First Ride - 2015 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14
You will not find this new sport wagon, but that's not necessarily a bad thing many "new."
Sometimes, as useful as a small message could be almost as big news. This is Kawasaki's idea, at least, about the 2015 contest 14. "Connie" entered its eighth season engine gives only a few relatively minor upgrades. This means that it does not update since 2010 overall significant changes have occurred, in fact, the basic race is still very much the same machine was introduced in 2008.
Therefore, although in these years of competing brands have created more sophisticated sporty wagon, features such as electronically adjustable suspension, multi-level power mode, GPS receivers, AM / FM / MP3 / iPod audio system, seat seat heating -the race has been almost maintain the status quo, not even offer cruise control.
A fair criticism that management Kawasaki, but all these features cost money, has sent asking price for those more gorgeous equipment soaring sky sport wagon. The competition, meanwhile, is not only the cheapest large ST bicycle, 2015 edition going for $ 15,499, $ 700 less than last year's model. That is, the company believes that providing riders give yourself a big, very fast, very capable sporty wagon considerable savings opportunity, in some cases, hundreds of thousands in some expensive models.
Given that most suggested retail price either remained unchanged or increased each year, a $ 700 price is a real surprise, especially considering the 2015 Connie combines several improvements.
These measures include lower sixty-one% intended to forever stop holiday gear easier, especially on steep uphill and a passenger were killed. The rear suspension has been slightly hardened to better respond to two up, load and link the whole saddlebag brake system uses a new ABS module to reduce the amount of the brake after engaging the front brake is applied. Seats are remodeling and covered with non-slip material; although the windshield is no greater than before, it now includes a three-position (two open, one closed), the right to reduce manually adjustable ventilation around the rider's head shaking.
As I said in Kawasaki near 2015 contest riding a new bike 14 press introduction was informed catharsis really works as advertised. With the electrically adjustable windshield at the highest setting, and at any one of the vent open positions, and drastically reduced noise turmoil in my helmet, so the cockpit at higher road speeds more comfortable living space. Plus, ventilation also reduces the amount of water in the rain with scattered in my mask.
I did find the latter, because the reporter to take a day, Southern California received its first significant rainfall in months. Rain throughout the day is a welcome relief in this drought-stricken state, but it prevents me come up with some competition, "other upgrades decent evaluation. I do not think lowering the first gear is a definite improvement, although I never ride car process, carrying passengers. Riding solo I've also prevents re-tuned suspension after the desired effect. I do not feel normal rear wheel brake system new joint use leads to fewer brake caliper front brake application,
But on wet roads is not allowed, even before ABS remotely offensive play after or before braking in the wet seat sloshing around all day did not allow me to evaluate seat modified or its non-slip cover. nor WFO weather permits full turns or acceleration. All of this will have to wait until we get a test unit, a more realistic and complete assessment.
But the passage of the overall performance, expected no surprises. Let us not forget that, despite its relative lack of riders facility, which is the same with variable valve timing, 1,352cc, 133 horsepower, sneaky fast engine, has been providing customers with a consistent, relentless power since 2008 bike; " Just twist the grip, you are in the fast lane is the moment, "said the test we had in the contest. It has the same predictable, which is excited by the process, because of the great confidence early bicycle riders. And it is the same bike that won several sports, travel comparison and three-game winning streak (2008, '09, '10) ten best competition of the year award period sporty wagon world.
So no, the 2015 contest 14 without all the bells and whistles of many competitors. But it does not have the price tag to go with them. It has a great performance is not a lot of money.
