New Concours Web Survey from Kawasaki

[maxtog]

It would appear Kawasaki is sending out a 2012 Concours Web Survey to existing owners.  Oddly, I have had the bike 1.75 years and a few days ago they sent me a "new owners" survey.  Many of the questions were identical on the two (who I am, how I ride, where I ride, when I ride, what other bike I compared it to, why I bought the Concours, how I rate all kinds of aspects of the Concours, etc)

What is most interesting is that the type of questioning makes it quite clear what features they are considering in the next Concours:

* LED headlight
* HID headlight
* Auto-adjusting cornering headlight
* Electronically adjustable/selectable supension
* Power mode selection (FI mapping)
* Helmet locks
* Cruise control
* Remote locking side cases

And they seem quite interested in different combinations of the above and what people are willing to pay for them.  In one complex grid they offered MRSP examples of $15K, 18, and 21 with different combinations of features.  Also interested in thoughts about cruising distance/gas tank size/ fuel economy, seat height issues, TPMS, KIPASS, windshield, wind/heat protection, center stand, temp gauge, heated grips, linked brakes, etc.  It was pretty dern thorough.

I am thinking a 3rd gen C14 is probably in the works for 2014.

[Son of Pappy]

I would also be interested in an option of rider control features, IOW, no KTRAC or ABS or the ability to disable both at the riders discretion, same for the linked brakes....  Did they happen to ask if you like KIPASS?

[maxtog]

I would also be interested in an option of rider control features, IOW, no KTRAC or ABS or the ability to disable both at the riders discretion, same for the linked brakes....

None mentioned except how valuable the owner thinks a few of those are

  Did they happen to ask if you like KIPASS?

Yes- they asked how "Necessary" it was on a 4 point scale (4 = extremely).  I gave it a "2".  There is also a section for freetype feedback, which I gave them this:

"There are a lot of riders with shorter legs and you simply don't make any powerful, non-cruiser bikes with reasonably low seat heights.  It is easy to make a bike taller, extremely difficult to make it shorter.  I am a 5'7" male but with only a 27" inseam.  I wanted a powerful, featureful, modern, 4 cyl, non-cruiser bike and had to buy a new seat, lower the bike with links, AND get 1" additions to my boots and I still can't command complete control confidence over the Concours.  It is a shame.

High-end sport tourers, like the Concours, should have built-in options for tipover protection (crash bars), cruise control, and adjustable bars/grip positioning.  Lighting should be improved, including HID headlights, cornering lights, and LED turn signals in the sides of the mirrors.

I don't think I even like KIPAS because it doesn't unlock the bags or the gas tank, so I still have to mess with keys.  So what is the point?  It just adds complexity and cost without any real benefits.

I have been disappointed with the low-end power of the Concours, and think it was overly "tuned down" from the ZX-14.  This should have been user-selectable, for example- to have the secondary butterflies open sooner, or even stay open always.

Customers should be able to pick any color they want when they are ready to buy, even if it means they have to wait a while to get it.  I was lucky that the ONLY color I wanted (silver) just happened to be the color available when I needed to purchase.  You need to have more options than just one color and black each year.

Battery life in the TPS should be longer.  Mine has not given out yet, but I read about peoples' whose did and it is a major inconvenience. "

I will note that I am not disappointed with the low-end power of the Concours, I injected that based on general feedback from some other forum members as a favor; although I do think that more power is always welcome and they should have given the user more options in that regard 

[VirginiaJim]

No cup holders?

[Son of Pappy]

Nicely done Max.

[jjsC6]

With the exception of Honda, it seems we are back in the ST bike's heyday.  The new Triumph, BMW 1600, FJR are totally updated, and the Concours is really hanging in there.  It's good for us.   

[texrider]

Went to the bike show in Dallas, looked at all the S/T offerings. The new Trophy is nice, but it's turned into a real bus. FJR looks great, cruise, TCC, maps, new fairing, etc. BMW is another bus.

The Connie still looks relevant, but could use some up-dates. 

[maxtog]

Went to the bike show in Dallas, looked at all the S/T offerings. The new Trophy is nice, but it's turned into a real bus. FJR looks great, cruise, TCC, maps, new fairing, etc. BMW is another bus.

The Connie still looks relevant, but could use some up-dates. 

They did a fantastic job on the look/style of the C14, even after all these years, it still looks just as vigorous, modern, and impressive as ever.  Personally, I think they need to retain as much of the same look as possible when adding stuff additional "stuff".

[twowheeladdict]

I took my survey today.  I said I wouldn't consider any bike combination that did not have cruise control.  I requested adjustable handlebars without ruining the look of the current bars.  Or replacement handlebars like they do for seats.  I want them a little closer but not higher.

I could care less about more power, I want more range.  Said I would like to only fill up once a week when commuting, and would like to take my breaks at someplace other than a fuel station when travelling.

I also asked them to bring the W800 to the states, and build an adventure touring bike to compete with the super tenere and tiger adventure.

[Pokey]

Went to the bike show in Dallas, looked at all the S/T offerings. The new Trophy is nice, but it's turned into a real bus. FJR looks great, cruise, TCC, maps, new fairing, etc. BMW is another bus.

The Connie still looks relevant, but could use some up-dates. 

I wouldn't call the FJR totally updated, but I see what ya mean. Kawasaki will be doing what owners are asking for, and they want very much I believe to be top dog in this category. 

[rickshih]

I think just give me the more horsepower~~
That will be great!!

[CARLÃO]

Hi! Max, is it possible to send me a copy of the survey, via e-mail? I'm very interested to this subject. Thanks.

[jjsC6]

Went to the bike show in Dallas, looked at all the S/T offerings. The new Trophy is nice, but it's turned into a real bus. FJR looks great, cruise, TCC, maps, new fairing, etc. BMW is another bus.

The Connie still looks relevant, but could use some up-dates. 

I thought the BMW was a "Bus" too until I bought mine.  Don't underestimate it.  On the road it does not ride like a bus at all.

[shreveportSS]

None mentioned except how valuable the owner thinks a few of those are

Yes- they asked how "Necessary" it was on a 4 point scale (4 = extremely).  I gave it a "2".  There is also a section for freetype feedback, which I gave them this:

"There are a lot of riders with shorter legs and you simply don't make any powerful, non-cruiser bikes with reasonably low seat heights.  It is easy to make a bike taller, extremely difficult to make it shorter.  I am a 5'7" male but with only a 27" inseam.  I wanted a powerful, featureful, modern, 4 cyl, non-cruiser bike and had to buy a new seat, lower the bike with links, AND get 1" additions to my boots and I still can't command complete control confidence over the Concours.  It is a shame.

High-end sport tourers, like the Concours, should have built-in options for tipover protection (crash bars), cruise control, and adjustable bars/grip positioning.  Lighting should be improved, including HID headlights, cornering lights, and LED turn signals in the sides of the mirrors.

I don't think I even like KIPAS because it doesn't unlock the bags or the gas tank, so I still have to mess with keys.  So what is the point?  It just adds complexity and cost without any real benefits.

I have been disappointed with the low-end power of the Concours, and think it was overly "tuned down" from the ZX-14.  This should have been user-selectable, for example- to have the secondary butterflies open sooner, or even stay open always.

Customers should be able to pick any color they want when they are ready to buy, even if it means they have to wait a while to get it.  I was lucky that the ONLY color I wanted (silver) just happened to be the color available when I needed to purchase.  You need to have more options than just one color and black each year.

Battery life in the TPS should be longer.  Mine has not given out yet, but I read about peoples' whose did and it is a major inconvenience. "

I will note that I am not disappointed with the low-end power of the Concours, I injected that based on general feedback from some other forum members as a favor; although I do think that more power is always welcome and they should have given the user more options in that regard 

The last thing us grown ups need is a shorter bike. I don't mind adjustable, but definitely not shorter.

[Mister Tee]

Question retracted - asked on another forum.

[danl]

I did the survey yesterday too. I said cruise control and self cancelling turn signals were what I thought was missing. Any combo of better lights would work too. Not sure I need a headlight that turns with the bike, but more and better lighting is always good.

[VirginiaJim]

Did you get a K1600GT?  If so, I would be keenly interested in a comparison between it and a C14, particularly weight and top heaviness.

Do a search on 'K1600GT' in the 'It's not a Concours - other bike' board http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=11.0 .  There's plenty there to read.

[Caffeinated]

Hmm. I just got a general new owner survey, not bike specific.  Seems they are a bit slow, since I've had the bike for 14 months and 15,000 miles!

[Mister Tee]

Do a search on 'K1600GT' in the 'It's not a Concours - other bike' board http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=11.0 .  There's plenty there to read.

Thanks, question here retracted.

[VirginiaJim]

Question retracted - asked on another forum.

Good luck with that.