armed, knuckle-dragging great ape with an extra set of knees. The stock windshield (which has electric height control) only raised high enough to path the wind - and bugs - into the gap between my completely changes the experience.
Kawasaki has since taken care of most of those first gen issues, but it's still cramped, still just not quiet perfect, not for a bike with touring right there in its title.
Of course, there is a reason you tolerate the gaps in the pavement so to speak, and it's a damned fine reason. The bike is hot, it's quick, in fact it screams, screams like a freshman with a bottle of Five O'clock vodka. Screams like that Billy Mays guy used to scream. It screams like an all-caps email from your mother. I LOVE YOU, HOW ARE YOU WE ARE IN CANAANDA TODAY AND ITIS MUCH NICER THEN WHERE YOU ARE! You know exactly what I'm saying. It screams. Like a tornado in your home town....
http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com/