VehicleVerdict

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.7 times the median Concours 14 year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 10 Concours 14 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (32% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Concours 14 years?

Concours 14 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted34 complaints2008: 34 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 1 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 2 complaints2021: 2 complaints
Concours 14 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Concours 14 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1132%
Latches & Locks515%
Other515%
Body & Structure412%
Suspension26%
Engine26%
Fuel System26%
Transmission13%
Steering13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V343000Body & StructureJuly 20, 2012 · 13,289 units

Defect

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Concours 14 (ZG1400 A/B/C/D) motorcycles. Due to a gap between the brake pedal and guard, small stone or debris can become trapped, creating a brake drag. This can cause the rear brake to overheat, leading to rear brake damage and lock-up or failure of the rear brakes. The front brakes may also be affected on ZG1400C models.

Consequence

If the brakes lock up or fail, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear master cylinder rod end and remove the brake guard (if installed), free of charge. The safety recall began on July 37, 2012. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN WARPING UNDER NORMAL RIDING CONDITIONS. PRESENTS UNSAFE, LESS THAN OPTIMAL BREAKING ABILITY. FRONT END LUNGES AT LOW SPEEDS AND VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEEDS, UNDER BREAKING. KAWASAKI REPLACED WARPED ROTORS TWICE AND I AM NOW IN NEED OF MY THIRD PAIR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2009

“MY 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURSE 14 HAD THE LEFT SADDLE BAG FALL OFF WHILE RIDING, LUCKILY IT WAS A RURAL ROAD AND I DID NOT INJURE ANYONE BEHIND ME. HOWEVER, IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS HAD IT FALLEN OFF ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE HEARD OTHER REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING ON 2008 KAWASAKI C-14S AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · December 19, 2007

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V047000 (EQUIPMENT) ON AUGUST 11, 2008. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE SADDLEBAGS DETACHED FROM THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 11, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14. WHILE RIDING 60 MPH, THE LOCKING MECHANISM FAILED AND THE HARD BAG ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DETACHED AND FELL ON THE ROAD. THE PLASTIC HOOK USED FOR THE VEHICLE HAS TWO WEAK PINS MOLDED INTO THE HOOKS. THE PINS FAILED AND MADE THE LOCK HOOKS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 1, 2007

“I PURCHASED A NEW ROKETA 250CC SCOOTER IN JULY OF 2008. THERE HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURES ON THIS BIKE. IF NOT BY THE GRACE OF GOD I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EACH INCIDENT. FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVES THE CYCLE STALLING OUT WHEN GOING PAST 50 MPH. THE BIKE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 10, 2008

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 — common questions

Is the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 10 Concours 14 years. It is one of the Concours 14 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Concours 14 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), latches & locks (5 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kawasaki Concours 14 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Concours 14 years to avoid are 2008. The cleanest record among Concours 14 years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.