60 bikes later and I'm still no nearer to finding the perfect bike.....Just sold a 2012 Explorer as the riding position just wasn't doing it for my Coccyx :no:
I think I need something a bit more 'sports tourer'. I've ridden an FJR1300 for many miles and know its a competent bike, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth ( I think) so I'm drawn to the GTR ....
Any issues you could tell me about.. or any suggestions on updated model years etc. would be most welcome before I pull the trigger :wink:
I've heard that the 2010 model onwards is heavily revised.... :whistling:
Thanks in advance
Bryn
:185: Bryn .... Glad to hear you are after a Gtr ... mine is 18 months old and I love it to bits with no problems at all .... I am sure there are others who will update this thread too, but for me it's the best overall bike i have had in 30 years ! Get one ! :cool:
Bryn, hi and welcome to the forum. Is there such a thing as a perfect bike?
I've had a few bikes over the years but very few by comparison to others on here. I love the GTR and cant fault it for my requirements. I've had an 08 model and now have an 11 plate. My preference is the 2010 + model due to the modifications which were made to it. But that just boils down to personal choice.
Excellent decision to get a GTR. The position should be perfect and it's a superb machine, particularly when compared to the :shit: FJR
Enjoy - a fantastic bit of kit. Oh. And the blue ones are fastest..........
Hi Bryn, Cant comment on the pre 010 GTR, but the 010 onward bike in my opinion is a cracker, mine is an 011(Green) and is far and away the best bike I have ever owned, but in saying that is probably in a different category than my previous bikes, ie 1250 Bandit, zzr1200, zzr 1100, zrx1200. I bought mine to give me more creature comforts, and more carrying capacity. This bike is amazing in the fact that yes it is a big heavy bike, but it is able to carry that weight in a manner that will astonish you. Engine wise, I doubt that you will ever need more, I like to get a shift on, but it just laughs at my miserable efforts to extend it. Comfort wise I find it fine, although I am going to try some bar risers for next summer, great brakes, controls in right positions, (Why would they not be), all in all a superb bit of kit. I have had a few problems with mine, all of which were dealt with under warranty, ie rear pre-load adjuster seized, and was replaced with a complete new shock, paint fell of the silver exhaust cover, replaced with new one, and it had new discs fitted, even though I never thought there was anything wrong with them (Long story) Kawasaki do tend to look after their customers. All in all I think a great bike, much underrated, but loved by most that have one. I have done 14000 on mine in 15 months, It still looks great. and has turned out to be a fantastic buy. But, get yourself a test ride and make your own mind up. Enjoy the experience. cheers Geoff
+1 On K's customer care/service
Hi Brym. Welcome to the Forum. Although there were some very good modifications to the post 2010 model, I have to say I am extremely satisfied with my 57 plate. Must be one of the first bikes made and suites my requirements in every way. Oh and by the way it is black which some will tell you is the fastest colour, although not with me on board as I am somewhat advanced in years and a southern softie to boot. Get yourself a test ride and you will see what we all are raving about. :banana:
Thanks for the welcome and opinions guys ....
I had my eye on an 11 plate black one , but that's now been sold.... also looking at an 09 plate with 9000 miles on it.. new Road pilot 3's, hugger, oxford heated grips fitted by dealer.. etc....
he's looking for 6k which doesn't sound bad.... I know its not the update model but quite a saving as its only going to be a toy....
It may start out being a toy, but be careful. It can soon develop to be an obsession! :mfr_lol:
Just so I know, how will I know the model, are all 2010 plate bikes the revised ones or not :wacko:
Hi and welcome to the forum Bryn
The newer model have bright orange switches, heated grip controller and storage on the left fairing, whilst the earlier model has storage above the tank and no heated grip controller
Quote from: Bryn on September 04, 2012, 03:59:52 PM
Just so I know, how will I know the model, are all 2010 plate bikes the revised ones or not :wacko:
No------- see Kwikasfukis reply. :smiley:
Bryn,
Welcome. I have done 29k on my 2010 now, and rate it highly. I have had no comfort issues on it, though I rarely do more than 200 miles in a day.
Traction control on the 2010 on is a godsend in my eyes, and worth getting the updated bike for. I have rarely needed it, only in the ice really, but knowing it is there makes for much more relaxed ride in poor conditions.
Martin.
Same here! had my 2010 best colour :grin: for 18 months and used it on 5 long weekends trips and a south of france and italy trip and the odd day trip :smiley: only coverd 7,550 miles to date, but do have second bike and one of thoses 4 wheel things :grin: As far as tourers go they are really a excellent machine, handle extremely well and can dam well move when cracked open :smiley: look good even in green,black,blue,silver,red colours :grin: can't rate them enough :clap:
Well, after a long talk with the owner of the 09 model I mentioned earlier.... I've got first refusal on it and will be taking it for a spin Saturday. (or before if I can sort it). I knw the more goodies the better but the price seems about right for this one :yes:
You wont be disappointed. :clap:
Looks like a couple of things for me to be looking out for.... Seized rear preload adjuster and warped discs... anything else that will jump out at me ? :wink:
Quote from: Bryn on September 06, 2012, 06:45:47 PM
Looks like a couple of things for me to be looking out for.... Seized rear preload adjuster and warped discs... anything else that will jump out at me ? :wink:
Sheer, brute power! :biker3:
Quote from: Lonewolf on September 06, 2012, 06:49:08 PM
Sheer, brute power! :biker3:
Hehe.... I was thinking more of problems... not bonuses :smiley:
Quote from: Bryn on September 06, 2012, 06:45:47 PM
Looks like a couple of things for me to be looking out for.... Seized rear preload adjuster and warped discs... anything else that will jump out at me ? :wink:
this has not happened to all the gtr's :nono: I've only done 7,550 miles but I've had no issues with warp discs, the rear preload can and has seized on quite a few :sad: but if you turn the preload both ways to full turn then back to your setting once a month it will not seize. I think it could have been designed better to keep the weather elements out, but lack of use is causing them to seize. make sure it as had the rear brake recall done if applicable on the 09 model, and it's advisable to fit a hugger, radiator guard, fenda extenda, and a headlamp protector. then you will have the best sports tourer on the market :smiley:
Quote from: 2kwacks on September 06, 2012, 07:09:05 PM
this has not happened to all the gtr's :nono: I've only done 7,550 miles but I've had no issues with warp discs, the rear preload can and has seized on quite a few :sad: but if you turn the preload both ways to full turn then back to your setting once a month it will not seize. I think it could have been designed better to keep the weather elements out, but lack of use is causing them to seize. make sure it as had the rear brake recall done if applicable on the 09 model, and it's advisable to fit a hugger, radiator guard, fenda extenda, and a headlamp protector. then you will have the best sports tourer on the market :smiley:
I'll check with the brake issue.....its got a hugger and fenda extenda fitted already... not sure about whether it has a rad guard....
