First bike ever-2004 Kawasaki 2004 Concours

[redstone]

New here, just saying hello.

52, and finally got my first bike. Thanks to "Craig" (CraigsList), I am now an official moto owner. 2004 Kawasaki Concours. The owner rode it the first summer, then let it sit for the past 3 years in his garage. Tires were almost flat, battery was gone, but only 2,000 miles on it, and it still smelled of new paint when we finally started it. I'll be taking it into the dealer in a few days to have them replace all the fluids, check bolts, and whatever else they think is right for a bike that's sat for 3 years.

I've ridden over the years, but always some friend's bike. So I'm cautious as hell, radar on wide span, eyes open. I'm scheduled for a bike safety class later this week.

Question to any other Concours riders:

1. any add-on farkles you'd suggest? I'm already seeing a few scuff marks on the crotch side of the tank, so I'm looking around for a tank protector. Anyone using heated grips? There won't be anyone on the back seat, so I don't need a backrest, etc.

2. I'm 6'8". Are there things I can do to make a motorcycle fit me better? So far, I don't really mind how I'm fitting now, but I do notice that my size 15 boots get a bit tangled with the gear shifter and back brake. That may just be my newness to bike riding in general.

Anyway, just saying hello. If this forum takes pics, I'm including one below, in the driveway.

[eidian]

Congrats on the amazing find! As far as mods to the bike, you'll definitely get a better response in the "Sport/Touring" forum. As for footwear, are you wearing riding specific boots? If not, I strongly suggest that you do because you'll discover that the MC specific boots will be designed to fit your foot between the pegs and shifter as well as be constructed in the riding position. Meaning that it will have a slight forward lean to put you in perfect riding position; if you try to walk in them, you'll notice a slight bend in your knees because they will make your legs bend forward.

[redstone]

Thanks for the tip, eidian. I'll check that other forum!

[NCDave]

welcome. you found a great bike there. Hope you enjoy it.

With your size, I have no idea what you could do for comfort. Connie riders often get Gen-Mar risers, but with your reach, that might not be a problem.

You might consider getting a taller seat to give you more leg room.

Make sure they check and/or clean the carbs. sitting that long they are bound to have gunk in them from the fuel.

[redstone]

You might consider getting a taller seat to give you more leg room.

Make sure they check and/or clean the carbs. sitting that long they are bound to have gunk in them from the fuel.

Thanks, NCDave. I will definitely have them check the carbs and anything else that may have gunked up.

And I'm looking around for companies that can modify the seat some how.

[Skid marks]

Aw man, if I had the cash then the Concours would be the bike I would have gotten. Congrats man and enjoy her. Pretty, pretty bikes.