I was at a Kawasaki dealer yesterday (trying to decide whether to buy a new bike for next Spring) and was told that there will be a new GTR for 2018.
Not of interest to me, due to its weight (the reason that I sold mine in 2015) however, this is the first time that I have heard this from an official source!
No doubt it will go up in price too!
I thought Mr K was not selling our model in Europe after 2017??? :sad: It's good news if a dealer is taking orders for 2018.
If it's a new gtr I wonder what the new will be , more power less weight , built in sat nav , it would have to have significant changes to make me part with mine ,,, :biker3:
Very curious already....
It will be an electric one? :mfr_lol:
Isn't the Versys 1000 the new gtr? Don't think there are enough sales to merit a new gtr. Happy to be proved wrong though.
Quote from: PRD on September 11, 2017, 08:28:40 AM
Isn't the Versys 1000 the new gtr? Don't think there are enough sales to merit a new gtr. Happy to be proved wrong though.
Versys 1000 changes for 2018 are slight colour changes
I have it from a most reliable source that it will have color matched cup holders.
Quote from: virginiajim on September 28, 2017, 08:20:40 PM
I have it from a most reliable source that it will have color matched cup holders.
and air conditioning ?
They do make air conditioned seats, not sure if that's going to be on the new models. Over in the US we sure can use it and after having heated seats (Indian Roadmaster), I'd never go back to the non-heated versions.
Ive heard from an official Kawasaki dealer that the updated and new GTR for 2018 comes with a free tank of fuel. :popcorn:
Quote from: Lonewolf on October 06, 2017, 12:36:27 AM
Ive heard from an official Kawasaki dealer that the updated and new GTR for 2018 comes with a free tank of fuel. :popcorn:
definitely more than you would get at a BMW dealer.
You guys kill me... :mfr_lol:
Quote from: virginiajim on October 06, 2017, 11:17:54 AM
You guys kill me... :mfr_lol:
I think you'll find that it will be Mr Trump who ends up killing you! :whistling:
us all :whistling:
If BMW gave you a free tank of fuel would that double the value of the bike.
Quote from: Lonewolf on October 06, 2017, 01:41:12 PM
I think you'll find that it will be Mr Trump who ends up killing you! :whistling:
Over my dead body! :mfr_lol:
Quote from: virginiajim on October 08, 2017, 03:37:51 PM
Over my dead body! :mfr_lol:
Just make sure everyone in your family knows the magic word!
INCOMING :death:
Quote from: flatfour on September 10, 2017, 09:34:22 AM
I was at a Kawasaki dealer yesterday (trying to decide whether to buy a new bike for next Spring) and was told that there will be a new GTR for 2018.
Not of interest to me, due to its weight (the reason that I sold mine in 2015) however, this is the first time that I have heard this from an official source!
Picked up and copied from the ZGGTR site
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2017/10/kawasaki-will-introduce-supercharged-sport-tourer-next-month-with-video/
It would have to be a whole new bike and upgrades to make me change mine , plus if it's £5000 more than the old price then that would be to much , if it's a wow got to have that then I'm very interested,, :biker3:
Kawasaki Supercharged sport tourer... This might pull me out of the BMW darkness and into the green latern light again.
By Nov 7th I will know if Brunhilde will be traded for a Thundernugget mk II.
As the little jedi master once said: "Ride green you will, young Skywalker".
The cats out of the bag ....its a H2SX which is basically a Z1000SX type bike witha Supercharger making a stated 200 bhp. Plus a a TFT dash,, sat nav functionality, electric screen, heated grips, media connectivity and keyless ignition.
Z1000 SX and Versys will remain. GTR will go as it doesn't meet Euro 4 regulations
The H2SX will cost 20K base and approx 23K fully loaded
It looks nice and seems to have chain drive :wink:
Details in this weeks MCN
Quote from: O.C. on October 11, 2017, 11:51:25 AM
The cats out of the bag ....its a H2SX which is basically a Z1000SX type bike witha Supercharger making a stated 200 bhp. Plus a a TFT dash,, sat nav functionality, electric screen, heated grips, media connectivity and keyless ignition.
Z1000 SX and Versys will remain. GTR will go as it doesn't meet Euro 4 regulations
The H2SX will cost 20K base and approx 23K fully loaded
It looks nice and seems to have chain drive :wink: oh no chain drive and too pricey. Think I won't upgrade!
Details in this weeks MCN
Oh no chain drive and very pricey I won't be downgrading!
Hardly a sport's tourer then :rolleyes:
Not really a gtr replacement then is it ,,,,
Doesn't seem so. I don't need that much HP (US or British) any more, nor chain drive, nor poor ergonomics... I wonder to what demographic Kwackers is catering? Crazy, they are.
Pictures in this weeks MCN
Didn't Honda go the same way when they had the opportunity to update and modernise the much loved Blackbird, they seemed to lose their way as well.
Quote from: virginiajim on October 11, 2017, 05:58:04 PM
Doesn't seem so. I don't need that much HP (US or British) any more, nor chain drive, nor poor ergonomics... I wonder to what demographic Kwackers is catering? Crazy, they are.
I guess its largely about market demand and resulting sales Jim, the GTR has maybe had its day, in the current marketplace with its sales volumes being relatively low and production costs therefore relatively high. A number of manufacturers seem are moving their production into a different direction, commonality of some components also being a manufacturing consideration.
I've found that the weather protection offered by my Versys 1000 is actually every bit as good as my GTR was, even my feet don't get any wetter than they did on the GTR :wink: And TBH the lack of shaft drive isn't a problem for me as I don't need a bike that is an intercontinental 'mile muncher'
As for chain maintenance, well, modern chains are hugely better than their predecessors both in terms of quality and longevity, cleaning and lubricating takes about 5 -10 minutes only.
So maybe this move signals the end for the superb GTR and maybe, just maybe it's time to bite the bullet and move on....but NOT to the Dark Side :mfr_lol:
Sensible words particularly the bit about not going to dark side!
Looking at the picture from MCN, the frontend looks all GTR. Hell, the panniers look like they're from the GTR too. Probably photoshopped montage of two of three different bikes!
http://images.mcn.bauercdn.com/PageFiles/635140/1752x1168/kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx.jpg?mode=max&quality=90&scale=down
Stunning - love it, i will be in the queue for a test ride. I have always said a white one would look nice but this is really nice. Having had an SX and knowing what a great bike it was, the only downsides was the size of the panniers - lack of top box fitment and hard seat. It would appear they have addressed the pannier and seat issue hopefully the top box too. The chain is not so much an issue as OC said 10 minutes tops to maintain. Looks like there are some kind of lights just below the indicators, i like the wheels though - Ducati - MV - ish and always loved the 4 exit end cans. However if the price is as stated it would be a definite NO! from me.
I would be happy with a non supercharged engine with power much the same as now and circa £14-15k and i would change tomorrow; As said change is inevitable and life goes on, just got to go with the flow.
I hope it will be at the Bike Show because it will be a star attraction as the H2R was.
On a touring bike a chain is definitely a backward step.
Quote from: PRD on October 13, 2017, 07:49:11 AM
On a touring bike a chain is definitely a backward step.
Rubbish, explain yourself :ohplease:
some more info...................
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2017/october/kawasaki-supercharged-ninja-h2-sx/
£20K.......I don't think so :no:
Definitely a photoshop mock up as the panniers are not in proportion to the size of the bike, but regarding chains, I have no issue with maintenance and reliability but how come shaft drive tourers are almost all fitted with a centre stand as standard but chain drive bikes don't? Seems a bit arse upwards if you ask me.
Oh and the price, not a cat in hells chance of me spending £20 on it.
Quote from: ChrisB on October 13, 2017, 01:52:01 PM
Definitely a photoshop mock up as the panniers are not in proportion to the size of the bike, but regarding chains, I have no issue with maintenance and reliability but how come shaft drive tourers are almost all fitted with a centre stand as standard but chain drive bikes don't? Seems a bit arse upwards if you ask me.
Oh and the price, not a cat in hells chance of me spending £20 on it.
My Versys has a main/centre stand as standard :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on October 13, 2017, 02:36:48 PM
My Versys has a main/centre stand as standard :yes:
That should be £20k
Just buy a versys and stick a turbo on it ,,
Quote from: ChrisB on October 13, 2017, 02:54:40 PM
That should be £20k
It's very good Chris, but I don't think it's good enough to warrant a £ 20 grand price tag :mfr_lol:
Quote from: O.C. on October 13, 2017, 09:51:31 AM
Rubbish, explain yourself :ohplease:
unnecessary maintenance. Space taken up with chain lube. Having to keep an eyes on the adjustment. Cleaning excess lube off the rear wheel. No thanks.
Why don't bikes with a chain have it fully enclosed , I'm sure I have seen some small bikes years ago have fully enclosed chains , the worst thing I find with my chain driven bikes is oil on the wheel , it's a bugger to get clean. , did 2800m across the alps in June and did not need to adjust the chain once ,just oiled it a couple of times ,,, :biker3:
And not only small bikes. In the 1980's Yamaha produced the TR 1 thousand cc v twin. It was chain drive running in lithium grease in an enclosed chain case . Chain was reported to last 30000 miles and no mess.
Quote from: PRD on October 13, 2017, 04:51:51 PM
unnecessary maintenance. Space taken up with chain lube. Having to keep an eyes on the adjustment. Cleaning excess lube off the rear wheel. No thanks.
Any type of maintenence is rarely uneccesary, :wacko:
Adjustment of todays chains is infrequent,.
The latest lubrication is extremely low or non fling, and needs less frequent reapplication ergo no need to carry with you (small tins are available)
Rear wheel dirt is no greater on my Versys than it was on any of my previous four GTRs or even my previous Super Tenere (also shaft drive BTW)
Lubrication of todays 'O' or 'X' ring chains is easy as they are protected against dirt ingress, do the research for yourself Pete and then you will understand
I have owned several shaft drive bikes and fully appreciate the benefits despite the extra weight disadvantages, however I don't agree with your opinion of today's chain drive bikes.
Ask yourself how many Paris Dakar bikes have shaft drive ....... they operate in a highly competitive environment under dreadful conditions....can't be all bad, eh :popcorn:
Sorry do not want a chain drive bike. To me it is unnecessary and I don't want to waste time maintaining chain. I do not need to do research on modern chains am aware that they are better than old ones but I prefer shaft drive.
What a laugh :mfr_lol:
Quote from: O.C. on October 13, 2017, 09:55:07 PM
What a laugh :mfr_lol:
if I can make you laught it's all worth while!!
I have to agree with PRD, any half respectable tourer will be a shaft driven bike not chain driven. Having a chain on a big tourer is totally antiquated and not conducive to the miles that many will do on a touring bike.
Interesting that we don't mention belt drive in drivetrain technology?
Only ever had one, an old GPZ305, fantastic idea as far as I can see?
OK, supposed to not be as efficient in power transfer, but it's like having a mega cush-drive fitted!
Only read about failures, but know of none personally, and with minimal adjustment, and service life 30-40K what's not to like?
And does not shaft / bevel drives have issues? We've heard of weeping seals, big time on BM's
Chain drive with an auto / PD Oiler (electrical - love 'em) is as good as anything, My F700GS- 8,000 miles, chain adjusted twice! Got me hands dirtier changing the shaft oil on the GTR!
Awaiting barrage of replies............................................... :wink:
Belt drive is good. I rode GPs 305 years ago thought it was very good. Did 2500 miles on Harley and Indian in states last year. No prob with drive and no lubing either. As good as shaft drive I reckon. I'm sure I read somewhere modern belt drive is more efficient than chain or shaft.
Quote from: snowy on October 14, 2017, 09:00:20 PM
Interesting that we don't mention belt drive in drivetrain technology?
Only ever had one, an old GPZ305, fantastic idea as far as I can see?
OK, supposed to not be as efficient in power transfer, but it's like having a mega cush-drive fitted!
Only read about failures, but know of none personally, and with minimal adjustment, and service life 30-40K what's not to like?
And does not shaft / bevel drives have issues? We've heard of weeping seals, big time on BM's
Chain drive with an auto / PD Oiler (electrical - love 'em) is as good as anything, My F700GS- 8,000 miles, chain adjusted twice! Got me hands dirtier changing the shaft oil on the GTR!
Awaiting barrage of replies............................................... :wink:
Good point Snowy. we have the technology so why not?
How long do chains last nowadays?
My last chain drive was on a VFR750 back in 2000. I had to change the chain and sprockets every 8K for about £400. That'd be three times a year at my current mileage!
Quote from: 1ka on October 14, 2017, 11:15:22 PM
How long do chains last nowadays?
My last chain drive was on a VFR750 back in 2000. I had to change the chain and sprockets every 8K for about £400. That'd be three times a year at my current mileage!
Too many variables, power, riding style, maintenance, environment, but with new quality lubricants / chains etc as long as they're looked after I'm expecting 15-20,000 miles!
As said above, me 700GS, only 72 horses, with auto oiler fitted, I've only adjusted chain twice in 8,000 miles. It gets washed every couple of months, coat of chain spray wax after wash, then let the oiler do the day to day lube, and that's just gear oil!
Big believer in you pay for "what you get" with chain kits, same as brake pads and tyres!
Quote from: PRD on October 14, 2017, 05:36:21 PM
if I can make you laught it's all worth while!!
You will be pleased to know that make me laugh a lot :mfr_lol:
Quote from: snowy on October 15, 2017, 12:47:55 AM
Too many variables, power, riding style, maintenance, environment, but with new quality lubricants / chains etc as long as they're looked after I'm expecting 15-20,000 miles!
As said above, me 700GS, only 72 horses, with auto oiler fitted, I've only adjusted chain twice in 8,000 miles. It gets washed every couple of months, coat of chain spray wax after wash, then let the oiler do the day to day lube, and that's just gear oil!
Big believer in you pay for "what you get" with chain kits, same as brake pads and tyres!
Correct, I too still like the power transfer sensation of shaft drive, but these days chains, and don't forget, sprockets are way better than in the past, hence with basic maintenance they last much longer....just clean with a spirit soaked cloth and apply one of the many varieties of modern lubrication
Some members on the Versys forum for example easily achieve 30.000 + with their chain driven bikes
Quote from: 1ka on October 14, 2017, 11:15:22 PM
How long do chains last nowadays?
My last chain drive was on a VFR750 back in 2000. I had to change the chain and sprockets every 8K for about £400. That'd be three times a year at my current mileage!
. How the heck did you get through c n s in 8000m , they was £60 in 2000 , Especially on a vfr ,,
The MCN pictures are clearly Photoshop and a blend of the existing SX and GTR models.
Other pics floating about show the H2 with a bit more fairing, higher bars and new fangled LED headlights (that nobody needs).
The H2 is indeed a fantastic bike and when I test rode it I said that the motor in something more practical would be fun, but didn't expect a bike so similar to the existing SX market.
Quote from: O.C. on October 12, 2017, 08:50:42 AM
So maybe this move signals the end for the superb GTR and maybe, just maybe it's time to bite the bullet and move on....but NOT to the Dark Side :mfr_lol:
I have no idea what you are talking about... :mfr_lol:
I think the SX/GTR is gorgeous but at £20k for the base model then sadly I won't be joining the queue.
I remember reading at least 5 years where Kawasaki was going to discontinue with the 1400cc engines and base it's top of the range bikes on 1000cc super charged engines and a patent had been applied for.
Looks like someone couldn't wait for the official reveal.
https://www.soymotero.net/kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx-se-2018-viaje-sobrealimentado-24479 (https://www.soymotero.net/kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx-se-2018-viaje-sobrealimentado-24479)
(https://www.soymotero.net/images/87913.jpg)
That looks so comfortable and laid back for all-day mile-munching. Not. :cheesy:
Compare and contrast...
(http://www.kscountyofficials.org/il/2017/10/05/kawasaki-ninja-gtr1400-kawasaki-gtr-1400_ba23a70884e28d14.jpg)
Cheers
Paul B.
It won't be miles that my Missus would be munching after a day sitting like that on the back!
Kawasaki Has A Supercharged Sport-Touring Motorcycle Ready To Debut. https://www.cycleworld.com/kawasaki-has-supercharged-sport-tourer-set-to-debut
i believe that is the new SX not the GTR.
Just what we need, a 200 mph race bike with panniers
Quote from: zedmeister on November 07, 2017, 03:42:50 PM
i believe that is the new SX not the GTR.
I fear that you, like many of us here, are going to be disappointed.
We already knew the bike to be revealed at Milan was going to be called an H2 SX. This though looks nothing like the MCN mock ups we saw a few weeks ago.
An H2 in 1000SX style clothes/panniers does not a GTR replacement make.
So disappointed. :angry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7_ujvFE34
Definitely not one on my bucket list. The H2 was fine for what it is but this is never going to replace the GTR. Can't figure out why they've done it, looks more like a hyped up Z1000SX replacement than a GTR replacement
Quote from: ChrisB on November 07, 2017, 05:08:47 PM
Just what we need, a 200 mph race bike with panniers
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :agree:
Paul B.
It all seems a bit odd, surely they are devaluating the H2 hyper-bike brand that they have evolved if they are going to stick it on every new model?
As others have said it looks more like a Z1000SX evolution than a GTR replacement.
On the face of it that pillion seat would not offer much comfort for proper touring. Perhaps it is the sort of bike that I would look at when Carole tells me she has had enough and I am sent off on my own.....
https://www.rushlane.com/kawasaki-ninja-h2sx-supercharged-touring-bike-12254691.html :smiley:
Quote from: O.C. on November 07, 2017, 07:33:51 PM
https://www.rushlane.com/kawasaki-ninja-h2sx-supercharged-touring-bike-12254691.html :smiley:
Last line in that article ...
"Once officially launched, Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX will compete against the Honda Goldwing and BMWK1600GTL."
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Be ok as a 1 up bike , but I don't think wife would be impressed , look dear we can do 200mph ,,
Quote from: nightrider on November 07, 2017, 08:04:05 PM
Be ok as a 1 up bike , but I don't think wife would be impressed , look dear we can do 200mph ,,
You can talk her round, you just need to accentuate the positives: "Pack your inner bags ready for when I get home from work at five, we will be in Rome by Midnight".
Quote from: STX1300man on November 07, 2017, 07:45:56 PM
Last line in that article ...
"Once officially launched, Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX will compete against the Honda Goldwing and BMWK1600GTL."
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Good to see that you are so amused by that statement :yes:
Well at least it won't be £20K :shocked:
https://youtu.be/GX-o5ry-_5E
It's up on the website too.
https://www.kawasaki.eu/en/products/Sport_Tourer/2018/Ninja_H2_SX/overview
https://youtu.be/NjyAPwuKYXU and doesnt she look comfortable. :clap: Perfect
Quote from: 1ka on November 08, 2017, 12:14:47 PM
It's up on the website too.
https://www.kawasaki.eu/en/products/Sport_Tourer/2018/Ninja_H2_SX/overview
There seems to be an error code on the link...... this might work
https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/Sport_Tourer/2018/Ninja_H2_SX/overview?Uid=08D7WwxbXwpRWlpeDgxeXFELWgpRCgxQDV4KXV1fUVxdCgw
A big mistake in my humble opinion. First time in many years there won't be a comfy shaft-drive tourer in the line-up, all day comfort et al. I spent many happy years roaring about on a GTR1000, This is simply a gift to Honda's Pan, Triumph, and,BMW. It will be interesting to watch second hand GTR prices...
Hmmm. Very pretty but pillion seat not practical and chain drive too. Not a good alternative to GTR unfortunately.
Quote from: Longtom on November 08, 2017, 03:08:23 PM
A big mistake in my humble opinion. First time in many years there won't be a comfy shaft-drive tourer in the line-up, all day comfort et al. I spent many happy years roaring about on a GTR1000, This is simply a gift to Honda's Pan, Triumph, and,BMW. It will be interesting to watch second hand GTR prices...
totally agree with you.
I love it
I love it!! I want one. Was gonna get back on a ZZR next spring, but having seen this :yes:
DROOL!
I'd point out this is an SX and not a replacement for the GTR mothership, direct from Kawasaki dealer, the new GTR is to follow....... :smartass:
Quote from: PRD on November 08, 2017, 03:08:57 PM
Hmmm. Very pretty but pillion seat not practical and chain drive too. Not a good alternative to GTR unfortunately.
Pete what's your opinion on a chain driven bike? :popcorn:
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 08, 2017, 06:45:43 PM
Pete what's your opinion on a chain driven bike? :popcorn:
Fork truck!!! :mfr_lol:
How about a rubber belt?
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 08, 2017, 06:45:43 PM
Pete what's your opinion on a chain driven bike? :popcorn:
S**t!
Quote from: Robbieben on November 08, 2017, 06:06:36 PM
I'd point out this is an SX and not a replacement for the GTR mothership, direct from Kawasaki dealer, the new GTR is to follow....... :smartass:
So the non Euro 4 compliant GTR 1400 will make a return to the line up then ?
Quote from: Longtom on November 08, 2017, 03:08:23 PM
This is simply a gift to Honda's Pan, Triumph, and,BMW. It will be interesting to watch second hand GTR prices...
Honda Pan ... dead also
Triumph Trophy ... dead also
Just selling off old stock like Kawasaki is with the GTR. Not sure what is happening to the Yamaha FJR.
If you don't wan't a bike made out of scaffold tubes then Sports Tourers are becoming thin on the ground to non-existent.
Quote from: O.C. on November 09, 2017, 07:47:51 AM
So the non Euro 4 compliant GTR 1400 will make a return to the line up then ?
The non compliant GTR as we know it is gone for good, a dealer friend at Kawasaki informs me there will be a new GTR next year, not the SX seen in this thread. The reason for the SX on steroids is to compete with the competition and also based on dealer feedback from customers. I'm informed we should see the GTR replacement mid-late 2018. Here's hoping :smiley:
Quote from: Robbieben on November 09, 2017, 01:58:26 PM
The non compliant GTR as we know it is gone for good, a dealer friend at Kawasaki informs me there will be a new GTR next year, not the SX seen in this thread. The reason for the SX on steroids is to compete with the competition and also based on dealer feedback from customers. I'm informed we should see the GTR replacement mid-late 2018. Here's hoping :smiley:
If that is indeed the case then it will please a few on here ....time will tell I suppose, we'll all have to watch and wait :smiley:
Too late for me, I've been swayed by the dark side.
Quote from: virginiajim on November 11, 2017, 03:29:22 PM
Too late for me, I've been swayed by the dark side.
Indian rule Jim :smiley:
:smiley: