With a very heavy heart

[O.C.]

My beautiful GTR must go and be replaced with a lighter more manageable bike.    

A similar situation happened a few years ago and at that time I was again forced to make this decision based on health issues, which sadly have again come to light again.

I'm absolutely    gutted, but I must recognise the reality of my physical situation.

Long term (13+years) severe back condition has caused me difficulties which have now reached a point where I MUST get a lighter bike. I love my GTR and don't want to say goodbye, it's by far the best GTR I have ever owned, so thank you Kawasaki, but it really has got to be replaced.

Its replacement will be with me in a couple of weeks, its GREEN BTW  , lighter and more manageable for me, its all about common sense and practicality, my heart strings are saying one thing but my head says another, so its goodbye GTR number 4, and hello to a more manageable bike.

I have a number of items for sale which I will list seperately, Top Sellerie seat, Phills farkles top box rack, Akrapovic end can, and maybe some other bits and bobs

TBH it's been a VERY, VERY difficult decision but I'm left with no other alternative

Worse than all that (for you lot) is the fact that I will still contribute to this outstanding forum, and enjoy the company of like minded folk who I consider to be good friends, the good news is that I will still have both GREEN blood in my veins and a Kawasaki in the Rev Shed 

[PRD]

What a shame Roger but your health is the most important thing. I look forward to hearing about your new bike. At least it is not a BMW!

[O.C.]

Thank you Pete No it definitely isn't a BMW     

[mikeyw64]

have you considered stabilisers ;)

[StickyOne]

I am sorry to hear that, from a devoted GTR rider such as yourself undoubtedly is.
But there are other decent bikes out there and we choose them to suit our requirements and riding styles.
As times change so do we and it is a case of being sensible, because you'll only regret it if you were to drop it or to injure yourself.
I came down from a Goldwing to a GTR for the same reasons and at the time I had a heavy heart, but I don't regret the move for one second.
I hope you'll settle in to your new acquisition equally as smoothly.
Can I have first dibs of the Phil's Farkels top box rack please!

[PaulB]

Sorry to hear of the health problems forcing the issue on your choice of bike. But try and put a positive spin on it: you're getting a new bike!

So, no more teasing. What are you getting?

Cheers

Paul B.

[stoketim]

sorry to hear your long term health problems have returned Roger, all the best with what ever bike you have chosen.
you'll still be welcome at our yearly get together this year 

[O.C.]

I am sorry to hear that, from a devoted GTR rider such as yourself undoubtedly is.
But there are other decent bikes out there and we choose them to suit our requirements and riding styles.
As times change so do we and it is a case of being sensible, because you'll only regret it if you were to drop it or to injure yourself.
I came down from a Goldwing to a GTR for the same reasons and at the time I had a heavy heart, but I don't regret the move for one second.
I hope you'll settle in to your new acquisition equally as smoothly.
Can I have first dibs of the Phil's Farkels top box rack please!

Yep you can,

I'm just waiting for Steve to authorise a couple of posts in the Market section

Sorry to hear of the health problems forcing the issue on your choice of bike. But try and put a positive spin on it: you're getting a new bike!

So, no more teasing. What are you getting?

Cheers

Paul B.

2017, Versys 1000 GT  I looked at a numebr of options including the Z 1000 SX, but it wouldn't have been any good for my back and pillion facilities are 'limited' 

sorry to hear your long term health problems have returned Roger, all the best with what ever bike you have chosen.
you'll still be welcome at our yearly get together this year 

 
And yes, I do plan to be at this years the get together, well, I better had be cos I'm organising it 

[PRD]

Good choice of replacement.

[stoketim]

And yes, I do plan to be at this years the get together, well, I better had be cos I'm organising it 


I knew that Roger

[Macskwak]

Ah roger so sorry your not too good its a real shame that we have to reach that point when our head says yes but our body says no  i wish you well on your new bike and a fine hoss it is too
Sadly my own illness has come back with avengence and so im in your very boat too. My 08 will be up for grabs soon as im not gonna be able to ride in a few months so my sympathies are with you rog. Best wishes ol son  mac 👍👍

[PaulB]

Good choice of replacement.

Treat yourself to a Scott Oiler. Chains. Yukky, nasty things

Cheers

Paul B.

[O.C.]

Treat yourself to a Scott Oiler. Chains. Yukky, nasty things

Cheers

Paul B.

I've had chains on plenty bikes Paul, in fact I had  seven 'chain' bikes  a while ago, mind you they were mostly older/classics and didn't get ridden much

Modern chains and proprietary lubrication/cleaners are massively improved, for example I'm informed that I wont have to boil my chain in chain lub every week 

If I could have found a suitable replacement with shaft drive then I would probably have made that choice, but there's nothing suitable         

[flatfour]

Rog, as you know I went from a GTR to a new Versys 1000 GT in mid - 2015 and for me, it is a lot better. The bike feels much lighter (it is after all 60kg less) accelerates better from low speeds in the higher gears and is comfortable for all day riding. I really liked the GTR, however the Versys suits better and, like you it was weight that forced the change (and prevented me from buying a BMW K1600 GT).

My Versys has some 8,300 miles on it now and the chain has been adjusted twice, once at around 1,500 miles and again at 5,500 miles. Currently, it shows no signs of needing further adjustment. I use a spray - lubricant frequently and carry a small can under the seat for touring.

I do think that when you have put a few miles on the Versys you will really like it.

[O.C.]

Cheers Colin, I did own a generation one Versys in 2012 and I know the latest one is even better