My beautiful GTR must go and be replaced with a lighter more manageable bike. :shocked:
A similar situation happened a few years ago and at that time I was again forced to make this decision based on health issues, which sadly have again come to light again.
I'm absolutely :censored: gutted, but I must recognise the reality of my physical situation.
Long term (13+years) severe back condition has caused me difficulties which have now reached a point where I MUST get a lighter bike. I love my GTR and don't want to say goodbye, it's by far the best GTR I have ever owned, so thank you Kawasaki, but it really has got to be replaced.
Its replacement will be with me in a couple of weeks, its GREEN BTW :smiley: , lighter and more manageable for me, its all about common sense and practicality, my heart strings are saying one thing but my head says another, so its goodbye GTR number 4, and hello to a more manageable bike.
I have a number of items for sale which I will list seperately, Top Sellerie seat, Phills farkles top box rack, Akrapovic end can, and maybe some other bits and bobs
TBH it's been a VERY, VERY difficult decision but I'm left with no other alternative
Worse than all that (for you lot) is the fact that I will still contribute to this outstanding forum, and enjoy the company of like minded folk who I consider to be good friends, the good news is that I will still have both GREEN blood in my veins and a Kawasaki in the Rev Shed :mfr_lol:
What a shame Roger but your health is the most important thing. I look forward to hearing about your new bike. At least it is not a BMW!
Thank you Pete No it definitely isn't a BMW :mfr_lol:
have you considered stabilisers ;)
I am sorry to hear that, from a devoted GTR rider such as yourself undoubtedly is.
But there are other decent bikes out there and we choose them to suit our requirements and riding styles.
As times change so do we and it is a case of being sensible, because you'll only regret it if you were to drop it or to injure yourself.
I came down from a Goldwing to a GTR for the same reasons and at the time I had a heavy heart, but I don't regret the move for one second.
I hope you'll settle in to your new acquisition equally as smoothly.
Can I have first dibs of the Phil's Farkels top box rack please!
Sorry to hear of the health problems forcing the issue on your choice of bike. But try and put a positive spin on it: you're getting a new bike! :cheesy:
So, no more teasing. What are you getting? :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
sorry to hear your long term health problems have returned Roger, all the best with what ever bike you have chosen.
you'll still be welcome at our yearly get together this year :whistling:
Quote from: StickyOne on February 24, 2017, 08:58:55 AM
I am sorry to hear that, from a devoted GTR rider such as yourself undoubtedly is.
But there are other decent bikes out there and we choose them to suit our requirements and riding styles.
As times change so do we and it is a case of being sensible, because you'll only regret it if you were to drop it or to injure yourself.
I came down from a Goldwing to a GTR for the same reasons and at the time I had a heavy heart, but I don't regret the move for one second.
I hope you'll settle in to your new acquisition equally as smoothly.
Can I have first dibs of the Phil's Farkels top box rack please!
Yep you can,
I'm just waiting for Steve to authorise a couple of posts in the Market section
Quote from: PaulB on February 24, 2017, 09:15:52 AM
Sorry to hear of the health problems forcing the issue on your choice of bike. But try and put a positive spin on it: you're getting a new bike! :cheesy:
So, no more teasing. What are you getting? :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
2017, Versys 1000 GT :wink: I looked at a numebr of options including the Z 1000 SX, but it wouldn't have been any good for my back and pillion facilities are 'limited'
Quote from: stoketim on February 24, 2017, 09:21:03 AM
sorry to hear your long term health problems have returned Roger, all the best with what ever bike you have chosen.
you'll still be welcome at our yearly get together this year :whistling:
And yes, I do plan to be at this years the get together, well, I better had be cos I'm organising it :mfr_lol:
Good choice of replacement.
And yes, I do plan to be at this years the get together, well, I better had be cos I'm organising it :mfr_lol:
I knew that Roger :mfr_lol:
Ah roger so sorry your not too good its a real shame that we have to reach that point when our head says yes but our body says no i wish you well on your new bike and a fine hoss it is too
Sadly my own illness has come back with avengence and so im in your very boat too. My 08 will be up for grabs soon as im not gonna be able to ride in a few months so my sympathies are with you rog. Best wishes ol son mac 👍👍
Quote from: PRD on February 24, 2017, 11:19:39 AM
Good choice of replacement.