I'm hoping it looks as tasty as the photo's
:yes:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r403/GSAnut/offsidewithpanniers.jpg)
Hey Bryn, looks the dogs swingers, remember what I said about becoming an obsession! :banana:
Quote from: Gonome on September 06, 2012, 08:21:08 PM
Hey Bryn, looks the dogs swingers, remember what I said about becoming an obsession! :banana:
I really REALLY hope it does :tt1:
have you bought this gtr or thinking of it, or still :undecided: about it! looks in first class condition :yes: also looks like it a low mileage one! may see you at the 2013 torquay :whistling: gtr jolly boys meet then :smiley:
Quote from: 2kwacks on September 06, 2012, 09:00:58 PM
have you bought this gtr or thinking of it, or still :undecided: about it! looks in first class condition :yes: also looks like it a low mileage one! may see you at the 2013 torquay :whistling: gtr jolly boys meet then :smiley:
Seeing it on Saturday... 9600 miles and a new back tyre.....if its as clean as it looks I'll be riding home on it ..... Torquay here I come then :sorcerer:
Yo Bryn, That looks double mint. How many miles has it done? :smiley: Woops sorry both posted at same time. Just thought I would mention that, before I get a bollocking of Mr Wolf. :surrender: :popcorn:
9,600 miles.. dam! it's only just been run in :laugh: very nice, hope everthing goes to plan for you :yes: good luck :smiley:
Quote from: 2kwacks on September 06, 2012, 09:16:21 PM
9,600 miles.. dam! it's only just been run in :laugh: very nice, hope everthing goes to plan for you :yes: good luck :smiley:
Thanks for that... no doubt I'll be reporting on here Saturday afternoon :biker3:
good luck Bryn, The GTR is a stunning machine and I'm sure taht youll love it.. I've had three, 2009,2010,2011 and they were are all superb :yes:
How Excited am I :rolleyes:
Nice weather to look at a bike.... and bring it home with me if its a good 'un :banana:
That looks really nice ... It's Sat morning and down here in the Souff it's warm and sunny ... hope it is for you too .... enjoy ! :smiley:
Right then.... I'm now the owner of an '09 GTR with 9600 miles on it, new tyres and new back brake pads :cool:
Already worked out I need a bigger screen and a rad guard
And no it's not astroturf :laugh:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r403/GSAnut/IMG_0512.jpg)
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r403/GSAnut/IMG_0511.jpg)
Quote from: Bryn on September 08, 2012, 07:48:10 PM
And no it's not astroturf :laugh:
:mfr_lol: you're learning quick Bryn, I can see we'll hace to keep an eye on you :mfr_lol:
:oops: nearly forgot to say congrats on the new bike.. :cool: :cool:
Nice bike and nice grass. You clearly dont have a dog!!
One hell of a garden ornament. Do you have a proper bike - for riding etc. :innocent:
Quote from: Lonewolf on September 08, 2012, 11:54:14 PM
Nice bike and nice grass. You clearly dont have a dog!!
Say Hi to Reg .. he uses the lavatory :whistling:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r403/GSAnut/IMG_0403.jpg)
Congrats with the bike Bryn, looks really good. So now the journey begins! :banana:
Quote from: Bryn on September 08, 2012, 07:48:10 PM
And no it's not astroturf :laugh:
Welcome Bryn.. With grass like that you have to much time on your hands :mfr_lol:
Now you have the GTR the grass will start to be neglected :mfr_lol:
Quote from: deb3km on September 09, 2012, 05:27:45 PM
Welcome Bryn.. With grass like that you have to much time on your hands :mfr_lol:
Now you have the GTR the grass will start to be neglected :mfr_lol:
It's not really that good.... it's the special grass filter on the camera :innocent:
Looking forward to getting stuck in on here :yes:
Hi Bryn
really interested in you comparison of the Explorer to the GTR. I've ridden GTR's for 4 years now and I do love the bike to bits.
Original did 22000 in 11 months, 2nd did 31k in 10months and my current one is a 2010 in Brown ;-) and today, I went through the 35k barrier.
They do everything from Motogymkhana (see other post) to 160mph (where allowed).
hope you enjoy it.
Neil
Replied on your other thread :smiley:
I have Neil's 2nd GTR and shes now on 46600 miles and still going like a dream :banana:
That means Ive done 15500 miles / 25000 KM in 12 months :clap:
Quote from: deb3km on September 09, 2012, 07:49:21 PM
I have Neil's 2nd GTR and shes now on 46600 miles and still going like a dream :banana:
That means Ive done 15500 miles / 25000 KM in 12 months :clap:
Blimey... how do you find time to post on here :biker3: