Hello Everyone !

[Rusty]

Just wanted to say " Hello " !!
I may be the first chap to sign up who doesn't actually own a GTR at the moment !
My current bike is a Honda CB1300, naked, 07 plate, and I love it to bits but am drawn to the GTR for many reasons... mainly keeping me warm and dry in the winter commute. I have done lots of research and surfing and hence i came across this site. ( Nice )
I am sure that when I test ride one that will be it and I shall have to part with some money !
So then .... anyone like to give me their general views ? Quality ? Finish ? Servicing ? Kawasaki dealers helpful ? etc ... i have had 3 Hondas and they have all been excellent so this may be my first time away.
Look forward to hearing from you and I shall let you know what happens !
Regards to you all.

[Kwikasfuki]

Hi, and welcome to the forums.
I remember looking at the GTR when it was first announced and wanting one. My friend advised me that a 1400 wad asking for trouble and to work up to it. Eventually purchased one last year and it has been the best bike I've owned
My previous bike was a Honda Varadero 1000, but the bike had problems in high winds so I sold.
I wouldn't say that the build quality is quite as good as Honda, but it isn't something to be mocked either as its not far off. I do approx 100 miles on my bike daily and the only issue has been with the TPS which was replaced under warranty. Other than that, it has a service interval of 4000 miles, and my dealer, Autorama in Batley, has been very good.
There's a whole load of after market accessories depending on your needs. Mines got a cee baileys windscreen, clear paint protector, heated grips, hugger, fender extended, remus exhaust, and soon to have a power commander v.
Insurance isn't bad, coming at 170 quid with 6 yrs no claims.
The competition is a FJR, BMW K1300, Honda Pan European and VFR. Most reviews tend to have the GTR at the top.
As a person who uses their bike daily, my only gripe would be the range the tank offers. But then again I have a heavy wrist :)
Test ride one and you won't (hopefully) look back.

[Lonewolf]

Lord Rusty, welcome. It seems you and I have a few things in common.  I recently sold my Honda CB 1300s and bought a black GTR, they are in a totally different leauge. I had the naked CB1300 before the sports version and then had the sports version for six months or so before I got bored of it.

The GTR is without doubt the best bike I have owned and I can envisage that when it is due for replacement, (which wont be anytime soon) I will not hesitate to get another!

I haven't really had the GTR long enough to give any constructive feedback on such things as quality, finish etc, but what I can say is that with any bike somebody will always find fault. So far, touch wood, the GTR is everything I wanted from a bike. Its so smooth being shaft driven, 0-60 in 3 seconds, 0-100 in about 5 seconds and 0-150 in not much longer.......so I'm told!  The luggage size is more than adequate & the handling is superb especially compared to the CB1300. You've probably been looking for a sixth gear on your CB well you actually have one on the GTR which is called overdrive. Book a test ride on one and see what you think. Try to find a dealer who will loan you one for a weekend, whereabouts are you based?

[Kwikasfuki]

0-60 in 3 secs? You're not opening the throttle hard enough. The first time I opened the throttle I had to hold on for dear life

[Lonewolf]

0-60 in 3 secs? You're not opening the throttle hard enough. The first time I opened the throttle I had to hold on for dear life

I'm a very sedate rider ;D

[Rusty]

Thanks chaps ... the replies are great, just the sort of stuff I wanted to hear ! I am in West Sussex and have already been to the dealership and a loan bike wont be a problem.  I like the idea of having everything already on the bike, panniers and heated grips etc. The only thing holding me back at the moment is the ££££. A lot of money for a bike, but i can hear you telling me ..." I wont be disappointed " !
The CBR was in for a service last week and I had a new VFR1200 for a few hours .... ugly looking BUT what a bike !  I hope the GTR will be just as swift.
Look forward to reading more of the web site and chatting about stuff and will let you all know when the big day is ... when NOT if !
Thanks once again for your time and efforts. :)

[Lonewolf]

Lord Rusty, are you looking to buy a new or used GTR? I couldn't quite get the go ahead from she who must be obeyed to buy a new one so I bought a used one and I've no regrets. I never buy new, you lose so much money as soon as you ride it out of the showroom. Personal choice though I guess.

Either way you will not be disappointed!

[Rusty]

Lonewolf .... like you, Madame must be obeyed... and hey, I quite like the use of my legs !  I think an ex demo is the answer .... a few miles on the clock and saving about £1500 is usually a good idea.... unless I feel really reckless .... anyway, she'll never catch me on a GTR !!!!!

[Kwikasfuki]

What finance deals are Kawasaki doing at the moment? Sometimes I'm temped to go for the new model myself.

Saw a '10 model of an FJR today, and that looked tempting as well.

[Lonewolf]

The FJR is a very competent machine but I do not personally think it is in the same league as the GTR any more than the Pan is. Also I think the FJR is almost £14500!