Unconvinced

[scotty597]

Hi everyone from wet, windy, miserable Dundee. Bought my 2011 GTR 1400 in Sept, new, have only done 250miles so far on it so still getting used to it.

Traded my 2004 ST1300 in for it as I was looking for an alternative as Honda were never bring out the new ST.

Still getting used to it at the mo. Plus side, it feels lighter, more gadgets, great lights, KPIS, good build quality that I didnt expect from Kawasaki, my 1990 KLR was the last one I had!

Downside, needs a bigger screen from standard, bags are high requiring care to get you leg over and wet weather handling is twitchy, perhaps just the standard tyres. Short service intervals. 3 minor moans apart from the tyres.

Hence unconvinced....have I made the right choice....probably for now, just need to sort the tyres everything else is fine.

I'm a cup half full sort..honest, just a few slides at conservative lean angles in the wet casts some doubt that I never had with the ST, except on its awful standard Dunlop tyres! Just need to wear these ones out fast.

[Kwikasfuki]

Hi scotty597 and welcome to the forum.

The ST1300 has better wind protection but bear in mind its a tourer whereas the GTR is a sports tourer. That subtle difference mean the protection isn't as good as the ST1300, but the ride will be :) I ride in high winds and constant rainy weather without any issues. I have wind deflectors, heated jacket and ear plugs as standard.

The panniers will get scuffed. You can get pannier protection film to put on. After market screens are available. I would suggest the Calsci from personal experience, but it all depends on your characteristics. As for the wet weather handling get the PR3s. It'll be like riding in the dry.

[Mogster]

best way to protect the tops of the panniers is to take em orf if they aren't being used, failing that get a nice big sheet of 3M sheet and liberaly apply,
I didn't bother with the pre-cut kits cos they dont always go where you want 'em... i did the painners and also the bits where my knees rub..
The bloke that sells the stuff is more than helpful to talk you through fitting it if you phone it, but it must be easy cos i managed it!!... ;D

http://www.protectivecarfilm.co.uk/

[Lonewolf]

Welcome along, you'll come round. Youv'e only done 250 miles on it which is nothing at all. If you can, dump those standard tyres and ebay them. Buy some PR3's & you wont be disappointed.

[Winston Smith]

I will get shot here, but the Pan is a brilliant machine, and it will take some getting used to the GTR.

The GTR is also a brilliant machine but is more 'sport' biased.  It's higher and carries it's weight higher up.

Ditch the OEM tyres and get ST Angels, PR3's or anything other than the Slipstones.

Once you dial into the GTR you'll love it, but it is a very different ride to the Pan, which is easier to flick around but lacks ground clearance in comparison.

Enjoy - it is an excellent bit of kit and the build quality is on par with Honda nowadays (I think it has been since my '93 ZZR-6 tbh)

[coastrider]

Hi Scotty,
I know what you mean about the comparison with the ST. I have riden the 1100 and 1300 and personally find the GTR carries its weight better for a short arse like me. The more sporting tourer aspects sold the GTR for me and you soon get into the vibe and enjoy it.
I only put the panniers on when I need them as they are bound to get marked; but every other bike I have had with panniers has as well (can't be worse than the Triumph items)
I have put a Calsci screen on mine (the XL was enough for my height) and it has done the trick. I can choose from silence when up to lower it and go for it. The handling is dodgy if you push on in the twisty bits with the screen too high.
The standard tyres are getting a pasting in the dry so I can put something better on it; probably the PR3's after all the positive feedback on the forum.
Run with it for a while; it grows on you big style.

[routemaster]

Hi

The bike is a great bike and like anything new it does take a while to get used to.

The biggest improvement will be changing the tyres to PR3's or similar - the PR3 grip levels and the handling are streets ahead of the standard tyres that come with the bike - which while they are ok they are not the best in the damp or the wet.
Panniers - I had protective film fitted to mine as just occassionally I do scuff the top of the pannier

Steve

[scotty597]

Cheers.

Looks like a new screen and tyres to sort me out. Ordered sticky stuff for the paniers.

Scotty. :)

[Rusty]

Hello Scotty and welcome to ownership of a quite remarkable bike !
If you have some time, and I mean proper time read through the mountain of topics and threads ... that will help you along your way  ;D
As everyone else says ...
1  change the tyres now and E bay them or just wear them out fast ... get some Michelin Pilot Road 3's .. they will transform the handling.
2  Either take your panniers off, lift your leg a little higher or just a little bit everyday, polish, with either Auto Glym or Mr Sheen your panniers ... especially the top bits and your scuff marks won't even scuff !
3  There has been much discussion about big screens, as you will find out ! Mine is fine so no comment from me on that one.!
4  Yes ..... service intervals .. that has recently been flogged to death too !
Honestly it's a lovely lovely bike and I have no doubt and I am sure i speak for everyone here that you will get used to it and love it to bits .... look forward to hearing from you and seeing any pics of your new steed out and about in miserable Dundee  ;D ;D

[Kwikasfuki]

2  Either take your panniers off, lift your leg a little higher or just a little bit everyday, polish, with either Auto Glym or Mr Sheen your panniers ... especially the top bits and your scuff marks won't even scuff !

Or just live with it  ;D 

[Rusty]

Why would that not be right coming from anyone else !!!!!! ::) ::)

[Kwikasfuki]

What happened to the 'Lord' bit?!

[Rusty]

Well I thought in times of double dip recession that one shouldn't being rubbing ones privileged titles and general good stock about ... so it is ones attempt to be one of the many ..... but, when things return to normal I can get back home to Downton Abbey ........  ;D

[Ziderman]

I am sure the Pan is a good bike. Did it not kill a couple coopers...weave problem ?
The thing is again , like the BMW the pan is a Pipe  & slippers bike. Fuggin ugly too. Others hit nail on head...It's a sports tourer.

[Lonewolf]

Yes sadly there were some fatalities with the PAN. As Winston said though many months ago now, out of respect, this platform is not the appropriate place to discuss that topic.