Kawasaki 1400GTR

Kawasaki 1400GTR

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Also called	Concours 14, ZG1400, C14
Production	since 2007
Predecessor	GTR1000 (Concours)
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–)
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	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]

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°.^[4][5]

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.^[4] 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.^[6] 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.^[7] 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.^[7]

Model history

2008

The bike was launched in 2007.

2009

For the 2009 model year the only changes were colors.

2010

For 2010, Kawasaki made significant revisions including adding KTRC traction control and K-ACT ABS and brake assist, as well as linked brakes^[6] which are optional in some markets and standard in others. The 2010 model also has revised bodywork to improve engine cooling, 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.

2011

No significant changes were made between the 2010 and 2011 models, although ABS ceased to be an option and became standard. A new color, "Atomic Silver" was offered in addition to black for this model year.

2012

On the 2012 model, the silver wheels and grab bars were replaced with black ones.

2013

Unchanged other than a new body color option of Pearl Gray for Canada and Nocturne Blue the USA.

2014

Unchanged. Body color options of Metallic Spark Black and Candy Cardinal Red in both the USA and Canada (Metallic Graphic Grey instead of Red 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. New color option of "Candy Lime Green".

Awards

In 2008 and 2009, the Concours 14 was named best touring bike in Motorcyclist magazine Motorcycle of the Year awards.^[8][9] It was also named best sport-touring bike by Cycle World magazine for 2008 and 2009.^[10]

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

Issues

In the United Kingdom the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has issued two separate vehicle recalls for the 1400GTR. The first concerned the pannier latch pivot pin, which could result in panniers becoming detached from the bike.^[11] The second concerned the rear brake pedal which was susceptible to becoming jammed by small stones thrown up from the road.^[12] The same issues also resulted in recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA,^[13][14] in addition to a third recall concerning the rear luggage carrier.^[15]

2010 model featuring revised fairing and higher mirrors

Road tests of the 2008 and 2009 models had criticised the bike's engine heat dissipation, which resulted in hot air being directed onto the rider's legs.^[4] This issue was addressed with the 2010 model, which has a revised fairing with improved airflow management.^[7]

Authorities

In some countries the 1400GTR is used by the police and ambulance services, although this is not factory-built by Kawasaki as an authorities machine, rather it is a local conversion.^[16][17]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kawasaki 1400GTR.

• Concours 14 at Kawasaki USA
• 1400GTR at Kawasaki Europe