Meet Connie. That is the nickname given to Kawasaki Concours motorcycles by their beloved owners. I recently purchased the 2003 sport touring bike from my local Kawasaki dealer after seeing it in their showroom while my 1983 Honda Nighthawk was being serviced (replacing the odometer sensor). For a couple years now, Jennifer had been urging me to replace my aging two-wheeled friend. It had the occasional problem, but was a good bike. There had been a couple of times when it just wouldn’t start or decided it was time to request a replacement part of two. But I liked it. Plus, replacing it would mean I would have to decide on a bike to replace it with. Not as easy as it sounds.
I didn’t want a sport bike, aka crotch rocket, style of bike nor was I really interested in a cruiser. When I saw Connie, I knew I had found the bike for me. It has several features that satisfy my needs. I mainly ride to and from work (25 miles each way, mostly open farmland area) but was hoping for a bike that could handle a road trip from time to time. The full fairing does a fantastic job of keeping the wind off the driver, thus extending the riding season. My Honda was naked, no windshield or fairing, and 50 degree mornings at 65 mph were pretty cold! I don’t think a 50 degree temperature will have such an effect while on this bike.
The hard saddlebags are really functional even if they aren’t really attractive. Two days after buying the bike, I took it 300 miles north to Rockford, IL. The bags can be removed and packed like suitcases. Once you reach your destination, just take them in with you. If you won’t be needing the bags for a while, they can all be removed and replaced by covers that give the bike a clean, sporty look.
We have had several days of temps around 100 in the St. Louis area. Until we see some cooler weather, Connie will be spending most of the time in the garage. The morning ride to work is great with temps in the 70’s but the afternoon heat requires air conditioning. I don’t believe even Goldwings have that…yet.
