Messages

In the probably fruitless aspiration to take advantage of my new-found status as a South-Coast dweller, for however long that will last, who has suggestions for interesting two day (typically weekends) forays into Euro-land?

Bruges is obviously one but where else? I would be thinking a maximum of 200 miles radius of the popular ferry ports in France unless I am corrected.

We did Normandy last year from Ireland with our son and his Fiancee on a Tiger 1050 and an F650GS, turning sharp left as soon as we got off the boat and hugging the coast, doing the usual WWII sights (and sites come to think of it). Very enjoyable trip, albeit a week long. I'd recommend it. History is fascinating when you experience it vourself instead of just having dates rammed into your memory. Speaking of WW's has anyone done a trip to Ypres?

Would be interested in all suggestions and experiences, one can never learn enough.  I mentally file them away on my endless must-do-that-some-day-list.

Guys,

You are a great bunch, thanks for your answers. I checked and (unfortunately) the front was very recently replaced with another BT021, so maybe that explains the turn in, the rear is ready to be changed now.

What's the consensus on fitting a PR3 on the back, even though there's a new BT021 on the front? 

I will purchase either a Puig or a CalSci large, doesn't seem to be much between them.  Probably try the Puig first as its a quicker lead time. I'll also try a set of heavy bar ends.

Once I get more familiar with the bike an ECU re-map (thanks Andy) would also be interesting.

Thanks again everyone.

Hi all,

Introductions already done on the em, Introductions section.

I have a 2010 4,700 mile model, have had it for three days and would appreciate some advice. Had my chance to to take it for my first decent spin yesterday and found a couple of problems. I bought this bike in the hope of doing some (much) touring but the screen problem is actually worse then I thought from test rides, especially as it appears to be affecting The Provider of Comfort on the back just as badly. So much so that she didn't enjoy the trip and despite looking forward to the first time us owning a bike with a top box, found she didn't lean against it once because she was hiding behind me to try and get out of the wind! The wind was so bad the intercoms were useless. So, not much comfort likely to be provided from that provider then unless I get my act together..................

Now I've read all the screen threads, and it seems as if it is very much a case of keep buying and fitting screens until you strike it lucky but where do I start? Which one do I buy first? Any concensus on where to start? For the record I am a shade under 6' tall.

Second issue was the vibration/buzzing. Wow. My right hand was numb after just a hour, and believe me that hand can give take some abuse. Won't be able to get much touring in at this rate. Reading the threads it seems that my first port of call is to have the engine mounting bolts and exhaust header bolts loosened off then re-tightened using a torque wrench. Correct? My problem is the bike was privately bought and I am uncomfortable taking it into a dealer with detailed instructions such as these and then claiming it under a warranty issue, so it will have to wait for another three thousand miles until it gets serviced. Its a pity as these two issues will seriously hamper clocking up the miles.

Apart from those two big issues, I find the bike is very easy to handle at low speeds, don't find it top heavy at all as some claim. It looks lovely, a great sight to see sitting in your driveway or when you open the garage. Very easy to end up going muuuuuch faster than you realise, and the engine feels so powerful and smooth, although I am somewhat surprised at the relative (to the capacity) lack of torque, finding in any gear it is best to drop a cog to really kick off. I (we) also find it very comfortable, but does anyone else find it very slow to turn in? Is there some way to quicken this up, a change in the rear suspension settings maybe? Having said that I still think it is the only tourer on the market that has a bit of 'character', is still a rebel that refuses to use a pipe and slippers.

But none of these things are a major problem, just the vibration and the screen, both of which could result in a short ownership period unless I can resolve quickly and yet at the same time I really want to do some distance on it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions on the above and thanks in advance.

Aha! Look at that. I turn my back for a short while and the whole place goes mad and starts talking about Lesbians. What kind of a forum have I subscribed to?

And this same group of lesbian-obsessed strangers suggest I travel for five hours to join them in a field. Would a sane and sensible person do such a thing?

Ok, we (myself and The Provider of Comfort) will try. We will have a look at things and see if we can attend, will adivse as soon as we are able if it is possible or not. And thanks for the invitation.

Might lope off over to the general discussion forum now to raise a few hares.................

Lord Rusty, the appropriateness of your name is pure serendipidity : I was wondering am I correct to be concerned about corrossion living so close to the on the coast with a GTR?

Thanks for the welcomes guys.


What colour bike did you get? Any mods or tours planned on it?  Brown (magnesium?), no specific tours planned but expect to be making more than one cross-channel raid, as well as Welsh and Irish trips.

Lone Wolf, where do I find the details on the August Bank Holiday trip?

Result. Knew that would get you to open this thread.

OK guys, new owner (today) of a 2010 GTR, down Brighton way, new to the UK, well semi-new, haven't lived here in many many many years. And guess what - its raining...........

Now to the home truths. Before I purchased my GTR I was considering an MTS, a Z1000SX, a K1300S and some other long-shot outsiders. Part of my process was to lurk on the various owner forums, and as I still own a Tiger 1050 ABS and a Tiger 800XC I also have experience of those owner forums. So, I've read a lot of owner forums. Then I lurked here for some time and by now have probably read most threads. And this is what I think.

Never have I come across such a friendly, non-judgemental, non-subjective group of members on an owners forum. You are truly a most welcoming bunch, able to judge criticism of your chosen bike on its own merits instead of fanatical rantings.

Keep it up guys, you make outsiders feel welcome. All credit to you.

I have a couple of queries on the GTR but will stick them up on the General Discussion forum (I think that's right?)