Just had a test Ride '09 GTR

[Dmcfadyen]

Hello all, just had a test ride on a 2009 4000 mile GTR. Seems great and makes my 2004 FJR feel heavy and a bit clumsy. The bike I'm looking at seems really well cared for with kawaski crash protectors, can't call them bungs or bobbins, they are obviously specifically designed. It has a hugger, fender extender and radiator protector. There is a power commander on it and this worries my a wee bit, I mean, the bike is nearly new so why install one of these things, will it muck up anything else. I've almost decided to do the deal but one thing was worrying me, the brakes, they seemed rubbish compared to my FJR, I had to pull the front brake lever almost as hard as I could to get decent stopping power, could the pads be glazed or something?, maybe the bike has much less 'dive' than mine and the braking sensation is just completely different. Thanks, Donald

[Winston Smith]

Probably needs new pads - mine is a 2009 and the brakes are fine.

Great machine, that will run rings around FJR's

[Kevin]

<snip> There is a power commander on it and this worries my a wee bit, I mean, the bike is nearly new so why install one of these things, will it muck up anything else. <snip>

The Power Commander is a good mod' IMO as it improves bottom end grunt assuming it's been set up correctly on the dyno. I took it off when we sold the bike and it's going on the 2010 GTR which was definitely bogging down in 3rd coming out of Waterworks on the TT circuit; I'm sure the PC will improve things.

Kevin

[Kwikasfuki]

I have a Power Commander V on mine as well as it improves the bottom end grunt. The braking issue could be due to pad wear or the brand. Get some OEM 2010 model pads (they fit on earlier models) which work brilliantly on my '08 bike.

It's a doddle to remove the PC and ebay it if you so wished.

[Lonewolf]

Don, welcome, take the plunge and get that GTR.
You dont say whether you are considering buying from a dealer of through a private sale.  Either way, my guess is that if the brakes feel poor there is something amiss there!
The brakes on the GTR are top notch and keen as mustard. Whether a dealer purchase or private, get the seller to whipout the pads and make sure you examine them. If the pads are in good nick, I'd be looking for a leak somewhere through the system or maybe in the callipers. My money though would be it'll be a quick fix of changing the pads.
I cant help you though on the Power Commander.

[Rusty]

Hello Donald and welcome to the forum !
Get the GTR for goodness sake .. it's a fantastic bit of kit and you will not regret it .
No problems with brakes ... I suggest, as the others have done so... new pads may be required and that will transform your stopping power. I have an 11 plated bike and I am sure the brakes will stop me quicker than an unlit skip.

[Cellerdweller]

Hi Donald I swapped from an 06 fjr to the gtr and in no way have I been disappointed the gtr is awesome it will in my opinion tour as well as anything and when required will get a move on . Go for the gtr you won't regret it ! I agree with the majority fit new pads and I'm sure the brakes will be transformed

[Dmcfadyen]

Thanks everyone, I'm off on Thursday and I'll go back to the dealer (Twowheels Edinburgh)and maybe have another run, see, thing is, there's a new bathroom to be installed, 2750 for that. If that wasn't getting done the GTR would be in the FJR's place. I need to be sure before signing on that wee dotted line.

Cheers

[patrick]

There should always be room to negotiate on the price........  so see how much discount you can get on the  BATHROOM!!!

[Rusty]

Donald .... Have faith my friend !
I waited for about 10 months from that defining moment when my brain went .... " I want one of those " at the Kawasaki dealer and riding it into the garage.
My dear wife has spent the last few weeks measuring and now just the other day placing the order for a new kitchen .... if I was to have a new bike I knew that Lady Rusty would need pleasing ( now now boys ... no smut thank you ! ) .... so now all is well.
Get one .... you know it makes sense.

[Dmcfadyen]

Going to get the GTR. I had another run on it last week. It's a real cracker. Thanks for the thoughts lads. Donald

[Lonewolf]

Going to get the GTR. I had another run on it last week. It's a real cracker. Thanks for the thoughts lads. Donald

Youv'e made the right decision!! ;D

[Andy]

Looks good  :)



http://www.twowheels.co.uk/used/details.php?bike=2356

What's that on the rear rack? I'm no expert on 2nd hand prices, I paid £11.5k for a 2010 model "11" reg from a Kawasaki dealer  :) What new tyres has it got? ABS brakes can have different "feel", correct?

[Dmcfadyen]

It's a Givi rack but the top box insn't there. The bike's a cracker, I was to phone the salesman today to pay a deposit but was swamped, I'll call in the morning, their APR is 17.9% that'll be right, I'll get 9.1% on moneysupermarket.

[Lonewolf]

I've never tried that moneysupermarket.com site before. Just gven it a whirl, 6.7% at Sainsbury's thats a cracking good deal.

Nice colour as well by the way, I like the black ones.