As I get older and weaker the day is drawing nearer when I would like something a lot lighter than my 2010 gtr1400 caf
I own 6 bikes now and the gtr is by far the heaviest/cumbersome and I sometimes suffer anxiety when pulling out and doing tight turns from a stationary position etc
once moving at speed its fine.
Is there such a thing on the market new or old that has the same kind of oomph, has a big screen heated grips, loads of luggage space and is a nice comfy riding position.
oh and a lot lighter...?
Yep Versys 1000
How about a Yamaha fjr ,the thing is the gtr is so smooth , the versys is a 1000cc and as I have read will be more buzzy ,I had a zzz 1100 and 1200 the gtr engine is turbine smooth compared to them ,that's what 1400 cc does , if I had it as my only bike it should have gone by now but after 6 years it still gives a great ride ,just swop between your bikes and it's good points will outweigh the bad bit the weight , :biker3:
Quote from: PRD on April 07, 2019, 05:04:22 PM
Yep Versys 1000
absolutely correct, it really is a no brainer, but don't take my word for it, book yourself a test ride
FJ1300 is the same weight as a GTR
Sounds like you're looking for a small car! :popcorn:
Quote from: Burchy on April 07, 2019, 08:01:23 PM
FJ1300 is the same weight as a GTR
292kg Yamaha 315kg gtr Mcn specs
Versys 1000 = 257Kg
The weight in kg is not the only thing that matters. The GTR is top heavy and feels much heavier than some other bikes with the same mass*. The Versys is higher and that gives leverage and makes it easier to handle while still.
* Personally I find the much heavier Gold Wing very easy to hold.
ive got a zx9r a xz6r and 3 older classic two strokes and they don't phase me at all manoevering whilst parking up etc
the versys looks good and 50kg lighter sounds good too.
Swallow your pride, head to your local BMW dealer and book a test ride on an R1200RS.
I changed bikes for pretty much the exact same reason (excessive weight).
You'll end up with fewer gee-gees (125bhp), but also a lot less kgs (only 230kg compared to the GTR 300+kg - so power to weight is not much different). There isn't much in it in terms of torque, either.
You'll still have the shaft drive, but also heated grips, cruise control, adjustable suspension, and plenty of luggage options (BMW luggage is expensive - the SHAD mounts and luggage is neatest and best value).
It's a bike you could cross Europe on (I did, last summer) or go and play silly buggers with your mates on the twisties (which I do, regularly :clap: )
Just my twopennyworth.
Cheers
Paul B.
Be wary though of poor BMW quality control and expensive servicing. Also prices are from so to get to a reasonable level costs a lot.
I don't want to buy new and prob around 8k tops. I might get 5k for my 2010 caf gtr as its nice and tidy and lowish miles I do like the look of the versys and as ive recently bought a green aria rx7 helmet it fits the bill
ill just keep my eyes open
cheers for the recommendations
Quote from: PRD on April 08, 2019, 06:32:00 PM
Be wary though of poor BMW quality control and expensive servicing. Also prices are from so to get to a reasonable level costs a lot.
Pete, BMW service costs are very comparable with the GTR if not even cheaper as I found out to my surprise with the K1600.
Quote from: Lonewolf on April 10, 2019, 01:16:37 AM
Pete, BMW service costs are very comparable with the GTR if not even cheaper as I found out to my surprise with the K1600.
not my experience I'm afraid and quality poor for the price.
Quote from: PRD on April 10, 2019, 03:47:42 PM
not my experience I'm afraid and quality poor for the price.
Yeah but you haven't had a BMW for a while have you so you're out of touch with things.
If the bike is just for yourself, I'd suggest looking at the Versys 650 or Suzuki SV650, both very capable touring bikes and have toured in our group on many occasions, Ron is 83 years young and chucks the SV around like a GP rider when he wants too, not the fastest o-100 but certainly capable of riding comfortably in a group.
Quote from: Lonewolf on April 10, 2019, 06:03:08 PM
Yeah but you haven't had a BMW for a while have you so you're out of touch with things.
look at the forum plenty of reports about poor BMW experiences in recent times. As I recall several in the thread you removed due to intimidation fears!
Quote from: PRD on April 12, 2019, 01:51:31 PM
look at the forum plenty of reports about poor BMW experiences in recent times. As I recall several in the thread you removed due to intimidation fears!
Look at which forum? Look at a Kawasaki forum for praise and compliments for another make of bike, are you really that naive? I removed the other thread which you refer to due to your incessant, relentless goading and tedious negative comments of anyone else's choice of bike which doesn't match yours. I shall remind you that three previous regular visitors to this forum, no longer visit, (to the detriment of the forum) because they found your input regarding BMW irratating to the point of frustration.
We all have different requirements, finances and expectations from our bikes, I've tried a few bikes over the last ten years approximately ranging from two Honda CB1300's, a Yamaha XJR1300, two GTR's, a BMW K1600 and more recently two BMW GS Adventures.
I really don't understand your constant vendetta be it against either me and/or BMW. If you don't like me, don't engage with me, if you don't like BMW, fair enough everyone has opinions but you really do not need to ram your opinions down the throats of others with the persistence which you do so regularly.
The End! :sweatdrop:
.
Quote from: Robbieben on April 12, 2019, 01:38:09 PM
If the bike is just for yourself, I'd suggest looking at the Versys 650 or Suzuki SV650, both very capable touring bikes and have toured in our group on many occasions, Ron is 83 years young and chucks the SV around like a GP rider when he wants too, not the fastest o-100 but certainly capable of riding comfortably in a group.
both excellent bikes.
Every forum that I have been a member of (and there have been many, in fact there is still about 6 in which I still very actively participate) has brand specific models as its main theme, obviously it is only correct that other brands and models are discussed, that is what forums are about and is to be welcomed.
This forum does however seem experience a high (ish) level of BMW support from some quarters including the Kawasaki GTR 1400 Global moderator, its a akin to a global moderator of the Yamaha FJR forum extolling the virtues of, shall we say, the Africa Twin, ....... it's bound to become tiresome to Kawasaki owners eventually
I have absolutely no objection to other brands being discussed on this forum, in fact I find it enlightening and enjoyable, however things seem to have become out of proportion. :nono: Surely it's time to calm down and behave in a more rational manner
I have noticed, as I'm sure others have that this forum has become very quiet at times, perhaps that is because the GTR is now no longer part of Kawasaki's model line up and is therefore no longer the 'flagship' of the range............... I suspect that the forum may well become even quieter as time passes, which is a great shame
I no longer own a GTR 1400, for well documented reasons, but still have a massive affection for the old girl, so, I have now moved on to a different model within the Kawasaki line up, and I'm very happy that I have done so :smiley:
thanks for input chaps, I was drawn to the versys 1000 only thing was lack of litres in luggage
I thin though if I could live with the lack of space then the tracer 900 gt might be worth considering
but then I saw a z100sx for sale and quite fancy one of those now.
Quote from: aljaxon on April 13, 2019, 11:18:38 AM
thanks for input chaps, I was drawn to the versys 1000 only thing was lack of litres in luggage
I thin though if I could live with the lack of space then the tracer 900 gt might be worth considering
but then I saw a z100sx for sale and quite fancy one of those now.
Luggage on the 1000SX is identical to the Versys and H2 variants :yes: plus you cannot use top box and panniers together on the 1000SX it is one or the other... although Givi may have an option which could be worth checking :smiley:
As I think I said before the luggage space is better than it looks
My brother briefly owned a Tracer 900 with full luggage fitted (probably the GT?) and found it quite unsuitable for his relatively gentle riding style. It also suffered quite a few gremlins from new and, as he said when he tried my Versys 1000, it was everything that he hoped the Tracer would be, though too heavy for him (he has back injuries through a lifetime of competitive sports).
The Tracer was very fast, everything shook when on the move as it was so lightly made, and the throttle was like a gun trigger!
He only kept it for a year (even by my brother's standards that is quite a short period) before P/X called against a new Triumph.
Whilst his might have been an isolated case, it was certainly not a comfortable touring bike.
I was a bit concerned when Yamaha say they don't recommend using a top box with the tracer 900 as it would make the bike too unstable
on youtube I liked some foreign dudes versys test ride (complete with wheelies!!) but the 142 horses of the z1000 sx combined with the mere 235 kg weight (80kg lighter than our gtr!!!) sold it to me.
up until 12 yrs ago I was a dyed in the wool Yamaha fan. but the gtr and my pld zx6r have weaned me onto Kawasaki. hence my zx9r also added a while back.
my 9 yr old gtr has two rusty bolt heads and some brake dust on the front wheels and that's it. a few swirls/ scratches on the paintwork but its in vg condition, almost in spite of my ownership - ok - only 7000 miles in 5 years. but then again ive owned at least 4 bikes since 2010 and 6 atm. but the build quality is amazing.
weird how a lot of touring bikes nowadays only have small panniers and no top boxes?
Quote from: aljaxon on April 13, 2019, 10:54:45 PM
... but the 142 horses of the z1000 sx combined with the mere 235 kg weight (80kg lighter than our gtr!!!) sold it to me.
... weird how a lot of touring bikes nowadays only have small panniers and no top boxes?
Like the Z1000SX? A fantastic machine, and may even be considered a sports-tourer, but it is definitely more sports than tourer, imho.
Cheers
Paul B.
If it's just solo use, you might consider a Triumph Tiger 1050. 3 box luggage is, IMHO, big enough for one person. If you're going to have a pillion, then the bike's a bit too cramped and the luggage too small.
Bike weighs in about 200kgs.
My Versys 1000 GT SE
(http://i65.tinypic.com/jzcidc.jpg)
Thats nice Roger :yes:
Had a sit on one in Jns at Doncaster it look and feel nice to sit on , seemed to be a big price difference between that bling one and the cheaper one , :biker3:
Little Oscar looks absolutely knackered!
I changed from a GTR to an SX 4 years ago because i had a Knee issue and the GTR was 305kg and the SX 230kg. I was lucky enough to have corrective surgery and my Knee is now good as New hence my return to the GTR. i would have kept the SX no problem if i could have fitted a Top box as well as the panniers but as stated you can't have both together. Believe me the SX is an awesome bike and THB it will leave the GTR for Dead its a very quick and capable bike a true all rounder. It can scratch with the power rangers and tour with the bigger boys, i really liked the SX, having said that it's no GTR.
Negatives
Seat is not the best quite Hard until bedded in, then only good for most 150 miles.
Maximum 45 MPG being careful
limited storage space and awkward pannier design ( exactly same panniers as Versys )
Chain Drive
Positives
Lots of power goes like a scalded cat
3 selectable power modes
Reasonable New purchase price
Holds good residual value
Adjustable screen
Looks Good
Mega Grin Factor
Depending on your tastes i would go for the SX against a Versys, having said that i am Biased because i have only ridden a Versys Once and it was not my style of Bike at the time however the new one looks the dogs danglies. The versys is a tall bike ( 840mm - 25mm taller than the SX ) and i did not feel as though i was balanced on it at a standstill more tip toe than flat foot, but Horses for Courses.
well ive finally done it and traded my gtr caf in for a 2018 z1000sx. i rode to view it on the gtr and i tried to move it to upright off its sidestand perch and was amazed how light it was. that was it, i was sold. ive often missed a turning on the gtr and gone on for up to 4 miles looking for somewhere to turn around or find another route.
i have avoided riding the big old dumpling the last couple of years of my 7 year ownership purely because i fear dropping it whilst manoevering it at slow speed.
80 kgs lighter which is 12 stone!!!! i was actually buzzing after id made the deal.
i loved the gtrs luggage space but might not miss it so much
youre not supposed to put top box and panniers on with a pillion on the new kawaskis -think the total recommended weight of pillion plus luggage is 200kgs?
well my wife is tiny and so her lack of pounds = 1 top box. plus ive gone for givis 37 litres. i do like throwing my bikes around, i once arrived at willy woods with tyres blistered to the edges like on a track day on the gtr but you had to keep remembering when hammering the gtr that it took a lot more stopping.
bought it 2 yrs old for £8k plus and just sold it for £5250 so ive had my moneys worth and i will always remember it for good reasons as well as bad. (got done last year 111mph in a 70!!! )
fantastic quality of paintwork apart from one tiny over enthusiastically jet washed rusty bare patch on the frame.
i didnt make any mates on this forum and kept myself to myself but got plenty of help and advice so thanks chaps.
you never know we might meet on the sx forum :censored:
take care y'all
Enjoy.
Had 2 b.m.w R1200's first was the 2016 r1200 GS TE model and covered 9,000 miles on it 3,200 miles of that was on a Europe tour over 10 days and found it to be excellent at touring and managed to keep up with the Supersports in the twisties and motorways.. then p/x it for the 2018 R1200 GS triple black did a few long weekends and many long ride outs and found the servicing costs from b.m.w dealers to be similar on price with various other bike manufactures service costs.
I decided to go back to the zzr1400 performance sport as I did miss the acceleration that the zzr1400 was capable of as I did miss burning my mate off on his Hayabusa lol... also had the 2013 versys 1000 and did a few Cornwall and Scotland trips and found it to be a excellent all-rounder and only sold it to help fund a new car purchase which I sold to a member on this forum. Kawasaki have also vastly improved the new model versys 1000 and although they are near the £15,000 mark for the top of the range model you do get a lot of bike for the money.
if I was to choose between the new model versys 1000 tourer and the b.m.w R1200 or R1250 GS then I think I would have some sleepless nights.. having said that.. the adventure style bikes have come a long way with technology and popularity with the choice of the Triumph tiger/k.t.m/v-strom/Africa twin/Super Tenere and the Multistrada most likely wouldn't get any sleep at all.
So now you have had the Z1000sx for a few months how is it going ? Pleased with it ? Up to what you thought it would be like ? I am sure it is .. they do look good ! :yes:
I was in the market for a second bike and had the versys 1000 and the versys 650 in the past both excellent machines and the versys 650 would be my first choice if I wanted a excellent commuter which you can also tour in comfort on.. only wanted a second bike for commuting and a change now and again.. but needed to be comfortable and to keep the mileage down on my sport tourer :smiley: so was looking at the new model versys 650 but when I was at the dealers I seen the z900 rs cafe and it reminded me of the time in my much younger days when I wanted the Z1 Z900 of the seventies so booked a test ride and could not resist not buying one :smiley: did fancy the z900 rs jaffa but wanted some type of wind protection so decided on the cafe and replaced the o.e.m screen with a MRA double bubble smoked screen.. well impressed with the z900 rs cafe :yes: kawasaki have done a excellent job of the engine and with a sound tracked to match :clap: with it being a small looking bike and reasonable light and with me being use to sport tourers it's easy to assume it's not going to be that quick :smiley: but it goes like a stabbed rat and handles like it on rails :smiley:
Quote from: Lonewolf on April 12, 2019, 03:25:36 PMLook at which forum? Look at a Kawasaki forum for praise and compliments for another make of bike, are you really that naive? I removed the other thread which you refer to due to your incessant, relentless goading and tedious negative comments of anyone else's choice of bike which doesn't match yours. I shall remind you that three previous regular visitors to this forum, no longer visit, (to the detriment of the forum) because they found your input regarding BMW irratating to the point of frustration.
We all have different requirements, finances and expectations from our bikes, I've tried a few bikes over the last ten years approximately ranging from two Honda CB1300's, a Yamaha XJR1300, two GTR's, a BMW K1600 and more recently two BMW GS Adventures.
I really don't understand your constant vendetta be it against either me and/or BMW. If you don't like me, don't engage with me, if you don't like BMW, fair enough everyone has opinions but you really do not need to ram your opinions down the throats of others with the persistence which you do so regularly.
The End! :sweatdrop:
As the Scousers would say.. calm down LAA calm down .. :mfr_lol: :wink: