Messages

I am on my 5th GTR had them from first launched, every bike will have issues the GTR is no exception but i can say of the 5 i have had no major issues just the usual wear and tear. I have done in xs of 80,000 miles on them and they have never missed a beat, returns between 45 -50 mpg. The weight is an issue at times, after my 4th one i swapped the GTR for an SX for 2 years ( awesome bike cant praise it enough - but not a GTR )as i had knee issues however an opp put it right so went straight back to a GTR. The bike is 99% perfect for me as it is,  i would advise you test ride one. I can say most GTRs do seem well looked after by their owners so a big plus on that.

If you can stretch to it go for a gen 3.

If they still made them i would be one my 6th or 7th by now, at the moment nothing else floats my boat.

just got back this afternoon and there were quite a few over there in particular a red one passed me on the mountain with no panniers attached going a fair speed. All Gens there.

Been a few times its okay for passing an hour plenty of bikes attend although we go more in the summer months, it has a good mix of bikes however they do like their cruisers and trikes down there and they seem to have their own parking area, like i say it a good stop off for a bag of chips and a pint.

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.

A plumber's nightmare

used to spend hours with meccano now you can buy a model ready built. 

i have a ticket for 1 bike rider and pillion for sale i have only paid initial deposit of £50 full balance to be paid end Feb ( just got a ticket for the van hence sale ) anyone interested please PM me for further details, i have put it on here first but in 24 hours i will post it on the IOM forum if not sold.

I use RST adventure 2 for winter, absolutely waterproof really good boot, i have had all makes but these are up there with the best £119 well worth a look.

  Great choice of Bike, i'm only 10 miles from you.

The Versys1000 shouldn't be overlooked,  it meets all the touring requirements,  I have had 4 GTRs and loved every one of them, but the big Versys is outstanding. .....I have owned two..........and have just ordered my third which features aĺ the latest technology,  an amazing bike....

Oh and before anyone starts whinging about chain drive being high maintenance, it isn't,  it is easy to manage and neither messy or inconvenient. Modern chains are long lasting, quiet and very reliable        

Yep got to agree i will be ordering a new Versys in the New year for March delivery sad to see the GTR go but i am ready for a change now. i will be PX the GTR nearer the time ( or sooner should a reasonable offer come my way ).

If it is a middle weight you are looking at then the Ninja 600 is a great bike i had on of these too brilliant, for the commute i had mine for 3 years did 33,000 miles and it never missed a beat. Or you could go a middleweight tourer and try the VFR 800 my mate has one and loves it.

Versys is a good bike and i was seriously considering one, however having had a Z1000SX  for 2 years i can honestly say what a fantastic bike - not a GTR but but not far away either. MPG is about the same depending on how you like to twist the throttle, but best of all it is 12 Stone YES 12 stone!!! lighter than the GTR. if you are not touring now the panniers will be ample for your requirements, however you will not be able to fit a top box with the panniers if you buy the touring version. I would urge you to have a test ride you will not be disappointed. Go for the standard version as most of the tests i have read prefer the std over the supercharged.

+1 for interphone absolute pile of  Rubbish.

The GTR is an awesome bike it will do almost anything you ask of it with relative ease and comfort i find the seat very comfortable. look after the bike an it will look after you having said that the 24k service is a big one  and can be expensive depending the garage you use. Basically if you are looking to buy a higher mileage one check the 24k service has been done correctly ( valve adjustment - plugs etc ). No real issues with the bike just common sense checks.

If the bike was no good i would have walked away a long time ago - i'm on my 5th one now, i have ridden lots of bikes of all types in my 41 years of riding but the GTR is by far the best.

You got to do whats best for you i can agree with the weight issue though, happy days.

Try one Zed... but take your wallet with you,

Yes I know its a C & S bike, both of which have moved on massively since the days of the C15   

Thats the issue OC if i test one and it ticks all the boxes i WILL have to have one. Going to hold off for now and keep the wallet at home  ( easy enough being a Yorkshireman )