I've had the GTR for a whole 18months and as much as I love it I can feel my eyes wandering.
Maybe a Versys or a ZX 1000. Plus side they're lighter, down side dirty, yucky chains and I'm not sure if they'll make me giggle like the GTR. I have considered a ZZR 1400 but not sure about the comfort. Much as I hate to admit it this may be my last change so I need to be sure.
i had a z1000sx for 12 month's,it made me GIGGLE,until i took it out on a 300 mile trip, with a few coffee breaks in between.i had back pain's probably due to the riding position, it simply wasn't for me.i done a p/x on a new GTR1400,i've never looked back,i know the GTR is heavy/top heavy but i've never looked back.it's a good allrounder.take the 2 your looking at for a decent test ride, then see what you think.
3 years ago I was rif=ding a ZRX1200S and had done 50000 miles on 2 bikes. I had the same hankering so took out an SX for an extended test ride. It did everything the ZRX did, but not a lot more. Same top speed, same torque etc. Didn't feel as "solid" as the Rex. Ticked all the boxes but didn't ring many bells.
10 minutes on a GTR 2007 and the deal was done. Huge grinnability factor. I know all about weight and I have suffered a dicky back for many years now, but I learned to "manage" the GTR's weight and its a keeper for the forseeable future
Take a good test ride and see how you feel...
well, how appropriate is this question.
Having just changed my beautiful GTR for Versys 1000, and having just ridden out on my new Versys today, I am duty bound to suggest that you try the latest 2017 Versys, it is a revelation
Yes I know it has chain drive and I for one wanted a lighter bike with a shaft drive but Kawasaki don't offer such an option, let me say that for me shaft drive is better, however todays chains are massively better than those of yesteryear, the lubrication products that are now available are much cleaner and easier to apply.
My decision was based around my needs for a lighter bike, the big Versys is 10 stone + or 65 Kg lighter than the GTR, I must add that the Versys is extremely. ..exceptionally comfortable.
I loved my GTR , but I have found the best replacement
Just sayin
Pictures please
will do Pete
i went from the GTR to an SX and back to the GTR, the SX is a truly awesome bike and if they did a top box rack to add with the panniers i would have kept the SX albeit much less luggage space. Having said that the SX is no GTR, horses for courses.
That's not helped much :smiley: :smiley: although 65 kg is a big difference.
I'll take the beast out tomorrow and try to make my mind up.
Quote from: zedmeister on March 10, 2017, 10:16:37 PM
i went from the GTR to an SX and back to the GTR, the SX is a truly awesome bike and if they did a top box rack to add with the panniers i would have kept the SX albeit much less luggage space. Having said that the SX is no GTR, horses for courses.
:agree: The SX would be too cramped for me and doesn't offer much pillion comfort
How about a Beemer R1200RS?
Upsides: 236kg wet weight, monster torque, shaft drive, proper front suspension (for a Beemer), and a rather decent looking bike (imho)
Downsides: It's a BMW :whistling:
Cheers
Paul B.
Quote from: PaulB on March 11, 2017, 09:49:42 AM
How about a Beemer R1200RS?
Upsides: 236kg wet weight, monster torque, shaft drive, proper front suspension (for a Beemer), and a rather decent looking bike (imho)
Downsides: It's a BMW :whistling:
Cheers
Paul B.
Exactly ....I've had BMWs before and it was an unhappy relationship :angry:
Quote from: O.C. on March 11, 2017, 10:24:51 AM
Exactly ....I've had BMWs before and it was an unhappy relationship :angry:
could not agree more!
Quote from: Mikey on March 10, 2017, 04:56:24 PM
I've had the GTR for a whole 18months and as much as I love it I can feel my eyes wandering.
Maybe a Versys or a ZX 1000. Plus side they're lighter, down side dirty, yucky chains and I'm not sure if they'll make me giggle like the GTR. I have considered a ZZR 1400 but not sure about the comfort. Much as I hate to admit it this may be my last change so I need to be sure.
after I put a set of bar raisers , lower pegs ,heated grips and a decent screen not much of a difference in comfort between the two bikes , the seats are more or less the same , both uncomfortable , but you will have a massive grin after striding a zzr
Quote from: PaulB on March 11, 2017, 09:49:42 AM
How about a Beemer R1200RS?
Upsides: 236kg wet weight, monster torque, shaft drive, proper front suspension (for a Beemer), and a rather decent looking bike (imho)
Downsides: It's a BMW :whistling:
Cheers
Paul B.
Paul book yourself into specsavers :mfr_lol:
Quote from: zedmeister on March 11, 2017, 08:47:01 PM
Paul book yourself into specsavers :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: Tastes differ. I certainly wouldn't throw it out of my garage.
Cheers
Paul B.
Had 3 versys then gtr then back to versys ( mk1s I must add) then another mk1 versys very quickly followed by a mk2 versys all being brand new grand tourers and then late last year came back to the 2016 gtr GT , so pleased , yes heavier that's the only thing I'd say to put down the gtr.
I know beauty is in the eye of and all that, but the only bike in the current Kawasaki range I would buy on looks is the Ninja650.
Quote from: doebag on March 16, 2017, 05:56:28 PM
I know beauty is in the eye of and all that, but the only bike in the current Kawasaki range I would buy on looks is the Ninja650.
We're straying off topic I know, but I think the ZZR1400 Performance Sport looks stunning. I was
so tempted but realistically the GTR will better suit the riding ahead of me.
Quote from: Rynglieder on March 16, 2017, 07:39:27 PM
We're straying off topic I know, but I think the ZZR1400 Performance Sport looks stunning. I was so tempted but realistically the GTR will better suit the riding ahead of me.
My mate as just bought the ZZR 1400 in blue....me I've always gone for tourers as we both like a bit of comfort.
You folks are always banging on about the GTR's weight.
I've come from a Goldwing GL1500. Now that's weight! Goldwings have a reverse gear, which is extremely handy.
Would a reverse gear on the GTR be a valuable addition?
Or is this apparent weight problem more involved than that?
It's not the weight for me so much, it's just the what if factor. If I think it's heavy a quick ride on the blood bike trophy sorts that.
As I said a few kgs. lighter would've be nice but not necessary. It's all academic really I've been for a ride :punk: :punk: :punk: :punk: but tha thanks for your replies.
It's not heavy unless it falls on you..
Quote from: virginiajim on March 18, 2017, 02:09:56 AM
It's not heavy unless it falls on you..
it's heavy when your legs aren't working properly :yes:
Just heavy!