I interested in going in a bit of a different direction

**skyryder** · 03-06-2020, 02:30 AM

I am currently riding a 2001 1500 Classic and recently been considering moving to a Concours model. I just thought I would check and see what kind of insight some of the good folks on this site might be able to offer about the Concours. It's been a while since I have been on the forum much as I have been working overseas. I apologize if this seems like the wrong forum, but thought what better place than current owners of a Kawasaki... even if a different model.
TIA for any advice!

Skyryder

OldSchool · 03-06-2020, 11:27 AM

Concourse is an excellent touring machine, however it only has a top end of 152 mph / around 250 kph. Might be slow depending on your tastes. You will sit slightly forward, but only by about 5 degrees. The Concourse usually has good write ups about it but seems to be overlooked. Which keeps the price down for buyers, but also creates lower selling prices for owners/sellers.

**schoeney** · 04-03-2020, 09:41 AM

They are nice bikes depending on how you're going to use it. Much faster and better handling than your classic.

Lacks electronic cruise control.

Like most bikes you will likely need to address many of the comfort related items. Handlebar risers, seat, pegs, etc.

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

**canuckrider** · 04-03-2020, 04:27 PM

I can't speak specifically on the Concours but like Shoeney I went from a Bagger to a Sport Tourer (Nomad 1600 to a Honda ST1300) and haven't looked back.

Yes, a different style of machine and a different type of riding. Pluses are:
- acceleration
- fast - You could cruise all day long at 140 kph (85 mph) if you want to. I've had mine up to 220 kph (135 mph) and ran out of nerve before I ran out of throttle
- handling and nimbleness in the curves
- lighter weight
- fuel economy and range
- did I mention acceleration??

With a Honda PanAmerica trunk I have pretty much the same luggage capacity as I had with the Nomad with a Harley TourPak mounted on it.

Only negative for me is the seat height as I'm 5'6" and can't put both feet flat on the pavement at a stoplight. Not a big deal, though.

ponch · 04-12-2020, 12:48 AM

I went from a 1600 Nomad to a R1200RT. almost 250lbs lighter than the nomad and over 100lbs lighter than a C14 or ST1300. Less engine heat than all of them and pretty good range.

duffy · 04-12-2020, 01:52 PM

Well I went a bit different also....went from an 05' 1500 Classic (bags, trunk, and fairing) to a 15' Kawi Versys 650LT (light sport tourer). More HP than the Classic and about half the weight. Very fast, fun bike and great for touring (bags, trunk, and smallish fairing). Just got rid of it last year as health says my long distance riding days are over. Picked up an 03' Sportster XLH 883 Hugger as an around town/local day ride bike.

03-06-2020, 02:30 AM	#1
skyryder Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 28	I interested in going in a bit of a different direction I am currently riding a 2001 1500 Classic and recently been considering moving to a Concours model. I just thought I would check and see what kind of insight some of the good folks on this site might be able to offer about the Concours. It's been a while since I have been on the forum much as I have been working overseas. I apologize if this seems like the wrong forum, but thought what better place than current owners of a Kawasaki... even if a different model. TIA for any advice! Skyryder __________________ 2001 Vulcan 1500 Classic, my first bagger. I should call myself "The Sponge", just trying to learn what I can.! Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-06-2020, 11:27 AM	#2
OldSchool Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ballwin,MO. Posts: 1,542	Concourse is an excellent touring machine, however it only has a top end of 152 mph / around 250 kph. Might be slow depending on your tastes. You will sit slightly forward, but only by about 5 degrees. The Concourse usually has good write ups about it but seems to be overlooked. Which keeps the price down for buyers, but also creates lower selling prices for owners/sellers. __________________
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04-03-2020, 09:41 AM	#3
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	They are nice bikes depending on how you're going to use it. Much faster and better handling than your classic. Lacks electronic cruise control. Like most bikes you will likely need to address many of the comfort related items. Handlebar risers, seat, pegs, etc. Good luck! Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina
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04-03-2020, 04:27 PM	#4
canuckrider Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Okotoks, AB, Canada Posts: 1,088	I can't speak specifically on the Concours but like Shoeney I went from a Bagger to a Sport Tourer (Nomad 1600 to a Honda ST1300) and haven't looked back. Yes, a different style of machine and a different type of riding. Pluses are: - acceleration - fast - You could cruise all day long at 140 kph (85 mph) if you want to. I've had mine up to 220 kph (135 mph) and ran out of nerve before I ran out of throttle - handling and nimbleness in the curves - lighter weight - fuel economy and range - did I mention acceleration?? With a Honda PanAmerica trunk I have pretty much the same luggage capacity as I had with the Nomad with a Harley TourPak mounted on it. Only negative for me is the seat height as I'm 5'6" and can't put both feet flat on the pavement at a stoplight. Not a big deal, though. __________________ "Sun on my face, wind in my hair, sound of my bike in my ears and peace in my soul..." VBA Member #01514 2008 "Ultra" Nomad 1600, Candy Plasma Blue
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04-12-2020, 12:48 AM	#5
ponch Sr. Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Way East Valley Posts: 12,015	I went from a 1600 Nomad to a R1200RT. almost 250lbs lighter than the nomad and over 100lbs lighter than a C14 or ST1300. Less engine heat than all of them and pretty good range. __________________ Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad \| 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic \| 1984 GPz750 \| 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09\|Prairie Du Chien '10\|Crescent City '11 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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04-12-2020, 01:52 PM	#6
duffy Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hot Springs, SD and other warm and dry places Posts: 1,043	Well I went a bit different also....went from an 05' 1500 Classic (bags, trunk, and fairing) to a 15' Kawi Versys 650LT (light sport tourer). More HP than the Classic and about half the weight. Very fast, fun bike and great for touring (bags, trunk, and smallish fairing). Just got rid of it last year as health says my long distance riding days are over. Picked up an 03' Sportster XLH 883 Hugger as an around town/local day ride bike.
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