Just sold my 2009 GTR and now going to test ride new 2015 model, whats your opinions on changes between 2009 MODEL and 2015 MODEL good or bad? anything I should be aware of and what do you feel differences are?
Think I still have GTR bug to be honest been hooked since 2009, but think this might be last bike I buy to see me out my biking days. Also just bought Yamaha Tracer its a great bike but not a GTR.
I Look forward to your opinions.
I have done all the research but would like all opinions Cheers
They have hardly done much to the latest model changed the screen ,it's wants a real update to compete with all these other fancy bikes coming out now ,look what ktm have done ,even the versy has had a good revamp , it's needs to lose weight, and more power ,or if it lost some weight it would have more power,I had a ride on a Honda 1200 crosstourer the other day and was very impressed with the handerling it just floated over the bad roads I was on due to the long suspension ,also had lots of low down thrust .wide bars made it easy to throw about , a bike I had not thought much off before after having a go it has now gone on a list of maybe a next bike , I would not buy a new gtr as much as I love the one I have at the moment it will be a switch to something else next , unless the gtr has a massive revamp,,,,
The 2015 is the 2010 model with colour changes and most probably undocumented fueling changes (to the 2010).
from the 2009, you will gain factory heated grips, traction control (safety feature rather than performance), Switchable ABS for either 70/30 or 50/50 (approximately) braking distribution. Eco mode fuel saving - save approximately 25% on long runs (but can make the throttle snatchy in town).
Better heat distribution from the engine with redesigned fairing lowers, mirrors are higher, but everything else is pretty similar.
I also think they stiffened up the rear shock.....
Hope that summarises things nicely. :-)
Neil
ps. screen can be set to max height in the settings - so it always raises to max when you turn the bike on.
Here's my thoughts on the 2010 to 2015 minor model change:
Screen
Definitely noticeable noise reduction. Being more specific, the deep thrumming turbulent wind noise has mostly gone, but there is still wind noise. It appears that the vent throws the wind further up over the rider, so you are in a quieter bubble of air (caveat, I'm 5'10")
There are some drawbacks to this though. Firstly, I notice I'm more susceptible to side winds wobbling my head. I assume that the turbulent wind kept my head in a relatively fixed position? Secondly, the rain no longer clears off my visor, although if I drop the screen a couple of inches it does help clear the visor.
Gearing
First gear has a lower ratio. Previously you could do ~70mph in first, now it's ~60mph. The advantage, which I've yet to really test, is that you should not have to slip the clutch when moving in slow traffic. I usually get this problem on a hill near us when a truck breakdown backs up the traffic (A417 Birdlip Hill, Gloucestershire) I used to have to slip the clutch and by the time I got to the top my left hand was always cramping. Hopefully this will be easier.
Braking
ABS and traction control are allegedly updated. Can't say I've noticed a real improvement.
The rear brake doesn't activate the front brake to the same degree, so it feels more independent and old school. I get a definite squat when I use the rear brake on its own that I don't recall with the previous model.
Styling
The same physical layout with a few mods (black version):
* The stainless steel exhaust cover by the right foot is extended all the way to the silencer.
* The black paintwork is a nice metallic
* The lower bodywork and front mudguard are a matt black
* The handlebars and pillion grab rails are black, not silver.
* Some green piping/trim decoration on the fairing and panniers.
* The fluid reservoirs on the handlebars are a smoked opaque colour, rather than opaque white.
* The seat is textured, definitely an improvement.
* The seat is supposed to be narrower at the front alleviating ground reach. Can't say that I've noticed it.
* The wheels are painted black. Which is a real benefit. My old bike looked like crap as the bare alloy corroded and looked horrible no matter what cleaning I did (short of getting the emery paper out)
* The rear pillion pegs are full size and covered with rubber, like the riders (used to be slim bare alloy)
* The coup-de-grace, the clocks have silver trim :rolleyes:
Overall, it's subtle changes rather than anything radical.
Before buying this, I looked at a few other alternatives that had shaft drive and could do long commutes comfortably. Almost went for a K1300S but the overall package was not that great. Yes, the BMW had a great engine and was light, but mirror, wind protection, electronics were all inferior to the GTR.
If the GTR was 50Kg lighter, then it would be perfect. :yes:
Quote from: 1ka on April 11, 2015, 08:51:01 AM
Here's my thoughts on the 2010 to 2015 minor model change:
Screen
Definitely noticeable noise reduction. Being more specific, the deep thrumming turbulent wind noise has mostly gone, but there is still wind noise. It appears that the vent throws the wind further up over the rider, so you are in a quieter bubble of air (caveat, I'm 5'10")
There are some drawbacks to this though. Firstly, I notice I'm more susceptible to side winds wobbling my head. I assume that the turbulent wind kept my head in a relatively fixed position? Secondly, the rain no longer clears off my visor, although if I drop the screen a couple of inches it does help clear the visor.
Gearing
First gear has a lower ratio. Previously you could do ~70mph in first, now it's ~60mph. The advantage, which I've yet to really test, is that you should not have to slip the clutch when moving in slow traffic. I usually get this problem on a hill near us when a truck breakdown backs up the traffic (A417 Birdlip Hill, Gloucestershire) I used to have to slip the clutch and by the time I got to the top my left hand was always cramping. Hopefully this will be easier.
Braking
ABS and traction control are allegedly updated. Can't say I've noticed a real improvement.
The rear brake doesn't activate the front brake to the same degree, so it feels more independent and old school. I get a definite squat when I use the rear brake on its own that I don't recall with the previous model.
Styling
The same physical layout with a few mods (black version):
* The stainless steel exhaust cover by the right foot is extended all the way to the silencer.
* The black paintwork is a nice metallic
* The lower bodywork and front mudguard are a matt black
* The handlebars and pillion grab rails are black, not silver.
* Some green piping/trim decoration on the fairing and panniers.
* The fluid reservoirs on the handlebars are a smoked opaque colour, rather than opaque white.
* The seat is textured, definitely an improvement.
* The seat is supposed to be narrower at the front alleviating ground reach. Can't say that I've noticed it.
* The wheels are painted black. Which is a real benefit. My old bike looked like crap as the bare alloy corroded and looked horrible no matter what cleaning I did (short of getting the emery paper out)
* The rear pillion pegs are full size and covered with rubber, like the riders (used to be slim bare alloy)
* The coup-de-grace, the clocks have silver trim :rolleyes:
Overall, it's subtle changes rather than anything radical.
Before buying this, I looked at a few other alternatives that had shaft drive and could do long commutes comfortably. Almost went for a K1300S but the overall package was not that great. Yes, the BMW had a great engine and was light, but mirror, wind protection, electronics were all inferior to the GTR.
If the GTR was 50Kg lighter, then it would be perfect. :yes:
nice post !
Paid deposit on 2015 GTR in grey metallic today :banana: got a great price from MCO Kawasaki to include Kawasaki color matched 47L Topbox, pannier and topbox liners, wind deflectors, tank pad set.
Quote from: STMGTR on April 11, 2015, 02:02:52 PM
Paid deposit on 2015 GTR in grey metallic today :banana: got a great price from MCO Kawasaki to include Kawasaki color matched 47L Topbox, pannier and topbox liners, wind deflectors, tank pad set.
what did you pay , how much off the list price for a new GTR these days?
Happy Dayz
Quote from: viper on April 11, 2015, 02:07:31 PM
what did you pay , how much off the list price for a new GTR these days?
Not prepared to say can say it was a fantastic deal though.