I have just joined after repeated rejection of my 1352 answer to the verification question! 1400 worked! Just as well, I was about to be "bored out".
So, this looks like a great community. I like the picture of Mr Blair, Eric that is.
It looks like I might be dropping out of the BMW KBikes forum:
I have ridden a K1200rs since 1999. I have loved every mile but have had very expensive reliability issues and now the last straw has been drawn and loaded on this donkeys back.
Having read a million words on the 14GTR (mostly America Concours words) I am going to hire one at Wandsworth,London my home town.
Seems a better approach that a dealer test drive; less sense of obligation. I was lead to the 14 via a Google question : Touring bikes for tall men.
I expect by now you are, if still awake, wondering when the questions will arrive. Here we go:
1. Are any member owners 6' 4" or above and senior in their citizenship?
2.If yes to 1. , how do you find the bike a) in town, b)touring ?
3. If in the described above wrinkly category, (or even if you are not) have you ridden a K1200rs and if yes, how does the 14 compare?
Of course I will have answers to most of the above after my day's ride next week. But in the interim, I would really appreciate your feed back either specifically in answer to my questions or just general 1400GTR comments.
Thank you kindly and best regards.
Hi and welcome to the nut house.
I've spilt your post into the introduction forum.
A few people have mentioned the verification answer is incorrect. What's worrying is the number of people that answer 1400 first time!
Unfortunately I can't help you on your question as I'm neither a senior citizen or 6'4". However, I can testify the bike is great for commuting and never had issues with it in town
Thank you Kwikasfuki for the welcome and response. Moto GP Rider!?! Wow!
Welcome to the forum where you'll find lots of friendly help and advice
I would echo kwikas' reply as the GTR is awesome in town and also whilst touring ~ to be honest it also superb anywhere in between
I've owned (last year) a new K1300 GTEE, and more recently a R1200GS the GTR beats them hands down, mind you I'm on my third GTR now
I'm not 6'4" so can't help there, however there are others on here who can comment from experience
I am 6'3" so close, will be 56 later this year and have the odd dodgy joint, purchased a new GTR last Sep after years of Hondas and indeed tried a BMW for a weekend and yes I liked it, but the GTR was head and shoulders better in comfort, smoothness and feel.
I have fitted the laminar lip on the top of the screen and reckon this is the best option, so far the longest I have sat in the saddle is just over 2 hours with no problems, in three weeks I will be all over Germany and cant wait.
The oly BMW I have is my 5 series touring and that's how it's going to stay.
Alan
:185: to the forum Mr Nok. I feel sure the answers you are seeking are buried in our collective group of brain cells. Sorry cant help you with the the question of a comparison between the GTR and a BMW as I must admit that I have never ridden a BMW of any sort. That due in the main to the styling of them leaving me cold. On your second point I could say that I almost qualify, as yet I am not waiting for the weekly payment from the pensions department, but I am indeed mighty close and as from December my working days will be over. So as an old bloke I can report my findings on owning the GTR. Overall I love mine, as quick as you are likely to ever want to travel on two wheels, fantastic brakes, smooth turbine like engine, and on the later (from 010) onwards models lots of new gizmos ie switchable levels of ABS, traction control that if you like can be switched off (why would you), and lots of other aids and gadgets that most of this type of bike have. But for me the actual riding experience aboard the GTR is very pleasant indeed, I find the bike very comfortable, and not at all the hulk that it looks. This bike is amazing in the way it hides its bulk once on the move. I asked the same questions about the GTR before I bought mine, as you are now asking us, and the answers I got made me think that this was the bike for me, and 6 thousands miles into ownership the ONLY thing that I would say I have any issue with, if indeed it is a "Bike" issue, is I have found they are a bit fussy as to which tyres you use, but I am sure if you look on the tyre thread on this site you will form an opinion on that aspect of the bike for yourself. Fuel consumption on mine as been always over 50 mpg, but unlike most on here I get my kicks on A and B roads, and avoid motorways like the plague. All in all the GTR suites my needs pretty much perfectly.If you have never owned a Kawasaki before I will put your mind at ease by telling you that I have had lots and never had an issue with any of them, the term "bomb proof" pretty much sums them up. Hope this helps, enjoy your day out on the bike, And please report back with your thoughts Cheers Geoff :smiley:
Thank you Alan,
When I was 59 I covered 550 miles during a day (in France on my K12rs) 60% National and 40% Autoroutes. I felt great and, after a shower went out for the evening. Those days are over for me (and the K12). 300 miles a day now my limit. I am really looking forward to my hire day on the 14.
Thank you Geoff.
Yes, like you, I love the "windies". Last year I rode the K12 to Genoa via the Grand St Bernard and then took the Ferry to Corsica. Now there's "canyons for you.
I am somewhat in denial about my K12 but having been poorly used by BMW GB Ltd, it is time to say farewell to my Bayerische Babe, move on, and see what a Nifty Nippon can do for me.
PS Geoff,
How could this leave you cold, style wise. Picture taken one month ago just before the "event".
Or this Geoff.
But enough already! I am supposed to be turning Kawasaki!
Quote from: Nok12rs on March 14, 2012, 07:36:35 PM
PS Geoff,
How could this leave you cold, style wise. Picture taken one month ago just before the "event".
Must say the K series are easier on the eye than the R s, they are one ugly motorbike. :wacko:
Mr Nok. Pray tell what was the "event" :ohplease: :rolleyes:
I can testify that Geoff flies on the twisties.
Welcome Mr Nok .... can't help you with any of the questions but as the others have said ..."You won't be disappointed" :cool:
The GTR is just lovely, and as you work your way around the forum and read through some of the threads you'll get the idea !
I pop through Wandsworth on my way home sometimes ... work Central London and make my way back via various routes to the A3 ....
Let us all know how you get on with your hire day... and nice to have you here :smiley:
Thank you Rusty.
I will report back.
Nice forum - good bunch.
:185: Hi, as everyone else has stated, you wont be disappointed with the demo run, quite the opposite I feel. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 14, 2012, 09:10:39 PM
I can testify that Geoff flies on the twisties.
funny you should say that... I noticed the same, bloody chikens flying in all directions in every farm yard we visited :mfr_lol:
Quote from: olde coney on March 15, 2012, 09:00:31 AM
funny you should say that... I noticed the same, bloody chikens flying in all directions in every farm yard we visited :mfr_lol:
Yep if you want to know anything about B roads in the North of England I'm your man :yes:
Hi Nok
Yes I came to the GTR via a 2007 K1200R sport, which I loved, no mechanical issues but the usual clunky gearbox etc.
By comparison the GTR lacks some bottom end torque but you soon get used to making more use of the gears and at least the gearbox is slick on the GTR! Everywhere else it beats the K hands down. Its smooth, very quick and comfortable and good for a pillion, providing they are not too tall. (A bit cramped between the seat and pillion footpegs, although there are plenty of extensions available and my wife at 5'5'' has no problem)
As with everyone elses reply take your chequebook with you when you ride one, you'll need it!!
Just a note of caution, the GTR is very sensitive to tyre pressures and profile on the front so if it feels a bit strange that is usually the culprit.
Chris
Quote from: bradders94 on March 22, 2012, 07:40:21 PM
Just a note of caution, the GTR is very sensitive to tyre pressures and profile on the front so if it feels a bit strange that is usually the culprit.
Chris
I wouldn't say its any more sensitive than other machines, obviously checking your tyre pressures is or should be, part of a daily pre- ride routine
Agreed but the GTR will feel horrible on a half worn original front tyre I rode one on demo that felt like the front tyre was flat but when you looked carefully at the profile of the tyre it was worn on the shoulders into a strange profile but lokked ok on first glance. I don't think the same applies on other tyres just the early bridgestones.
Chris