From 2009 Concours to 2015 TTSE-Long Distance Impressions

[Xsv]

I laid my Concours down last December and as a result it was deemed "totaled".  I began the search for a new bike and searched for reviews to help me make a decision if the TTSE was right for me.  Now that I have some time on the bike I decided to post my impressions in the hopes that it will assist someone else that is in the research mode.

Background-49 year old male rider, 509/200 lbs, 32 inch inseam (34 inch waist-still know where the gym is located ), some slight disc issues in neck.



Previous bike-(purchased new in 2010) 2009 Kawasaki Concours, Cee Bailey's mini euro cut windshield, Corbin seat, handlebar risers, power commander, butterflies out, slip on pipe and rostra cruise control via mini toggle switch.
Current bike-2015 TTSE with Triumph comfort seat and Utopia back rest, stock windshield.

Any bike feels good for a few hours, but this comparison is made with 8-12 hours each day in the saddle. and addresses potential issues that you don't notice right away.
Concours Spring 2015 2300 mile ride over 4 days.
TTSE Spring 2015 2200 mile over 4 days.
The breakdown on the recent trip on the TTSE is as follows; (the Concours trip is very similar)
2200 miles - 4 days

42*-93*
Day 1 560 miles rain, wind and Graupel 42-58 degrees
Day 2 500 miles, 44-93 degrees
Day 3 425 miles, 61-78 degrees
Day 4 715 miles 55-89 degrees

Protection-
The TTSE offered much better wind and weather protection then the Concours.  I have never "looked thru" a windshield while riding a bike.  I have to admit it was nice to do so in the driving rain.  Even a larger windshield on the Concours is not going to offer as much protection as the much wider fairing on the TTSE.   I found that I could wear summer mesh style pants on the TTSE with temperatures in the upper 50's.   I could have not comfortably done that on the Concours.
However, in 93 degree stop and go weather that wind protection has a downside, but I did not find it unbearable.  For my height, I think I can get a windshield several inches lower, but still preserve plenty of adjustment upwards for the elements.  That will address part of the issue, but the wider fairing of the TTSE in the hot weather is something you live with.
I did notice on the TTSE the crosswind buffering if you will is worse then the Concours.  Since the weight is almost the same, that is not it.  Maybe it is the design and much larger fairing that makes if much more susceptible to the crosswinds.  I felt much more of the effects on crosswinds on the TTSE.  Not unpredictable, but just something that the rider needs to be aware of.

Riding position and comfort.  So subjective, but nonetheless.....The more neutral riding position of the TTSE meant far less hand tingling.    The last long ride on the Concours had me exploring my options because of the amount of discomfort on my wrists, lower back and sore butt.  (I know there are even bigger risers then the 1 1/2" risers I had on the Concours, I just found that the ergonomics were not working for me near as well as they were 5 years ago.
I believe the Utopia back rest took alot of strain off of my lower back.  However, even with the Triumph comfort seat my upper butt was quite sore after the 4th day and 715 mile/ 12 hour ride.  I cringed the first time I saw a Russell Day Long seat on a Concours.  However, I must admit, that might be in my future for the TTSE so I can swap it on when I decide to do the yearly long ride.

Performance- The TTSE although almost the same weight feels much different to me.  I did not find myself wanting or needing to hang off the sides of the bike.  The Concours feels heavy.   However, I must admit I am a bit more conservative cornering the TTSE (still see a 1/2 chicken strip on my rear tire  ) then the Concours.  However, I did crash the Concours in a tight corner leaning like a madman.
The acceleration of the Concours to the TTSE is vastly different.  My Concours hands down would walk away from my TTSE.  The acceleration was almost violent and did not seem to stop well past triple digits.  The TTSE is no slouch and I did not find myself not passing cars when necessary, I just needed a tad more room. I guess the upside is my Concours ate tires.  They were done at 5000-5500 miles.  At 3600 miles the TTSE tires still look great and I anticipate not needing to change them as often.  The upside of less power among other reasons for tire wear.

Touring-hands down the TTSE is better suited for me.  The electronics package compared to the Concours would have you looking for the chain drive on the Concours.   Kawasaki had just not kept up in that area on the Sport tourer.  From bluetooth, radio, satellite radio, integrated GPS.  I really enjoyed having the bluetooth signal from XM to my Scala Rider QZ during the ride.  I did find out that the rider qz is only good for about 10-11 hours of streaming music before the battery gives up. (guess that means its time to find a hotel).
The Rostra CC on my Concours worked pretty good, but nothing compares to a factory installed cruise control on a sport touring bike.
I am getting almost 10 miles more per gallon on the TTSE and the extra gallon fuel capacity is nice.  On the concours I found myself stopping for fuel well before I needed to get off of the bike.

In summary, for me at my age and riding style the TTSE is the better bike FOR ME.  Like I pointed out I still need to work out a few things to make it better...aka a seat that still feels good on day 4. 

I do miss the power of the Concours, but the electronics package and more touring design features of the TTSE make up for it.  Now if Triumph could up the HP/Torque.......oh man.

[Coconut]

Great wrrite up xsv - Thanks for sharing 

[Stelyn]

 +1 -   

[trophied]

Lets see if Mike2411 concurs with this review since he currently has a Connie and is out test riding today.  I'm betting his experience will be pretty much the same from just a test ride.

[wreckedem]

nice write up. thanks

[Mike2411]

Originally Posted by trophied

Lets see if Mike2411 concurs with this review since he currently has a Connie and is out test riding today.  I'm betting his experience will be pretty much the same from just a test ride.

Almost correct 'Trophied'..test ride is tomorrow, Friday. The shop told me the bikes were prepped and are waiting for me...hehe!!! Looking forward to the ride and the review afterwards with you guys! Stay tuned!

Mike

[twowheeladdict]

Nice write up.

I am one of the few Concours riders who never put risers, or a taller windshield, or comfort seat on the bike.  I did 30,000 miles in 3 years on it and knew I needed a bike with electronic cruise to keep me from getting any more tickets.

It took a while to get used to the upright riding position on the Trophy, and I find myself tucking in when on long rides, or in the twisty roads.

Definitely opposite ends of the sport touring spectrum. 

[Volfy]

Excellent comparo.  I also had an '09 C14 and concur with much of your assessment.  The only difference is that, being a sportbike guy at heart, I generally prefer a riding position more like the C14.  However, I get my kicks with the VFR1200 any time I want, so I don't mind the relaxed ergos whenever I switch over to the TTSE.  So it's all good.

With the Kawi factory low gel seat, I could ride the C14 all day.  Not as comfy as the TTSE, of course.  However, with my 30" inseam, I never made friends with C14's seat height, even with the low gel seat.  I can handle a heavy bike, and I can handle a tall bike - just not both on the same bike.  C14 was both.

C14's power can be intoxicating, but I rarely got more than 35mpg.  TTSE regularly pushes 50mpg without me trying very hard.

If Kawi ever revamps the C14 with CC, better instrumentation, lower weight & seat height, long-haul refinement, SSSA, etc., I might take another look.  Otherwise, the only thing it's got going for it is the beast of an engine.