Hi there....

[Bryn]

60 bikes later and I'm still no nearer to finding the perfect bike.....Just sold a 2012 Explorer as the riding position just wasn't doing it for my Coccyx 

I think I need something a bit more 'sports tourer'. I've ridden an FJR1300 for many miles and know its a competent bike, but it's  getting a bit long in the tooth  ( I think)  so I'm drawn to the GTR ....

Any issues you could tell me about.. or any suggestions on updated model years etc. would be most welcome before I pull the trigger   

I've heard that the 2010 model onwards is heavily revised.... 

Thanks in advance

Bryn 

[Rusty]

  Bryn .... Glad to hear you are after a Gtr ... mine is 18 months old and I love it to bits with no problems at all .... I am sure there are others who will update this thread too, but for me it's the best overall bike i have had in 30 years ! Get one ! 

[Lonewolf]

Bryn, hi and welcome to the forum. Is there such a thing as a perfect bike?
I've had a few bikes over the years but very few by comparison to others on here. I love the GTR and cant fault it for my requirements. I've had an 08 model and now have an 11 plate. My preference is the 2010 + model due to the modifications which were made to it. But that just boils down to personal choice.

[Winston Smith]

Excellent decision to get a GTR.  The position should be perfect and it's a superb machine, particularly when compared to the  FJR

Enjoy - a fantastic bit of kit.  Oh.  And the blue ones are fastest..........

[100milesaway]

Hi Bryn, Cant comment on the pre 010 GTR, but the 010 onward bike in my opinion is a cracker, mine is an 011(Green) and is far and away the best bike I have ever owned, but in saying that is probably in a different category than my previous bikes, ie 1250 Bandit, zzr1200, zzr 1100, zrx1200. I bought mine to give me more creature comforts, and more carrying capacity. This bike is amazing in the fact that yes it is a big heavy bike, but it is able to carry that weight in a manner that will astonish you. Engine wise, I doubt that you will ever need more, I like to get a shift on, but it just laughs at my miserable efforts to extend it. Comfort wise I find it fine, although I am going to try some bar risers for next summer, great brakes, controls in right positions, (Why would they not be), all in all a superb bit of kit. I have had a few problems with mine, all of which were dealt with under warranty, ie rear pre-load adjuster seized, and was replaced with a complete new shock, paint fell of the silver exhaust cover, replaced with new one, and it had new discs fitted, even though I never thought there was anything wrong with them (Long story) Kawasaki do tend to look after their customers. All in all I think a great bike, much underrated, but loved by most that have one. I have done 14000 on mine in 15 months, It still looks great. and has turned out to be a fantastic buy. But, get yourself a test ride and make your own mind up. Enjoy the experience.  cheers   Geoff

[Winston Smith]

+1 On K's customer care/service

[Gonome]

Hi Brym. Welcome to the Forum. Although there were some very good modifications to the post 2010 model, I have to say I am extremely satisfied with my 57 plate. Must be one of the first bikes made and suites my requirements in every way. Oh and by the way it is black which some will tell you is the fastest colour, although not with me on board as I am somewhat advanced in years and a southern softie to boot. Get yourself a test ride and you will see what we all are raving about. 

[Bryn]

Thanks for the welcome and opinions guys ....

I had my eye on an 11 plate black one , but that's now been sold.... also looking at an 09 plate with 9000 miles on it.. new Road pilot 3's, hugger, oxford heated grips fitted by dealer.. etc....

he's looking for  6k which doesn't sound bad.... I know its not the update model but quite a saving as its only going to be a toy....

[Gonome]

It may start out being a toy, but be careful. It can soon develop to be an obsession! 

[Bryn]

Just so I know, how will I know the model, are all 2010 plate bikes the revised ones or not   

[Kwikasfuki]

Hi and welcome to the forum Bryn

The newer model have bright orange switches, heated grip controller and storage on the left fairing, whilst the earlier model has storage above the tank and no heated grip controller

[100milesaway]

Just so I know, how will I know the model, are all 2010 plate bikes the revised ones or not   

No------- see Kwikasfukis reply.

[Martin#30]

Bryn,

Welcome. I have done 29k on my 2010 now, and rate it highly. I have had no comfort issues on it, though I rarely do more than 200 miles in a day.

Traction control on the 2010 on is a godsend in my eyes, and worth getting the updated bike for. I have rarely needed it, only in the ice really, but knowing it is there makes for much more relaxed ride in poor conditions.

Martin.

[2kwacks]

Same here! had my 2010 best colour for 18 months and used it on 5 long weekends trips and a south of france and italy trip and the odd day trip only coverd 7,550 miles to date, but do have second bike and one of thoses 4 wheel things As far as tourers go they are really a excellent machine, handle extremely well and can dam well move when cracked open look good even in green,black,blue,silver,red colours can't rate them enough

[Bryn]

Well,  after a long talk with the owner of the 09 model I mentioned earlier.... I've got first refusal on it and will be taking it for a spin Saturday. (or before if I can sort it). I knw the more goodies the better but the price seems about right for this one