You can hold the key fob on the ignition switch with a dead battery in the fob and it still works. I have a 2014 with just over 90k miles. Great bike. My fob battery last approximately 2 years.
When the transponder died on my Concours 14, I placed the transponder on the square receiver pad just in front of the key. It unlocks the key and starts right up.
Congrats on the new bike sir. I’ve been using the GTR for 4 years already, and I totally agree with you. It is a total behemoth 😂. Really love the bike a lot. Comfort, powerful enough and got to enjoy my ride during the weekend. In my opinion, worth every penny 😁
I had the same problem with my "stove knob" key. I used a paper towel to pad it and pliers to pull. Probably hadn't been removed in years. Cleaned off old grease, spray lube on key then worked it, all good now.
Great bikes had mine 6 years now, similar issues with handle bar set up, not long fitted a set of bar risers billet Ali raises bars and bring them in a little, certainly feels different still have muscle memory from previous set up, but I'll get there. Probably only had 2 key fob batteries I keep one taped to lid of tool kit located under seat, main key can twist hence dam difficult to get out, I change the diff oil very regular so never an issues with that some have a knocking sound! Next is the fork oil! Front tyres wear out quicker than any other bike I've had, but she is a big bike enjoy, the only point kawasaki missed was cruise control be interested to see how you get on with the bar type fitted to your bike
These bikes used are a lot of bang for your buck. I bought my 2008 Concours 14 a couple years ago for $4000 in excellent condition. I highly recommend an ECU flash as it makes a huge difference off idle.
Couldn't agree more. Many Concours owners seem to think that the the ECU flash upgrade is the best bang for their buck mod. I am very happy with the flash from Ivan's Performance for my 2016 model. The jerky light switch action of the stock FI / throttle response is gone, and the bike is now much smoother and more ridable. Dumping the massive stock muffler should save you about 20 lbs as well! Doubles as a boat anchor! :) Also, there is a ton of rider experience and information on this bike over at the Concours Owners Group forum. Happy riding!
The vid series u r goin to make with this bike will be really useful for many many owners. I think ul love this bike. Coil packs on spark plugs just spray some wd40 around them night before u want to remove them for first time.. pain in the butt to get them out first time. Disconnect wiring connex before u remove coil packs.Use silicone spray when u refit them after plug change. Makes it lit easier next time.
Kawasaki's had a reputation for failing to restart when they were near to RAF Fylingdales, once recovered a couple of miles down the road and they'd start no problem, of course Kawasaki UK have never heard of this issue !! Good video, don't forget the "always take a mate along" when checking a bike over prior to purchase.
Hey dave.. just get a blank key cut for ur tank n panniers etc n keep it in glove box when ur out n about. Saves messing about with key in the fob case.
I have a similar key with my car, no actual key port in case of dead battery. It went dead for a sec this winter in extreme cold and all I had to do was set it in front of the sensor. Apparently it will read the key there whether it has battery power or not. Not sure if this applies to this bike, but it may.
So if you are camping you park the bike beyond the required distance or the battery goes flat over night. You could hide the fob somewhere away from the tent and bike whilst parked up.
Connie is my next bike purchase at some point. TPS batteries in the rims go dead. (watch battery size) Also get the ECU flashed from Ivan to make it a 700 lbs wheelie monster! lol
Hi Dave I have a 2011 Concours , leaky forks seals. It says use 10-15 oil what would be a good oil to use for single rider, it’s a fun bike to ride. Thanks Tom
hi Tom. Use SKF or OEM seals only. Depends on your load via weight. I am 200 and ride solo most of the time and experimented with 7.5, 10 and 15. 10w overall was the best go to for unpredictable road conditions in most temperature ranges.
Thanks Dave, ya bought mine used 10.000 on 4th owner got 50 on I like the angle get, but price went up and got some st,s on sale, it’s a heavy bike and I thought it was to heavy, but after a couple hundred miles that all changed, be safe out there, I’m in NY country .Cold had a vstrom 1000 before and put 100,000 on nimble.
Dave, I will be 70 and have a question. I have a Suzuki Intruder 1998 1500 LC. that was Dads. I'm about 225# and will do fork oil, what would you recommend for the forks. Ohlins does not make springs for it as tried to order. Figured if doing the fork oil do the springs as there cost is less than the labor. I really enjoy your videos. Have you done one on the Kawasaki Versys 650 as I have the 2012 model. Thanks Mike
Hi. A propos tires: l'd check for age aswell! Beside the DOT Nr. one may find in an oval a four digit number. The first two represent the week of a year, the other two the year of the make. A eight years old tire has the advantage of not wearing anymore at all.
Keep the key far from the bike - OR - Make a Faraday cage for the key ;) Not sure if the dealer changes the battery on my BMW, otherwise, still has the original after 1 year of light use :) These Kawasaki bikes are quite nice, congrats on the big dad bike hahah :D
Turn the switch to off and not FSS when you walk away. The “key” should come out and someone may figure out how to get it out. I’m not sure if the emergency key would start it. The bike can be started with a dead fob. Check the owners manual.
I really don't understand that the transponder has to be far away from the bike, I would have thought it needs to be close by ... Anyway, congrats on the new purchase. PS: Don't forget to give it a good wash over :o)
To ride it it has to be next to the bike. To make sure the bike cannot be started it needs to be "X" distance away. Perhaps other owners can chime in here with more precise data?
One job to do dave... change the small fuel pump filter inside the tank. Easy job. Part cost bout $17. Its a small plastic filter in the base of the fuel pump assy.
Thanks for the advice, Will order one up today. All the fairings are coming off anyway to reset them in place, so that would b a perfect time for that and the air filter.
What is it with us old racer, chasing touring/adventure bikes? If you told me 18 years ago if I would buy or even throw a leg over a touring, I would have looked at you crazy.
I never knew why kawasaki used Kipass, any person who has ever owned the 08 & up C-14 would rather have cruise then kipass!!!! It takes a key to open the fuel cap, remove the seat & side bags so why not use a standard key for the ignition! You will also be annoyed by the low batt warning for the tire psi monitors, both my 08 & 12 C-14 tire psi monitor batterys didnt last long. Oh yeah valve adjustments, its not for the faint of heart! I’m a kawasaki guy through & through but this is one time where i feel with everything i mentioned above that the yamaha fjr 1300 is the better of the two bikes.
the key knob is most likely bent .. kawazaki made it so they shouldnt be removed for some odd . reason .. imagine some ass comming along at night .. and for the "fun" of it .. turns it to the on position .. the "cruise" control .. where you can lock the gas by twisting the wheel thing .. seems dangerous as fook :-s .. why on EARTH would anyone use that .. if your hand it to tired to hold the gas .. perhaps pull over since rest of the body will also be tired then . its not like its hard to keep the gas open
you talk so confidently for someone who hasn't looked it up. when the battery dies remove the excessory key then clip the dead fob onto the nubbin at the front of the ignition barrel and you can start it right up. once you remove it it will blink at you that the fob is dead but you arent dead in the water. my man just read the owners manual.
That is the point for me for this video:- to inspire someone to find a work around by actually reading the owner's manual and doing the research rather than complain about an issue and find the solution and a work around if possible.
You can hold the key fob on the ignition switch with a dead battery in the fob and it still works. I have a 2014 with just over 90k miles. Great bike. My fob battery last approximately 2 years.
Can never really get enough videos from Dave. Good job as always Mr Moss.
12v powerport, so you can hook up a battery charger for your key 😅
Interesting idea. I will look into that as there is no USB port on the key.
When the transponder died on my Concours 14, I placed the transponder on the square receiver pad just in front of the key. It unlocks the key and starts right up.
Great tip thank you!
Congrats on the new bike sir. I’ve been using the GTR for 4 years already, and I totally agree with you. It is a total behemoth 😂. Really love the bike a lot. Comfort, powerful enough and got to enjoy my ride during the weekend. In my opinion, worth every penny 😁
Seen many of your videos now. So much information! Subbed!!
I had the same problem with my "stove knob" key. I used a paper towel to pad it and pliers to pull. Probably hadn't been removed in years. Cleaned off old grease, spray lube on key then worked it, all good now.
nice video Dave, just bought the same bike 2 week ago and definitely not disappointed after 2000 km
Excellent news and thanks for your kind words.
Good luck Dave, please do post a video of your servicing experience
We will when the time arrives to film it all.
@@catalystreactionsbw these are the most pain in the a** japanese bikes I have ever worked on.
Great bikes had mine 6 years now, similar issues with handle bar set up, not long fitted a set of bar risers billet Ali raises bars and bring them in a little, certainly feels different still have muscle memory from previous set up, but I'll get there. Probably only had 2 key fob batteries I keep one taped to lid of tool kit located under seat, main key can twist hence dam difficult to get out, I change the diff oil very regular so never an issues with that some have a knocking sound! Next is the fork oil! Front tyres wear out quicker than any other bike I've had, but she is a big bike enjoy, the only point kawasaki missed was cruise control be interested to see how you get on with the bar type fitted to your bike
These bikes used are a lot of bang for your buck. I bought my 2008 Concours 14 a couple years ago for $4000 in excellent condition. I highly recommend an ECU flash as it makes a huge difference off idle.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion Marcus. I have a lot to learn about the bike.
Couldn't agree more. Many Concours owners seem to think that the the ECU flash upgrade is the best bang for their buck mod. I am very happy with the flash from Ivan's Performance for my 2016 model. The jerky light switch action of the stock FI / throttle response is gone, and the bike is now much smoother and more ridable. Dumping the massive stock muffler should save you about 20 lbs as well! Doubles as a boat anchor! :)
Also, there is a ton of rider experience and information on this bike over at the Concours Owners Group forum. Happy riding!
@@matjj676 Thanks for the advice. ECU flash will be after the suspension upgrade!
@@catalystreactionsbw Can't blame you there! Please advise on what upgrade you select! 👍👍
@@matjj676 We will be doing a couple of shows, one for the fork and one fork the shock.
The vid series u r goin to make with this bike will be really useful for many many owners. I think ul love this bike. Coil packs on spark plugs just spray some wd40 around them night before u want to remove them for first time.. pain in the butt to get them out first time. Disconnect wiring connex before u remove coil packs.Use silicone spray when u refit them after plug change. Makes it lit easier next time.
Kawasaki's had a reputation for failing to restart when they were near to RAF Fylingdales, once recovered a couple of miles down the road and they'd start no problem, of course Kawasaki UK have never heard of this issue !!
Good video, don't forget the "always take a mate along" when checking a bike over prior to purchase.
I have the same bike (2011), I leave my key(transponder) on the gas cap when I'm not riding it, haven't had to change a battery in 3 years.
Could be another drain issue.
Great, thnx for the tip!
@@catalystreactionsbw I guess I could've worded that better. Hope you enjoy the bike
@@OKMotorcu I already am and with the changes coming in the next two months I am sure I will enjoy it far more.
@@catalystreactionsbw quick question. Is your tpms accurate?
Great video, have fun with the bike!
Hey dave.. just get a blank key cut for ur tank n panniers etc n keep it in glove box when ur out n about. Saves messing about with key in the fob case.
I hope that this is new Trash or Treasure... looking forward for it.
I have a similar key with my car, no actual key port in case of dead battery. It went dead for a sec this winter in extreme cold and all I had to do was set it in front of the sensor. Apparently it will read the key there whether it has battery power or not. Not sure if this applies to this bike, but it may.
I hear you on the bandit bars- I put Holeshot risers on mine which made a big difference- but I understand the Gentleman's Express :)
So if you are camping you park the bike beyond the required distance or the battery goes flat over night. You could hide the fob somewhere away from the tent and bike whilst parked up.
Or you could get a small metal can to block the transponder signal from the key.
Connie is my next bike purchase at some point. TPS batteries in the rims go dead. (watch battery size) Also get the ECU flashed from Ivan to make it a 700 lbs wheelie monster! lol
Really nice bike! 👌🏻
Please make this a series, I'd love to see what / how you restorexand ckeanbthat up.
We will be continuing with the Concours in Summer. So, expect a video series June & July.
Hi Dave I have a 2011 Concours , leaky forks seals. It says use 10-15 oil what would be a good oil to use for single rider, it’s a fun bike to ride. Thanks Tom
hi Tom. Use SKF or OEM seals only. Depends on your load via weight. I am 200 and ride solo most of the time and experimented with 7.5, 10 and 15. 10w overall was the best go to for unpredictable road conditions in most temperature ranges.
Thanks Dave, ya bought mine used 10.000 on 4th owner got 50 on I like the angle get, but price went up and got some st,s on sale, it’s a heavy bike and I thought it was to heavy, but after a couple hundred miles that all changed, be safe out there, I’m in NY country .Cold had a vstrom 1000 before and put 100,000 on nimble.
Hi Dave I know I have a 2011 but did yours take 43’s
Congratulations on your purchase.
Thank you. This will b a very interesting ownership experience.
Dave, I will be 70 and have a question. I have a Suzuki Intruder 1998 1500 LC. that was Dads. I'm about 225# and will do fork oil, what would you recommend for the forks. Ohlins does not make springs for it as tried to order. Figured if doing the fork oil do the springs as there cost is less than the labor. I really enjoy your videos. Have you done one on the Kawasaki Versys 650 as I have the 2012 model. Thanks Mike
Hi. A propos tires: l'd check for age aswell! Beside the DOT Nr. one may find in an oval a four digit number. The first two represent the week of a year, the other two the year of the make. A eight years old tire has the advantage of not wearing anymore at all.
Lovely bikes.
I’d be interested in you looking at my ZH2
Great video, Thanks!
Keep the key far from the bike - OR - Make a Faraday cage for the key ;)
Not sure if the dealer changes the battery on my BMW, otherwise, still has the original after 1 year of light use :)
These Kawasaki bikes are quite nice, congrats on the big dad bike hahah :D
Yes, the key is kept a long way away from the bike!!!
Turn the switch to off and not FSS when you walk away. The “key” should come out and someone may figure out how to get it out. I’m not sure if the emergency key would start it.
The bike can be started with a dead fob. Check the owners manual.
Thanks for the "look see" Dave, I hope this bike will serve you well. :>)
I am excited to get to know it and develop this bike to my needs as I will keep it for at least ten years.
I really don't understand that the transponder has to be far away from the bike, I would have thought it needs to be close by ... Anyway, congrats on the new purchase. PS: Don't forget to give it a good wash over :o)
To ride it it has to be next to the bike. To make sure the bike cannot be started it needs to be "X" distance away. Perhaps other owners can chime in here with more precise data?
@@catalystreactionsbw That makes sense
before you sell the bandit can you a suspension set-up video ?
Quite possible actually.
One job to do dave... change the small fuel pump filter inside the tank. Easy job. Part cost bout $17. Its a small plastic filter in the base of the fuel pump assy.
Thanks for the advice, Will order one up today. All the fairings are coming off anyway to reset them in place, so that would b a perfect time for that and the air filter.
P.s. the part number u want is : 49019-0013. Filter-fuel.
Just bought the same year bike last Friday, I'm 265 and ride aggressively can You do one on how I should have the suspension set please?
Happy to help via my unique Remote Tuning process. $40 via email so please contact me dav@davemosstuning.com
I'll be in touch Dave, Your going to love this bike brother.
What is it with us old racer, chasing touring/adventure bikes? If you told me 18 years ago if I would buy or even throw a leg over a touring, I would have looked at you crazy.
I will be doing 20,000 miles per year or more on it to events as the cost of fuel and commercial insurance rises beyond my ability to pay them.
@@catalystreactionsbw ahhhhh good excuse to not buy a prius
BMW R1150 - a brutal critique please I’m thinking of buying one
Ex rugby player eh? What position, what injury and who did you play for?
Hardly any mileage at 24k miles. Loads of touring miles ahead for you fully loaded fun.
Measure engine oil on mainstand level ground.
Still want one maybe this year to save miles on my commuter h2 lol
I never knew why kawasaki used Kipass, any person who has ever owned the 08 & up C-14 would rather have cruise then kipass!!!! It takes a key to open the fuel cap, remove the seat & side bags so why not use a standard key for the ignition! You will also be annoyed by the low batt warning for the tire psi monitors, both my 08 & 12 C-14 tire psi monitor batterys didnt last long. Oh yeah valve adjustments, its not for the faint of heart! I’m a kawasaki guy through & through but this is one time where i feel with everything i mentioned above that the yamaha fjr 1300 is the better of the two bikes.
Forks are fine just want cleaning n oil change. Those horns are in an odd place.
hmm yeh if it aint got a keyed ignition i aint touching it, end of.
my only bike is a bandit lol
the key knob is most likely bent .. kawazaki made it so they shouldnt be removed for some odd . reason .. imagine some ass comming along at night .. and for the "fun" of it .. turns it to the on position .. the "cruise" control .. where you can lock the gas by twisting the wheel thing .. seems dangerous as fook :-s .. why on EARTH would anyone use that .. if your hand it to tired to hold the gas .. perhaps pull over since rest of the body will also be tired then . its not like its hard to keep the gas open
you talk so confidently for someone who hasn't looked it up. when the battery dies remove the excessory key then clip the dead fob onto the nubbin at the front of the ignition barrel and you can start it right up. once you remove it it will blink at you that the fob is dead but you arent dead in the water. my man just read the owners manual.
That is the point for me for this video:- to inspire someone to find a work around by actually reading the owner's manual and doing the research rather than complain about an issue and find the solution and a work around if possible.
Hahahah! That's some of the stupidest features I've ever seen on a bike!
Don't reinvent the wheel people!