In my five years of biking I've been bit of a bike whore, chopping and changing bikes. The best bike I had (or so I thought) was a Suzuki V-Strom 650DL (or Wee as its more affectionately known). Then some idiot did a hit and run on me and that was the end of the Wee.
Psychologically it had a huge impact and I didn't ride a bike for a year. Then the itch got to me so it was off bike hunting. I'd seen the 1400 GTR and loved it from the first moment I saw it. However, I just didn't feel I was ready for a big step up in power, and compared to the Wee, the bike felt huge. The other factor was that it wasn't an adventure tourer as that was the style of bike I liked.
I very nearly bought the ABS version of the Wee until I saw a Varadero XLV1000 ABS. A big imposing adventure tourer. Having read the reviews I bought one without test riding one. Big mistake. My daily commute is over the Pennines (highest motorway point in England) where it can get real windy. There was something wrong with my Varadero where a gust of wind could easily move the bike into another lane. I tried everything - shocks, tyres, inspection under warranty. In the one year I had the bike I barely covered 2000 miles. I'm still not sure what the issue was as my friend rode it in the same conditions without any ill effect.
In the end I decided I needed to get another bike. By this time a few second hand 1400 GTRs had appeared on the market and I managed to test ride one with 4000 miles on the clock. It also had the Kawasaki Gel seat, an after market windscreen and those Bridgestone BT21s.
The good:
Riding position. From my accident, riding with raised handlebars (default adventure tourer position) would cause stress under my right shoulder blade. There was no pain. Further, after 45 mins on an adventure tourer, my lower back would start to tire. Once again, no issues on the 1400 GTR.
Adjustable windscreen. I love my accessories and this was a must have.
The heat on the legs. Now, I know a lot of people complain about this, but when you're riding in the cold it is a huge benefit. The only time its annoying is when its 25c - so not very often in the UK.
ABS. The Varadero had dual link ABS which was the best feature of the bike. The GTR has standard ABS, and whilst not as good as dual link, is still a safety feature in my opinion. The 2010 model has dual link. :'(
Weight distribution. Now, a lot of people complain that the 1400 GTR is top heavy. I disagree entirely. It is bottom heavy. Even with a full tank of petrol it can be lifted from the side stand easily and once moving that weight becomes negligible.
The Bad:
The handling. Why would I want to buy a bike that didn't handle after my ill fated experiment with the Varadero? Fortunately, I checked the tyres and realised they in need of replacement. The web also confirmed that the BT21s are not the best tyre for the 1400 GTR.
The Gel seat. I thought this was supposed to be more comfortable? The stock seat is far, far better.
Whilst busy negotiating with the dealer on the PX value of the Varadero, an add came up on Viva Moto (http://www.vivamoto.co.uk/). A black 1400 GTR with loads of farkles and still under warranty. On the same day the ad was placed, I rode over there and took the bike for a ride. It recently had new BT21s and it handled like a dream. I bought it there and then.
That was five months ago. In the same time I've put 5000 miles on the clock and its never given any trouble. The BT21s have been replaced with PR2s and on the motorway in high winds there's no issues. I would still say the Wee was the best in wind as there was very little fairing for the wind to get hold of. However, the GTR comes very close.
One thing about the Wee was the brilliant handling. The GTR surpasses the Wee which is surprising for such a big sports tourer. The previous owner also agrees with me as the pegs have not just been scraped, but ground.
As for the power - let's say there more than enough there without having to perform any modifications.
I realise this review doesn't talk about the other big touring bikes, namely the BMW and Pan European. The Pan isn't a sports tourer, but just a tourer. No doubt its a good bike (my friend has over 150k on his) it just didn't have that appeal. As for the BMWs I test rode the R1200 RT and the BMW k1300GT. Both excellent bikes that I would have but just on cost the Kawasaki beats them hands down. The K1300GT I would seriously consider but since the new 2010 1400 GTR model made an appearance I believe the Kawasaki is better value for money and provides the better handling of the two.
I could not agree more and I so very nearly bought the 1200GT last year as an ex demo when the 13 came out.
I realise this review doesn't talk about the other big touring bikes, namely the BMW and Pan European. The Pan isn't a sports tourer, but just a tourer. No doubt its a good bike (my friend has over 150k on his) it just didn't have that appeal. As for the BMWs I test rode the R1200 RT and the BMW k1300GT. Both excellent bikes that I would have but just on cost the Kawasaki beats them hands down. The K1300GT I would seriously consider but since the new 2010 1400 GTR model made an appearance I believe the Kawasaki is better value for money and provides the better handling of the two.
