Prospective new owner with a couple of questions

[descb600f]

I'm thinking of changing to something that SWMBO would consider coming on the back of and have been eying up the GTR.

I sat on a new one at the Scottish bike show but noticed that the great cubby hole at the front of the tank has dissapeared, why is this, I'm wondering wether to look out for an older one with the pocket or was there a very good reason for getting rid of it??

And before anyone asks it's a CB1000R I'm looking to change from.

[Rusty]

Hello 600F ... can't help you with the vanishing cubby hole but I am sure that if you take a look around this forum you will find plenty of evidence from many many happy blokes like me who have moved over to the GTR and just love it to bits.. for all sorts of reasons.
I was a Honda man for years and loved them to bits, never any problems ,I just fancied a change so I bought a new GTR a year ago and 12000 miles later, mostly commuting 6 days of the week throughout the year I have concluded .... "It's bloody brilliant !" ... get one 

[Winston Smith]

Cubby Hole or Ash GTray as it's known was on the models until 2010 when they moved it into the left side of pannier and made it lockable.

If not buying new, then it matters not which you go for.
2010 models on have more features like traction control, heated grips, bigger screen, but also a different and more flowing/organic look to the original.

Superb bike and like Rusty I was a Honda man through and through - got a good deal on the GTR and never looked back

Buy one - NOW!!

[descb600f]

That is tho other thing, I'm not completly sold on the new look,
Hmm I thought the old ones had the cubby hole on the side too??

Hey that would be like my old RF600.

Is there  a power socket in there too?

[Rusty]

Certainly on the 2011 model .. ie last years there is .. on the right hand side in the fairing ... my Optimate 4 is there now ...... 

[100milesaway]

The mystery of the vanishing cubby hole, ah yes well erm I think you may find that it has mearly been moved to a different location. It  can now be found on the left hand side inner panel, and for what it's worth I think that was a good move as before I f you used a tank bag you had to remove the bag to get access to it, I n its new position access is easy at all times. I find it handy for my wallet and mobile phone. I f you do decide to buy a GTR it may be a good idea to have a good look at the spec sheets of both bikes, as there are quite a few updates from 010 onward. Hope this helps.  cheers Geoff.

[Kwikasfuki]

2007 - 2009 model had the storage in the centre (lockable but unsecure)
2010 onwards have the storage on the left (lock now activated by solenoid)

Both models have a power socket.

There's a lot more toys on the 2010+ models. As for looks - that's in the eye of the beholder.

The ride however is superb.

[Mogster]

I was prepared to hate the GTR when i test rode it.... I ride fast sports bikes not old mans touring sheds that weigh the same as Winsor castle. ..... sooooo off i went .. FOOKIN HELL! this shifts, and it goes round corners.... bring me one in Black 

I still have my Tuono, but i do love the GTR it's such a hoot to chuck about, is bloody comfy, the fairing and screen work well and it sounds great ...with a BOS pipe  ... and most importantly I can still embarress the fook out of a couple of mates with sports bike....

obey the hypno-toad...buy a GTR........

[Lonewolf]

I dont think personally there is a vast difference in appearance between pre and post 2010 models, certainly not enough to avoid buying a 2010 onwards or vice versa. Whichever model you opt for you will not be disappointed. Take one for a test ride, oh, and take your credit card for the deposit!

[ChrisB]

Like Mogster, I was more liking sports bikes or dual purpose and wanted a change, then I tested the GTR back to back with a R1200RT,
Triumph GT. The GTR won purely on the grounds that it is as quick as most and so comfortable over distances. It was the bile for the wife as she struggled to get on anything but the GTR. The only criticism I have is the small screen, but I am used to it now. We have toured Wales and France and I can't think of any act that could follow the GTR.
The two things I would suggest is take a good look at your local dealer. In my case the best dealer for miles is the local Honda guys at Hunts, they sell Hondas on the back of the service they provide. if only they sold Kawasakis, and secondly the depreciation, particularly from new, but I guess all top of the range vehicles depreciate similarly.

[O.C.]

Firstly des welcome from the Lakes, I know you will enjoy this forum that is assuming you do buy a GTR.

I suggest that the GTR will be the bike for you and SWMBO will not complain about riding pillion.

I've had three GTRs 2008/9, 2010, & 2011 models and in between had a couple of BMWs which was a BIG mistake.

The cubby hole is now on the left fairing and it is better positioned and more practical to have it there

Why not look at the Kawasaki main site and compare the previous model specs, as I think this may be of interest/help you..here's a link 

http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/1400GTR

[zedmeister]

I too am on my third GTR, i love them and can honestly say i will not buy anything else for touring. I would go for the 2010 model if you can stretch to it, it does have a few more goodies. As already said you can really embarrass the sports bike boys when the red mist comes. but it can also attract knob heads they all want a go at racing you, it has an awesome reputation in more ways than one.
If you do decide to have a test ride, when you get back be prepared to sign on the dotted line

[descb600f]

Firstly des welcome from the Lakes, I know you will enjoy this forum that is assuming you do buy a GTR.

I suggest that the GTR will be the bike for you and SWMBO will not complain about riding pillion.

I've had three GTRs 2008/9, 2010, & 2011 models and in between had a couple of BMWs which was a BIG mistake.

The cubby hole is now on the left fairing and it is better positioned and more practical to have it there

Why not look at the Kawasaki main site and compare the previous model specs, as I think this may be of interest/help you..here's a link 

http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/1400GTR

Where in the lakes mate I used to live in Cleator and Cleator Moor a while back. (Nottm originally)


I'm probably selling mine first so will be able to resist signing unless they give me a stupid offer on mine.

[mecki]

I'm probably selling mine first so will be able to resist signing unless they give me a stupid offer on mine.

Easier said than done. 

[O.C.]

Where in the lakes mate I used to live in Cleator and Cleator Moor a while back. (Nottm originally)


I'm probably selling mine first so will be able to resist signing unless they give me a stupid offer on mine.

I'm not far from Ulverston