The Kawasaki Concours (aka Connie) has always been one of those “if you know you know” bikes: really awesome motorcycles that inspire an almost fanatical devotion from those who own them, but which are largely overlooked by everyone else.
Very sadly, the Concours platform was unceremoniously retired two years ago, after an impressive 36-year run (1986-2022). That run is all the more impressive if you consider the fact the platform really only had one major overhaul in that time; in 2007 it became the 1352cc Concours 14, or GTR1400 in Europe.
This example, however, is a first-generation Connie, a bike that Motorcyclist called “the most practical, useful and competent motorcycle made.” Or, well, it’s really a Generation 1.2 Concours. It has the same Ninja-derived 997cc liquid-cooled inline four that Connies rolling off the line in 1986 had, but benefits from a number of aesthetic and technical refreshes the platform received in 1994.
Shaft-driven and boasting a go-far 7.5 US gallon fuel capacity, it is not the lightest of two wheelers ─ weighing 672 lbs wet ─ but still has a respectable amount of go. Claimed power output is 108 horsepower, which was good for a 134 mph top speed in a 1986 Cycle World road test.
This particular bike has been used correctly (ie, it has been ridden far) and has a little bit of wear accordingly, but, on the whole, looks to be in surprisingly good condition. I mean, look at the shine on that almost-20-year-old fairing.
With 73,000 miles on the clock, this Concours is for sale with a BIN of just $1,800 (BARGAIN!) or best offer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina here on eBay.