Really good posting by OC, HOWEVER should the GTR be De - Listed ( which it maybe for a couple of years but i believe it will be back with a vengeance )
What would be your choice of replacement ??
I would look at Adventure style because no tourer on the market at the moment floats my boat - most likely give the Versys a try.
And money was no object?
Goldwing.
Quote from: BigAlan on November 27, 2016, 09:04:21 PM
And money was no object?
Goldwing.
For me my limit would be £14k, so really i would have to say set a limit within your budget BigAlan.
Good point Zed
I think that if the GTR was dropped and not replaced then other bikes in the same segment would have to be considered, Pan Euro, FJR , sprintGT SE, 1200RT or maybe K1600 GT.
Alternatively looking at a different segment would be the other option, Versys 1000 Explorer GS (others are available ) :mfr_lol: etc
In short staying with the Kawasaki brand may not be everybodies option/choice........It's a really tough question, as many of you know I tried a Yamaha Super Tenere 2014 model and it was great but was always short of two cylinders :yes:
Other factors such as owners age and physical ability (mine) will be factors
Decisions decisions
Quote from: zedmeister on November 27, 2016, 09:10:50 PM
For me my limit would be £14k, so really i would have to say set a limit within your budget BigAlan.
In that case I suspect it would be the Kawasaki SX1000
But if I could find a really good Ducati 999 or 996 I might just be tempted but it would have to be mint.
Alan
A duke 999 would be a great choice , but you would get it and it only be good for short blasts as me neck wrists back would all give out in a short time , then thoughts of gtr would flood back , you really need a few bikes and then have the best of all worlds there is never only one bike that can do it all , you will always want some else even if it was perfect , :biker3:
Used 1400GTR, or a used GTR1000.
Nothing new out there floats my boat.
Maybe Versys 1000 or Z1000SX but both are too physically small for me.
Triumph Tiger Sport is a good package :yes:
The SX is a great bike stonking engine, i would go back to one if they would make the panniers a little bigger and be able to fit a top box with the panniers, the seat is quite uncomfortable and it likes fuel (40-45mpg ). Having said that a very capable bike.
There is no other bike...
Quote from: zedmeister on November 27, 2016, 10:00:51 PM
The SX is a great bike stonking engine, i would go back to one if they would make the panniers a little bigger and be able to fit a top box with the panniers, the seat is quite uncomfortable and it likes fuel (40-45mpg ). Having said that a very capable bike.
You can fit top box and panniers (together) on the latest SX Zed :yes:
Is the sx a bit of a buzy engine ,I read in one of the road tests how at 95 it was revving at 6500 revs , where the gtr would just be ticking over , one of its best points of the gtr is the smooth engine, I had a z650 many years ago and that engine always felt like you needed 4 more gears to quiet the motor down , :biker3:
How about stepping down in size. Makes sense economically and performance is good enough. Versys 650 GT.
My next one would be smaller. Maybe a sprint gt although i would miss the weather protection of the gtr but the sprint is easier to move about and in actual fact i was looking for the sprint before i came across the ad for my gtr and was hooked on the gtr straight away. Or maybe i would go panza again n have a play on a gs. They are so ugly that theyre pretty,oddly enough lol.
But in reality i think il stick with my gtr n repair it when needed because whatever bike you go for next your only going backwards in my humble opinion 😃👍
Quote from: PRD on November 28, 2016, 08:21:42 AM
How about stepping down in size. Makes sense economically and performance is good enough. Versys 650 GT.
:yes: :agree: a bike that is often overlooked, ~~ but as they say "a good big 'un will always beat a good little 'un" I've never ridden the Versys 650 :no:
Mac, Picking up on your point about weather protection, it surprised me how good the protection against the elements was on the Yamaha Super Tenere I owned was, in fact it was better than I expected.
Quote from: O.C. on November 28, 2016, 07:00:53 AM
You can fit top box and panniers (together) on the latest SX Zed :yes:
Are you quite sure OC, you can fit a top box without panniers but not with the panniers Mr K doesn't offer a rack to fit both although if you know otherwise i stand corrected.
Quote from: nightrider on November 28, 2016, 07:52:48 AM
Is the sx a bit of a buzy engine ,I read in one of the road tests how at 95 it was revving at 6500 revs , where the gtr would just be ticking over , one of its best points of the gtr is the smooth engine, I had a z650 many years ago and that engine always felt like you needed 4 more gears to quiet the motor down , :biker3:
Yes the engine is buzzy and you are always searching for another gear in top as it is short geared ( easy fix is to put a bigger front sprocket on ) but believe me there is plenty of grunt on tap anytime without the need to drastically gear down every time.
I asked the question about panniers and top box when talking to my mate at Kawasaki dealership and he told me that they could be used together.
Might be worth double checking, as I knew that this wasn't possible with the pre 2017 model
Quote from: PRD on November 28, 2016, 08:21:42 AM
How about stepping down in size. Makes sense economically and performance is good enough. Versys 650 GT.
You know what they say, it's not the size it's how you use it. But really nothing beats large displacement. Getting on a smaller bike would feel like a toy, at least it has in the past.
Quote from: O.C. on November 28, 2016, 07:49:19 PM
:yes: :agree: a bike that is often overlooked, ~~ but as they say "a good big 'un will always beat a good little 'un" I've never ridden the Versys 650 :no:
Mac, Picking up on your point about weather protection, it surprised me how good the protection against the elements was on the Yamaha Super Tenere I owned was, in fact it was better than I expected.
Yea oc big bike and big wrap around tank helps no end eh?
Quote from: virginiajim on November 28, 2016, 10:24:59 PM
You know what they say, it's not the size it's how you use it. But really nothing beats large displacement. Getting on a smaller bike would feel like a toy, at least it has in the past.
Haha its funny jim my daughters boyfriend just picked up a cbr 600 and i cocked my leg over it and couldnt believe how light it was. Just swinging it from side to side made me laugh. It does feel like a toy now lol
Slightly off topic but ....
When considering gearing ... this is an excellent solution....
Going 1 tooth up on the front = a decrease of 2 teeth smaller on the rear which can = lack of pull especially in top and hammering the clutch pulling away fully loaded and the speedo is a mile out...
SOLUTION....
GO 1 tooth front and 1 tooth bigger on the rear this equates to a overall gearing of 1 tooth smaller on the final drive .
It removes the 10 % deficit set at factory on the speedo .. and still gives good pull through out the 6 cogs and easier on the clutch .
Now back on topic
The GTR will return as the Japanese HATE loosing face to competitors ...so as long as honda yamaha and bmw are producing tourers the big K will.
Besides the sales in USA are impressive and they seem to be the BIG influence on what manufacturers to UPGRADE machines for elekky fripperies ...
So .. sit tight ... we're in for a supreme in 12 months or so :smiley:
Ya like that O.C :smiley: off topic then back on it ..who sez men canna multitask. .. :mfr_lol:
P.S
Besides can you see a proud brand name making a bike (as good as it is ) being a FLAG SHIP BIKE ?
Nah me neither :wink:
Time for Mz to enter the equation I think.
Quote from: PRD on November 29, 2016, 08:35:20 AM
Time for Mz to enter the equation I think.
:mfr_lol:
Maybe these too :yes:
http://www.mashmotorcycles.co.uk
Definitely. Nice and simple. No tps or unnecessary frills to worry about.
Then why not a c90 stepthrough and a rucksack lol. Very simple no clutch and 1500 miles to the thimble lol. Loved my old c90 😃
Quote from: Wookie on November 29, 2016, 08:00:12 AM
Ya like that O.C :smiley: off topic then back on it ..who sez men canna multitask. .. :mfr_lol:
My wife and she's spot on..
Quote from: Macskwak on November 29, 2016, 09:25:54 AM
Then why not a c90 stepthrough and a rucksack lol. Very simple no clutch and 1500 miles to the thimble lol. Loved my old c90 😃
:agree: but I do feel a more simple approacH is needed.
Quote from: virginiajim on November 29, 2016, 11:10:27 AM
My wife and she's spot on..
Jim that's only coz she has convinced you that you can't :mfr_lol:
WIves are more cunning than wolves and as sneaky as a fox :smiley: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: PRD on November 29, 2016, 11:11:24 AM
:agree: but I do feel a more simple approacH is needed.
Why not make it real simple and get to use ya spanners a LOT .. get a Hardley Dangerous :death:
Having ridden Harley for 2500 miles in USA earlier this year. I can say that if they are the answer it must have been a pretty stupid question.
:agree:
They are touting their new engine with 4 valves per head and wait for it...........................wait for it....................................wait for it..............................................water cooling.
WOW water cooling. ..really :eek:
You know, I went back and tried to find that information and I think that they may be hiding it. According to what I heard, depending on how it's used, it could use water or oil cooling but those systems will be not be obvious bolt ons.. I just laughed when I heard about that new engine as I had that on my 81 Silver Wing.....4 valves per cylinder and water cooling.
Ok here it is..depending on what model of bike the Milwaukee Eight is use on will determine the cooling oil or water. Congrats HD, you've made it to at least the 80's.
http://www.cycleworld.com/harley-davidson-motorcycles-new-milwaukee-eight-big-twin-engine
Hi, <Long post ahead warning>
I previously had a ZZR and loved it, loved the power didnt like the sitting position. Found I could realistically only manage an hour tops before I needed to go to the Chiropractor !! The wife love the look, didnt love my willingness to boot it everywhere or her sitting position.
I had it for 3 years chopping it in for a Versys 1000, didnt like the bike so much as the fact my license was going to be pretty safe, however, first serious out and about with the the missus and we managed 2.5hrs before we realised my son didnt have a house key !! the time flew, great fun to ride, roads I wouldnt have dared with the ZZR were eaten up by the versys.
So, I still dont like the bike, you need to wind it up a bit to make it move (I'm a big fella), so, I was going to wait until March sometime and pick up the 1400GTR.
Chatted to Alf's in Worthing and got a bit of a sell around Euro 4 and not sure what was happening in 2017. we saw the blue one and didnt like it, so that was one option down the pan, we did however see the blue and grey side by side at the NEC and its a no brainer for us, the Grey is the one.
So, I was prepared to get one but then I chatted to another Kawasaki dealer (Not very convenient but good prices), and they are saying that there is not going to be a 2017 model, and the 2016 might be the last 1400GTR.
So, I'm a bit scuppered here, I like the 2016 spec, I was even tempted to get a Demo bike for near on £2k shy of the full GT spec but wrong colour.
BMW is out of my ball park, quite like the bike but not the price tag. FJR1300 is also being considered now but seems they don't have a 2017 either maybe they will be in the same boat, but at least I can try and take one of those out for a spin.
If they don't produce anymore I might dip out as it'll be come harder to find in a few months, I'd rather not buy one now if I can avoid it, payrises dont come out until next march so I'd like to wait until then, but at a push I 'might' be able to stretch to one now, not great timing with Christmas around the corner.
Just to add to the fun I'm booked up for a week in the Isle of Man in June/July (ferry tickets booked), worst case I could take the Versys but would rather have something a little more substantial to do a couple of K in a week.
Do I buy now, do I hold off and take a chance, get the ex demo if still available and consider a wrap or spray job or go play tetris :(
Life was much less complicated a few weeks ago.
You can't go wrong with the GTR of any year. Mine is a 2008 and still going strong. If you want it, get it.
Tay, I'm assuming that you haven't yet tried a GTR, I'm asking because I really think that the GTR may well be the bike for your requirements and you will agree after a test ride.
Like Jim, I would suggest that if, after riding it, you like it, then you should buy it.
There are some very good value used bikes out there, have you seen the 2015 Black version ?.....stunning, and the spec is the same as 2016 model.
BTW I have the best colour ~~ 2016 Silver, its the best GTR I have owned, (there have been three previous ones) :yes: :mfr_lol:
Couldn't make your mind up?
Tay - go for it you will not be disappointed i guess a few people may well be waiting for a last minute bargain don't lose out. now i am a Yorkshire man well known for our Money Management and finding a good deal. However that all went out of the window with the GTR i knew it was what i wanted so i bought one, needless to say i am now on my 5th they are that good. The only downside is you will have to fork out for a pair of shoes and Handbag for her indoors - you know it makes sense!! :mfr_lol:
very good Zed :mfr_lol:
Nope, not had a chance to ride a GTR yet, nobody this way has a demonstrator. it would be a good chance to see if the suspension needs sorting too, I recall the ZZR having dire fork springs, once I put an Ohlins on the back the bike was miraculously improved. I'm hoping this wont need that at all, otherwise it starts to push it to the BMW territory.
