hello guys, I use my bike daily to get to work, about a 100 mile round trip. At the moment I have a CBF 1000 with full luggage, which is a nice all rounder bike but just lacks that fun element. Before that I had that, I owned A BLACKBIRD for 9 years which was just a terrific bike but got old and started hurting my wrists as Im late 40's and starting to feel it and being stretched out over the tank with bar raisers fitted.
So I really miss the blackbird and bored with the CBF and fancy a ZZR but my wrists and back won't take it so that led me to a test ride a GTR.
It did feel nice and I'm used to heavy bikes with work, (RT1200's) but hate BMW.
I just feel I need convincing to get the GTR, I like touring, I like having the missus on the back with luggage , and I like effortless cruising at 80 -85.
The pan 13 and FJR look so dated against the GTR.
I didn't like the screen, a lot of noise up high and wind in the chest down low. But then the CBF has an awful screen.
Got my eye on one for £7800, an 09 with full luggage and heated grips.
Convince me please
I had a cbf before my gtr and i dont regret buying the gtr at all.
Mine had a tall after market screen fitted and I can ride at 60 with my visor up!
Go for it!!
P
HI
I know where you are coming from. I have just brought a Touring bike for the first time. (having spent many years on sports bikes etc).
Like you I was impressed with the GTR against most other bikes in the same class. I ended up with a 57 plate with 3250 miles on the clock, full luggage, gel seat, lowered rear pegs, (a god send), and a tall Kawasaki screen. I did not like the screen found it extremly noisy at the top and at the low end it felt like the wind was going to rip my neck off. Tried a Mira screen (what a complete waste of money) looked at the laminar lip, then thought. I already have one on the Mira screen so took that off and fitted on the Kawasaki big screen oh boy what a differance and what a pleasure to ride.
The bike came with some shitty Bridgestones on they were crap. fitted the new Pilot 3 again what a differance, fuel consumption good as well have got 210 miles two up touring at a steady 85-90. will say that when you give it a go (as I did on the TT) the comsuption dropped to 130. but compare that with my Gxsr 1000 (still have) I was lucky to get 60 miles out of the tank around the TT.
Have read on this forum re vibration and brake problems which seem to be on the newer bikes, I have to say not seen that on my bike (touch wood and hope not to). the only down side for me is being a short arse is getting my feet fully down, I find that the posistion of the pegs a little arkward and get them stuck in my boots, so I tend to flip them up, it works for me,
She who must be obayed loves the comfort factor on the back seat, the luggage space in the side panniers and top box is brillant and waterproof, we were both amazed what we packed for this years TT.
Overall for me as a first touring bike it ticks all the boxs and for the price its a lot of bike. If asked would I recomend it would be a :clap:
As a newbie and my first post I hope this helps you on your decission
Trousersnake, welcome along to the forum. So you are a black rat eh? Plenty of us on here. :whistling:
The GTR itself is a good, solid practical bike and I agree you do get a lot of bike for your cash. The standard tyres are shit, Michelin PR3's stick like shit. If you get a chance to do a deal on a tyre change before you part with the notes that will save you some grief. The standard screen on the pre 2010 models are shit. I'm only 5' 11" but even so its just not tall enough. Cee Baileys after market screens seem to solve the problem.
Fuel economy wise I can get 60 + mpg easy even travelling at motorway speeds.
£7800 for an 09, possibly a bit steep, I got an 11 plate in March of this year for £8995. Just something to think about.
welcome to the forum ..the GTR might have some issues, but then most bikes do.
as far as an all rounder ya can't really beat it...I'm on my third GTR since 2009, in between times I had a K1300 GT and a fugly R1200 GS both of which were overpriced and overrated. :yes:
Hello - and welcome!
I came from the Suzuki Hayabusa - the new model - lots of strength and a great engine! Had mounted QuickLock from SW-Motech and v36 bags - good for touring! But unfortunately offers little comfort on long trips. Had Suzuki made a Hayabusa GT (touring), I stayed with Suzuki!
Therefore I looked for a quick GT bike. Both the BMW K1300GT and Yamaha FJR1300 was in the spotlight. Design and performance of both is not as good as the GTR1400. And as for the BMW K1600GT ... it is just too big!
It's been one year now ... and I have never regretted it! Kawasaki GTR1400 is and remains a great and the best touring bike. Whether you buy a model 2008 or newer - it makes no difference - both generation 1 and 2 are good!
Go for it!
Hi Trousersnake, small world
I had a CBF1000 for 3 1/2 years and it is a very very good bike before getting the GTR and the GTR is just so much better on all counts.
As a tourer, particularly two up, it is more comfortable as there is more space but the bike is more capable in dealing with distances. As a sports bike going through twisty roads it is a lot better even though it is a bigger bike :smiley: :smiley: I used to average @ 10k miles a year on the CBF but on the GTR I now tend to average around 13k miles a year and I don't commute.
I don't think you would regret getting the GTR
Kind regrads
Steve
Hi and welcome to the forum.
The GTR is a fine bike. I use mine daily for commuting and its very comfortable with plenty of oomph when needed. The stock screen is pants. I'd go for the Calsci screen.
yeh go on and get one ................ in fact i can sort you mine its a 2010 with 16500 mile for only a little more ;-) its on MCN :wink:
Hey ... :185: Black Rat .. nice to have you onboard .... Like you I ride RT1200's most days around Central London ... and commute on the Gtr, for days anyway and train it in on nights ... you only have to read some of the threads on here to find out what we think of the bike ... it really is a great bit of kit .. you will love it after the Blackbird ... lots of power and agility for its size, with plenty of luggage capacity too.
Just get one ... you know it makes sense !! :smiley: :smiley:
Well I have gone and put my deposit down, got a sum agreed for the CBF and just waiting for funds to clear so should have it by the end of next week.
Anyone from TDV TDP, big John Bliss says there are loads of GTR's at Hampton
Can you post a link for a decent screen please.
Quote from: trousersnake01 on June 22, 2012, 10:26:59 PM
Can you post a link for a decent screen please.
look here for a great list of accessories for your GTR :yes:
http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,12.0.html
trousersnake01.. welcome to the madhouse forum :grin: I've had my 2010 60 plate gtr for 18 months now, and as happy as a pig in :shit: with it :smiley: also had a zzr1400 df8 2008 for 4 years only sold it a few months ago. I did find the zzr1400 very comfortable for town riding and touring. but suppose we are all different and if you test rode the zzr1400 and found it not for you, then you can't go wrong with the gtr. one of the reasons I traded the zzr was because I found the zzr and the gtr where to similar to keep at the same time. in many ways, it was like riding the same bike all the time. wanted some think completely different so got another zx6r :smiley: I reckon well hope.. I've still got another 12 years of supersport riding still left in me, before I reach "63 ya know" :whistling:
TS .. no other MPS here .. Hampton Traffic ? Was it Station Road ? Only know it well as my brother used to live next door ... the little gate down the side that leads to the converted stables .... nice. :smiley:
I am at DPG, Apex House, attached to CX ... PM me your details and I'll E mail you at work ....
You know Chris Psaras and 'plug' Ian Jarrat and Phil Hunter then.
Going to get the GTR next Thursday on my day off so looking forward to that. Now searching ebay for a nice after market can and bigger screen.
and 2kwacks, I don't know how you can ride that ninja, a guy at work has one and apart from being fun, it kept up with my CBF well, I sat on it and I felt like I was sitting on the front wheel, I am amazed you can swap between the bikes.
Know Mr Jarrat very well ... lost a bit of weight since he ran The London in his Tea Pot ! :mfr_lol: