The Kawasaki 1400GTR is a sport touring motorcycle introduced in September 2007 and sold in North America as the Concours 14 or ZG1400. It is built on the ZX-14 platform and replaced the GTR1000, which Kawasaki had made from 1986 to 2006.
Kawasaki 1400GTR at a glance
| Maker | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Concours 14, ZG1400 |
| Introduced | September 2007 |
| Replaced | GTR1000 (Concours), 1986–2006 |
| Engine | 1,352 cc transverse inline-four, 16 valves |
| Valve timing | variable, intake camshaft advanced up to 24° |
| Power | 114 kW (153 hp) at 8,800 rpm; 117.6 kW with ram air |
| Torque | 136 N·m at 6,200 rpm |
| Final drive | shaft, Tetra-Lever rear suspension |
| Brakes | ABS optional from launch; K-ACT linked brakes from 2010 |
| Electronics | KIPASS keyless ignition; KTRC traction control from 2010 |
| Tested top speed | 245.9 km/h (2011 model) |
| Wet weight | 315.5 kg |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the 1400GTR.
History of the Kawasaki 1400GTR
The 1400GTR arrived in September 2007 as the replacement for the GTR1000, the shaft-drive tourer that Kawasaki had sold since 1986. Instead of developing a new tourer from scratch, Kawasaki based the bike on the ZX-14, keeping the inline-four layout, the luggage, the shaft drive and the full fairing that had defined the original Concours.
First generation, 2008–2009
The engine is a transverse-mounted 16-valve inline-four of 1,352 cc with variable valve timing derived from a Mitsubishi car engine; the intake camshaft can be advanced by up to 24° as revs rise and fall. In 2008 and 2009 form it produced 114 kW (153 hp) at 8,800 rpm and 136 N·m at 6,200 rpm, with ram-air intake raising output to 117.6 kW. The rear suspension and drive are combined in a system Kawasaki calls Tetra-Lever, similar in purpose to BMW’s Paralever, and a slipper clutch reduces the risk of the rear wheel sliding under heavy engine braking. The bike was offered with ABS from the start.
Second generation, 2010
For 2010 Kawasaki made the biggest changes of the model’s life: KTRC traction control and K-ACT coactive ABS with brake assist and linked brakes, revised bodywork for better cooling and less engine heat for the rider, mirrors raised by 40 mm, a taller screen with memory and auto-lowering, heated grips, a fairing glove box in place of the tank storage, a fuel economy assistance mode and an economical riding indicator. Top speed was limited electronically to 154 mph. These machines are usually called the second generation, or Gen 2, of the Concours 14.
Later changes
ABS became standard in 2011 and the front rotors were slightly redesigned. From 2012 the rotors had a smaller carrier and the wheels were painted black instead of silver; in 2014 the tyre pressure sensors were redesigned. The 2015 model received a shorter first gear, revised fuel mapping, a different steering stem seal, stiffer rear suspension, an adjustable windscreen vent, revised ABS programming and a new rear luggage base.
Design and features
- ZX-14 engine: a 1,352 cc inline-four with variable valve timing, tuned for touring torque rather than peak power.
- Tetra-Lever shaft drive: separates drive and suspension forces, the shaft-effect problem of powerful shaft-driven bikes.
- KIPASS: keyless ignition that works as long as the rider carries the coded transponder.
- K-ACT linked brakes: from 2010, with power-assisted distribution between front and rear and a handlebar switch for the amount of front brake applied from the pedal.
- KTRC: traction control that compares front and rear wheel speeds through the ABS sensors and cuts engine power when they differ.
Kawasaki 1400GTR versions
- 1400GTR / Concours 14 (2008–2009): the first generation, ABS optional.
- 2010 Gen 2: KTRC traction control, K-ACT linked brakes, revised bodywork and screen, heated grips.
- 2011: ABS standard, redesigned front rotors.
- 2015–2017: shorter first gear, revised mapping, adjustable screen vent, new luggage base.
The 1400GTR replaced the Kawasaki Concours and shares its engine family with the Ninja ZX-14. More Kawasaki models are in the Kawasaki collection.
Video: New Kawasaki 1400GTR MY15 – Official Video
Video by Kawasaki Motors on YouTube.
Sources
- Kawasaki 1400GTR, English Wikipedia: engine, technology, model history, performance
