Author Topic: Concours 14 Paint Colors  (Read 28446 times)

Offline maxtog

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Concours 14 Paint Colors
« on: September 26, 2015, 12:20:05 PM »
I was getting tired of not being able to figure out which colors were what/where/when.  So I spent a few hours doing the research to bring all the info I could find together in one place which includes the market, the official color name, and some type of sane (non-marketing) description of the color.

Most years, Kawasaki offers the Concours in two colors for each market.  There are several markets, the biggest probably being the US (United States of America) and second EU (European Union) and third CA (Canada).  In most markets, for most years  (excluding 2008, 2010, 2017, 2018 in the US), Kawasaki offered two colors- some type of black and some type of non-black.  Who knows why they choose what color(s) for what market.  See this thread: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10709

I will continue to update this first posting with any corrections and new information I can find.  At the moment, the US and EU info should be complete, but the CA (Canada) info is incomplete.

2008
US/CA/EU: "Neutron Silver" (light stone blue/"silverdamnit")
EU: "Metallic Diablo Black" (black)

2009
US: "Candy Diamond Red" (burgundy-ish dark red)
US/CA: "Metallic Diablo Black" (black)
EU: "Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue" (very dark blue)
EU: "Metallic Moondust Gray" (medium grey)

2010
US/EU: "Candy Neptune Blue" (dark blue)
EU: "Metallic Magnesium Gray" (medium brownish grey)

2011
US: "Atomic Silver" (light/true silver)
US/EU: "Ebony Black" (glossy black)
EU: "Metallic Dark Green" (dark green/"forest green")

2012
US/EU/CA: "Candy Arabian Red" (dark brownish red/"rootbeer")
US/CA: "Ebony Black: (glossy black)
EU: "Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue" (very dark blue)

2013
US: "Metallic Nocturne Blue" (medium blue)
US/EU/CA: "Metallic Spark Black" (black with reflective flake)
EU/CA: "Perl Mereor Gray" (very dark grey/light black)

2014
US/CA: "New Candy Cardinal Red" (light red/"cherry red")
US/EU/CA: "Metallic Spark Black" (black with reflective flake)
EU: "Metallic Graphite Gray" (dark brownish grey)

2015
US/CA: "Candy Lime Green" (light green/"Kawasaki green")
US/CA/EU: "Metallic Spark Black" (black with reflective flake)
EU: "Metallic Moondust Gray" (medium grey)

2016
US/EU/CA: "Metallic Moondust Gray" (medium grey)
US/CA: "Metallic Spark Black" (black with reflective flake) with green pin-striping on sides and panniers
EU: "Metallic Slate Blue" (medium greyish blue)

2017
US/CA: "Candy Imperial Blue" (medium blue)
EU:  "Metallic Carbon Gray" (black) with green pin-striping on sides and panniers

2018
US/CA: "Metallic Carbon Gray" (very dark gray) with green pin-striping on sides and panniers
EU:  DISCONTINUED!!  :(

2019 - 2020
US/CA: "Metallic Matte Fusion Silver" (Atomic [true] Silver, but without gloss) but with a "Metallic Spark Black" gas tank and leading upper fairing section (unless that is a sticker), flat-black leading lower fairing section (possibly unpainted), and with green pin-striping under front logo.

2021
US/CA: "Metallic Spark Black" (black with reflective flake) but with a flat dark grey leading lower fairing section (possibly unpainted), and with green pin-striping under front logo and on the panniers.

2022
US/CA: "Metallic Spark Black" (black with reflective flake) but with a flat dark grey leading lower fairing section (possibly unpainted), and with magenta pin-striping under front logo and on the panniers.

Attached below is a color diagram supplied by "blue72beetle" (with a few errors on the black models being repeated).
« Last Edit: November 29, 2021, 08:03:36 PM by Rick Hall »
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2015, 12:58:29 PM »
 :hail: :thumbs: :goodpost:
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2015, 06:25:31 PM »
Wheel colors make a difference as well.  I choose a new 2012 over a leftover 2011 for the black wheels.    Were those the only two wheel color offerings?
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Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2015, 07:53:38 PM »
Wheel colors make a difference as well.  I choose a new 2012 over a leftover 2011 for the black wheels.    Were those the only two wheel color offerings?

Yes.  In 2012 they went from super silver to bland black :)  (and have stayed that way)
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline gPink

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2015, 06:05:28 AM »
Yes.  In 2012 they went from super silver to bland black :)  (and have stayed that way)

Is this the official color name,or some type of sane (non-marketing) description of the color.  :)

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2015, 06:57:44 AM »
Max, if you don't mind, I'm going to copy your OP and put it into the FAQ section.
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Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2015, 07:26:59 AM »
Is this the official color name,or some type of sane (non-marketing) description of the color.  :)

LOL
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2015, 07:27:41 AM »
Max, if you don't mind, I'm going to copy your OP and put it into the FAQ section.

Works for me.  I am hoping to add more info and make corrections.  I can't believe it is all correct on the first try.  That just doesn't happen.
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #8 on: October 16, 2015, 05:48:17 AM »
2016 US/EU added.  CA not announced yet.
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline DaddyFlip

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #9 on: October 16, 2015, 06:27:56 AM »
Wheel colors make a difference as well.  I choose a new 2012 over a leftover 2011 for the black wheels.    Were those the only two wheel color offerings?

I like the silver wheels better so I chose a leftover 2011 over 2012-15. I also like ebony better than metallic spark, so no more excuses.
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Offline SilverConnieRider

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #10 on: October 19, 2015, 07:15:38 PM »
In 2010 you only list the Candy Neptune Blue.

In the MCN August 2010 magazine it ALSO lists Flat Super Black.



Never have figured out why every year they offer black and only one another color.
I know a lot of you like black - it's just not my choice for any vehicle I would want to own.
Black can look really good when clean and shiny.  Hard to keep it clean though and it gets hot.

So many other colors to choose from, I really don't why they think they have to offer black every year.
Especially since they don't offer it in other countries.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2016, 02:48:59 PM by SilverConnieRider »

Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #11 on: October 19, 2015, 09:33:41 PM »
In 2010 you only list the Candy Neptune Blue.

In the MCN August 2010 magazine it ALSO lists Flat Super Black.

That article was probably just wrong.  See:

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-abs-ar80297.html  "The only 2010 color available is Candy Neptune Blue/Flat Super Black."

and

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-review-88880.html  "If you want the 2010 Concours 14 you can have it any color you want as long as it's Candy Neptune Blue."

and

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasaki_concours_14_2010.php  "Color options:   Candy Neptune Blue"


Quote
Never have figures out why every year they offer black and only one another color.

Every year except 2008 and 2010.  I don't know why either.

Quote
I know a lot of you like black - it's just not my choice for any vehicle I would want to own.
Black can look really good when clean and shiny.  Hard to keep it clean though and it gets hot.

Black looks really great, but only when is good condition and when perfectly clean, which is about never.  It shows every speck, every scratch, has poor visibility, is very hot in the sun, and is difficult to clean.  I owned only one black vehicle in my life, and never will again.

Quote
So many other colors to choose from, I really don't why they think they have to offer black every year. Especially since they don't offer it in other countries.

For some reason they believe it is what we USA'ians want.  I suppose they have some type of marketing data to back it up.
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #12 on: October 20, 2015, 04:00:43 AM »
For some reason they believe it is what we USA'ians want.  I suppose they have some type of marketing data to back it up.