Not sure if anyone still using this site?!?!
ANyhoo,
I have just bought a 2010 GTR and so far (4 days) am loving it. Had a 1300 Pan for 3 years prior to that and 1100 Pan before that. The GTR is definitely better than the Pan. Even if I can't reach the floor quite as well (Im 5'7" Tall)
I still put up with it.
Even though the dry weight is supposed to be heavier on the GTR for some reason it feels so much lighter. Might be that the Pan holds so much more fuel (28 Litres)
I dont find the fuel capacity too much of a problem. On my first tank of fuel I managed to get about 42 MPG. Not bad considering the devil made me go quicker than I should be. Its so easy to do honest!
I was a bit miffed by the fact that the top box was extra. It should be a standard thing on a sports tourer. Have to keep using the rucksack until I can afford one.
Not sure about the handling yet. The guys I usually go riding with have been away touring so not had a proper blast yet. I know I can go out myself and Ive had a few rides. Its just one os my mates is a Class 1 advanced Police M/cyclist so I feel I can ride better when Im following him. (I know Im a baby!)
Looking forward to the next few years playing. Maybe I'll meet a few of you some time soon. 8)
Hi all, just joined after reading this post. Im considering a move up to a GTR from a DL1000 and was wondering is the bike practical as a daily commuter (short distances mainly)? I want to be able to have the flexibility and power of a long distance tourer with all the creature comforts but still be able to use it sun wind or rain to get to work. I know filtering will be trickier but is this over kill for what i need or could i end up ruining the bike with stop starts?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Kev, and welcome to this forum where you will find lots of help and friendly advice
I had a KLV some years ago and whilst its a good bike it simply isn't in the same league as the GTR
The GTR will quite honestly tackle just about anything that you can throw at it, its a stunning commuter bike and will eat the miles all day long at warp speed (on the Continent ) of course.
The Kawasaki reputation as a cast iron machine is well deserved and short distance runs won't kill the bike,
I'm assuming that you are planning to purchase a new GTR ?
Good luck and keep us posted with your new purchase :wink:
Hi coney, thanks for the reply. Im considering a 2010 plate model when the abs and traction was introduced, new is simply out of my budget. Been reading bout some of the issues and apart from a seized preload adjuster of dodgy brakes, there doesnt seem to be any major issues unless you can enlighten me.
I did also consider the k1200, i had a look at that but that seems massive compared, plus i dont fancy bmw running costs.
Next stage i think will be a test ride. She how she handles or more of a case of how i handle her! Ive sat on one, feel nice enough and certainly not top heavy like my DL.
Ill keep yous posted
Quote from: Hooka74 on June 24, 2010, 11:38:33 AM
Not sure if anyone still using this site?!?!
Welcome and hope you enjoy the forum...
Of course its still being used :yes: Quite a few of us use it every day :yes:
:agree: re top box. Keep your eyes open on fleabay as they do appear now and again..
Kev
I too came to the GTR from a Vstrom [ high mileae commuter ] I always thought the slight top heaviness on the Vstrom was a bonus in commuting, it required less input for small changes of direction, and because I could flat foot it with both feet, the height was never a problem.
The GTR I bought new when I stopped commuting [ gotta love final salary pensions ! ]so I have never really done serious commuting on it. However I think you will get on with a GTR from the start. The only thing that took time to get used to was the mirror postion, I had got SO used to them being on the handlebars, it seemed strange to have them mounted low down.
Quote from: Debs on March 03, 2013, 12:19:32 PM
Welcome and hope you enjoy the forum...
Of course its still being used :yes: Quite a few of us use it every day :yes:
:agree: re top box. Keep your eyes open on fleabay as they do appear now and again..
Debs, Hooka74 has only posted once, it seems like he is the one not using the site :wink:
Thanks doebag,
The more i hear of ppl moving from a vstrom makes me feel better, i thought it may have been to big of a jump upwards. My riding partner has a zzr1400, which hes always told me to have a go on, but ive always been too affraid to, moreso cos i didnt want to damage his bike. The problem with the Vee is that i am on my tip toes. Stopping isnt an issue, its manouvering the bike..... bikewards! i find it hard pushing it around on tip toes and have to be really careful not to be caught out by its weight up top.
I totally understand the mirror thing, i took a ride out on my other bike (ER6f) yesterday and had similar issues. That bikes going the journey now, it hasnt been ridden for the past year!
Kev - the GTR is superb and a great choice for any type of riding.
Easy to filter with but they are a bit top heavy slow speed maneuvering-wise.
I did love mine and would wholeheartedly recommend one (if you don't want a BMW :whistling: - which by the way are no more expensive or maybe even cheaper service cost-wise than my GTR was)
Hello Kev and :185: .... this is a great place ! :laugh: My Gtr is 2 years old today with mostly commuting miles on it with some French and Spanish miles too ... and even some Scottish ones in the summer ( ssshhhhh ) Nearly 20,000 on the clock and not a problem in any way shape or form .. I love this bike to bits :cool: :cool:
The only thing I wouldn't do with a GTR is take it off road.
Otherwise ticks all the boxes
Asif, where are you up to with your bike, and the accident, did you buy the bike back from the insurance company? or are you looking to buy a new/used one?
Quote from: 100milesaway on March 03, 2013, 10:23:48 PM
Asif, where are you up to with your bike, and the accident, did you buy the bike back from the insurance company? or are you looking to buy a new/used one?
Looking to buy a used one. Just waiting for one at the right price point. Hopefully soon!
Nice to hear that you are on the verge of getting back on two wheels Asif
There's a 2009 model at Autorama, it'll be like taking a woman to look at a puppy when you go shopping for one mate :mfr_lol:
Covers all angles.....
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/Hoody_photo/puppybike_zpseccb2f3f.jpg)
I bumped into a guy yesterday at HG in Leeds who was admiring my magnesium GTR. He is in the market for one and said he's had a look at the one at Autorama and reckoned it was a bit shabby.
Quote from: Rusty on March 03, 2013, 09:16:04 PM
Hello Kev and :185: .... this is a great place ! :laugh: My Gtr is 2 years old today with mostly commuting miles on it with some French and Spanish miles too ... and even some Scottish ones in the summer ( ssshhhhh ) Nearly 20,000 on the clock and not a problem in any way shape or form .. I love this bike to bits :cool: :cool:
[/qoute].. and even some Scottish ones in the summer ( ssshhhhh ) ok I get the message now :yes: zzr's or scousers are banned :sad: I would feel better if it was the latter thou :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 04, 2013, 12:56:56 PM
I bumped into a guy yesterday at HG in Leeds who was admiring my magnesium GTR. He is in the market for one and said he's had a look at the one at Autorama and reckoned it was a bit shabby.
I thought the one at Autorama was Black...maybe there's more than one..I'll have to check that now Steve. :yes:
Can i just ask, if its a 2010 revised model with the ABS and traction etc that im after, is that the CAF model and not the A9F?
Quote from: olde coney on March 05, 2013, 07:58:19 AM
I thought the one at Autorama was Black...maybe there's more than one..I'll have to check that now Steve. :yes:
Roger, you are right the one at Autorama is black, the guy was just looking at my GTR. He said he wanted a black one.
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 06, 2013, 08:17:15 AM
Roger, you are right the one at Autorama is black, the guy was just looking at my GTR. He said he wanted a black one.
Who wouldn't want the black one?? They are the quickest.....
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 06, 2013, 08:17:15 AM
Roger, you are right the one at Autorama is black, the guy was just looking at my GTR. He said he wanted a black one.
aahhh gotcha Steve, actually the one at Autorama looks to be in good order, well from the pictures at least.
Quote from: KeVstrom on March 05, 2013, 04:04:29 PM
Can i just ask, if its a 2010 revised model with the ABS and traction etc that im after, is that the CAF model and not the A9F?
Yes it is Kev.. I have the 2009 A9F..
Kev, mine is a green 2011 and it is a CBF model, if that helps you :smiley:.
Mine is a 2011 CBF as well. I used to understand kawasaki factory codes, but in the past few years they have gone a bit 'wobbly'
I think the 2010 facelift started as 'A'. then 2011'B' etc.
I think ABS is the 'F' at the end, but could be wrong.
Quote from: doebag on March 06, 2013, 03:50:03 PM
I think the 2010 facelift started as 'A'. then 2011'B' etc.
Yes doebag the 2010 is the CAF
Kwikas, it does seem weird your mate didn't have a problem with the bike moving in crosswinds while you did.. Could it be that this was very soon after your encounter on Wee :undecided:, so you were still a little tense? - never helps to be stiff as a board in a crosswind!. Then you got over it all when you found this nice beast that is the GTR?. Comparing this to the BMW, the fine Bavarian machinery would be nice, but at the price? - I reckon you cant go wrong with the great japanese reliability, and Kawasaki, while the smallest of the four, do make the best engines.....
Quote from: hurricane on March 07, 2013, 10:17:32 AM
I reckon you cant go wrong with the great japanese reliability, and Kawasaki, while the smallest of the four, do make the best engines.....
:clap: :clap: oh yessssss :yes: :agree:
Well, ive managed to find a blue one in my budget and have got a good deal against my DL, so hopefully in a few days, ill be sitting pretty on my GTR :banana:
Excellent news there. Hopefully the weather will allow you to actually ride it!
well thats part of the issue. Ive gotta get over to Preston from Newcastle. Hoping it dont snow like its been doing on & off today :no:
If it snows, get them to deliver it. Currently its freezing over here, literally! Theres snow on the hills and its expected to snow during next week. They've given out an amber warning for snow and the gritters have already been out today in preparation. :2guns:
Is that where you are like? Ill have to bug you for weather updates id you are. Part of me wants to do the ride cos i like the run over to Brough and M6, the other part wants to save on delivery cost and delays. Im guessing its fonna get delayed either way if bad weather
Blimey Steve .... It's tropical down here in the Soufffffff ... Riding about in shorts and flip flops. :whistling: :whistling:
Kev, I'm in Bradford, West Yorks but work in Halifax covering all the way out to the Lancs border. Its all grim. :sad:
Quote from: Rusty on March 10, 2013, 08:55:21 PM
Blimey Steve .... It's tropical down here in the Soufffffff ... Riding about in shorts and flip flops. :whistling: :whistling:
Well all I can advise is be careful. Mickey just sent me this pic of you arriving for the early turn. :mfr_lol:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/nakeddrivemotor.jpg)
Quote from: KeVstrom on March 10, 2013, 08:20:30 PM
Well, ive managed to find a blue one in my budget and have got a good deal against my DL, so hopefully in a few days, ill be sitting pretty on my GTR :banana:
Which dealer is that from Kev?
Shorrocks (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201231480316831)
I think i know why i got a good price for my DL, they're a Suzuki main dealer and possibly already have it sold
Very nice :yes: :smiley:
Quote from: KeVstrom on March 10, 2013, 10:05:00 PM
Shorrocks (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201231480316831)
I think i know why i got a good price for my DL, they're a Suzuki main dealer and possibly already have it sold
Well done Kev, you'll love the bike, nice colour too :yes:
Thanks man. The DLs prepped for the journey, lets hope the weather holds out
Holds out :eek: we have had 2 inches of snow and blizzards today :yes: and we are not too far from you. I would send some pictures of the Strom if I were you :mfr_lol:
I've just seen the weather forecast Kev, and I reckon you'll be lucky to get across to Preston by the weekend. Flaming awful.
Good to see you've chosen the fastest and best colour mind :wink: :laugh:
when you get the bike give me shout for a rideout- I'm just down the road in Durham
Cheers, Mike
Providing the roads are clear im gonna try my bestest. I will be watching the weather very closely. Hopefully when the summer comes i will be up for a ride out, definately give you a call.
Bathed in beautiful sunshine here....yeah really :yes: ....however its :censored: baltic
Same here mate. There has been a sprinkling on snow but its just on the path n verges. The road are clear. So far im going ahead as planned. Heated gloves at the ready!
When are you going then Kev?
Tomorrow morning with a bit of luck. Just checking the weather online now. Brough/Kirby Stephen looks OK overnight and morning, however maybe a touch of snow early hours here. Ill have to guage it in the morning when i get up.
Forecast for tomorrow is dry, bright, sunny but cold
I'd be going for it Kev, it won't take too long anyway , fish and chips in Kirkby Stephen :clap:
You out 2mora Rog?
Sounds like a plan! Nothing better than fish breath in an enclosed helmet space
OMG! That's so wrong at every level :mfr_lol:
lol ive just realised how that sounds, but its true, if you ride after fish n chips, your breath stinks!
Kev, what were you saying about your girlfriend reading posts? :whistling: :oops: :embarrassed:
Im going before i cause more damage!
See ya there...I need a word bout summat anyway :wink:
Did you boys get there today ? Everything down Soooofff has been snowed off/away/covered or just plain frozen !
Quote from: Rusty on March 12, 2013, 07:59:46 PM
Did you boys get there today ? Everything down Soooofff has been snowed off/away/covered or just plain frozen !
We had a covering of very fine snow on Monday Rusty, but it soon cleared, it was very very cold though.
Didn't get out on a bike yesterday, but will be meeting Geoff today as the forecast is bright and sunny with 4 -6 degrees :clap: