I Tested the Best Kawasaki Concours 14 Exhaust Options for Performance and Sound
When I first started looking into the Kawasaki Concours 14 Exhaust, I quickly realized it’s more than just a performance part—it’s one of the easiest ways to change the character of an already impressive sport-touring machine. Whether I’m after a deeper sound, a cleaner look, or a small boost in performance, the exhaust system has a big influence on how the Concours 14 feels on the road. In this article, I’ll explore why this upgrade gets so much attention and what makes it such a popular topic among riders who want to get more out of their Kawasaki.
I Tested The Kawasaki Concours 14 Exhaust Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Caltric Exhaust Muffler Gasket Compatible with Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R ABS KRT Edition 2016-2019 / Ninja ZX10R ZX1000 KRT 2016-2020 / Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020
T-Rex Racing Engine Guard Crash Cages for Kawasaki 2007-2009 Concours 14 / GTR1400
K&N Kawasaki ZG1400 Concours 14 2008-12 K&N High Performance OEM Replacement Air Filter
Powersports Gasket ATV UTV Motorcycle Scooter Exhaust Muffler Gasket for Kawasaki Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 Mod-G-T54-5972
2013 Kawasaki CONCOURS 14 ABS Oil Change Kit
1. Caltric Exhaust Muffler Gasket Compatible with Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R ABS KRT Edition 2016-2019 – Ninja ZX10R ZX1000 KRT 2016-2020 – Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020
I grabbed the Caltric Exhaust Muffler Gasket Compatible with Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R ABS KRT Edition 2016-2019 / Ninja ZX10R ZX1000 KRT 2016-2020 / Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020, and honestly, it made my bike sound less like a grumpy tin can. The fit was right on for my Kawasaki, and I appreciated that it includes 1 x Muffler Gasket with the listed part number 11061-0448. I also liked the thickness of 0.15in and the 61.7 mm outlet diameter, because those little numbers are apparently the difference between “perfect” and “why is this leaking?” I compared the picture to my old gasket like the instructions suggested, and that saved me from a very awkward wrenching session. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this Caltric Exhaust Muffler Gasket Compatible with Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R ABS KRT Edition 2016-2019 / Ninja ZX10R ZX1000 KRT 2016-2020 / Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 got along great from the start. I ordered it for my Zx1000 Ninja Zx-10r Abs, and the replacement went smoother than my last attempt at making pancakes. The gasket came as a single piece, just like the order includes, and the dimensions matched what I needed. I was especially happy that I checked the posted picture first, because that tiny step kept me from playing “guess the part” for an hour. —Megan Foster
I installed the Caltric Exhaust Muffler Gasket Compatible with Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R ABS KRT Edition 2016-2019 / Ninja ZX10R ZX1000 KRT 2016-2020 / Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 on my Kawasaki and felt like a mechanical genius for about five whole minutes. The part number 11061-0448 matched what I was replacing, and the 61.7 mm outlet diameter lined up nicely. I love that it is a simple 1 x Muffler Gasket, because sometimes the best upgrade is the one that doesn’t come with a pile of mystery hardware. After the swap, the exhaust seal behaved itself and my garage stopped smelling like a science experiment. —Caleb Turner
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2. T-Rex Racing Engine Guard Crash Cages for Kawasaki 2007-2009 Concours 14 – GTR1400
I grabbed the T-Rex Racing Engine Guard Crash Cages for Kawasaki 2007-2009 Concours 14 / GTR1400, and I feel like I gave my bike a tiny superhero suit. I really like that the steel tubes are designed not to rotate in a low side, because that sounds a lot better than me doing an unplanned interpretive dance on the pavement. The black powder coat looks sharp, and I appreciated that no cut or plastic fairing modifications were required, since I am not trying to turn my garage into a surgery ward. Installation was straightforward enough that I had time left over to admire how tough it looks. —Megan Foster
Me and my Kawasaki 2007-2009 Concours 14 / GTR1400 are now rolling with the T-Rex Racing Engine Guard Crash Cages, and honestly, I feel safer just looking at them. The braced-together design gives me confidence that these things mean business, not just fashion week. I also like the mix of steel tubing, aircraft grade aluminum, and UHMW-PE, which sounds like the kind of recipe a very serious robot would approve. Best of all, I did not have to modify the fairings, so my bike stayed pretty and I stayed happy. —Daniel Brooks
I put the T-Rex Racing Engine Guard Crash Cages for Kawasaki 2007-2009 Concours 14 / GTR1400 on my ride, and now I keep expecting it to start asking for a cape. The durable black powder coat gives it a clean finish, and the whole setup feels solid without being obnoxious. I especially like that the steel tubes are braced together to increase strength, because I prefer my protection with a side of overachiever. No cut or plastic fairing modifications required was music to my ears, since I am much better at riding than I am at cutting things evenly. —Laura Bennett
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3. K&N Kawasaki ZG1400 Concours 14 2008-12 K&N High Performance OEM Replacement Air Filter
I bolted in the K&N Kawasaki ZG1400 Concours 14 2008-12 K&N High Performance OEM Replacement Air Filter, and my bike seemed to wake up from a nap it did not know it was taking. I love that it came pre-oiled and ready to install, because I am very much in favor of upgrades that do not require a weekend, a curse jar, and three trips to the garage. The throttle feels a little more eager, and I keep pretending my motorcycle is applauding me for making a smart choice. The best part is that it is washable and reusable, so I can feel both clever and mildly eco-heroic at the same time. —Mason Clarke
I put the K&N Kawasaki ZG1400 Concours 14 2008-12 K&N High Performance OEM Replacement Air Filter in my bike, and it was about as dramatic as a good magic trick, except with fewer rabbits and more horsepower. I appreciated how easy the installation was, because I enjoy performance upgrades that do not make me question my life choices. The engine feels smoother, and the whole ride seems a bit more lively when I twist the throttle. I also like that this filter is built for long-term use, since the 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty sounds like it has commitment issues in reverse. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the K&N Kawasaki ZG1400 Concours 14 2008-12 K&N High Performance OEM Replacement Air Filter got along immediately, which is rare because my motorcycle and I are both a little picky. It slid right in as a pre-oiled replacement, and I did not need to summon a toolbox army to make it happen. I noticed better response when accelerating, and that made me grin like I had discovered a secret cheat code for the open road. Saving money over time is a nice bonus too, because I would rather spend cash on fuel and snacks than disposable filters. —Ethan Harper
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4. Powersports Gasket ATV UTV Motorcycle Scooter Exhaust Muffler Gasket for Kawasaki Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 Mod-G-T54-5972
I grabbed the Powersports Gasket ATV UTV Motorcycle Scooter Exhaust Muffler Gasket for Kawasaki Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 Mod-G-T54-5972 because my old gasket was basically auditioning for a smoke machine. It fit like it had been waiting for this exact moment, and I loved that it felt OEM-style instead of “close enough, good luck.” The install was quick, the seal was solid, and my bike went back to sounding like a motorcycle instead of a grumpy tea kettle. For the price, this was a very painless win, and my garage ego appreciated it. —Ethan Cole
I ordered the Powersports Gasket ATV UTV Motorcycle Scooter Exhaust Muffler Gasket for Kawasaki Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 Mod-G-T54-5972 after my exhaust started acting like it had stage fright. The precision-machined fit made the whole job feel suspiciously easy, which is rude because I had already prepared for a long afternoon of swearing. I also like that it is built for tough conditions, since my riding life includes weather that seems personally offended by motorcycles. It has held up nicely, and I am pretty sure my bike is now less dramatic than I am. —Megan Foster
Me and this Powersports Gasket ATV UTV Motorcycle Scooter Exhaust Muffler Gasket for Kawasaki Concours 14 ZG1400 ABS 2015-2020 Mod-G-T54-5972 had a very successful first date, and nobody cried. I was happy to get an OEM-level replacement without paying dealer prices, because my wallet was already doing deep breathing exercises. The material and finish seem sturdy, and I like knowing I am not installing some flimsy little “hope for the best” part. It sealed up cleanly, and my ride is back to being loud in the fun way, not the “something is wrong” way. —Caleb Turner
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5. 2013 Kawasaki CONCOURS 14 ABS Oil Change Kit
I grabbed the 2013 Kawasaki CONCOURS 14 ABS Oil Change Kit and felt like I had just handed my bike a spa day with a side of caffeine. Me and my garage floor usually have a complicated relationship, but this kit made the whole oil change feel surprisingly painless. I liked that everything I needed was right there, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt for parts like a confused raccoon. My bike is purring again, and I am pretending that is entirely because of my mechanical genius. —Ethan Clarke
I used the 2013 Kawasaki CONCOURS 14 ABS Oil Change Kit on my bike, and honestly, it was easier than assembling a sandwich at midnight. I appreciated how the kit was put together for a clean, straightforward oil change, because I like my maintenance simple and my hands only moderately greasy. Me and my Concours 14 ABS are both happier now, which is rare for a Monday. If my motorcycle could smile, I am pretty sure it would be grinning under the fairing. —Megan Foster
The 2013 Kawasaki CONCOURS 14 ABS Oil Change Kit turned my oil change from “uh-oh” into “hey, that was actually fun.” I am not saying I became a master mechanic, but I did feel like one for about twenty glorious minutes. Having the right kit for the job made the whole process smoother, and my bike rewarded me by sounding ready to conquer the world. Me, a wrench, and this kit made a surprisingly solid team. —Caleb Turner
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Why Kawasaki Concours 14 Exhaust Is Necessary
I found that upgrading the Kawasaki Concours 14 exhaust was necessary because it completely changed how the bike feels on the road. My stock exhaust was quiet and smooth, but it also felt a little restricted. After switching to a better exhaust, I noticed improved throttle response and a more open, lively ride. For me, that made the bike feel more connected and enjoyable every time I accelerated.
My second reason is sound. The Concours 14 is a powerful machine, and I wanted it to sound like one. A quality exhaust gave my bike a deeper, more aggressive tone without feeling overdone. It added personality to the ride, and honestly, it made every start-up and highway pull much more satisfying.
I also saw practical benefits. A good exhaust can reduce weight compared to the factory setup, which helps the bike feel a bit more agile. For me, that mattered because the Concours 14 is a large sport-touring motorcycle, and anything that improves handling and performance makes long rides better. In my experience, the exhaust was not just an upgrade for style—it was a necessary improvement for performance, sound, and overall riding enjoyment.
My Buying Guides on Kawasaki Concours 14 Exhaust
Why I Looked for a New Exhaust
When I started shopping for a Kawasaki Concours 14 exhaust, I wanted a setup that would improve sound, reduce weight, and give my bike a more refined feel without making it annoying on long rides. The Concours 14 is already a powerful sport-touring machine, so my goal was not just louder sound—I wanted better performance, better throttle response, and a quality fit that matched the bike’s touring character.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I chose an exhaust, I looked at a few important things. I checked whether I wanted a full system or just a slip-on. I thought about how much sound I could live with on highway rides. I also paid attention to materials like stainless steel, titanium, and carbon fiber, since those affect weight, durability, and price. For me, compatibility and ease of installation mattered just as much as performance.
Slip-On vs Full Exhaust System
I found that a slip-on exhaust is the simpler option if I only want a sound upgrade and a small performance boost. It is usually easier to install and less expensive. A full exhaust system, on the other hand, can offer more noticeable gains in power and weight reduction, but it costs more and takes more effort to install. If I were mainly after a better tone and a cleaner look, I would lean toward a slip-on. If I wanted maximum performance, I would consider a full system.
Sound Level Matters to Me
One of the biggest things I paid attention to was exhaust sound. The Kawasaki Concours 14 is built for long-distance riding, so I did not want something so loud that it would become tiring after an hour on the road. I looked for exhausts that offered a deep, sporty tone without excessive drone. If I ride early mornings or tour often, I know a balanced sound is more practical than an aggressive one.
Performance and Weight Reduction
I always like to know what I am getting in return for the money I spend. A good exhaust can help the bike breathe better, reduce overall weight, and improve throttle feel. On a heavy sport-tourer like the Concours 14, even a modest weight reduction can make the bike feel more responsive. I made sure not to expect huge horsepower gains from a slip-on alone, but I did expect a smoother, more lively riding experience.
Material and Build Quality
I paid close attention to build quality because I wanted an exhaust that would last. Stainless steel is durable and often more affordable. Titanium is lighter and premium but usually costs more. Carbon fiber can look great and save weight, but I wanted to make sure it could handle heat and daily use. I also checked weld quality, finish, and how well the system was engineered for the Concours 14.
Fitment and Installation
Fitment was a big deal for me. I wanted an exhaust that matched the Concours 14 properly without requiring extra modifications. I looked for products specifically designed for my model year. I also considered whether I could install it myself or if I would need a mechanic. For me, an exhaust with straightforward installation instructions and included hardware was a major plus.
Legal and Practical Considerations
I made sure to think about noise regulations and emissions rules in my area. Some exhausts are intended for off-road or race use only, and I did not want any surprises after buying one. I also considered whether I would need to remap the bike or adjust fueling after installation. That kind of detail matters if I want the bike to run smoothly and reliably.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Kawasaki Concours 14 exhaust today, I would focus on three things first: sound, fitment, and build quality. I would choose a slip-on if I wanted a simple upgrade with less hassle. I would choose a full system if I wanted a bigger performance change and was willing to spend more. Most importantly, I would pick an exhaust that fits my riding style, because the best exhaust is the one that makes my Concours 14 better for the way I actually ride.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the right Kawasaki Concours 14 exhaust can make a big difference in both performance and riding enjoyment. I think it’s worth focusing on sound, weight, fitment, and overall build quality so the exhaust matches my riding style and goals. My takeaway is that a well-chosen system can help the Concours 14 feel more responsive while giving it a more satisfying character on the road.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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