Kawasaki seems to be the only Japanese manufacturer making product enhancements this model year, and with their flagship sport-tourer, the Concours 14, the Brand in Green has finally brought traction control to their line-up (we’re not counting the ZX-10R’s quasi-traction-control system). The Concours 14 gets other updates as well, including a redesigned fairing system, larger windscreen, and a second-generation linked ABS. Sadly though, no word on night-vision for the 2010 model. Click past the jump for videos, photos, specs, and more.
Helping make the miles go by easier, the Concours 14 also includes for the first time: heated grips, a fuel-economy management system, an improved fit and finish, and host of new accessories. Kawasaki’s traction control system, dubbed KTRC, is available only on the ABS model of the Concours 14. The system adds no additional weight, as it utilizes the existing ECU and ABS sensors.
Kawasaki’s second-generation ABS, or K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology), is lighter than previous attempts, and operates in two modes: Standard and High-Combined. In both modes, the ABS works similarly on the front brakes, but it is the rear-brake actuation that makes the real difference between the two settings. In Standard Mode, rider control is prioritized, and the linked effect is reduced at the initial pedal stroke, creating a natural sensation when sport riding. In High Combined Mode, there’s a more pronounced linked effect from the beginning of the pedal stroke, which is more ideal for touring and two-up highway use.
To help save gas, a rider can toggle between the different fuel economy assistance modes. This changes the ECU to run on a leaner FI map, which prioritizes fuel economy, and can create as much as a 25% MPG boost. Fuel economy assistance works in any gear, as long as rpm is below 6000, throttle opening less than 30 percent and speed less than 80 mph.
Kawasaki has left the Concours 14’s motor unchanged for 2010, so you’ll get the same 1,352cc powerplant with 102lb•ft of torque. Handling has been improved though, so the butt dyno should tell you the Concours is snappier for the new year.
To help you empty your wallet out further, Kawasaki has added engine guards, a larger top case, tank bag, GPS bracket, a low seat and side spoilers to the list of authorized Kawasaki accessories.
The base model Concours 14 starts at $14,599, with the ASB & Traction Control equipped Concours 14 ABS will be breaking the bank at $15,299.
Technical Specifications of the 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14:
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement: 1,352cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Claimed Torque: 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel Injection: Digital Fuel Injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake / trail: 26.1 degrees / 4.4 in.
Front tire: 120/70 ZR-17
Rear tire: 190/50 ZR-17
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: 43mm inverted, telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload / 4.4 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster / 5.4 in.
Brakes, front: Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers (optional ABS)
Brakes, rear: Single 270mm petal disc (optional ABS)
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
Overall Length: 89.4 in.
Overall Height Fairing Lowered / Raised: 50.8 in. / 55.3 in.
Overall Width at Handlebars / at Saddlebags: 30.7 in. / 39.4 in.
Curb Weight: Concours 14 / Concours 14 ABS: 670.3 / 679.1 lbs.
Color: Candy Neptune Blue/Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 months
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