:agree:
Treat yourself to a Scott Oiler. Chains. Yukky, nasty things :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
Quote from: PaulB on February 24, 2017, 01:12:37 PM
:agree:
Treat yourself to a Scott Oiler. Chains. Yukky, nasty things :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
I've had chains on plenty bikes Paul, in fact I had seven 'chain' bikes a while ago, mind you they were mostly older/classics and didn't get ridden much
Modern chains and proprietary lubrication/cleaners are massively improved, for example I'm informed that I wont have to boil my chain in chain lub every week :mfr_lol:
If I could have found a suitable replacement with shaft drive then I would probably have made that choice, but there's nothing suitable :no:
Rog, as you know I went from a GTR to a new Versys 1000 GT in mid - 2015 and for me, it is a lot better. The bike feels much lighter (it is after all 60kg less) accelerates better from low speeds in the higher gears and is comfortable for all day riding. I really liked the GTR, however the Versys suits better and, like you it was weight that forced the change (and prevented me from buying a BMW K1600 GT).
My Versys has some 8,300 miles on it now and the chain has been adjusted twice, once at around 1,500 miles and again at 5,500 miles. Currently, it shows no signs of needing further adjustment. I use a spray - lubricant frequently and carry a small can under the seat for touring.
I do think that when you have put a few miles on the Versys you will really like it.
Cheers Colin, I did own a generation one Versys in 2012 and I know the latest one is even better :yes:
Sorry to hear that O.C.
But your health is being risked so as they say horses for courses enjoy your new bike and post some piccys :yes:
I will probably be doing the same in the future so enjoy and keep riding :clap: :clap:
I think you will love it. I do rather fancy one myself. Now if it had shaft drive.....
Health first Rog. Don't know how much longer l will manage the weight and after l ride my old CBF 600 for a while l notice the weight when l jump back on the gtr. I do like the Z1000SX but think the Versys would be a tad tall for me. Anyhow, l have no plans to change it just yet. Good luck Mate
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
It happens to all of us. I rode yesterday and my left foot was in pain the whole ride (plantar fasciitis). And then it hurt worse last night. Probably have to go to a dr about it at some point. When I can't ride without pain, then it's a convertible for us.
Ya got to do what ya got to do Rog, as you are aware i did the same because my Right Knee was F88ked, and went to the awesome SX for 2 years. I was lucky enough to have corrective surgery and full recovery, hence my return to my GTR. I am sure you will equally appreciate the Versys as you did the GTR.
So Rog see you in the future with GTR no5 :mfr_lol:
You won't be disappointed with your new steed :yes:
Are you sure you are making the right decision? There is always BMW you know.......
Hi Rog, sorry to hear this but I know you have given it your best shot with the GTR as you have had enough of them, age creeps up on us all and along with it comes different issues, I am 60 but in my head I am 25 but after a heavy night it takes longer to recover.
Have fun with the new bike and we will be up soon to check it out.
Alan
Sorry to hear about that Rog.
I had problems with my back (having motorbike accidents doesn't help), and after spending a fortune with physiotherapists and chiropractors, was resigned to learning to live with it. Then by pure fluke I stumbled on the website of this Aussie physiotherapist, who explained in detail why back problems happen and what exercises to do. I've never looked back. Really simple exercises that have made my back pain free.
The other thing I would recommend is getting a trap bar and using that to deadlift. Keeps a neutral spine whilst helping put strength back on.
Link?
Quote from: virginiajim on February 25, 2017, 01:55:48 PM
Link?
i guess this is what Asif means, ...I've .never seen them before
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Revolution-Olympic-Shrug-Trap/dp/B01MTCSALP/ref=sr_1_3?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1488034255&sr=1-3&keywords=trap+bar
OC, I'm shocked but if it's not fun riding the bike because it's too cumbersome and heavy then you need to do the right thing and get something more suitable.
On the positive side, it's not like you are having to give up biking altogether, you'll still be on two wheels and able to meet up with Geoff and others at the bridge.
Are you part exing the GTR?
Quote from: The Wolf on February 25, 2017, 05:16:32 PM
OC, I'm shocked but if it's not fun riding the bike because it's too cumbersome and heavy then you need to do the right thing and get something more suitable.
On the positive side, it's not like you are having to give up biking altogether, you'll still be on two wheels and able to meet up with Geoff and others at the bridge.
Are you part exing the GTR?
oh I'll still visit tye Bridge now and again. :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on February 25, 2017, 02:53:11 PM
i guess this is what Asif means, ...I've .never seen them before
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Revolution-Olympic-Shrug-Trap/dp/B01MTCSALP/ref=sr_1_3?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1488034255&sr=1-3&keywords=trap+bar
Yup, that's the trap bar I've got. Brilliant piece of kit. I use it for about 6 exercises, including the deadlift. Best way to increase strength.
The back pain website is http://www.simplebackpain.com/
Give me a pm if you want to know about the exercises. There's a lot of videos on that site depending on the symptoms.
thanks for the link Asif, I'm sat here reading it now at this crazy time because I can't sleep due to pain.
I was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis about 12 years or so ago, and it seems to be getting worse, hence my decision about the bike.
It's not because the bike is cumbersome or heavy it's because I dont feel that my physical conditions allow me to manage the bikes weight, hence the need for something lighter.
Thanks again mate :yes:
:cry:
Quote from: virginiajim on February 24, 2017, 07:27:01 PM
It happens to all of us. I rode yesterday and my left foot was in pain the whole ride (plantar fasciitis). And then it hurt worse last night. Probably have to go to a dr about it at some point. When I can't ride without pain, then it's a convertible for us.
Hey, Hurricane here from Downunder. I was diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in left foot just yesterday, immediately after a bout of Sciatica in right hip/lumbar area. I think the left foot problem came as a result of stressing the right foot while holding right hip secure during sleep and driving, and before this daily riding to work and a 2 month/10000km ride through Europe late last year (the left foot holds all the weight and rotation of on/off bike). My ride in Europe was not much lighter than the GTR (new BMW R1200RT) so I didn't get much respite (have to say, not as quick as GTR of course but definitely a better choice in the Alps!). Back to topic - my brother has this Plantar thing as well, and his podiatrist gave this advice - rest (stay off the bike!) for a while, Voltaren Gel cream 4 times a day, and while sitting, roll the foot back and forth on a plastic drink bottle full of (iced) water for a long time. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Voltaren rapid every 4-6 hours - after a week or so the foot should come back to normal. Other exercise == anything that stretches the hamstrings and the tendons into the foot along the arch into the toes. Good luck!
Thanks Hurricane, I'm always open to any advice especially from those that have similar experience of back related issues.
I suffered a prolapsed disc in 1979, (at the time I was playing quite a lot of rugby) the resulting treatment was 4-5 weeks traction, which wasn't much fun :undecided: and then 4 -5 months wearing a steel braced corset, which was equally unpleasant :angry:
A couple of spinal cortisone steroid injections over the following 6 -8 years (also very painful) had some effect and I continued with things until I finally gave up playing rugby in about 1990
I was then diagnosed with Lumbar spinal stenosis in or around 2001, at first I thought it was sciatica, however it developed into a worsening condition which I have struggled with since then, it now seems that my hip has been affected so until I have a follow up meeting with the specialists following my recent x-ray I really can't embark upon any other exercise or physio.
Painkillers are a daily routine ( there are plenty ! ) and I have been left with no real alternative but to make a sensible decision about a number of lifestyle activities, one of which is my biking, ( which I refuse to quit on) however I have to let my head rule my heart and I must try a lighter bike, hence my decision to change my beautiful GTR, it's a crap but necessary decision :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:
No one can accuse me of not trying :no:
Quote from: hurricane on March 05, 2017, 01:24:38 AM
Hey, Hurricane here from Downunder. I was diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in left foot just yesterday, immediately after a bout of Sciatica in right hip/lumbar area. I think the left foot problem came as a result of stressing the right foot while holding right hip secure during sleep and driving, and before this daily riding to work and a 2 month/10000km ride through Europe late last year (the left foot holds all the weight and rotation of on/off bike). My ride in Europe was not much lighter than the GTR (new BMW R1200RT) so I didn't get much respite (have to say, not as quick as GTR of course but definitely a better choice in the Alps!). Back to topic - my brother has this Plantar thing as well, and his podiatrist gave this advice - rest (stay off the bike!) for a while, Voltaren Gel cream 4 times a day, and while sitting, roll the foot back and forth on a plastic drink bottle full of (iced) water for a long time. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Voltaren rapid every 4-6 hours - after a week or so the foot should come back to normal. Other exercise == anything that stretches the hamstrings and the tendons into the foot along the arch into the toes. Good luck!
I've either got PF or a heel spur or both on my left foot. Had the issue for about 2 months and going to a doctor this week to get diagnosed. Went out on a shortish ride (175 miles or so) and while I felt it, it wasn't bad. However, that night it was excruciating. Went to my massage therapist and had her work on it. Nearly put me through the ceiling when she pinpointed it. I've been using the rolling pin and using foam inserts for awhile. I really would like to know what it really is. Hoping the doctor can figure that out. I've seen some speculation about the sciatic nerve being trapped by a muscle causing the foot issues, but if mine is a heel spur, I can't see that being a cause. It's only the one leg that's giving me the issues. It's really a PITA as it only really hurts when I get out of bed or out of vehicle. Can't really do a lot of walking around these days as I severely pay for it at night. I've tried Voltaren and anti-inflammatory tablets but they haven't seen to do any good.
Bit of advice on the sciatic issue. Change the side of the bed where you sleep and face the opposite way. That alleviated my pinched nerve in the neck. Quite miraculous about that considering I was wearing a cervical collar at the time and scheduled for surgery (cancelled the surgery and the neck issue hasn't really come back). Also get a good massage therapist who understands how the sciatic nerve can get trapped in the muscles. I did have some issues with that a few years ago and she fixed it. She also found a bad spot yesterday in my hip area I wasn't aware of.
Today the foot is feeling fairly good after she worked on it. She thinks it's a heel spur based on the pain I'm feeling and what she felt with her hands but she isn't a doctor and told me to get it checked out.
Based on what I've read about (plantar and heel spur) it may heal on it's own and it really doesn't make any difference what you do to it. All you can try to do is to make yourself as comfortable with it as you can.
I experienced plantar fascitis after a drunken walk around a french town while wearing flipflops. Pained me for 6 months, especially 1st thing in the morning. Good news is that it will gradually go away. the excercises mentioned above do help as will stretching your achilles every morning. Don't spent too long on Voltarol or similar if you have it in pill form, it rots your stomach. You should take something like Lansoprazole at the same time to help counteract this.
@OC I've been living without discs at L4 and L5 for the past 18 years, so I know how you feel!
I'm hoping Scotch and Gin will also help.
Quote from: Burchy on March 05, 2017, 03:12:44 PM
I experienced plantar fascitis after a drunkem walk around a french town while wearing flipflops. Pained me for 6 months, especially 1st thing in the morning. Good news is that it will gradually go away. the excercises mentioned above do help as will stretching your achilles every morning. Don't spent too mlong on Voltarol or similar if you have it in pill form, it roots your stomach. You should take something like Lansoprazole at the same time to help counteract this.
@OC I've been living without discs at L4 and L5 for the past 18 years, so I know how you feel!
:agree: or Omeprazol...I have some of that too
My goodness, we're old!
Roger .. I am sorry to be so late reading this thread ( not been here much ! ) and sorry to read the Gtr has to go :sad: Your health is the main issue here and the number 1 priority :yes: What ever you end up with I am sure it will be a good ride for you. Take care.
thanks Rusty, the decision had to be made.
The new lighter Versys 1000 has arrived and I hope to be getting a ride out today....it's 65 Kg lighter BTW :shocked:
Looking forward to seeing pictures of new bike.
Quote from: PRD on March 10, 2017, 11:39:02 AM
Looking forward to seeing pictures of new bike.
to follow soon :yes:
Here ya go :smiley:
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/2017-03-10%2008.59.19_zps2q3ze7aa.jpg)
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/2017-03-09%2016.15.31_zpsasvx6pkp.jpg)
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/2017-03-09%2016.15.21_zpsf3q2rriy.jpg)
Looks great. Nice colours. How does it compare comfort wise with gtr?has your young lady been on the back yet and if so how is pillion peg height. Are you noticing the weight difference? Panniers are a bit smaller I believe.
Quote from: PRD on March 11, 2017, 09:21:29 AM
Looks great. Nice colours. How does it compare comfort wise with gtr?has your young lady been on the back yet and if so how is pillion peg height. Are you noticing the weight difference? Panniers are a bit smaller I believe.
It is more comfortable than my GTR with standard seat, Gill has been on one before although it was the previous earlier generation one bike she found it to be extremely comfortable and she wasn't too high on the seat. the latest (generation 2) Versys has improved seating over the earlier model and is even more comfy.
The weight difference was a major factor for me and having ridden this bike yesterday I have to say that it is a revelation and massively lighter, that fact also relates to shoving the bike around in the garage or when parking, it really is very, very noticeable, longer travel suspension and wider bars all contribute to it being easy to ride.
The seat is slightly higher so I find there's a little more leg room for rider and pillion
Pannier capacity is less than the GTR, which isn't an issue for me as I/we wont plan to be doing longer tours anymore. TBH I think the design of the panniers is a bit ugly, but that's personal taste, the bike (GT version) arrives with top box (with pillion backrest) and panniers plus extra fog lights, crash brackets, hand guards etc etc .....the panniers and top box all have Kawasaki inner bags as standard
Riding the bike is amazing as it pulls very cleanly from very low revs even in higher gears, previous heavy clutch has been eliminated and features an assist and slipper clutch which is very light in operation
ABS is standard, and 3 mode traction control, dual throttle valves coupled with two power modes
I needed a lighter more manageable bike plus I wanted above all to stay with Kawasaki......I've just found the answer :clap:
Glad you are happy with your choice. Looks good to me. It will be interesting to see how you get on with chain.
Now all he needs is a ball. Nice looking bike, Rog.
Quote from: virginiajim on March 11, 2017, 02:41:44 PM
Now all he needs is a ball. Nice looking bike, Rog.
:mfr_lol: I'm already shackled Jim :mfr_lol:
Yeah.... :mfr_lol:
looking good Rog hope you have many miles of smiles on her. The panniers are quite small exactly the same as the SX really awkward shape.