Hi everyone from wet, windy, miserable Dundee. Bought my 2011 GTR 1400 in Sept, new, have only done 250miles so far on it so still getting used to it.
Traded my 2004 ST1300 in for it as I was looking for an alternative as Honda were never bring out the new ST.
Still getting used to it at the mo. Plus side, it feels lighter, more gadgets, great lights, KPIS, good build quality that I didnt expect from Kawasaki, my 1990 KLR was the last one I had!
Downside, needs a bigger screen from standard, bags are high requiring care to get you leg over and wet weather handling is twitchy, perhaps just the standard tyres. Short service intervals. 3 minor moans apart from the tyres.
Hence unconvinced....have I made the right choice....probably for now, just need to sort the tyres everything else is fine.
I'm a cup half full sort..honest, just a few slides at conservative lean angles in the wet casts some doubt that I never had with the ST, except on its awful standard Dunlop tyres! Just need to wear these ones out fast.
Hi scotty597 and welcome to the forum.
The ST1300 has better wind protection but bear in mind its a tourer whereas the GTR is a sports tourer. That subtle difference mean the protection isn't as good as the ST1300, but the ride will be :) I ride in high winds and constant rainy weather without any issues. I have wind deflectors, heated jacket and ear plugs as standard.
The panniers will get scuffed. You can get pannier protection film to put on. After market screens are available. I would suggest the Calsci from personal experience, but it all depends on your characteristics. As for the wet weather handling get the PR3s. It'll be like riding in the dry.
best way to protect the tops of the panniers is to take em orf if they aren't being used, failing that get a nice big sheet of 3M sheet and liberaly apply,
I didn't bother with the pre-cut kits cos they dont always go where you want 'em... i did the painners and also the bits where my knees rub..
The bloke that sells the stuff is more than helpful to talk you through fitting it if you phone it, but it must be easy cos i managed it!!... ;D
http://www.protectivecarfilm.co.uk/
Welcome along, you'll come round. Youv'e only done 250 miles on it which is nothing at all. If you can, dump those standard tyres and ebay them. Buy some PR3's & you wont be disappointed.
I will get shot here, but the Pan is a brilliant machine, and it will take some getting used to the GTR.
The GTR is also a brilliant machine but is more 'sport' biased. It's higher and carries it's weight higher up.
Ditch the OEM tyres and get ST Angels, PR3's or anything other than the Slipstones.
Once you dial into the GTR you'll love it, but it is a very different ride to the Pan, which is easier to flick around but lacks ground clearance in comparison.
Enjoy - it is an excellent bit of kit and the build quality is on par with Honda nowadays (I think it has been since my '93 ZZR-6 tbh)
Hi Scotty,
I know what you mean about the comparison with the ST. I have riden the 1100 and 1300 and personally find the GTR carries its weight better for a short arse like me. The more sporting tourer aspects sold the GTR for me and you soon get into the vibe and enjoy it.
I only put the panniers on when I need them as they are bound to get marked; but every other bike I have had with panniers has as well (can't be worse than the Triumph items)
I have put a Calsci screen on mine (the XL was enough for my height) and it has done the trick. I can choose from silence when up to lower it and go for it. The handling is dodgy if you push on in the twisty bits with the screen too high.
The standard tyres are getting a pasting in the dry so I can put something better on it; probably the PR3's after all the positive feedback on the forum.
Run with it for a while; it grows on you big style.
Hi
The bike is a great bike and like anything new it does take a while to get used to.
The biggest improvement will be changing the tyres to PR3's or similar - the PR3 grip levels and the handling are streets ahead of the standard tyres that come with the bike - which while they are ok they are not the best in the damp or the wet.
Panniers - I had protective film fitted to mine as just occassionally I do scuff the top of the pannier
Steve
Cheers.
Looks like a new screen and tyres to sort me out. Ordered sticky stuff for the paniers.
Scotty. :)
Hello Scotty and welcome to ownership of a quite remarkable bike !