Top 10 auto colors for 2015.. Black is near the bottom of the list with white at 10.  Both of those colors I've had and will never buy again.

http://top10for.com/top-10-popular-car-colors-2015/
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Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #13 on: October 20, 2015, 05:34:54 AM »
Top 10 auto colors for 2015.. Black is near the bottom of the list with white at 10.  Both of those colors I've had and will never buy again.

http://top10for.com/top-10-popular-car-colors-2015/

I am not sure I believe that site.  The most popular 2015 color is "golden"?  I have never seen a single "golden" car.  Second most popular is brown?  I have seen brown, but that is pretty rare.
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline Blown32

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #14 on: October 20, 2015, 05:44:33 AM »
 Just looked at it and the #1 color (gold) is on 1% of cars and the #7 color (silver) is on 65%. 

Fluff/space filler article for sure; the author may be on some sort of mind altering medication as well. 


That being said, I reside on a gravel road so no black cars or bikes for me!
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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #15 on: October 20, 2015, 12:48:23 PM »
Black is the worse color on a fully-faired bike from a safety standpoint. It's MUCH better to be more visible. In fact, no black bike, jacket or helmet were the 'conditions' my wife gave me to ride. I personally believe we all should ride like if were invisible (I do), meaning color doesn't mean much when you ride defensively. But doesn't hurt to be visible either. So to keep her happy, I comply with her wishes. That meant a freaking frog green bike at my 53, but nobody can see that with a helmet on ;D. And if somebody ever hits me, they won't be able to claim they didn't see me. He he. Bottom line is most mature people I know prefer other than black colors (probably for the reason mentioned above), and Kawasaki should deliver that on a sport-touring bike bought by  mature people IMO. Having said that, the green is not that bad, and visible from space, so all good 8).

Offline SilverConnieRider

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #16 on: October 20, 2015, 08:04:14 PM »
That article was probably just wrong.  See:

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-abs-ar80297.html  "The only 2010 color available is Candy Neptune Blue/Flat Super Black."

and

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-review-88880.html  "If you want the 2010 Concours 14 you can have it any color you want as long as it's Candy Neptune Blue."

and

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasaki_concours_14_2010.php  "Color options:   Candy Neptune Blue"


Every year except 2008 and 2010.  I don't know why either.

Black looks really great, but only when is good condition and when perfectly clean, which is about never.  It shows every speck, every scratch, has poor visibility, is very hot in the sun, and is difficult to clean.  I owned only one black vehicle in my life, and never will again.

For some reason they believe it is what we USA'ians want.  I suppose they have some type of marketing data to back it up.

Well I guess I can't believe everything I read -  THANKS for setting the record straight.   :chugbeer:

Offline Jim M.

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #17 on: October 21, 2015, 05:16:44 AM »
  I was in Belgium a couple of years ago and as I was passing a Kawasaki dealer, I happened to see the Metallic Green (Forest Green) C-14 sitting out front. Wow! What a gorgeous color! It looked so classy. If they would bring that color here in the US, I might think about trading the old '08.

Offline maxtog

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #18 on: December 11, 2016, 04:34:56 PM »
Never have figured out why every year they offer black and only one another color.

Updated for 2017.
This is the third time they have NOT offered black.
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline just gone

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Re: Concours 14 Paint Colors
« Reply #19 on: December 11, 2016, 07:32:25 PM »
Hmmm, 2010 Neptune Blue was so close to appearing black I'm sure they thought why offer it that year. My '10 is frequently mistaken for black unless
it is sitting in bright sunshine. My favorite color in photos is the European Green from 2011. I've never seen it first hand.  :(

So, no 2017 model for the EU...some new stricter emissions restrictions cause that or...what??
edit: Ok I just read this:http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22019.msg273367#msg273367

Black is the worse color on a fully-faired bike from a safety standpoint. It's MUCH better to be more visible.

Agreed, especially at night. However there are some that have other thoughts on the subject.
 Second/multi-hand story so actual source is in doubt: A truck driver said that "Silver and Gray are the worst colors because blacktop is only black for the first 4 months. Then it becomes gray like concrete roads. The silver and gray bikes disappear into the pavement if their lights are out or misaimed. Black bikes are much easier to see down the road than silver ones are, but nothing "POPS" like those Yellow Goldwings do."