I'm thinking of changing to something that SWMBO would consider coming on the back of and have been eying up the GTR.
I sat on a new one at the Scottish bike show but noticed that the great cubby hole at the front of the tank has dissapeared, why is this, I'm wondering wether to look out for an older one with the pocket or was there a very good reason for getting rid of it??
And before anyone asks it's a CB1000R I'm looking to change from.
Hello 600F ... can't help you with the vanishing cubby hole but I am sure that if you take a look around this forum you will find plenty of evidence from many many happy blokes like me who have moved over to the GTR and just love it to bits.. for all sorts of reasons.
I was a Honda man for years and loved them to bits, never any problems ,I just fancied a change so I bought a new GTR a year ago and 12000 miles later, mostly commuting 6 days of the week throughout the year I have concluded .... "It's bloody brilliant !" ... get one :smiley:
Cubby Hole or Ash GTray as it's known was on the models until 2010 when they moved it into the left side of pannier and made it lockable.
If not buying new, then it matters not which you go for.
2010 models on have more features like traction control, heated grips, bigger screen, but also a different and more flowing/organic look to the original.
Superb bike and like Rusty I was a Honda man through and through - got a good deal on the GTR and never looked back
Buy one - NOW!!
That is tho other thing, I'm not completly sold on the new look,
Hmm I thought the old ones had the cubby hole on the side too??
Hey that would be like my old RF600.
Is there a power socket in there too?
Certainly on the 2011 model .. ie last years there is .. on the right hand side in the fairing ... my Optimate 4 is there now ...... :laugh:
The mystery of the vanishing cubby hole, ah yes well erm I think you may find that it has mearly been moved to a different location. It can now be found on the left hand side inner panel, and for what it's worth I think that was a good move as before I f you used a tank bag you had to remove the bag to get access to it, I n its new position access is easy at all times. I find it handy for my wallet and mobile phone. I f you do decide to buy a GTR it may be a good idea to have a good look at the spec sheets of both bikes, as there are quite a few updates from 010 onward. Hope this helps. cheers Geoff. :smiley:
2007 - 2009 model had the storage in the centre (lockable but unsecure)
2010 onwards have the storage on the left (lock now activated by solenoid)
Both models have a power socket.
There's a lot more toys on the 2010+ models. As for looks - that's in the eye of the beholder.
The ride however is superb.
I was prepared to hate the GTR when i test rode it.... I ride fast sports bikes not old mans touring sheds that weigh the same as Winsor castle. :rolleyes:..... sooooo off i went .. FOOKIN HELL! this shifts, and it goes round corners.... bring me one in Black :gunsmilie:
I still have my Tuono, but i do love the GTR it's such a hoot to chuck about, is bloody comfy, the fairing and screen work well and it sounds great ...with a BOS pipe :punk:... and most importantly I can still embarress the fook out of a couple of mates with sports bike....
obey the hypno-toad...buy a GTR........ :mfr_lol:
I dont think personally there is a vast difference in appearance between pre and post 2010 models, certainly not enough to avoid buying a 2010 onwards or vice versa. Whichever model you opt for you will not be disappointed. Take one for a test ride, oh, and take your credit card for the deposit! :cool:
Like Mogster, I was more liking sports bikes or dual purpose and wanted a change, then I tested the GTR back to back with a R1200RT,
Triumph GT. The GTR won purely on the grounds that it is as quick as most and so comfortable over distances. It was the bile for the wife as she struggled to get on anything but the GTR. The only criticism I have is the small screen, but I am used to it now. We have toured Wales and France and I can't think of any act that could follow the GTR.
The two things I would suggest is take a good look at your local dealer. In my case the best dealer for miles is the local Honda guys at Hunts, they sell Hondas on the back of the service they provide. if only they sold Kawasakis, and secondly the depreciation, particularly from new, but I guess all top of the range vehicles depreciate similarly.
Firstly des welcome from the Lakes, I know you will enjoy this forum that is assuming you do buy a GTR.
I suggest that the GTR will be the bike for you and SWMBO will not complain about riding pillion.
I've had three GTRs 2008/9, 2010, & 2011 models and in between had a couple of BMWs which was a BIG mistake.
The cubby hole is now on the left fairing and it is better positioned and more practical to have it there
Why not look at the Kawasaki main site and compare the previous model specs, as I think this may be of interest/help you..here's a link
http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/1400GTR
I too am on my third GTR, i love them and can honestly say i will not buy anything else for touring. I would go for the 2010 model if you can stretch to it, it does have a few more goodies. As already said you can really embarrass the sports bike boys when the red mist comes. but it can also attract knob heads they all want a go at racing you, it has an awesome reputation in more ways than one.
If you do decide to have a test ride, when you get back be prepared to sign on the dotted line
Quote from: olde coney on March 13, 2012, 07:09:05 AM
Firstly des welcome from the Lakes, I know you will enjoy this forum that is assuming you do buy a GTR.
I suggest that the GTR will be the bike for you and SWMBO will not complain about riding pillion.
I've had three GTRs 2008/9, 2010, & 2011 models and in between had a couple of BMWs which was a BIG mistake.
The cubby hole is now on the left fairing and it is better positioned and more practical to have it there
Why not look at the Kawasaki main site and compare the previous model specs, as I think this may be of interest/help you..here's a link
http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/1400GTR
Where in the lakes mate I used to live in Cleator and Cleator Moor a while back. (Nottm originally)
I'm probably selling mine first so will be able to resist signing unless they give me a stupid offer on mine.
Quote from: descb600f on March 13, 2012, 08:41:43 PM
I'm probably selling mine first so will be able to resist signing unless they give me a stupid offer on mine.
Easier said than done. :whistling:
Quote from: descb600f on March 13, 2012, 08:41:43 PM
Where in the lakes mate I used to live in Cleator and Cleator Moor a while back. (Nottm originally)
I'm probably selling mine first so will be able to resist signing unless they give me a stupid offer on mine.
I'm not far from Ulverston :smiley:
Quote from: Mogster on March 12, 2012, 09:20:03 PM
I was prepared to hate the GTR when i test rode it.... I ride fast sports bikes not old mans touring sheds that weigh the same as Winsor castle. :rolleyes:..... sooooo off i went .. FOOKIN HELL! this shifts, and it goes round corners.... bring me one in Black :gunsmilie:
I still have my Tuono, but i do love the GTR it's such a hoot to chuck about, is bloody comfy, the fairing and screen work well and it sounds great ...with a BOS pipe :punk:... and most importantly I can still embarress the fook out of a couple of mates with sports bike....
obey the hypno-toad...buy a GTR........ :mfr_lol:mogster do you have the tuono grin (from ear to ear) i had a 08 blue one great bike but the gtr with a set of pilot roads on her can also make you smile they transform the bike had a 57 plate grey one replaced front discs at 7500 miles shuddering , set of pilot road 2s and the bike handled like a sports bike. the 10 plate i have now isnt as good with the bridgestones on but cant waste money so got to wait till worn off. so my advice to any new buyer is check the tyres before judging how the bike feels if you test ride a gtr still one hell of a bike :smiley:
oooh yes I have a serious Tuono grin :clap:.... it's still asleep at the moment, but I'm hopefull to wake it up on Thursday (the joys of being self employed...)
Tis an 08 non factory, but with Olins front and rear, Power commander, quicksift, italin shark xorsts (105db at tick over :innocent:) and 142BHP at the rear wheel... :gunsmilie:
But to get back on topic, after doing 2500miles to Italy and back on it :eek: I'd rather be on the GTR fer a touring trip,
Mr Olde Coney.
Quote:
I've had three GTRs 2008/9, 2010, & 2011 models and in between had a couple of BMWs which was a BIG mistake.
As an old stick-in-the-mud, apparently, who rode 5.5k a year on the same bike for years and years and then some more years, I am intrigued by people who change regularly and in particular for much the same bike. I have looked at the second hand market and find four year old bikes with 3/4 previous owners! What's that about?
Best wishes
Its not complicated really
I bought the first 2008/9 GTR in p/x for a ZZR 1400 which was destroying my back and giving me a neck like a Giraffe and the arms of an orang-utan it was soooooo good that I cp/xd it for the 2010 model which I couldn't get on with it felt choppy and had the vibes (no longer an issue).
So I changed it for a brand new K1300GT EE which drank oil, cut out without warning and fell over with me on board at the time the gearchange was poor also, its a shame as the bike, apart from being slab sided, was very good and has an awesome engine
It was changed and the best deal I could get was from a BMW dealer and on the advice of a GS riding buddy, and a brief test ride, I bought a low mileage latest model R1200GS....uuuuurghhh it was horrible, uncomfortable, another crap gearbox, and so it HAD TO GO (after only 2- 3 months)
Hence the arrival of my third GTR, which was a blinding deal from MCO bikes where I p/xd the GS and a W650 which I had, plus a few hundred quid and I rode off into the sunset on my current, beautiful, Green GTR.
Voila....I'm now a very happy bunny :yes:
Quote from: olde coney on March 15, 2012, 07:40:21 PM
Its not complicated really
I bought the first 2008/9 GTR in p/x for a ZZR 1400 which was destroying my back and giving me a neck like a Giraffe and the arms of an orang-utan :mfr_lol: that GTR was soooooo good that I p/xd it for the 2010 model which I couldn't get on with, it felt choppy and had the vibes (no longer an issue).
So I changed it for a brand new K1300GT EE which drank oil, cut out without warning and fell over with me on board at the time, plus the gearchange was poor also, its a shame as the bike, apart from being slab sided, was very good and has an awesome engine.
It was changed and the best deal I could get was from a BMW dealer and on the advice of a GS riding buddy, and a brief test ride, I bought a low mileage latest model R1200GS....uuuuurghhh it was horrible, uncomfortable, another crap gearbox, and so it HAD TO GO (after only 2- 3 months)
Hence the arrival of my third GTR, which was a blinding deal from MCO bikes where I p/xd the GS and a W650 which I had, plus a few hundred quid and I rode off into the sunset on my current, beautiful, Green GTR.
