Thinking of buying one?

Kwikasfuki

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December 20, 2009, 11:16:20 PM Last Edit: December 20, 2009, 11:19:18 PM by Norman Bates

In my five years of biking I've been bit of a bike whore, chopping and changing bikes. The best bike I had (or so I thought) was a Suzuki V-Strom 650DL (or Wee as its more affectionately known). Then some idiot did a hit and run on me and that was the end of the Wee.

Psychologically it had a huge impact and I didn't ride a bike for a year. Then the itch got to me so it was off bike hunting. I'd seen the 1400 GTR and loved it from the first moment I saw it. However, I just didn't feel I was ready for a big step up in power, and compared to the Wee, the bike felt huge. The other factor was that it wasn't an adventure tourer as that was the style of bike I liked.

I very nearly bought the ABS version of the Wee until I saw a Varadero XLV1000 ABS. A big imposing adventure tourer. Having read the reviews I bought one without test riding one. Big mistake. My daily commute is over the Pennines (highest motorway point in England) where it can get real windy. There was something wrong with my Varadero where a gust of wind could easily move the bike into another lane. I tried everything - shocks, tyres, inspection under warranty. In the one year I had the bike I barely covered 2000 miles. I'm still not sure what the issue was as my friend rode it in the same conditions without any ill effect.

In the end I decided I needed to get another bike. By this time a few second hand 1400 GTRs had appeared on the market and I managed to test ride one with 4000 miles on the clock. It also had the Kawasaki Gel seat, an after market windscreen and those Bridgestone BT21s.

The good:

Riding position. From my accident, riding with raised handlebars (default adventure tourer position) would cause stress under my right shoulder blade. There was no pain. Further, after 45 mins on an adventure tourer, my lower back would start to tire. Once again, no issues on the 1400 GTR.

Adjustable windscreen. I love my accessories and this was a must have.

The heat on the legs. Now, I know a lot of people complain about this, but when you're riding in the cold it is a huge benefit. The only time its annoying is when its 25c - so not very often in the UK.

ABS. The Varadero had dual link ABS which was the best feature of the bike. The GTR has standard ABS, and whilst not as good as dual link, is still a safety feature in my opinion. The 2010 model has dual link. :'(

Weight distribution. Now, a lot of people complain that the 1400 GTR is top heavy. I disagree entirely. It is bottom heavy. Even with a full tank of petrol it can be lifted from the side stand easily and once moving that weight becomes negligible.

The Bad:

The handling. Why would I want to buy a bike that didn't handle after my ill fated experiment with the Varadero? Fortunately, I checked the tyres and realised they in need of replacement. The web also confirmed that the BT21s are not the best tyre for the 1400 GTR.

The Gel seat. I thought this was supposed to be more comfortable? The stock seat is far, far better.

Whilst busy negotiating with the dealer on the PX value of the Varadero, an add came up on Viva Moto. A black 1400 GTR with loads of farkles and still under warranty. On the same day the ad was placed, I rode over there and took the bike for a ride. It recently had new BT21s and it handled like a dream. I bought it there and then.

That was five months ago. In the same time I've put 5000 miles on the clock and its never given any trouble. The BT21s have been replaced with PR2s and on the motorway in high winds there's no issues. I would still say the Wee was the best in wind as there was very little fairing for the wind to get hold of. However, the GTR comes very close.

One thing about the Wee was the brilliant handling. The GTR surpasses the Wee which is surprising for such a big sports tourer. The previous owner also agrees with me as the pegs have not just been scraped, but ground.

As for the power - let's say there more than enough there without having to perform any modifications.

I realise this review doesn't talk about the other big touring bikes, namely the BMW and Pan European. The Pan isn't a sports tourer, but just a tourer. No doubt its a good bike (my friend has over 150k on his) it just didn't have that appeal. As for the BMWs I test rode the R1200 RT and the BMW k1300GT. Both excellent bikes that I would have but just on cost the Kawasaki beats them hands down. The K1300GT I would seriously consider but since the new 2010 1400 GTR model made an appearance I believe the Kawasaki is better value for money and provides the better handling of the two.

Find the forum useful? Please think about donating Kawasaki 1400GTR 2009 - 2012 Honda XLV1000 Varadero 2007 - 2009 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 2005 - 2008 Kawasaki GPZ 500s 2004 - 2005 Yamaha SR125 2003 - 2004