I was a bit underwhelmed with the stock Concours I had just purchased. My issues were a lack of power (compared to what I expected), handlebar vibration, uncomfortable bars, and wonky linked brakes.
I finally got through the break-in period and had my primary upgrades done to the bike. They were all done by the shop. The only planned upgrade I didn't do was the tires. The shop that installed my bars (not the dyno shop) wouldn't install a 155 on the rear due to "liability issues". They'd be happy to if I carried it in, however. I'll just wear the stockers out and to it later.
Anyway, here are the mods.
1. Full Area P exhaust
2. Flies removed
3. PCV installed, custom map and dyno run
4. Steibel horn installed
5. Heli Horizon ST bars installed (with longer lines, not the extensions)
Issues: One shop "couldn't" get the grip heater off without "damaging" it, so I took it to a Kawasaki dealer and they did it just fine. I suspect the first shop just didn't want to hassle.
After the install of the bars I thought the bike looked pretty hideous, and it felt weird. After getting it home and adjusting the bars to my liking, totally different story.
Here's how it looks.
![](http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/billyzoom1/Concours_zps7cbdcd34.jpg)
![](http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/billyzoom1/areap_zps726d613a.jpg)
Here's the location of the horn.
![](http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/billyzoom1/concourshorn_zpsde8794bd.jpg)
Finally, here's the dyno with the flies removed, PCV installed and custom map done, and with full Area P (stock air filter).
![](http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/billyzoom1/Concoursdyno_zps0c8538b7.jpg)
I was a bit annoyed that I didn't get a "before" and "after", but whatever. It's done.
So. Bottom line is, the power is MUCH better everywhere. I'm finding myself riding it like my Ducati...ha.
I took a long ride yesterday to see how dialed in the bars felt, and it was primarily eco mode on the freeway at 75-80 mph or so, with a few quick acceleration runs (not babying it). Ran through half a tank, got 46 friggin mpg. Nice.
The bars still aren't the greatest looking, but the craftsmanship is fantastic and they're comfortable. Only problem is that they magnified how horrible the seat is. I'll need a new seat that doesn't push me forward and that maybe is a TAD higher. Probably going Corbin so it looks good as well...I'll likely go to the shop to have them do it for me there. The bars also seemed to tame the tingle a bit. Can still sense the vibes some, but they don't bother me.
Area P impressions....great tone and not too loud. Easily the equal in terms of craftsmanship of my full Arrow exhaust on my Ducati, and the customer service was fantastic. Highly recommend these guys. And I know you've all heard it before, but it's indescribable how heavy the stock exhaust is. Ridiculous.
Anyway, before these mods I was seriously wondering if I'd keep the bike. Now I'm pretty happy. I just wish I could do something about the linked brakes. I hate them.
Next mods...already ordered are another screen (ultra tall Cee Bailey along with a small dark tint shield for summer, along with hand wings and a sidestand bigfoot.
Aside from that, will need a new seat, then need to determine how I'll mount the radar detector.
And I'm friggin JONESIN for a smuggler!
Joel