If you have some time, and I mean proper time read through the mountain of topics and threads ... that will help you along your way ;D
As everyone else says ...
1 change the tyres now and E bay them or just wear them out fast ... get some Michelin Pilot Road 3's .. they will transform the handling.
2 Either take your panniers off, lift your leg a little higher or just a little bit everyday, polish, with either Auto Glym or Mr Sheen your panniers ... especially the top bits and your scuff marks won't even scuff !
3 There has been much discussion about big screens, as you will find out ! Mine is fine so no comment from me on that one.!
4 Yes ..... service intervals .. that has recently been flogged to death too !
Honestly it's a lovely lovely bike and I have no doubt and I am sure i speak for everyone here that you will get used to it and love it to bits .... look forward to hearing from you and seeing any pics of your new steed out and about in miserable Dundee ;D ;D
Quote from: Rusty on November 24, 2011, 09:40:32 AM
2 Either take your panniers off, lift your leg a little higher or just a little bit everyday, polish, with either Auto Glym or Mr Sheen your panniers ... especially the top bits and your scuff marks won't even scuff !
Or just live with it ;D
Why would that not be right coming from anyone else !!!!!! ::) ::)
What happened to the 'Lord' bit?!
Well I thought in times of double dip recession that one shouldn't being rubbing ones privileged titles and general good stock about ... so it is ones attempt to be one of the many ..... but, when things return to normal I can get back home to Downton Abbey ........ ;D
I am sure the Pan is a good bike. Did it not kill a couple coopers...weave problem ?
The thing is again , like the BMW the pan is a Pipe & slippers bike. Fuggin ugly too. Others hit nail on head...It's a sports tourer.
Yes sadly there were some fatalities with the PAN. As Winston said though many months ago now, out of respect, this platform is not the appropriate place to discuss that topic.
" Here Here " :-X
22k miles later i can honestly say it is the best bike i haver ever owned. Stock tyres are pants. Get rid and buy the pr3s. buy a laminar lip for 70 quid and you are sorted. Grt some decent earplugs for the windnoise. Done.
Excuse me....! Was I starting a debate on it....!!!!!!! All this here here stuff.....Some one posted pictures on here of dismembered body parts from accidents some while back on here...that was discussed in great detail I think you will find. Prey tell me what's the difference from them being killed in car accidents or on a Pan.....! I had no intention of going into a debate on it...I hope this form not going same way as FJR one did.
I object to making a comment in all innocence then some ....no dont say it Alan...
Zedman...you need to take a deep breath and clear your head .... No one is talking about debating Pan / Police deaths and nor is there any correlation between posted pictures of a fatal RTA in another country, ( which are widely available on the Internet ) resulting from the deceased using a mobile phone and a motorcyclist on a Japanese touring bike bike ... how on earth could you link the two ? Truly, I apologise to you if you think I have taken your thread in vain but I havn't and nor would I.
I am not getting into this , I have had a personal message explaining why one or two are nervous about the subject of pans. Fair play I fully understand. I do take of fence to being told to take deep breath & clear my head. I dont think I was unreasonable for one moment in my post. It was a genuine concern about double standards. So accept it for what it is. We are all entitled to our own opinions , weather others agree or not. That's forums for you.
I
As a police advanced bike instructor I can without doubt confirm that the marked police 1300s weaved and bucked at speeds around 107mph. And yes it was scary, no you couldnt ride through it cause it would go into a monumental tank slapper and you fall off. Cause......who knows for sure there are many schools of thought.
Civvy bikes may weave under some windy conditions, as most bikes do but they dont have the police weave.
My 2004 1300 was a police bike that did weave at 104mph, I was the instructor behind it!!!
Changed to civvy spec it didnt and would safely do 140mph on the calibrated speedo without ant stability issue. This proves conclusively that its only the police spec that has the serious wobble. Not the civvy spec.
Hope that clears that up. :D
Scotty ... did my Advanced Bike in '93 on the BMW K1100LT's ... remember those bad boys ? They were pretty good I have to say ... then a few years later we tried the Pans but in Police spec they were as one now says " not fit for purpose ! " So as a result of that I never rode a civvy one.
Never had the pleasure of the Ks in works trim. Road one a couple of years ago in civvy spec, what a barge. Hats off to the........veterans who road them ;D ;D
Oh er scoty565 your in for the sack. Your right in the do da now. As according to PMs I have had some you been in big trouble for discussing this on open forums. Check out earlier posts as I have been told in no uncertain terms that this subject is not up for discussion. I think a moderator should step in here as I'm begining to get a little narked !
Bloody he'll all ones who moaned at me now discussing it on here. Come come now. Am I not allowed as I'm a civy then !!!!!
In trouble? :'(
I'm not discussing anything, a statement of fact from a professional perspective.
Nothing up for discussion. :)
Scotty, you're probably more qualified than most on this topic. I never went down the advanced bike training line through the job just cars but even that was great fun.
Best 2 courses in the world! I had the even better job of teaching cars and bikes at the police college for 3 years. That was the best job i've had yet. Shame we only do a 3 year tour north of the wall. Met quite a few guys from down south that had been doing it for years and then became civvies at the same place....slightly envious. >:(
That's all I did...I said I understand two Police officers had been killed. Then was told was not to be discussed on here. I am sure you are an expert in your field & your opinions would be most welcome. I know what I am doing in my trade & while I was in the Marines too , but it's not Motor cycle training that I am expert in. So I am unqualified to make any comments other than what I have heard has happened with the Pan & that's all I have done & you will see it was a question not a debate....
Just in case not seen above post , here it is again...
QuoteYes sadly there were some fatalities with the PAN. As Winston said though many months ago now, out of respect, this platform is not the appropriate place to discuss that topic.
As I thought. No response at all. Right was I ? Me thinks so. Have enjoyed this forum up to this thread. But that's it fo me. Will still read it for now as some good info. But I'm out of hear as it stinks a little. Double standards.
Quote from: Ziderman on December 11, 2011, 09:37:10 PM
As I thought. No response at all. Right was I ? Me thinks so. Have enjoyed this forum up to this thread. But that's it fo me. Will still read it for now as some good info. But I'm out of hear as it stinks a little. Double standards.
You forgot to put <flounce> at the end of your post.
Kevin
Blardy 'ell! This has all got a bit out of hand :o
The bit about the bobby's who were killed not being discussed on here was just a 'do you mind if we don't'.
I agree we are all entitled to our own thoughts or views, and this site isn't (fortunately) anal like other sites I know. Very easy going.
Big issue on that subject (the PolAcs) was to do with a) some of us having more knowledge of them than we may want, b) big brother potentially watching a few of the members on here, and c) if a debate started (which it now seems to have!) things getting hot under the collar and folk falling out. How about a clock reset? Back on topic and back to piss taking each other.
Yes Winston..I understand what your saying & i respect that, then some one else starts on about it. That's what got up my nose.
I dont really want not to be involved on here, but heck it made bad reading as far as I was concerned. I cant understand why no one can see where I was coming from. I am easy going & as I am sure you are all aware I like a good laugh & love the banter. So no one can accuse me of being a stick in the Mud. I totally respect the members of Police force on here for not wanting it discussed...but then what happened..A big big police expert comes on & starts on about it....so I just thought F**k it ! Did he get a PM about it like I did , explaining why the topic was a no no?
Kevin ...call me thick , but what does this Flounce mean....
Bolox bolox bolox..Police or not , none of you got bolox to stand up to this post have you...stick by your words..Acknowledge my point...not in million years..I accepted the reasons why you cant comment on Pan , but allow so called expert to disclose all....DOUBLE STANDARDS...put your hands up....admit it was wrong...dont pussy foot around as there your police mates....ahhhhaaaaahhh.....Came out of Marines after very long time..nearly signed up...fin glad I did not now. Never want to be known as spineless jelly bait....! All you moderators have done is push posts to side..face up to it.....!reckon most of you ex services like me, so expect little more back bone.
I think the main reason nobody is responding is the fact you just seem to want to fight and argue for no real reason. Just drop it and move on.
Quote from: GTRPete on December 30, 2011, 06:33:50 PM
I think the main reason nobody is responding is the fact you just seem to want to fight and argue for no real reason. Just drop it and move on.
Well that and it's obviously not Ziderman posting as he left some time ago:
Quote from: Ziderman on December 11, 2011, 09:37:10 PMAs I thought. No response at all. Right was I ? Me thinks so. Have enjoyed this forum up to this thread. But that's it fo me. Will still read it for now as some good info. But I'm out of hear as it stinks a little. Double standards.
Kevin
Quote from: Kevin on December 30, 2011, 06:43:34 PM
Well that and it's obviously not Ziderman posting as he left some time ago:
Kevin
Nah same person - the bad grammar and poor spelling is consistent throughout. Anyone fancy checking the IP address ?
I didn't think my previous post required a smiley but perhaps it did...
Kevin
Quote from: Kevin on December 30, 2011, 07:59:34 PM
I didn't think my previous post required a smiley but perhaps it did...
Kevin
No smiley needed matey ;)
QuoteI think the main reason nobody is responding is the fact you just seem to want to fight and argue for no real reason. Just drop it and move on.
Before you make stupid assumptions like that , perhaps you should read the thread carefully...Never before have I had an angry word to say on this forum. But this topic yes. No I do not want a fight , I just want it seen that it's full of hypocrites. Double standards.
Let me remind you....I was told the subject of Pans was not up for debate. I received a personal message telling me why , which I understood & accepted. Then an other so called expert comes on & writes a bloody essay on the subject.
As for comment about grammar & spelling. I am sure it's not perfect , but nor are lots other posts on here. Didn't think it was that bad though. Address & comment about the real issues here.
So - back on topic. Scotty - what do you reckon to the GTR now you've had it a couple of months?
Have not done many miles. Was on hols in Japan for most of October and its been icy over the past while so i've still not hit 500 miles yet. I have added a fender extender, beowulf radiator guard and a hugger.
I am warming to it, but the tyres are shocking in the wet so will need to change them asap. I'll start using it again probably next month when the black ice risk is reduced. Don't want to fire it down the road when i can use the XR or the car.
Im looking forward to using it though as opposed to being apathetic.
We'll let you off then!
Sure you will love it.
Even though I get to ride all sorts of things every time I ride the GTR I get a warm feeling inside!
Went out for a 50-60 mile blat day before NY eve and really enjoyed it still. Roll on Spring!
It's nearly as good as a Pan....................... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I almost dread reading posts on this thread, I said almost! ;D
Don't mention the Pan's. ;)
Few - glad its NOT just me who's nervous about this thread.
Anyway, as a new gtr owner - I am (so far) VERY convinced. Haven't done many miles yet but really looking forward to a great riding 2012. Got two euro tours 'pencilled in' and hoping to do le man moto gp as never been there.... ooohh am I waffling 'off topic'...
Quote from: kwarrgtr on January 02, 2012, 10:11:02 PM
Few - glad its NOT just me who's nervous about this thread.
Anyway, as a new gtr owner - I am (so far) VERY convinced. Haven't done many miles yet but really looking forward to a great riding 2012. Got two euro tours 'pencilled in' and hoping to do le man moto gp as never been there.... ooohh am I waffling 'off topic'...
Dont worry about it, nobody else seems to mind. ;D
Quote from: kwarrgtr on January 02, 2012, 10:11:02 PM
Few - glad its NOT just me who's nervous about this thread.
Anyway, as a new gtr owner - I am (so far) VERY convinced. Haven't done many miles yet but really looking forward to a great riding 2012. Got two euro tours 'pencilled in' and hoping to do le man moto gp as never been there.... ooohh am I waffling 'off topic'...
My sister lives in Le Man ;D so we may see you there!
Pans not mentioned...all agreed to move on then. Rant over ...yes Normal bullshit resumed...