Kawasaki 1400GTR

Kawasaki 1400GTR / Concours 14

Manufacturer	Kawasaki Motorcycle & Engine Company
Also called	Kawasaki Concours 14 / 1400GTR / ZG1400
Parent company	Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production	Since 2007 (Model year 2008)
Predecessor	Kawasaki Concours (GTR1000)
Class	Sport touring
Engine	1,352 cc inline 4-cylinder
Bore / stroke	84.0 mm × 61.0 mm (3.31 in × 2.40 in)
Compression ratio	10.7:1
Power	114 kW (153 hp) @ 8,800 rpm 117.6 kW (157.7 hp) with ram-air
Torque	136 N·m (100 lbf·ft) @ 6,200 rpm
Transmission	6-speed, shaft drive optional traction control (2010–)
Frame type	Aluminium monocoque
Brakes	Front: Dual 310 mm discs, radial-mount opposed 4-piston callipers Rear: 270 mm disc, opposed 2-piston calliper optional ABS
Tyres	Front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) Rear: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Wheelbase	1,520 mm (60 in)
Dimensions	L: 2,230 mm (88 in) W: 790 mm (31 in) H: 1,345 mm (53.0 in)
Seat height	815 mm (32.1 in)
Weight	304 kg (670 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity	22 L (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal)
Fuel consumption	37 mpg-US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg-imp)[1]
Related	Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

The Kawasaki 1400GTR, also known as the Concours 14 or ZG1400 in some markets, is a sport touring motorcycle produced by Kawasaki. The 1400GTR was introduced in September 2007 and is based on the ZX-14 platform.^[2] It replaces the original GTR1000 (Concours), which was built from 1986 to 2006.^[2]

Etymology

The American model name of "Concours" is derived from a gathering of prestigious vehicles in a contest of elegance, such as the French Concours d'Elegance and is pronounced /kawn-koor/ (the "s" is silent)^[3][4]

Technology

The engine is a transverse-mounted 16-valve inline-four with a displacement of 1,352 cc (82.5 cu in). It has variable valve timing, derived from a Mitsubishi Motors car engine, which allows the phasing of the intake camshaft to be advanced by up to 24°.^[5][6]

The fuel injected engine on the 2008 and 2009 models has a power output of 114 kW (153 hp) at 8,800 rpm and produces torque of 136 N·m (100 lbf·ft) at 6,200 rpm. The ram-air intake increases power to 117.6 kW (157.7 hp).

Tetra Lever rear drive system

The bike's rear suspension-drive system is known as Tetra-Lever and is similar to the BMW Paralever and Moto Guzzi CARC systems.^[5] It is designed to handle the conflicting drive and suspension forces (known as shaft effect) typical when shaft-driven motorcycles carry powerful engines.

The 1400GTR is fitted with a keyless ignition, KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System),^[2] which means that no key is needed to start the bike as long as the rider is carrying the coded transponder—typically in a pocket.

From launch the 1400GTR had the option of an anti-lock braking system (ABS). In 2010, Kawasaki added KTRC, a traction control system, and replaced the previous ABS systems with K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology), an improved system with power-assisted brake force redistribution.^[7] K-ACT is also a combined braking system in which both the front and rear brakes are applied in differing amounts depending on whether the front brake lever or rear brake pedal is used. The rider is able to select, using a handlebar switch, the amount of front brake force applied when the rear brake pedal is used.^[8] The traction control uses the ABS sensors to detect when the front and rear wheel speeds differ—reducing rear wheel speed by telling the engine management system to reduce power output.^[8]

Model history

2008

The 2008 model year was launched in late 2007. Color options of Neutron Silver for all markets and additionally Metallic Diablo Black for Europe.

2009

Unchanged. Color options of Candy Diamond Red for USA, Metallic Diablo Black for USA/Canada, Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue or Metallic Moondust Gray for Europe.

2010

For 2010, Kawasaki made significant revisions including adding KTRC traction control and K-ACT ABS and brake assist, as well as linked brakes^[7] which are optional in some markets and standard in others. The 2010 model also has revised bodywork to improve engine cooling and reduce engine heat to the rider, mirrors raised by 40 mm (1.6 in), the dashbord top was redesigned with vents to help relieve back pressure, a larger wind screen and with memory function and auto-lowering, a heat shield across the midsection of the exhaust pipe, a handlebar-mounted switch to control the dash computer, variable heated grips, an optional "Fuel Economy Assistance Mode" that tells the ECU to use a leaner, more economical air-fuel ratio at engine speeds less than 6,000 rpm and road speed less than 80 mph (130 km/h), an "Economical Riding Indicator" was added to the dashboard. The tank-mounted storage area was removed and replaced with an auto-locking glove box in the left fairing, the exhaust silencer cap was changed, the two color seat was replaced a single color model, the instrument cluster illumination was changed from red to white, an ambient outdoor temperature display option was added to the computer display, included key sets were changed from two active fobs/keys to one active fob/key and one passive mini fob/key, the front fork fluid levels were increased by 25ml, and the oil pan was modified so that the drain plug faces forward instead of downward to prevent damage. The ECU was programmed to limit top speed to 154 mph. The rear pannier covers were fully painted (instead of leaving a black area at the bottom). Many people refer to the 2010+ models as the 2nd generation (or "Gen 2") of the C14. Color options of Candy Neptune Blue for USA/Europe and Metallic Magnesium Gray for Europe.

2011

No significant changes were made between the 2010 and 2011 models, although ABS ceased to be an option and became standard. Also, the front rotors were slightly redesigned. Color options of Atomic Silver for USA, Ebony Black for USA/Europe, and Metallic Dark Green for Europe.

2012

On the 2012 model, the silver wheels and grab bars were replaced with black ones. The front rotors were also changed slightly to have a smaller carrier to resist warping. Color options of Candy Arabian Red for all markets, Ebony Black for USA/Canada, and Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue for Europe.

2013

Unchanged. Color options of Meteor Pearl Gray for Canada/Europe, Metallic Nocturne Blue the USA, and Metallic Spark Black for all markets.

2014

Unchanged. Color options of Metallic Spark Black for all markets, Candy Cardinal Red for USA/Canada, and Metallic Graphic Grey for Europe.

2015

Kawasaki made numerous minor changes in 2015 that include a revised first gear ratio, different steering stem seal for lighter steering at low speed, stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity, an adjustable vent in the windshield, revised ABS programming to reduce the linked braking effect, a new rear luggage base, silver bezels on the analog dash meters, elongated mid-pipe heat shield, change of warning lamp color from red to yellow, tank pad, cushions on passenger pegs, and a more deeply sculpted seat. The revised parts should all be backwards compatible with previous model years. Kawasaki also shifted the North American models to use the oxygen sensor that had previously only been used in the other world markets. Color options of Candy Lime Green for USA/Canada, Metallic Spark Black for all markets, and Metallic Moondust Gray for Europe.

2016

Unchanged. Color options of Metallic Moondust Gray for all markets, Metallic Spark Black for USA/Canada, and Metallic Slate Blue for Europe.

Awards

In 2008 and 2009, the Concours 14 was named best touring bike in Motorcyclist magazine Motorcycle of the Year awards.^[9][10] It was also named best sport-touring bike by Cycle World magazine for 2008 and 2009.^[11]

It also won the 2011 Sport Tourer Shootout on Motorcyclist versus the Honda VFR1200F, BMW K1300S and Triumph Sprint GT.

2010 model with revised fairing and higher mirrors

Police and ambulance use

In some countries the 1400GTR is used by police and ambulance services, although this is not factory-built by Kawasaki as an authorities machine, rather it is a local conversion.^[12][13]

References

1. "Performance Index '10" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, 2010, retrieved 2011-02-14
2. "2008 Concours 14 First Ride" (PDF). Bikeland. 23 June 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2010.
3. "2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – Road Test Review". Rider Magazine. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
4. "Concours". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
5. Searle, Dave (September 2007). "First Impression: 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14" (PDF). Motorcycle Consumer News. ISSN 1073-9408.
6. Ash, Kevin (7 July 2007). "Kawasaki 1400GTR: In for the long haul". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
7. Ash, Kevin (7 April 2010). "Kawasaki 1400GTR review". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 April 2010.
8. Brissette, Pete (29 October 2009). "2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 Review - The People's new Connie!". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
9. "2008 Motorcycle Of The Year BEST TOURING BIKE". Motorcyclist magazine. February 2009. ISSN 0027-2205. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
10. "2009 Motorcycle of the Year 2 Best Touring Bike". Motorcyclist magazine. September 2009. ISSN 0027-2205. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
11. Dean, Paul (November 2009). "First Ride: 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14". Cycle World. ISSN 0011-4286. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
12. "KAWASAKI 1400GTR Overt Police Conversion". Woodway Engineering. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
13. "Kawasaki Police 14 Enforcer" (PDF). Wattco. Retrieved 15 May 2010.

External links

• Official website