Voila....I'm now a very happy bunny :yes:
Voila....I'm now a very happy bunny
Thank you for that George. You are so right about the slab sides. I did about 1500 miles on one and did not find it as comfortable a sitting position as that of my K1200, Rock solid though and a goer two up. Also, equally good for weaving through rush hour traffic thanks to balance and low down grunt (torque that is).
But.........................I am sooooooooo looking forward to my 14 hire day!!!!1 :biker3:
I've also had 3 GTR's.
2008 loved it but did 22000 miles in 11 months, nothing wrong but K launched 0%. Hence trade.
2009 better fuel economy (although not advertised) but 31000 in 10 months. Changed location of job - because was going to be doing less miles - traded in for 2010.
2010 now done 21000miles and is 2 years old in May - still love her to this day.... And as I say to everyone... If I could only afford 1 bike - It would be the GTR.
Thinking about changing to a black 2012. But I don't know... She's been perfect and I love my Magnesium GTR.......
Neil
Quote from: Nok12rs on March 15, 2012, 07:51:20 PM
Voila....I'm now a very happy bunny
Thank you for that George. You are so right about the slab sides. I did about 1500 miles on one and did not find it as comfortable a sitting position as that of my K1200, Rock solid though and a goer two up. Also, equally good for weaving through rush hour traffic thanks to balance and low down grunt (torque that is).
But.........................I am sooooooooo looking forward to my 14 hire day!!!!1 :biker3:
one name to remember is bad enough....BTW Mines Roger nor George :yes:
Easy really i just went into the bike shop not really thinking of changing but thought i would just ask what deal they could do, and the price to swap was too good to refuse, so i took the deal and have never looked back. On the other hand both previous bikes were coming to the end of warranty and needed tyres and a service so i also took that into consideration too.
Sorry Roger! I am holding too many conversations in multiple thread :oops: :oops:
Now..............what was I talking to George about......................
Quote from: Nok12rs on March 15, 2012, 09:13:28 PM
Sorry Roger! I am holding too many conversations in multiple thread :oops: :oops:
Now..............what was I talking to George about......................
Mr Nok you have only been here a couple of days and already you are stark raving mad. :wacko: :whistling: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hey join the club. :embarrassed:
Eva! aint that the f...ing truth!
I'm off for a lie down. Nite nite all.
Quote from: 100milesaway on March 15, 2012, 09:21:02 PM
Mr Nok you have only been here a couple of days and already you are stark raving mad. :wacko: :whistling: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hey join the club. :embarrassed:
Perfect qualifications if you ask me :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Early days; I have not even swung a leg yet (roll on next week), but........I am reading comments here that suggest good deals are to be had.
If I were to set my sights high and go for a new 2012. what is the best approach with the dealers and are they generally up for a discount in the Kawasaki world? :sweatdrop:
If it is lurv at first ride, I will be back to also ask advice on inspecting/selecting a s/h 2010. I have already learned here that the bike should be stone cold when I start it because, as a member intimated, "Hot Bikes Hide Stuff"
Frankly, the prospect of buying second hand fills me with "Fear and Dread in Wandsworth"
Of course, buying s/h from (most) :listencarefully: members should be a safe bet n'est pas????? :smiley:
SatNav
Questions on this subject seemed rather premature when I u/l my first post. But now, after reading so many posts here, I am feeling nearer to the motorcycle. So perhaps it's worth asking :
How do you mount and cable run a Zumo 660?
Top Box fitting
I have, somewhere, picked up that the top box plate is rather Mickey and has often been replaced by an after market item.
I have never (not ever) ridden with a top box. For the K12, I purchased a clever American (oxymoron? ...bit political) super safe co-pilot seat back over which one fitted a,..... wait for it.......TeeBag!
So, I do not want to lose anyone slouching heavily against the top box pad.
Thankee y'all
If you want to fit a topbox, make sure that you do replace the OEM rack with a metal one.
Mine is homemade from 5mm aluminium plate and my ancient Non-Fango box has been on there since mid August 2007.
Not once has my better half felt she couldn't lean against it and although it wobbles a bit it has never come loose.
Can't comment on SatNav as I hate them on bikes.
Not keen on them in cars either but sometimes they do help.
Zumo 660 - wire in through the power point provided - routes through ignition and is fused through bike.
If I were to go for a 2012 model - get the Tourer. It's green (urgh!) but comes fully loaded for the same price as the standard ones in this years colours (Blue :rolleyes: and (sort of) red :wacko: )
Green was last years but they have specced it up with sat nav (mount only), top box and back rest, and tank pad set.
A good deal really - about £700 saving on buying the bits in this years colour match.
Last year, I think in "General Discussion" I asked about Sat Navs and as always here the response was excellent .... so if you can find the thread you will see it all in there .. pictures and all !
I have a Z660 and love it .. though I did none of the wiring myself. ( mong at that sort of stuff )
My standard Top Box and standard plate have been fine, even fully loaded at full chat in France for a week and I use it all the time, again fairly well loaded and never had a problem .... BUT the general opinion here is that you need a much better/stronger/larger plate :laugh:
thanks Eric B,Rusty and all.
nok12rs you will find some useful info here regarding Top Box plates etc., which may help
http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,1176.0.html[/b]