New Hyabusa

[O.C.]

I read this report and wondered ' if Suzuki see a niche and can satisfy Euro 5 emission regulations then maybe KHI could do the same thing and re-introduce the GTR in 1441cc guise'

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/suzuki-hayabusa/   

Let's not lose sight of the fact that Kawasaki already offer a range of alternatives within the latest line up of bikes

Just thinking         

[PRD]

GTR 1441 now that is an exciting thought.

[Boomer]

Unlikely as it would need a major redesign of the 1441cc engine to get it to meet EURO5 specs (required as of 1 Jan 2021). If Kawasaki ever decide to release a shaft-driven ST bike again, then it'll almost certainly be based on the Super-Charged 1000cc engine that they have spent a lot of money developing. It's far easier to reduce emissions with forced induction, which is why so many new cars are turbo/super charged now.

As for the "alternative" Kawasaki's, sorry OC, but there is nothing in their current line that even comes close to the GTR for those of us over 6 foot tall. While some models work for some people, I can categorically state that none of them work for me. The same holds for just about every other motorcycle manufacturer.

At the moment my choice seems to be between used GTR1000s, used 1400GTRs and of those I lean towards the GTR1000 the most, enough so that I am considering buying a low miler and mothballing it. I guess I'm just an analogue biker in a digital world. 

[O.C.]

Unlikely as it would need a major redesign of the 1441cc engine to get it to meet EURO5 specs (required as of 1 Jan 2021). If Kawasaki ever decide to release a shaft-driven ST bike again, then it'll almost certainly be based on the Super-Charged 1000cc engine that they have spent a lot of money developing. It's far easier to reduce emissions with forced induction, which is why so many new cars are turbo/super charged now.

As for the "alternative" Kawasaki's, sorry OC, but there is nothing in their current line that even comes close to the GTR for those of us over 6 foot tall. While some models work for some people, I can categorically state that none of them work for me. The same holds for just about every other motorcycle manufacturer.

At the moment my choice seems to be between used GTR1000s, used 1400GTRs and of those I lean towards the GTR1000 the most, enough so that I am considering buying a low miler and mothballing it. I guess I'm just an analogue biker in a digital world. 

Obviously Kawasaki's alternative or new line up isn't likely to suit everyone, that  goes without saying, but it is a diverse line up seemingly aimed at meeting market demands whilst maintaining model development to satisfy those demands............... the world moves on...................... It is a shame that none of the current Kawasaki line up suits you, you have obviously viewed and/or tried them all.

I too am over 6'.0 tall and after owning four GTR 1400s remain a firm fan of the bike, I would still own my last one, if I was able, additionally I would have another in a heartbeat, however the onset of older age and health issues means that decisions had to be made in order for me to be able to continue biking, because I am an ardent Kawasaki customer I naturally gravitated towards the latest KHI line up.

The Hyabusa report was interesting to me in that Suzuki are looking to utilise a 1441 cc engine which is coincidentally the same capacity as a KHI unit, that fact may not have been immediately  obvious

[Boomer]

Oh I'd love to see a true Kawi ST bike based on an H2 engine or even on the Z1000 lump as both are pretty smooth and have more than adequate power and could be tuned for the ST torque spread. However, it will need to have good ergos for my humongous self and SHAFT DRIVE and ideally get back some of that lost "connected-ness" you got with analogue bikes. 
You should know what I mean Colin. 
Personally, I did the chain thing in my yoof and have no desire to revisit fiddling with ScottOilers, having a permanently dirty rear wheel and grease on me trousers.

[O.C.]

Oh I'd love to see a true Kawi ST bike based on an H2 engine or even on the Z1000 lump as both are pretty smooth and have more than adequate power and could be tuned for the ST torque spread. However, it will need to have good ergos for my humongous self and SHAFT DRIVE and ideally get back some of that lost "connected-ness" you got with analogue bikes. 
You should know what I mean Colin. 
Personally, I did the chain thing in my yoof and have no desire to revisit fiddling with ScottOilers, having a permanently dirty rear wheel and grease on me trousers.

   I have heard those comments so many times George, today's chains are nothing like the ones you refer to in your yoof, I lubricate my chain every 500 - 600 miles, it takes less than 2 minutes and it hasn't needed any adjustment yet in 3000 miles, today's good chain lubricant doesn't 'fling' onto the rear wheel or your clothing, I guess the advantage of shaft drive is that you can forget about it, well, apart from checking the oil level every once in a while, but shaft drive does add weight

I've had plenty shaft drive bikes and TBH I really don't miss not having it now 

OOI, I used to boil my chains on top of mums cooker in my youth, a tin of waxy lubricant did the job but stank the house out     

[flatfour]

Having owned three shaft drive (two BMW and a Kawasaki GTR) and two chain drive (Ducati ST2 and Kawasaki Versys) touring bikes, I agree with Roger's comments. Although I have another shaft drive bike now, when I come to change next time I would not hesitate to buy a bike with a final drive chain if it was otherwise everything that I wanted.

The only real difference between the two for my use is the need to carry a small spay can of chain lube on touring trips, so that I am able to re - oil the chain after a wet ride. For us, this is not really an inconvenience anyway, as we usually travel with our daughter, or others who all have bikes equipped with a drive chain.

A further small point is that I've not (so far) ever been let down by a chain failing, whereas the drive shaft failure on the GTR did cost us a holiday and, with the replacement unit costing over £2,000 if I had needed to pay for it myself, it would have probably cost us the next holiday as well.