Thanks for listening

Anyone who's been following this blog knows I bought a 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 earlier this year, and have put more than 5,000 miles on it over the course of the summer. The 2009 model was largely unchanged except for a handful of updated parts and two new color choices. Now it's time for the 2010 model, and there are some pretty surprising changes this time. There are a number of complaints many have about the 2008/9 models, and it looks like Kawasaki listened. The 2010 Concours 14 sports a laundry list of new features:

• Traction control
• Optional ABS (now linked with two selectable settings for pedal activation)
• Raised mirrors (no longer just for looking at the saddlebags and bar ends!)
• Major bodywork changes (better ventilation, less heat dumped on the rider)
• Taller, wider windshield
• Dashboard display control moved to the handlebars
• Ambient air temperature display
• Economy mode
• Heated hand grips
• Better default suspension settings

Many features remain unchanged:

• 1352cc four-cylinder engine
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
• Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive
• Back Torque Limiting “Slipper” Clutch
• Bridgestone Battlax BT021 tires
• KIPASS - Remote Ignition Activation and Security Transponder
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Few people expected so many changes to a bike that's only been in production for a couple years, but there it is. I have to admit to really, really liking the color of the bike in the above picture, but it won't be available in the US. We get "Neptune Blue" instead. Take a look at Kawasaki's product page for more information.

As good as this new version looks, I won't be trading my 2008 in any time soon. I'm far too attached to it, and I've already got it set up just the way I want.

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Now playing: Killradio - Where Go We
via FoxyTunes

Don't run us off the road, we'd just like ourselves a lane