finally picked up my 2011 green gtr today --- rode my 04 ZX12R down to wigan from newcastle and by the time I got there I was certain I was doing the right thing ! ---- I was absolutely frozen and aching ! --- riding back on the new machine --- the engine even running in seems to have plenty of power for me -- lots quieter and smoother --- no creaks and groans when going over minor bumps etc.. - screen too small for me at 6ft 3 -- though since I've always ridden sportsbikes, I'm used to wind in the face !!
- didn't notice the supposed poor turn in as noted on some reviews but as I'm a fairly sedate rider it all seemed fine to me !
- one minor query ---- how tight is each half of the panniers supposed to match up to the other half ? ( one pannier has a definite better connection than the other ??
(considering the ZX12 is a 180 mph bike I found the gtr engine equally as powerful, but since I've rarely been over 120mph then I doubt I'd see much difference !)
- gearbox is far smoother on the gtr - no clunks - especially from Neutral to 1st ! braked equally as good and I left the linked brakes at the lowest level as I've never had them before ( bit worried about the front diving when applying the back brake around a tight corner - but didn't seem to happen )
--- average fuel mileage for the 160 mile trip was 55mpg !!!! - lots better than the ZX12 !
Well done mister minnion, so you like it? but as time rolls on you will learn to love it, the more miles you do the better they get, I love mine more each time I go out on it. You certainly picked the right day to pick a new bike up wall to wall sunshine after a cool start, dry roads, all in all a fantastic day. Feel free to bring it down to Kirby Lonsdale in the morning and let me and my mates ogle it. Enjoy cheers Geoff ;D
thanks for the info re mco !!( would love to - unfortunately working !
Excellent news that you now have the GTR, I doubt you will regret it. It's always funny when a bike such as the GTR converts seasoned sports bike riders towards it. I think that speaks volumes for Kawasaki and their ability to have produced such a bike with such a wide appeal.
The panniers issue though...have a quick look and check the rubber seal, ensure no foreign matter is preventing one from shutting up as tightly as the other. If that is all in order then you may have to return the bike to a K dealer for their assessment and possibly an exchange.
Meanwhile just enjoy the bike.
Welcome to the club. I'm sure you're going to love the new bike.
Looks like we all have green ones up here. ;D
I'll keep an eye out for you since there are not that many GTRs around in Newcastle.
Congrats on the purchase.
As for the panniers, as long as they don't leak the fit should be fine. However if it looks way off get them seen to by the dealer
Yes ... well done on collecting the new bike .. you already know that it was the right choice ! Enjoy every mile ;D