Just suppose 2

[PRD]

Having ridden Harley for 2500 miles in USA earlier this year. I can say that if they are the answer it must have been a pretty stupid question.

[Wookie]

 

[virginiajim]

They are touting their new engine with 4 valves per head and wait for it...........................wait for it....................................wait for it..............................................water cooling.

[O.C.]

WOW water cooling. ..really      

[virginiajim]

You know, I went back and tried to find that information and I think that they may be hiding it.   According to what I heard, depending on how it's used, it could use water or oil cooling but those systems will be not be obvious bolt ons..   I just laughed when I heard about that new engine as I had that on my 81 Silver Wing.....4 valves per cylinder and water cooling.

Ok here it is..depending on what model of bike the Milwaukee Eight is use on will determine the cooling oil or water.   Congrats HD, you've made it to at least the 80's.

http://www.cycleworld.com/harley-davidson-motorcycles-new-milwaukee-eight-big-twin-engine

[Tay]

Hi, <Long post ahead warning>

I previously had a ZZR and loved it, loved the power didnt like the sitting position.  Found I could realistically only manage an hour tops before I needed to go to the Chiropractor !!   The wife love the look, didnt love my willingness to boot it everywhere or her sitting position.

I had it for 3 years chopping it in for a Versys 1000, didnt like the bike so much as the fact my license was going to be pretty safe, however, first serious out and about with the the missus and we managed 2.5hrs before we realised my son didnt have a house key !! the time flew, great fun to ride, roads I wouldnt have dared with the ZZR were eaten up by the versys.

So, I still dont like the bike, you need to wind it up a bit to make it move (I'm a big fella), so, I was going to wait until March sometime and pick up the 1400GTR.

Chatted to Alf's  in Worthing and got a bit of a sell around Euro 4 and not sure what was happening in 2017.  we saw the blue one and didnt like it, so that was one option down the pan, we did however see the blue and grey side by side at the NEC and its a no brainer for us, the Grey is the one.

So, I was prepared to get one but then I chatted to another Kawasaki dealer (Not very convenient but good prices),  and they are saying that there is not going to be a 2017 model, and the 2016 might be the last 1400GTR.

So, I'm a bit scuppered here, I like the 2016 spec, I was even tempted to get a Demo bike for near on £2k shy of the full GT spec but wrong colour.

BMW is out of my ball park, quite like the bike but not the price tag.  FJR1300 is also being considered now but seems they don't have a 2017 either maybe they will be in the same boat, but at least I can try and take one of those out for a spin.

If they don't produce anymore I might dip out as it'll be come harder to find in a few months,  I'd rather not buy one now if I can avoid it, payrises dont come out until next march so I'd like to wait until then, but at a push I 'might' be able to stretch to one now, not great timing with Christmas around the corner. 

Just to add to the fun I'm booked up for a week in the Isle of Man in June/July (ferry tickets booked), worst case I could take the Versys but would rather have something a little more substantial to do a couple of K in a week.

Do I buy now, do I hold off and take a chance, get the ex demo if still available and consider a wrap or spray job or go play tetris :(

Life was much less complicated a few weeks ago.   

[virginiajim]

You can't go wrong with the GTR of any year.  Mine is a 2008 and still going strong.  If you want it, get it.

[O.C.]

Tay, I'm assuming that you haven't yet tried a GTR, I'm asking because I really think that the GTR may well be the bike for your requirements and you will agree after a test ride.

Like Jim, I would suggest that if, after riding it, you like it, then you should buy it.

There are some very good value used bikes out there, have you seen the 2015 Black version ?.....stunning, and the spec is the same as 2016 model.

BTW I  have the best colour   ~~ 2016 Silver, its the best GTR I have owned, (there have been three previous ones)         

[virginiajim]

Couldn't make your mind up?

[zedmeister]

Tay - go for it you will not be disappointed i guess a few people may well be waiting for a last minute bargain don't lose out. now i am a Yorkshire man well known for our Money Management and finding a good deal. However that all went out of the window with the GTR i knew it was what i wanted so i bought one, needless to say i am now on my 5th they are that good. The only downside is you will have to fork out for a pair of shoes and Handbag for her indoors - you know it makes sense!!   

[O.C.]

very good Zed          

[Tay]

Nope, not had a chance to ride a GTR yet, nobody this way has a demonstrator. it would be a good chance to see if the suspension needs sorting too, I recall the ZZR having dire fork springs, once I put an Ohlins on the back the bike was miraculously improved. I'm hoping this wont need that at all, otherwise it starts to push it to the BMW territory.   

I'll take a run up to Colchester at some point as they have (or had) a demonstrator.  The Silver 2016 is clearly the best colour I concur :)

thanks for the feedback.

[PRD]

There is a new one at wheels in Peterborough pre registered with 0 miles. Bit cheaper prob worth a look.

[Macskwak]

Tay bite the bullet go n get one. Ive an 08 and its a joy to own n ride. I love tinkering with it n putting on the odd farkel or two. Take the boxes off lower the screen and im playing with cbr600's and showing them some acceleration lol. Lotta fun that day. Its a SPORT tourer after all 👍😃  anyway youve gotta make the ultimate decision so good luck and hope you choose wisely either way. 

[O.C.]

Are you quite sure OC, you can fit a top box without panniers but not with the panniers Mr K doesn't offer a rack to fit both although if you know otherwise i stand corrected.
Yes the engine is buzzy and you are always searching for another gear in top as it is short geared ( easy fix is to put a bigger front sprocket on )  but believe me there is plenty of grunt on tap anytime without the need to drastically gear down every time.

ZED.....I hold my hands up mate...I  (and my dealer chum) got it wrong...........you are right.

I just read a report on the 1000SX in Motorcycle Sport and leisure which clearly states that panniers and top box can NOT be used together. ...so sorry about that    


It's interesting though as I don't know why this is the case a bike aimed at Sport Touring market seems to be a bit hampered by this fact.

I'll ask more questions

The 2017 version SX is bristling with new improvements    .