In in era where most motorcycle designs change as frequently as internet memes, the Kawasaki Concours managed to go 20 years with no major changes. First released in 1986, it had a minor revision in 1994 with an upgraded instrument cluster, front end, fenders, etc. The exhaust tips and fork protectors were the only major changes from 1994 to 2006. That’s a lifetime of over 20 years on essentially the same bike. (Imagine still being able to buy an El Camino or a VW Rabbit today!) Despite not looking modern, it was a steal at $8500 new. Similar sport touring bikes from other manufactures are close to double that.

For 2008, Kawasaki finally put the nail in the coffin of the old Concours and introduced the all-new Councours 14. There are some similarities in the models (an shaft-driven inline four, full fairing, luggage ) but the differences are much more than cosmetic.

There is a LOT of technology in this bike. Performance items like ABS, ram air induction, and variable valve cam timing. Luxury additions such as an electronically adjustable windscreen, tire pressure sensors that report to the on-board computer, and keyless ignition? It’s geek’s dream bike!

It sounds superior in many ways, but the big question is, how much is this thing going to cost? Kawasaki hasn’t released that information yet, but until then you can drool over this motorcycle over on their website.