Kawasaki Concours 1000 Reviews

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Kawasaki Concours 1000
★★★★★
4.6
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Latest Reviews

“Essence of Motorcycling Kawasaki Zg1000 Concours”

★★★★★

written by Motogonif on 15/05/2021

Riding 20 years on many different bikes and types. Have had a ‘99 (purple) now for three years. Have done many day trips and one overnighter. And a lot of in city riding. This old beast is great, really love it. Feel like a sporty cop on it, funny. Tons of comfort. Surprising performance. Good all across the tach but really rips above 6000. You’ll be shocked how leaned over you can get this 700lb baby if you’ve got the road and the guts to do it. Incredible handling for the size amd vintage. Brakes are decent. Rugged as hell. Shaft drive worry free and smooth. Amazing wind protection so I stay dry and I don’t feel the need for heated grips even when it’s really cold if I have a little heavier gloves on. Mirrors might be the best ever put on a bike. Seat is just OK. Incredible fuel economy thanks to tall sixth gear and smaller displacement than St1300, FJR, and newer 1400 model Concours. And huge range thanks to massive tank. You don’t even have to think about stopping for gas before 350kms. The more you ride this thing the more it becomes like an old friend. Sounds corny but its true. It’s old tech as hell, but that helps when you (rarely) do have to maintain it and no electronic BS to go wrong or need reprogramming. Regular gas. Cheap to insure. And pick one up used for $2000. Get one with as many accessories as you can, especially: bar risers, after market windscreen, seat. Rip those OEM Dunlops off soon as they wear and throw on some Avons or others that fit the bikes weird tire spec. They handle even better and I’ve found they won’t track nearly as bad on rain grooves. I’ve got an Avon on front and the OEM on the back right now. Feels good. I also have a fork brace which may help the handling. Again, it’s a great handler out of the crate though. Also nice to get a Givi topcase so you can leave the side cases off except for longer trips. Top case is plenty for your regular life storage and helmet I find. Only thing the modern bikes have that I’d find myself wanting frequently is power windscreen so I can raise it up for highway, down for city and ventilation. The modern sport touring alternatives are objectively better in every way, but they are much more $ even used. And the old Concours has so much character and is surprisingly capable, making for a really authentic ride. Hey it’s your money. I say get one of these old girls and spend your savings on forty nights of hotel rooms as you ride into every corner of North America. Let the good times roll.

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“Good and gast”

★★★★☆

written by niUpton261 on 18/08/2020

Own a GTR1000 for several years. A bit heavy in the city. Handles fine and what an engine for an eighties bike! It will outrun most other sporttouring bikes. Even today! Build quility is good. Maintenance cost also. The prices are rising but you can pick one up for a very reasonable price. I recomend it!

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“Mirrors are perfect .The extra large fuel tank is...”

★★★★★

written by on 03/05/2010

Mirrors are perfect .The extra large fuel tank is great.And the riding comfort is splendid

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“I traded my Shadow Areo 04 for this 98 Concours and a...”

★★★★★

written by Randy Campbell on 20/11/2009

I traded my Shadow Areo 04 for this 98 Concours and a canoe.Best trade I ever made with no regrets.Wow what a power house,can't compare the cornering and smothness.I am now putting hi-way pegs on for the up coming season.There isn't anything I can think of to say against my connie except there isn't enough exposure in Canada.

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“The good points are too many to mention. The bike has...”

★★★★★

written by on 30/12/2008

The good points are too many to mention. The bike has an instant power boost as you twist the throttle. It handles just great in the turns and responds to your every move. I have gotten as much as 48 mpg on a trip and it runs on regular fuel. It was easy to obtain and install after market equipment, such as windshields & foot peg extensions, along with handle bar extensions. Most people like the idea of my modest investment in the basic bike.
This bike has been much better than I ever expected. The touring range is extremely good. I have traveled thru Canada and other parts of the USA, and have never tired of its ride and pleasure derived from the long days of touring.

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“The Connie is a bike you can work on. It is a...”

★★★★★

written by on 15/09/2008

The Connie is a bike you can work on. It is a workingman's bike, low cost for what you get, and you can make adjustments as it is not digitized. There are tons of after-market items and helpful Connie riders that will give you help for any possible question you may have with your pre-2008 (Connie14) Connie. This bike is probably not the best bike to use as a learner because of the top heavy nature and raw power combination. I hear that the plastic fairings get damaged pretty badly from a simple tip-over. I have RIVCO engine guards on the front and back $315 for both sets, which is a solid investment because a new fairing is going to set you back quite a bit more. Mine gets 40 mpg on the highway and 35-38 mpg in traffic depending on how much stop-and-go is required. It gets better gas mileage than a smart-car and is a lot more fun to operate... AND IS MUCH CHEAPER. In this day and age, with gas prices what they are, this bike will run 3 seasons and allow you to put some money aside to still sustain life without maxing out credit cards. I am a graduate student with a long commute and I wouldn't be able to make ends meet without this bike. It is the best investment I have made in terms of individual transportation, and has allowed me to travel at low costs. I LOVE MY CONNIE!

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“Good value for the money. Solid comfortable ride with...”

★★★★★

written by on 04/07/2008

Good value for the money. Solid comfortable ride with descent handling and power. Good gas mileage. Relable with very little maintanance required.

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“I have currently owned 4 Connie's an 86, 87, and 2,...”

★★★★★

written by DWilson on 03/04/2008

I have currently owned 4 Connie's an 86, 87, and 2, 01's. All have been extremely dependable, no problem's other than a leaky water pump on the 87, easy $100 fix. I put about 50,000 miles on the 86 and 87 before selling to close friends. Put 20,000 miles on 2nd and sold to a friend, bought it back about 2 1/2 years later. Still riding it. Was going to buy a new 1400 Concours but they made them too tall. Guess I'll just keep riding old blue as long as possible.

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“I was able to purchase last of model year bike in...”

★★★★★

written by on 22/03/2008

I was able to purchase last of model year bike in 2001. I have put over 20K miles on the bike and am currently looking to replace the tires again. This will be the 2nd replacement set of tires-really good mileage.

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“I bought a 1994 model in black with the red pinstripe....”

★★★★★

written by adycrane on 21/02/2008

I bought a 1994 model in black with the red pinstripe. Cases were very handy. nice little pockets in fairing for tolls etc too. Shaft drive was superb and the engine was lovely. Paid 1k for her and then toured Holland and Belgium. She didn't miss a beat. carried my mate on the back when his norton commando broke down. this made no difference at all to the ride - incredible. she did not miss a beat throughout the tour and when it rained I just sat there and laughed. tremendous big fairing. what a bargain - sold her for 1700 quid 5 months later. Lovey bike.

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“I would recommend this Kawasaki Concours 1000 bike to...”

★★★★★

written by mnsteve on 25/09/2006

I would recommend this Kawasaki Concours 1000 bike to anyone watching their pocketbook, but yet wants to do many things. I take it to work (added a GIVI), short trips with the better half, etc. and longer trips when time permits. It's fun to ride, lots of add-ons available. Great owners group "COG". Also a very reasonable price.
Very flexible.

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“I just bought this Kawasaki Concours 1000 05. Ugly...”

★★★★★

written by hippo3000 on 15/04/2006

I just bought this Kawasaki Concours 1000 05. Ugly bronze. I love it...I have owned several bikes before but this is the best. It is smooth and powerful but not jumpy. Heavy and good on the highway. I think the bike is a bit on the ugly side, could use some styling. I am happy to be on a Kawi again. I tried Bmw's, Triumphs, and a Honda....I can't get used to them.

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“I've wanted a bike since way back in the 70's. I...”

★★★★★

written by lrtuckeriii on 14/04/2006

I've wanted a bike since way back in the 70's. I recently purchased a new Kawasaki Concours 1000 05', and am glad that I did. I am sorry that I hadn't bought it sooner. I'm pleased with the bike and I just want to ride, ride ride and ride. This is a great bike

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“This an awesome machine. This is the first sport bike...”

★★★★★

written by gthomas15229 on 14/03/2006

This an awesome machine. This is the first sport bike for me. I am glad Kawasaki decided to make a 2006 Concours model. The roll on power in 6th gear is fantastic, 15 miles/hour for every 1000 rpm.

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“I purchased the Kawasaki Concours 1000 new in Feb 1996...”

★★★★★

written by Coach on 08/12/2005

I purchased the Kawasaki Concours 1000 new in Feb 1996 and watched them take it out of the crate and assemble it. The only problem I ever had was with the electrical system, and it was repaired under warranty. I always used Dunlop touring tires and averaged 27K on the front and 35K on the back. Unfortunately, the bike was totaled 2 weeks ago when a young man ran a stop sign and hit me on the left rear saddle bag. That bag sheared off, but the right one stayed on and kept the bike off of me. I intend to buy another.

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“I'm a long time rider of many brands and styles. The...”

★★★★★

written by dillitype2 on 26/11/2005

I'm a long time rider of many brands and styles. The Kawasaki Concours 1000 is a very good bike! Mine is smooth as silk, fast, high-speed agile, very comfy for wind protection and no monkey-butt. The roll on power to pass long lines of traffic is awesome. My big-twin can't compare. I looked at FJR's and BMW and ST's. Great bikes! In many aspects newer with techno-whizbang! But, the connie still has it right. Comfort, power, wind protection, a motor that is known to be great, shaftdrive with a overdrive tranny. I'm getting myself excited thinking about it! Get my gear ma... we're going for a ride!

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“After owning the old '86 Kawasaki Concours for over a...”

★★★★☆

written by hambikenut on 25/10/2005

After owning the old '86 Kawasaki Concours for over a year, I am still sticking with most of my previous review. It now has 47,000 miles on it, and is presently in the shop getting new plugs and wires. The compression was tested and two cylinders were found to be 30psi below the other two. I'll drive it until it croaks then I'll find a newer one.
I've added handlebar risers and a Givi trunk, adding to the comfort, and I may add a better windscreen. There's still nothing like it anywhere near the price range: under $8,000 new. Too buzzy for you? Go shell out 15 to 18 grand for a Honda ST -- even the BMW is buzzy. That's more than my car cost: A Toyota Corolla with air conditioning.

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“I have owned this Kawasaki Concours 1000 motorcycle...”

★★★★★

written by concoursguy on 13/04/2005

I have owned this Kawasaki Concours 1000 motorcycle for 2 years, having purchased it from my brother, who bought a new '04 Concours. After a 3000 mile trip over 7 days, I am still pleased with the bike except for the buzziness.

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“The Kawasaki Concours 1000 motorcycle was last updated...”

★★★★★

written by hambikenut on 23/09/2004

The Kawasaki Concours 1000 motorcycle was last updated in 1994 which means to me that it needed little modification to keep up with the market. It could come out of the factory with a better windshield, higher bars, and lower pegs, however. Kawasaki does not offer a factory trunk to match the saddlebags but Givi offers many models that work well.
Its competitors, the BMW 1200RT, and the Honda 1100ST are almost double the cost and require the same modifications to be comfortable for long hauls over 200mi. Many "Connie" owners put hundreds of thousands of miles on a single bike and return to Connies after trying one or more of its competitors.
It also has the largest fuel tank of any factory motorcycle presently in existance at 7.5 American gallons. Some claim this makes it top heavy but I've never noticed that and I'm a small guy, weighing only 145lbs. Its less top heavy than my old bike, Honda's GL500Interstate.
However, the faring could be built out of thicker material. Mine, 18 yrs old, has had some warping and parts of it are hand bendable but then again what do you expect after 18 years. Even after all that time and no rebuilds the engine/drive train is still very reliable, powerful, and smooth running(for a straight four).
Over all I have found that riding the Connie has been a pleasant experience and trouble free

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Franklb7's Response to hambikenut's Review

Written on: 10/06/2005

Handle bars are too low, buzzing is back of seat and the biggest problem is when using rear brake your foot hits the faring and not the brake. other that that i love my bike.

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233305_Gthomas15229's Response to hambikenut's Review

Written on: 09/03/2006

You got some bad news about 2005 being the last year. I just bought a 2006 and I like it. I will be adding the risers and a Givi tour box. The '06 has eliminated the buzziness as far as I can tell. It handles like a dream. I have not ridden for 12 years but it makes riding very natural. I formally owned the Kawasaki Voyager XII and that was the best touring mc ever. It actually handled like a motorcycle, not like a two-wheeled car (Honda Goldwing). Too bad they discontinued that model.

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Hambikenut's Response to hambikenut's Review

Written on: 25/10/2005

My foot never hits the faring, and the buzziness has never bothered me. I now have 6,000 miles on the bike. I put handle bar risers on it and added a Givi trunk. Its still a great bike. Too bad Kawasaki has cancelled its production with 2005 being the last model. And they are not replacing it with a new sport-tourer either!

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