I'll take a run up to Colchester at some point as they have (or had) a demonstrator. The Silver 2016 is clearly the best colour I concur :)
thanks for the feedback.
There is a new one at wheels in Peterborough pre registered with 0 miles. Bit cheaper prob worth a look.
Tay bite the bullet go n get one. Ive an 08 and its a joy to own n ride. I love tinkering with it n putting on the odd farkel or two. Take the boxes off lower the screen and im playing with cbr600's and showing them some acceleration lol. Lotta fun that day. Its a SPORT tourer after all 👍😃 anyway youve gotta make the ultimate decision so good luck and hope you choose wisely either way. :clap:
Quote from: zedmeister on November 28, 2016, 08:43:30 PM
Are you quite sure OC, you can fit a top box without panniers but not with the panniers Mr K doesn't offer a rack to fit both although if you know otherwise i stand corrected.
Yes the engine is buzzy and you are always searching for another gear in top as it is short geared ( easy fix is to put a bigger front sprocket on ) but believe me there is plenty of grunt on tap anytime without the need to drastically gear down every time.
ZED.....I hold my hands up mate...I (and my dealer chum) got it wrong...........you are right.
I just read a report on the 1000SX in Motorcycle Sport and leisure which clearly states that panniers and top box can NOT be used together. ...so sorry about that :oops:
It's interesting though as I don't know why this is the case a bike aimed at Sport Touring market seems to be a bit hampered by this fact.
I'll ask more questions
The 2017 version SX is bristling with new improvements :yes:.
Ahem Mr O.C WE have the best slickest fad test colour SILVER :clap: :clap:
Tay go for it .I had an 09 plate did about 30k on it in 12 months ..sold it for some STOOPID reason ... and I have just bought a new 16 plate
The 1st bike was good .. the 2nd one with the tweets it's had is even better
I am aiming to put 100k on it
...and the bike is WELL capable .
You can ride it like you stole it ..or ride like a Bobby and everything in between .... I have tried other tourers and NOWT comes close ...its grin factor from opening the garage door ..
Hope this helps
He's right ya know :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on December 01, 2016, 09:44:22 AM
ZED.....I hold my hands up mate...I (and my dealer chum) got it wrong...........you are right.
I just read a report on the 1000SX in Motorcycle Sport and leisure which clearly states that panniers and top box can NOT be used together. ...so sorry about that :oops:
It's interesting though as I don't know why this is the case a bike aimed at Sport Touring market seems to be a bit hampered by this fact.
I'll ask more questions
OC no prob mate the reason why Mr K does not make a top box rack in conjunction with the panniers is because they would have to substantially modify the subframe to take the extra weight also because it would stick out too far over the back of the bike to clear the tailpiece and not affect the rear light view - which when fitted would make the front end light.
The light front end could be cured by the PIE principle :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Wookie on December 01, 2016, 07:53:07 PM
The light front end could be cured by the PIE principle :mfr_lol:
Never liked Mathematics :mfr_lol:
So zed u can only put pies in it so the light pastry wont affect the geometry. Brilliant. O but what if rider is a veggie. Mmmmm. Ah got it. They can only sell topboxes to meateaters 👍😃 problem solved maths isnt so hard after all 😃
Quote from: Macskwak on December 01, 2016, 08:16:29 PM
So zed u can only put pies in it so the light pastry wont affect the geometry. Brilliant. O but what if rider is a veggie. Mmmmm. Ah got it. They can only sell topboxes to meateaters 👍😃 problem solved maths isnt so hard after all 😃
If the rider was a veggie then they would have eaten lots of potatoes and i dare say would be BEEFED up to keep the front securely planted, OH!! sh1t i just realised weight of rider and bike divided by the power output to give a power to weight ratio - my head is hurting now!! but that would be out of the window if the rider stopped for a cuppa and cake-------------- OH Feck it i'm calling Stephen Hawkins. :mfr_lol:
Quote from: zedmeister on December 01, 2016, 08:33:59 PM
If the rider was a veggie then they would have eaten lots of potatoes and i dare say would be BEEFED up to keep the front securely planted, OH!! sh1t i just realised weight of rider and bike divided by the power output to give a power to weight ratio - my head is hurting now!! but that would be out of the window if the rider stopped for a cuppa and cake-------------- OH Feck it i'm calling Stephen Hawkins. :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: