New Concours riding impressions, and a few questions.

[billyzoom]

I just took my first ride on my new 2012 Concours other than the initial ride home, and I'm getting a feel for the bike.  This will be my distance-oriented bike...I have a Ducati S4Rs as my local, around town bike.  This is what I'm accustomed to:



And here's the new Concours:



Apparently I'm quite fond of black. 

Before I get to the riding impressions of the Kawi, I realized as I was riding it, how proud I was of having a Kawasaki.  I didn't really think about it when I bought it, but growing up in the 70s, I always thought of Kawasaki as the most kickass and ferocious of the Japanese brands.  I've owned bikes from all the major Japanese makers, and to me there's just something about Kawasaki in my mind that separates them from the others. 

Anyway.  What I love about the new bike:

Comfortable ride.
Tracks well and inspires confidence.
Feels MUCH lighter than it is.  Very manageable, especially considering it weighs 200 pounds more than anything I've ever owned before.
Heated grips rock.
Braking power is excellent.
Transmission feels great....smooth, smooth shifting.
Love the adjustable windshield.
Looks classy and badass all at the same time.

The negatives:

Mine feels a little buzzy.  Not obtrusive, but definitely noticeable through the bars.  This actually is bothering me a bit mentally.  Any ideas?  I don't know how typical this is. 
Torque and power is disappointing so far.  It does NOT feel like a 1400 to me.  I only have 250 miles on it, so of course I haven't gotten the revs up much as it's still breaking in.  Even with that, I'd expect much more torque from this size engine.  Part of it may be that the  bike is so eerily quiet...I'm used to my Ducati, and on that bike the acceleration is accompanied by wind blast, honking intake, and a full Arrow exhaust..  But if I were guessing at the displacement of the Concourse just by seat of the pants, I'd guess it was a 750.  But I've only had it to 5000 briefly, and typically under 4. 
Handlebars aren't QUITE right...I'll be buying some risers.
Windshield is a bit small.  I'll be buying something a bit wider and taller (I'm 6'2").
Footpegs seem a bit high, causing my legs to fold a bit more than I'd expect.
I do NOT like linked brakes.
The horn is anemic. 


So.  Overall, I'm quite happy.  The issues I have are pretty easily remedied.  Already ordered:  Full Area P exhaust and PC V with custom map.  When these are installed I'll be pulling the flies.  I expect this will give a solid boost in power and low-end torque, plus the exhaust sound will give a perceived boost, even if it's not real.    I have a leftover Stebel Nautilus horn, but finding a spot to mount it is apparently a challenge. 

To be ordered this week...bigger windshield, handlebar risers, and some type of radar detector mount.  I may get a new saddle to increase comfort and perhaps raise the seat height a tad.   This should help my leg comfort.  Looking into some fairing protection, and maybe a tail trunk eventually.

Anyway, that's it.  Glad to be part of the club.  This seems like a great resource and a great forum.

Joel

[Spanky]

Congrats and welcome! See the post on the Guhl motors CPU reflash. I think you will find this makes the bike feel more like a 1400. This is an option that may be used instead of a fly ectomy and a PC5.  Add some of the farkles you have mentioned and get rid of the stock tires, and you will love your new bike. Have a good time setting her up the way you like.

[Broz]

We are about the same height and I love the Helibars but I was coming from a cruiser not a sport bike. But I can say it takes care of the buzz and vibrations you are talking about.  I also got the Canyon cages for protection and its a good thing I did. I came out of the store today and my bike had fallen over.  I'm to blame, might have been on an incline and I didn't leave it gear but the canyon cages from MCE saved the bike. 

I also got a used Corbin on the forum. I love it but it is lower than the stock. It is hard but nicely shaped and I'm willing to give up some leg comfort to be able to be on the bike for 5-9 hours without any discomfort.
Welcome to the club.

[VirginiaJim]

Welcome!

[Gumby]

Look into getting a set of Buell XB12XT black pegs. I love mine. I actually owned a Buell when I bought the Connie so they were easy to find for me.


+1 on the Canyon Cages.

And welcome 

[Rhino]

Welcome! +1 on the Helibars Horizon ST bars. But like Broz I am also coming from a cruiser. +2 on the canyon cages.
 

[maxtog]

I just took my first ride on my new 2012 Concours

Congrats!

Torque and power is disappointing so far.  It does NOT feel like a 1400 to me.  I only have 250 miles on it, so of course I haven't gotten the revs up much as it's still breaking in.

That is why.  Trust me, the C-14 is every bit a 14... you just can't tell yet.  The consensus, as you will see on this forum, is that the secondary butterflies ("flies") are being used to severely "tame" the bike at lower RPMs.  So it will feel a bit "blah" until 3500RPM and then start ramping up.  I am kinda used to it now, but a lot of people will either remove the "flies" or flash the ECU with a program that will open them quickly.

The other stuff you listed (except buzzy, which is unusual to hear) is pretty much standard fare and all easily correctable, with the exception of the linked brakes.  That you will just have to deal with.  Doesn't bother me, but it drives some people crazy

Start searching the forums.  Everything you have mentioned is covered over and over.  Enjoy

[Rhino]

What maxtag said! Wait until its broken in and you can get it into its full torque band 6k to redline. Probably won't keep up with your Duck but probably not too far behind in a straight line. Not bad for a heavy touring bagger.

[ZG]

Welcome and congrats Joel! 

[twowheeladdict]

Hey Joel.

Don't notice any buzzing, but this is my first in line 4.

You may not feel the acceleration but look at the tach and speedo.  Man this bike hits redline before I realize it is getting close. There is nothing to indicate you got the revs up that high if you aren't looking at the tach.  My other bikes you know you are getting near redline by the sound and feel, and have time to shift.  The bike is very linear in it's power delivery.

[pistole]

- there's alot of info on the buzziness. Its at the 4K + rpms area and can actually numb your hands (invariably the right hand).

- There's also alot of info on how to deal with it (basically to try to insulate it from your hands and not to dail it out completely).

- the power : well , break it in correctly and then see what happens when you go past 6K rpms. This bike is basically a ZX14 sportsbike with an electric windscreen. The motor seems to like its gearbox and encourages the rider to do the same. From a stop (or from a correctly selected mid-gear situation) , this bike will leave most anything on wheels. You'll have lots off fun coming off highway ramps .... the bike will merge with such a velocity that you'll shock traffic coming along you.

- brakes : just use the brake lever. The bike will sort out your front/rear bias by itself without the linking's abruptness. Avoid the brake pedal. Since you come from a Ducati, you probably know how to do that already.

.

[Pokey]

Great choice on the Area P, and whack that throttle "it is already broken in".    Torque vastly improves with what mods you plan on doing, although this bike does very much in fact starts to wake up at approx 4k. It is sneaky fast compared to the angry Duc, 2 different beasts for sure....but you will be impressed with the C14 in no time.

[martin_14]

I apologise in advance to the older members of this forum (by membership, not age  ) because they heard my story before, but here it is...
That buzz that you feel was in my bike too, and there have been others with the same complaints. In some cases (like mine) it was due to a 1,6 mm washer missing between the grip and the handlebar weights. If you check in the explosion view on bikebandit.com or the likes, you'll see the part. It drove me crazy for months, the I drove Kawasaki crazy, then a few dealers, until somebody who actually cared about his customers found the issue. 1.60$ is all it took. I liked the bike but I hate vibrations with all my heart. Now I just love her. Smooth as silk. And after those flies went where they belong (a zip bag in a drawer) the torque that the Kawasaki engine department meant for this engine is all there for me.

[Rhino]

I apologise in advance to the older members of this forum (by membership, not age  ) because they heard my story before, but here it is...
That buzz that you feel was in my bike too, and there have been others with the same complaints. In some cases (like mine) it was due to a 1,6 mm washer missing between the grip and the handlebar weights. If you check in the explosion view on bikebandit.com or the likes, you'll see the part. It drove me crazy for months, the I drove Kawasaki crazy, then a few dealers, until somebody who actually cared about his customers found the issue. 1.60$ is all it took.

I hadn't hear this before. Good info. I have never had any buzzing. I also have throttlemeisters installed. I don't use them for cruise control any more but have kept them on the bike because they are a high quality bar end weight.

[VirginiaJim]

I apologise in advance to the older members of this forum (by membership, not age  ) because they heard my story before, but here it is...
That buzz that you feel was in my bike too, and there have been others with the same complaints. In some cases (like mine) it was due to a 1,6 mm washer missing between the grip and the handlebar weights. If you check in the explosion view on bikebandit.com or the likes, you'll see the part. It drove me crazy for months, the I drove Kawasaki crazy, then a few dealers, until somebody who actually cared about his customers found the issue. 1.60$ is all it took. I liked the bike but I hate vibrations with all my heart. Now I just love her. Smooth as silk. And after those flies went where they belong (a zip bag in a drawer) the torque that the Kawasaki engine department meant for this engine is all there for me.

No need to apologize, Martin.  It's been awhile so it bears repeating every so often. 

[connie1]

Regarding the larger/taller windshield... choose your windshield and ride it for a while before getting a seat.  I'm just over 6' and my Cee Bailey ultra tour is actually just tall enough in some situations, enough so that I definitely couldn't add any height to my seat to relieve my knees.  If I purchased them in reverse order I woulda been f'd.
Murph's drop pegs do provide knee relief for the longer legged riders.
I reduced the handlebar buzz with grip puppies type of covering.  It also had the added benefit of increasing the diameter of the grip for my ape hands (XXL) to be more comfortable holding onto.
You will love this bike once you get through break-in.
Congrats.

[twowheeladdict]

Regarding the larger/taller windshield... choose your windshield and ride it for a while before getting a seat.  I'm just over 6' and my Cee Bailey ultra tour is actually just tall enough in some situations, enough so that I definitely couldn't add any height to my seat to relieve my knees.  If I purchased them in reverse order I woulda been f'd.
Murph's drop pegs do provide knee relief for the longer legged riders.
I reduced the handlebar buzz with grip puppies type of covering.  It also had the added benefit of increasing the diameter of the grip for my ape hands (XXL) to be more comfortable holding onto.
You will love this bike once you get through break-in.
Congrats.

Wow!  I am of the opposite opinion.  I bought an '08 OEM windshield and prefer it over the '12 shield because the air hits me in the chest which hold me up at speed.  My Bell Star helmet likes to be in the clean air above the windhield. 

I also have the Sargent seat that sits me up a little over the OEM seat and a little closer to the tank.

I don't hold onto the grips.  Just rest my gloved hands on the grips with my wrists held straight.  The friction of the quality leather holds the thottle with the help of a cramp buster.  Sure I grab the grips if and when needed depending on situation, but for the most part just resting my palms on the grips.

The beauty of the adjustable screen is that I can raise it in a rain and cause backpressure that pushes the rain off my faceshield without having to turn my head.

[Pokey]

Windshield choices have too many variables for every rider, due to how long your torso is, your neck, your helmet, do you slouch or sit up tall...etc. What I may consider as clean air, others may consider it to be choppy, too much, or even too turbulent. I always want some clean air hitting me, I am riding a motorcycle for crying out loud.

[Conrad]

Windshield choices have too many variables for every rider, due to how long your torso is, your neck, your helmet, do you slouch or sit up tall...etc. What I may consider as clean air, others may consider it to be choppy, too much, or even too turbulent. I always want some clean air hitting me, I am riding a motorcycle for crying out loud.

I agree with Pokey. Some of us have even cut our stock windsheilds down for more airflow during the warmer months. 

[Pokey]

Did you paint your shield Conrad, could ya share exactly what you did to get that dark?