About 12 months ago I was trying to decide if I should buy a Yamaha FJR or the GTR 1400. After much deliberation I decided to buy the FJR. The bike has performed brilliantly in most aspects and probably one of the best sport / tourers I have ridden.
However, There is an issue with the bike that has make me decide to sell it. Apparently the gear box has square cut gears and they make a terrible whining sound through all gears. It sounds ok at highway speed but very noisy when riding through the hills, going up and down gears. I am not the only person disappointed with this aspect of the bike, there are plenty of postings on the forums.
Not everyone dislikes this gearbox noise, but a lot do, including myself. The FJR forum members say it is caused because the gears are square cut. The sound is like a car when it goes in reverse quickly.
My Question is this: Has anyone had any experience like this with the GTR 1400 as far as gearbox noise goes? I like the GTR 1400 as a sports tourer but I don't want to make the same mistake as I did on this one.
A few years ago I had a Honda ST1300 and the gearbox on that bike was very smooth and quiet.
Any experience from member would be appreciated.
John
Hi John
The best man to ask will be Ant as he:-
1 Has an early FJR (Ocean)
2 Has ridern over 18000miles/annum on his GTR (Marmite)
3 Has just purchased the latest FJR (Blaze)
He's a top bloke and sure to help answer your question :yes:
Hi Simo, ( and Charles )
Yep both fantastic bikes,,,the whine as you put it is what the FJR sounds like and is a trade mark sound of the bike. You either like it or you don't.
The GTR is one imposing bike and will turn heads where ever you go and eat up miles without a problem, with plenty of space around the bike to add things to.
The weight is higher up and feels heavier than the FJR, you can throw the Gen 4 FJR around easier and get better wind protection with the right screen on, without putting a surfboard on there.
No noise from the GTR that i have noticed, but then again its a motorbike, if it sounds noisy around the engine, stick a louder pipe on.
No stock exhausts on my bikes.
Out of the 2 IMHO, the FJR is a more reliable bike and easier to work on, mpg is about the same and no real difference in performance until you get above 130, which you shouldn't be doing anyway ! :whistling:
Best thing you can do is get both :mfr_lol:
"Best thing you can do is get both :mfr_lol: "
................................To go with your tax haven home on the French Riviera :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Hey Ant are you and Loz up for the Lakes15 Meet ?
I think you will find that ALL Kawasaki gearboxes are straight cut
Quote from: Charlie747 on November 30, 2014, 01:04:26 PM
Hey Ant are you and Loz up for the Lakes15 Meet ?
Now let me see.......Brolly, waders, wind block, hat and coat,, or,, sun cream, :sleep1:, smooth roads and more sun :popcorn: :mfr_lol:
Wont know until after Xmas really.....
Quote from: Ant on November 30, 2014, 04:56:01 PM
Now let me see.......Brolly, waders, wind block, hat and coat,, or,, sun cream, :sleep1:, smooth roads and more sun :popcorn: :mfr_lol:
Wont know until after Xmas really.....
Tough choice mate........................ :mfr_lol:
OK, Thanks guys and Ant for your input. That's the problem each bike has a trade off. I will have to decide which is the best to live with.
Apart from the noise, I find the FJR an excellent bike. I need to get a GTR for a weekend. A test ride from the dealer is not long enough.
Hi, im a complete newby on here, ive been toying with the idea of an FJR for a while now , I presently own a very nice Versys 1000, but last week my local dealer in Grimsby let me go out on an FJR just for a jolly, Well if im totally honest I wasnt overly impressed so that put that one to bed , then I went in again yesterday and he has just taken a 14 plate GTR 1400 back in.........6 miles on it, yes SIX miles, its owner I believe has been poorly and now wants something a little smaller (sx1000) so on saturday im taking that out for a run and I think now that after sitting on it and riding it around the forecourt that im gunna like it........alot so as long he's not talking daft money I can feel a new bike coming before the backside gets kicked out of mine in terms of value because of the launch of the new Versys 1000,cant wait for saturday :biker3:
scoobs, hi & welcome. Just be aware that some dealers seem able to sell new GTR's for £11699 approx. and others seem to charge £13.5 approx. Potential madness I know, apart from a colour change, each bike will be identical.! The bike you're looking at is obviously as near as damn it, new. Don't get ripped off. There are many 2012 & 2013 models knocking around especially at this time of the year with very low mileage on them, <4000 for about the 9 or 10K mark.
They're always worth investigating.
Scoobs, the arse will not fall out of yours just because the new model is coming. Your bike is utterly and completely mint, and as I have seen it, and own a mint big Versys myself know what a mint bike looks like. By all means go and try the GTR, but ask to have the bike for at least half a day. And do lots of miles on the kind of roads that you would normally ride on. The GTR is a big heavy beast, so you will need to make certain that it is the bike for you. If you decide a GTR is for you, barter long and hard. They will be getting in swop a bike that could go straight into their showroom, and selling a bike that at this time of year would normally be hard to shift. good luck Geoff. :smiley:
+1 geoff
Scoobs try the GTR its a great bike, but very different to the V1K :yes:
O.C (a.k.a. Tyke)
Scoobs, I take it you're dealing with RobSpeed? Good dealers IMO.
The FJR is far more nimble and smaller than the GTR, so getting off your Versys would be completely alien!
The FJR is quite heavy and does tend to under steer at slow speed, but comes alive when you get going.
The GTR carries it's weight quite high. It feels almost as solid as the FJR (again after the Versys it will feel like a small planet in density!) but rides more neutrally.
However, you will need to 'push' or 'ride' the front end to get the best out of it.
Superb machine, but you do need a good ride out over varying terrains to understand it!
Also think about what sort of riding you want to do. It's great for long distances, very comfortable if slightly the sports side of sport/touring (as is the FJR). ABout 160-180 to a tankful (to be on safe side) good carrying capacity and reasonable weather protection (better than the Adventure style)
Great continental tourer that will let you play on the twisties when you get there.
Think about passenger comfort too as the rear pegs are quite high. FJR's are lower and the saddle is probably better for passengers.
I can't recommend the GTR enough, just be aware and give it a good ride to get your head around it.
Scoobs, at the end of the day, it depends on what kind of biking you do/or intend to do. If you need to sit on motorways for hundreds of miles at a time then a GTR will fit the bill. If on the other hand you do most of your biking on A/B roads, the bike that you already have is better. A GTR wont carry anymore luggage, nor be better on fuel, or be anymore comfortable, especially for a pillion. Of course you may want to change because you just fancy/or like the look of another bike. Keep us informed.
However the GTR does have a certain road presence, it is a formidable machine and other motorists certainly notice you on it. If in doubt check this out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tJwrmYStYE&list=UUfR_4o1R78RgUVqWRbcKPPw
Geoff at the risk of disagreeing with you, which I'm afraid I do the GTR is in its element on A & B roads & motorways alike. You don't get much more unforgiving than Wrynose & Hardknott Pass up in The Lakes. You no doubt know these two locations reasonably well, if not exceptionally well. I've been over these passes so many times I cant recall how many and on each occasion it was done on the GTR without any mishaps.
I don't understand why you are painting a clouded picture of the GTR as it's a terrific bike.
:agree:
Politely put. We may have changed brands, but at least we still rate the GTR on the GTR forum!
1400GTR is a hoot in tight twisties but it's not an easy ride. You have to work at it, but it's more rewarding than most sportsbikes because of that. On fast A & B roads it is the master. Effortless and massively quick. On motorways it's smooth and easy if you can get the seat sorted. That said if you are a shortarse/wimpling :-) you will struggle as she is a BIG bike.
Boomer via Tapatalk
:agree: :agree:
Spot on George
Quote from: The Wolf on December 11, 2014, 07:10:33 PM
Geoff at the risk of disagreeing with you, which I'm afraid I do the GTR is in its element on A & B roads & motorways alike. You don't get much more unforgiving than Wrynose & Hardknott Pass up in The Lakes. You no doubt know these two locations reasonably well, if not exceptionally well. I've been over these passes so many times I cant recall how many and on each occasion it was done on the GTR without any mishaps.
I don't understand why you are painting a clouded picture of the GTR as it's a terrific bike.
Steve my comments on this subject are my opinion, I did 18,000 miles on the GTR and I have done 25,000 miles on the Versys. And in my opinion the Versys is a LOT better bike than the GTR. I have stated before that I couldn't give a monkeys what a bike looks like, I am far more concerned as to what a bike will actually DO. Of course the GTR is ok with A/B roads, but the Versys is far easier to ride, therefore for me it is better. I have also stated in the past that the only thing that the GTR will do better than the Versys is blast down an autobahn at 130 mph for a few hours (and how many people do that). I am not saying that the GTR is a bad bike. I was just advising Dane (scoobs) to have a good LONG ride on the GTR before he commits. :smiley:
Quote from: Winston Smith on December 11, 2014, 07:14:25 PM
:agree:
Politely put. We may have changed brands, but at least we still rate the GTR on the GTR forum!
I also still rate the GTR BUT not for the kind of biking that I do. And just because people contribute to a specific bike forum, it doesn't mean we have to overlook flaws, or talk about any other bike that may or may not be better. Forums as you know are all about opinions, so I shall continue to voice mine. :tongue:
Hi Geoff and Tyke, nice to hear from you again and my you pair certainly get around dont you and pop up in the most unexpected places, I know that I have an awesome bike right now sitting in my garage and its going to have to be something pretty special to make me part with her but this is an itch that I just have to scratch, Ive taken on board everyones comments which are all greatly appreciated, my dealers which is Robspeed in Grimsby are what I can only describe as fantastic, he had said that he is not cleaning the GTR albeit only dusty and I can have it for as long as I want on any day but the forecast looks good for saturday, they used my bike in the summer as a demo bike as they didnt have one ........and made a sale I might add so you get the picture on the sort of relationship we have, I will let you all know my thoughts and findings over the weekend and for all of you that are still riding in this weather.......stay safe
Quote from: scoobs1963 on December 11, 2014, 10:11:41 PM
Hi Geoff and Tyke, nice to hear from you again and my you pair certainly get around dont you and pop up in the most unexpected places, I know that I have an awesome bike right now sitting in my garage and its going to have to be something pretty special to make me part with her but this is an itch that I just have to scratch, Ive taken on board everyones comments which are all greatly appreciated, my dealers which is Robspeed in Grimsby are what I can only describe as fantastic, he had said that he is not cleaning the GTR albeit only dusty and I can have it for as long as I want on any day but the forecast looks good for saturday, they used my bike in the summer as a demo bike as they didnt have one ........and made a sale I might add so you get the picture on the sort of relationship we have, I will let you all know my thoughts and findings over the weekend and for all of you that are still riding in this weather.......stay safe
Yes Dane the weather looks good for Saturday. Enjoy your day, and make sure that you pile a few miles on. Must agree on your comments regarding your dealer. If you find a good one stick with them. I have bought my last 8 off the lads who look after me. :banana: :banana:
Well got out today and only just thawed out but well well worth the effort and cold, right the GTR.."wow" loved every minute of my ride but taking into consideration about the type of riding I do and intend to do in the near future anyway and the fact that I still totally love my Versys im keeping her, so its a new set of tyes for spring time, thanks for all the comments and I look forward to meeting up again next year to do some more exploring with Geoff and Tyke in the Yorkshire dales, ride safe guys and merry christmas
Quote from: scoobs1963 on December 13, 2014, 10:52:06 PM
Well got out today and only just thawed out but well well worth the effort and cold, right the GTR.."wow" loved every minute of my ride but taking into consideration about the type of riding I do and intend to do in the near future anyway and the fact that I still totally love my Versys im keeping her, so its a new set of tyes for spring time, thanks for all the comments and I look forward to meeting up again next year to do some more exploring with Geoff and Tyke in the Yorkshire dales, ride safe guys and merry christmas
Well done Dane, If you dont have a go you will never know. In the past I have done just the same as you have, ie thought that you need a change, but then realize na, I'll keep what I have. Look forward to having you along next summer. You can go back and polish ya pipes again now :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: Merry Christmas to you and yours..
Quote from: 100milesaway on December 13, 2014, 11:01:44 PM
Well done Dane, If you dont have a go you will never know. In the past I have done just the same as you have, ie thought that you need a change, but then realize na, I'll keep what I have. Look forward to having you along next summer. You can go back and polish ya pipes again now :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: Merry Christmas to you and yours..
Geoff, unless you've gone all Yank on us its realise! :popcorn:
Realise, sounds like something that goes in a glass with a large quantity of vodka is poured over.
We are getting the 1000 Versys over to this side of the pond, soon. If it rides anything like the DL1000 VStrom I owned, it has to be a blast. Really enjoyed the bike, even though it was a little tall. Had to go though, because small things were starting to go wrong, way too soon. Enjoy what ya got, for sure. tomp
Quote from: The Wolf on December 13, 2014, 11:50:01 PM
Geoff, unless you've gone all Yank on us its realise! :popcorn:
Somewhat divided loyalties on this one but all I can add is :mfr_lol:
Quote from: The Wolf on December 13, 2014, 11:50:01 PM
Geoff, unless you've gone all Yank on us its realise! :popcorn:
:oops: sorry, :embarrassed:. On the Versys site we have a spell check. Just so you dont make yourself look a bit of a tit. :mfr_lol:
Quote from: 100milesaway on December 14, 2014, 08:51:24 AM
:oops: sorry, :embarrassed:. On the Versys site we have a spell check. Just so you dont make yourself look a bit of a tit. :mfr_lol:
Whereas on the GTR forum we just expect people to be able to speak their own language without having to have it double checked by a computer! :whistling:
Quote from: The Wolf on December 14, 2014, 10:29:15 AM
Whereas on the GTR forum we just expect people to be able to speak their own language without having to have it double checked by a computer! :whistling:
They have a spell check on the B reaks M ost W eeks site. :mfr_lol: