Had to scratch the itch to re-evaluate the GTR and liked the new look panniers and spec of the 2015 SX. The 2016 model comes with Slipper Clutch technology and ABS as standard but the 2015 demo bike was non ABS. Various calls to dealers ended with a trade in figure of £6,000 for the GTR so anyone on this forum taking the time to sell privately and getting £7,000 for a 2010 model are doing well. I was prepared to think about a part exchange if I liked the test bike and rode 80 miles for 2 hours to judge its worth. SADLY within the hour the seat had left me numb and I set off back to the dealership. UNFORTUNATELY the handlebar vibes were present throughout the rev range and became annoying. SCARILY the 'naked' bike effect of wind on my body caused the front end to lighten at foreign cruising speed and made the bike feel unstable. Leaning forward to the screen eased the wind pressure and settled the front wheel so I adopted a sport mode rather than a touring position. Back at the dealership the question was more on the bike than on the financial deal and the salesman agreed with my findings and commented that when your riding the pinnacle of the Kawasaki flagship then the SX is a compromise. In fact this dealership has won a customer for the next service but I hadn't the heart to tell him I would rather tour on my Gixxer 750 K2 with a roll bag than put panniers on the SX. Almost forgot to add I thoroughly enjoyed riding home on the GTR and appreciating the total package it still presents as a tourer/sport!!'
Nice writeup Redrat..
I like the Z1000SX but would only have one as a 2nd bike to play on around the local roads..
I had the ZZR 1400 a few months back as mine was in service.. I loved it but would never tour on one.. The GTR for me, does what it was built for with no effort. :yes: