Big thanks to everyone in the forum.....

[shaggs147]

Just wanted to say a big thank you t everyone here.
I was looking to replace my 2008 VFR800, which is a very nice bike, and was tempted by the VFR1200. After reading review after review, I decided to go for the GTR as I couldn't find a review where anyone hated it, quite the opposite!
I purchased a 2010 model last week, and the steering was heavy as hell, but wasn't bothered as I knew the tyres needed replacing and read about the difference that new rubber makes. I went for the Michelin PR3's - again recommended here.
I've just completed the first of many 600 + mile weekend trips from Liverpool to Plymouth and back and wow what a ride - I didn't want to get off.
The engine is amazing, and has that much torque I recon you could climb a mountain with it! The ride is smooth and assured, and it just feels like you command the road with the size of the bike and seating position. Think I'm in love haha.
My only slight negative is that with the screen fully down it feels like the wind coming off it is hitting my helmet right by my ears so can be noisy at times, and with the screen fully up it hits me at the top of my helmet. It can feel a little like an aeroplane wing or sail rather than a screen when fully up as it can make the front end feel a little light. It might just be me getting used to the feel of the bike though, as it didn't feel half as bad on the way back. I may experiment with a different screen at some point to see what suits me best.
Thanks again for helping me make the right choice

[Lonewolf]

Shaggs, welcome to the forum first and foremost. Congratulations on your purchase and good taste in bikes! Are you from Liverpool then?

[routemaster]

Welcome and congratulations on the purchase.

I have had mine for just over a year and clocked up over 13,000 miles through the twisties and touring and it is an awesome bike to ride - always provides  :D

I know what you mean about the screen, on the 2010 model onwards you can pre-set the screen position on engine start-up - I have mine set to 2 which is one up from the lowest position and that seems to ideal for me. I do raise the screen (sail) when on motorways

Have fun, enjoy and stay safe

Steve

[Martin#30]

Welcome from me too. These GTRs really are great bikes.

... on the 2010 model onwards you can pre-set the screen position on engine start-up - I have mine set to 2 which is one up from the lowest position and that seems to ideal for me. I do raise the screen (sail) when on motorways

Had to reply to this Steve, as I do almost the exact opposite. I set mine to fully raised at start up, and ride with it like that all the time below 40mph (flip-face lid open too). I put the screen down to position 2 any speed over and above 40 (lid now closed).

Odd how two people can arrive at such differing uses of the same equipment  ;D

Martin.

[cpettifer]

I have my screen on 3 at start up and leave it there, pretty much, for my entire motorway journey to work. When off the motorway I full lower it, but for no real reason.

One of the things I've loved about the bike so far is the attention I seem to get. I've had a couple of "conversations" with bikers at lights. And car drivers have been oggling out of their windows too - and a truck driver tried to engage me in conversation as well on Thursday. I started to think something might be wrong with the bike... but now just think people are interested cause it's new and pretty awesome!

I just wish people would realise I can't actually hear what they are saying because I have ear plugs in and music on over the top of that!!  ;D

[shaggs147]

Shaggs, welcome to the forum first and foremost. Congratulations on your purchase and good taste in bikes! Are you from Liverpool then?

Hi Lone,
I live up there but will always be a janner at heart!
Green Army!

[Boomer]

Hi Shaggs, I'm not surprised you like the GTR.

A mate of mine took my 2007 GTR for a test ride and when he got back he said;
"It like a VFR on steroids and without those crappy linked brakes"
His biggest complaint was that it didn't "feel" like a Kawasaki.
I then asked him what he thought of the shaft drive,......
there was a long pause,...
then he said, "Oh yeah, it's shaft drive isn't it"
That is the biggest compliment he paid the bike as he HATES shaft drives. <LOL>

Since you have the 2010 you will have the linked brakes so it probably feels even more like a VFR.
I can't comment on that as I have never ridden a VFR due to my size.
I make the GTR look small.  ;D

[shaggs147]

Hi Boomer, I didn't think anything could make the GTR look small  ;D
Yeh I've been used to the linked brakes from the VFR, it does make your right foot kinda lazy at times, but seems to work well. Just wondering what goodies I can get for it now  :)

[Rusty]

Well done Shaggs .... you will love the bike ... we all do !  ;D Obvious question ... have you tried ear plugs ? Cheap and cheerful they may help with your noise problems.
Good to have you on board .

[jenros]

hi shaggs,
had a big smile on my face when i read this,lol.
SNAP!,i had a vfr,and was thinking of upgrading for the vfr 1200,i have been scouring the net for months,but having my 800 with all the touring kit,i wanted the same spec on the 1200.
But,as you well know,there are loads of ex demos about with low miles on but to try to get one for sensible money with all the kit on is another story.
SO, i had a day off an just wanted to try a gtr,so off i went,only got about 200yds in traffic and thought,uuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmm, nice,2222 hours later i was hooked!
having had the morning on the gtr,went to my local honda shop,took out the vfr 1200 for another spin,thinking thathaving tried the both in such a short time would give me a better idea, i loved the honda to bits,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But, 1/2 hr on the honda-------------------the gtr won!!! hands down.
a few weeks later a picked up an 08 plate with all the touring kit,sat nav,remar carbon exhaust,power commander,larger screen,and loads of goodies as well,,, the best bit it had 479mls on the clock,and had just been stood in his garage,,,,,,,.
AN I BLOODY LOVE IT TO BITS! :) :) :)