Thought this may help shed some light on the qualities of the GTR for prospective owners.
Recently returned from a relatively short trip (just over 2,500 miles in 12 days) to europe. It had 16,740 miles on it when I got it, it now nearing 21k in about 6 weeks. I bought the GTR specifically because the 1050 Sprint I normally use was aggravating my sciatica. These European trips really show up the good and bad points of any bike. I did lots of research prior to buying the GTR. One of the reviews said the GTR would give a 1050 Sprint a run for it's money in the handling department. I've had the Sprint almost on the edge of the wheel rim so I was very sceptical. Well in the short time that I have had the bike I can confirm that it is ridiculously easy to ride, whether it's cruising along the autobahn, scratching :yes: around country lanes or traversing the Alps or Dolomite mountain ranges. After a long days riding I was always far more relaxed and comfortable than on the Sprint. We rode some very very difficult roads that make the Wrynose and Hardknott passes look like kids play, and the GTR dealt with them with ease. We do a lot of this type of stuff, so I was concerned how the bike could cope. I couldn't have asked the bike to perform any better. All of this was done solo, how it would cope two up I cant say. I do know the roads we were on in the Dolomites would not have been passable in the wet on either the GTR or Sprint. (They were just dotted lines on the map) We were well over 3k metres (metres, not feet) and the engine never missed a beat, nor was there any apparent loss of power at such high altitudes that I noticed with the Sprint (At a much lower altitude a rider with a Harley had to turn back as the oxygen level was too low to allow the engine to run properley, that was his story anyway.... :smiley: ) The bike returned 57mpg, but the computer indicated 60 mpg. This was not quite as economic as an FJR that was with us, but there wasn't much in it. The GTR makes up for this by being more user friendly IMHO. Riding along with the screen at the optimum height is a real plus point. Fully raised and there is virtually no wind noise, the noise from the motor barely audible. Lower the screen to cool you down in the 37+ degree heat. Fabulous, and never an intrusion or hint of vibration. Twice the tarmac roads gave way to gravel and shale. I was worried about putting a hole in the rad, but the GTR was solid. As to the question of the GTR giving the Sprint a run for its money in the handling department. Well mine has a Maxton rear unit and holds the road very well indeed. To get the best out of it takes some effort, the GTR is totally relaxed, it's like a puppy always eager for more. If you get the impression that I'm happy I bought the GTR over the FJRs and BMWs I tested, you would be right. There is one other quality I would like to illustrate though. Riding along a French motorway with 3 other bikes at 60mph line astern a hgv shed part of its load of angle iron. These were about a foot long with sides 4 to 5 inches in height and bomb burst across all of the carriageway. The first rider totally missed the drama, the second bike narrowly missed being wiped out, the third, an FJR had the best part of £1,400 worth of damage done to the fairing lowers. With the advantage of a second more reaction time I was able to bring the GTR down from 60mph plus to virtually zero in about 2 seconds but seemed less. With the ABS I was able to negotiate a safe course through the obstacles. When circumstances force you to push the bike towards its limits you discover what an accomplished motorcycle the GTR is. I dont think I found its limits in any area, mine is a keeper.
Welcome to the forum. I think you have summed up the bike very well.
Welcome to the madhouse.
A good write up and glad you are enjoying the GTR. :punk:
Firstly welcome to the forum and secondly congratulations on the outstanding and unique review on the GTR.
Quote from: pross on August 17, 2015, 04:22:01 PM
Welcome to the madhouse.
A good write up and glad you are enjoying the GTR. :punk:
:agree:
Welcome along, and thanks for your report.
I've heard the GTR called lots of things in the past but I think its the first time I've heard it referred to as a "puppy" :mfr_lol: