Kawasaki 1400 GTR

1400 GTR - All Models => 1400GTR Discussion => Topic started by: GTRpilot on February 17, 2016, 11:25:55 AM

Title: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 17, 2016, 11:25:55 AM
Always had tank covers on my other bikes, VFR, Blackbird, Pan, mainly to be able to attach a tank bag for increased carrying.
What's your thoughts on the tank cover for the GTR, I have heard they don't look very good, not seen one fitted so can't comment, but would like to have the ability to fit a tank bag.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Lonewolf on February 17, 2016, 12:23:47 PM
I wouldn't waste your money. The bagster covers on the pre 2010 models used to fit reasonably ok but not on the 2010 onwards models.
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Phill_York on February 17, 2016, 01:23:24 PM
I had one years ago on a ZZR600 and a small scratch in my tank went very badly rusty as it was sat in water trapped under the tank cover. 

I am not a fan of tank bags anyway but when I have used one, a magnetic one is fine and there are the new ring systems as well if magnets don't give you enough confidence.

I had one on my 2010 model when I bought it and it fitted OK but didn't look as nice as the tank :-)
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: O.C. on February 17, 2016, 01:48:50 PM
I've used an S.W Motech Evo tank ring system for a couple of years now, its safe and easy to use, especially at filling stations, plus it provides the opportunity of using  'day' bag or touring bag attachments  :yes: 
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Longtom on February 17, 2016, 01:57:34 PM
Tank covers look horrible, I use a Givi tank ring system,gives you loads of choices and it's convenient.
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: doebag on February 17, 2016, 05:03:19 PM
The GTR is the first bike I have not had a tank cover and bag on. Mainly because the cover does look pants on the GTR.
I now use a GIVI tank ring set up which I am more than happy with.
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 17, 2016, 05:16:29 PM
Thanks all, tank ring set up then  :smiley:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: viper on February 17, 2016, 06:48:34 PM
Due to the integrated style of the GTR tank, the fit is awful without a logical place for the straps.

we have a few " told you so " events on here.

it just looks goofy when its in place  :shocked:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 18, 2016, 01:43:12 PM
Givi or Motech that is the question?  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: flatfour on February 18, 2016, 04:18:30 PM
I bought the SW Motech "Daypack" when I owned a GTR and sold it to another Forum Member who is still very satisfied with it when I changed to a Versys 1000.

For the Versys, I again bought an SW Motech bag (the "Engage") which better suits the tank shape of this bike.

Although I only intended to fit the bag for trips, it is so useful that I have not yet ridden the Versys without it in the eight months that I have owned it!
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 18, 2016, 06:27:40 PM
Quote from: flatfour on February 18, 2016, 04:18:30 PM
I bought the SW Motech "Daypack" when I owned a GTR and sold it to another Forum Member who is still very satisfied with it when I changed to a Versys 1000.

For the Versys, I again bought an SW Motech bag (the "Engage") which better suits the tank shape of this bike.

Although I only intended to fit the bag for trips, it is so useful that I have not yet ridden the Versys without it in the eight months that I have owned it!
Thanks, I like the Motech stuff so I'll go for that. Did you purchase in the UK?
How do you find the Versys after a GTR?
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: O.C. on February 18, 2016, 06:40:08 PM
Quote from: Birdpilot on February 18, 2016, 06:27:40 PM
Thanks, I like the Motech stuff so I'll go for that. Did you purchase in the UK?
How do you find the Versys after a GTR?

for what it's worth I had a Versys1000 in 2013 and it was  a very capable bike but it's no GTR.

Its kinda difficult to accurately compare as both bikes are very different indeed.

The latest model Versys 1000 is much improved over its predecessor with a little more power, less vibration, a lighter clutch, improved suspension and better looks
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 18, 2016, 07:26:54 PM
Quote from: O.C. on February 18, 2016, 06:40:08 PM
for what it's worth I had a Versys1000 in 2013 and it was  a very capable bike but it's no GTR.

Its kinda difficult to accurately compare as both bikes are very different indeed.

The latest model Versys 1000 is much improved over its predecessor with a little more power, less vibration, a lighter clutch, improved suspension and better looks
Yeah, I had a flutter with a Varadero after a Blackbird, never again  :no:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: flatfour on February 19, 2016, 08:48:42 AM
Both bikes, tank bags and fitting kits were purchased from Seastar Superbikes at Newton Flotman, near to Norwich. I have, without exception, found them very good, reliable and trustworthy over some fifteen years as a customer.

I think that in the past I might have missed something in ignoring bikes like the Versys, as before the current model and with the exception of an Aprilia Caponord, I couldn't accommodate the ungainly appearance that seemed to be part of the package.

I am amazed at just how good the new Versys is. Although I haven't owned many modern bikes (Ducati ST2, BMW K1200 RS and Kawasaki GTR) as most of my interest lies with 1970's Japanese and Italian roadsters, the Versys is easily the least trouble to move around the garage or driveway, best handling and, importantly to me, offers huge power at low engine speeds, as the BMW did.

