Hi all/ advice needed please

[davetherave]

Hi Gents,

Let me start by saying I don't own a GTR yet but I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice.

I currently own a ZZR14 and I'm hoping to add a GTR to the garage, my main concern is the weight of the GTR, being a shortarse I've overcome this problem on the ZZR by going for a low seat and fitting a ohlins shock which enables the bike to be lowered a touch (the forks have been treated to the MCT suspension treatment too) I also wear Daytona boots which are built up inside.

Are any of you guys on the short side and can give me some advice ?

Things I've read in magazines -
The screen is poor so buffeting is a problem and your hands get wet in the rain because the hand protection isn't good ?
The bottom end in the first two gears is restricted below 6k revs just like the early ZZR's were making getting out of slow corners a concern ? if this is so then do you fit a PC3 or 5 ?
I'm not overly concerned about buying a higher mileage bike as I think a 1400 is a massive unit for a bike and the GTR being in a lower state of tune so less stressed, are there any issues ?
ZZR's are notorious for the front discs warping, mine went at about 25k miles, the theory is bikes that are used frequently two especially with hard luggage are prone to it, my front wheel bearings also went at around 20k miles so I replaced the rear as well.

Despite the above I realise that some of them may not be a problem for all, but they are just things I've read and my experiences with my ZZR I think the GTR is a fabulous machine and a very handsome bike to boot.

Thanks
DTR

[Charlie747]

  DTR

The rest of the gang will join us soon to answer your questions 

I'm not tall and with a bit of practice have managed ok on the bike.

I am not aware of any power restrictions on the lower gears on uk spec machines (its easy to loft the front wheel or make the TC work overtime if you are so inclined)...............the engine is a peach soft and cuddly low down but from 6k (max torque) pulls like only a big KHI motor does 

I'm sure the team will put you straight on the GTR

Charlie

[Lonewolf]

Hi, the weight of the GTR is negligible and is not even apparent when in motion, not even at walking pace.   

Lower seats are available for the GTR, there is of course the Kawasaki gel seat if you have £400 to throw away or alternatively just get the original seat re-sculptured.   

Dave, (2kwacks) had a GTR and now has a ZZR1441 he's pretty short but was more than capable of handling the GTR.     

The screen, yes there are concerns with the original screen but if you are short (ish) it may not even be a problem for you, if it is just get an aftermarket screen.

As for the hand protection, I've never really noticed any serious issues but then I have an infill panel on mine, I'm not sure what their proper name is.     

Power wise, its never going to be as powerful as the ZZR but the GTR is still a beast.     

Warping discs, yep, some have experienced that, many haven't. The secret seems to be keeping the bobbins floating and rotating and this will go a long way to keep your discs true.
   

All I will say is, if your funds will allow it, try to get a 2010 + model, there are a few extra worthwhile toys on them, traction control, heated grips, linked brakes, additional dashboard functions etc.

[nightrider]

If you look at most bikes new or old they all have there issues,  bearings are a £20 fix , discs can go at any mileage judged by the owners on here , screens are a personal thing and seem to vary on your height , I put a pre 2010 screen on mine so I do not get the buffeting on my helmet , a PC plus remap gives it plenty of go  it's only the weight stops it being as fast as a zzr14 , on the move it's no problem , hand guards are for trail bikes to much protection and you will roast when it gets hot , As a sports tourer I love mine looks ,power it great , get one bought ,,,,,, the upright riding position is king,

[O.C.]

Hi, the weight of the GTR is negligible and is not even apparent when in motion, not even at walking pace.   

Lower seats are available for the GTR, there is of course the Kawasaki gel seat if you have £400 to throw away or alternatively just get the original seat re-sculptured.   

Dave, (2kwacks) had a GTR and now has a ZZR1441 he's pretty short but was more than capable of handling the GTR.     

The screen, yes there are concerns with the original screen but if you are short (ish) it may not even be a problem for you, if it is just get an aftermarket screen.

As for the hand protection, I've never really noticed any serious issues but then I have an infill panel on mine, I'm not sure what their proper name is.     

Power wise, its never going to be as powerful as the ZZR but the GTR is still a beast.     

Warping discs, yep, some have experienced that, many haven't. The secret seems to be keeping the bobbins floating and rotating and this will go a long way to keep your discs true.
   

All I will say is, if your funds will allow it, try to get a 2010 + model, there are a few extra worthwhile toys on them, traction control, heated grips, linked brakes, additional dashboard functions etc.

 

[Kwikasfuki]

What Wolfie and Nightrider say really.

[Andy]

An ECU re-map would be more efficient IMHO than a Power Commander which would only change fuelling. ECU can be re-mapped to change fuelling and speed and time that secondary butterfly's open etc. etc.

OE tyres are another topic, Michelin was my replacement choice :-)

OE silencer is another common replacement.

[No73]

Hi

I am 5 foot 10 and my inside leg measures a fraction less than 30 inches, I have just bought a 2010 GTR which has a lowering kit fitted which basically is a mod to rear suspension, shorter link arms I believe , I can touch both feet down easily, I went to look at a ZZR1400, but loved the GTR upright riding position, the weight just goes away as soon as you start to move, yes its big and wide, and you have to remember the two panniers, but its not a problem as such

[Burchy]

The ECU does restrict the secondary throttle butterflies at revs below 6000 to prevent full power at takeoff speeds.  Some remove these butterflies.  A remap is the best way to go and can release another 25RWBHP

Earlier disks do warp easily.  I was told that the fault lies with the black hub bit rather than the disc itself and the material was changed on the 2010+ models

Junk the Scud launcher and you will be able to hear the engine!

[Charlie747]

Hi

I am 5 foot 10 and my inside leg measures a fraction less than 30 inches, I have just bought a 2010 GTR which has a lowering kit fitted which basically is a mod to rear suspension, shorter link arms I believe , I can touch both feet down easily, I went to look at a ZZR1400, but loved the GTR upright riding position, the weight just goes away as soon as you start to move, yes its big and wide, and you have to remember the two panniers, but its not a problem as such

Just avoid low flying pheasants....................they would appear to be stronger than the mirrors 

[Kall1400]

Just avoid low flying pheasants....................they would appear to be stronger than the mirrors 

Dont get a green one.... Pheasants are attracted to them.... 

[Charlie747]

Dont get a green one.... Pheasants are attracted to them.... 

[davetherave]

Guys,

Thank you all very much for the advice/input  there is nothing really that puts me off so I think once the right bike comes along at the right price I shall buy it and as the mrs doesn't mind another bike it's all systems go 

I think lowering links are the way to go.

dtr

[Ant]

Off topic slightly, but to pick up on Steve's post ( 3rd one, The Wolf ) about the infill panels, to help keep the weather off your hands,,,,,,,,, Im having someone make some as I don't seem to be able to find them in this country.

If they are available, perhaps someone can give me a link     

[Andy]

The ECU does restrict the secondary throttle butterflies at revs below 6000 to prevent full power at takeoff speeds.  Some remove these butterflies.  A remap is the best way to go and can release another 25RWBHP

Earlier disks do warp easily.  I was told that the fault lies with the black hub bit rather than the disc itself and the material was changed on the 2010+ models

Junk the Scud launcher and you will be able to hear the engine!

It's not really a power thing, I never checked mine before but "pickup" is better and it's probably not as rich as standard :-)

http://flic.kr/p/9TDiyK