My brother has a Tracer, purchased new within a fortnight of me buying the GTR, and has the same view. He has owned many more modern bikes than I have and would buy a Versys straight away if he could manage the extra weight over the Tracer. (He has back problems from a lifetime of competitive sports and cannot manage a heavier bike).
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Charlie747 on February 19, 2016, 08:56:35 AM
Quote from: flatfour on February 18, 2016, 04:18:30 PM
I bought the SW Motech "Daypack" when I owned a GTR and sold it to another Forum Member who is still very satisfied with it when I changed to a Versys 1000.

For the Versys, I again bought an SW Motech bag (the "Engage") which better suits the tank shape of this bike.

Although I only intended to fit the bag for trips, it is so useful that I have not yet ridden the Versys without it in the eight months that I have owned it!

I don't know how I managed without the ex.Flafour bag...............so dam handy.........not to small or to big ............thanks for the introduction to ring fit day bag Flatfour   :punk:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: nightrider on February 19, 2016, 09:12:10 AM
I have got a small  givi tank bag for my Ktm 1050 adventure , it's ideal for a few bits that you need ,was £50 ish off eBay , going to get another ring to put on the gtr , so can switch between the two , if any body fancys a lightweight punchy twin then the Ktm is a great bike ,  :biker3:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Charlie747 on February 19, 2016, 09:19:05 AM
A mate has a KTM franchise in Norfolk.............they do look tempting......

2 problems though............

No 1 I've only got short fat hairy legs  :popcorn:

No 2 Adding a 3rd to the fleet may need careful timing  :whistling:

Bottom line though KTM = FUN  :punk:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: PRD on February 19, 2016, 12:13:08 PM
Don't break the first rule Charlie!
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: O.C. on February 19, 2016, 01:41:41 PM
Another rule Charlie

Never buy owt from a 'mate'............................especially a KTM  :mfr_lol: 
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Debs on February 19, 2016, 02:44:18 PM
Quote from: Charlie747 on February 19, 2016, 09:19:05 AM
No 2 Adding a 3rd to the fleet may need careful timing  :whistling:

I'm going to warn Cheryl you said that...  :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 19, 2016, 08:44:38 PM
Thanks all, Motech daypack and tank ring ordered.
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Charlie747 on February 19, 2016, 09:24:28 PM
Quote from: Birdpilot on February 19, 2016, 08:44:38 PM
Thanks all, Motech daypack and tank ring ordered.


:punk: :punk: :punk:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 24, 2016, 12:10:59 PM
Motech day pack and ring have landed, off to do some drilling....what could possibly go wrong  :sweatdrop:
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: coman37 on February 24, 2016, 12:28:50 PM
Drilling?  Model specific, should just unbolt filler cap ring, fit supplied ring, rebolt, clip bag on, marvel at your day skills, put wallet, mobile phone in bag, go to shops buy something sticky/ sweet, take long way home, put kettle on, enjoy said sticky/sweet goods with a good cup of tea

Coman
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 24, 2016, 12:46:00 PM
Quote from: coman37 on February 24, 2016, 12:28:50 PM
Drilling?  Model specific, should just unbolt filler cap ring, fit supplied ring, rebolt, clip bag on, marvel at your day skills, put wallet, mobile phone in bag, go to shops buy something sticky/ sweet, take long way home, put kettle on, enjoy said sticky/sweet goods with a good cup of tea

Coman

Tank ring is like that, but the attachment to the tank ring requires fitting to the bottom of the tank bag with drill and screws provided.
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: flatfour on February 25, 2016, 08:38:37 AM
I think that you will find it quite straightforward to drill the tank bag fixing holes, however it is important to make sure that the bag is in the position that you want it first, as it cannot be easily moved after drilling.

If you have bought the locking pin with it (very useful with its miniature combination lock as part of the assembly, giving a degree of security if you want to lock up and leave the bag on the bike) you will need to drill the hole for this at the same time. This hole must not be drilled oversize, or the locking pin will not work properly!
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: GTRpilot on February 25, 2016, 09:37:21 AM
Quote from: flatfour on February 25, 2016, 08:38:37 AM
I think that you will find it quite straightforward to drill the tank bag fixing holes, however it is important to make sure that the bag is in the position that you want it first, as it cannot be easily moved after drilling.

If you have bought the locking pin with it (very useful with its miniature combination lock as part of the assembly, giving a degree of security if you want to lock up and leave the bag on the bike) you will need to drill the hole for this at the same time. This hole must not be drilled oversize, or the locking pin will not work properly!

Thanks, all done, didn't buy the locking pin. Neat bag and system.
Title: Re: Tank Covers?
Post by: Delfox on April 02, 2016, 11:55:02 PM
I have the givi 806 on mine that came off my fjr