New GTR

[O.C.]

Doesn't seem so.   I don't need that much HP (US or British) any more, nor chain drive, nor poor ergonomics...  I wonder to what demographic Kwackers is catering?  Crazy, they are.

I guess its largely about market demand and resulting sales Jim, the GTR has maybe had its day, in the current marketplace with its sales volumes being relatively low and production costs therefore relatively high. A number of manufacturers seem are moving their production into a different direction, commonality of some components also being a manufacturing consideration.

I've found that the weather protection offered by my Versys 1000 is actually every bit as good as my GTR was, even my feet don't get any wetter than they did on the GTR     And TBH the lack of shaft drive isn't a problem for me as I don't need a bike that is an intercontinental 'mile muncher'

As for chain maintenance, well, modern chains are hugely better than their predecessors both in terms of quality and longevity, cleaning and lubricating takes about 5 -10 minutes only.

So maybe this move signals the end for the superb GTR and maybe, just maybe it's time to bite the bullet and move on....but NOT to the Dark Side      

[PRD]

Sensible words particularly the bit about not going to dark side!

[1ka]

Looking at the picture from MCN, the frontend looks all GTR. Hell, the panniers look like they're from the GTR too. Probably photoshopped montage of two of three different bikes!

http://images.mcn.bauercdn.com/PageFiles/635140/1752x1168/kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx.jpg?mode=max&quality=90&scale=down

[zedmeister]

Stunning - love it, i will be in the queue for a test ride. I have always said a white one would look nice but this is really nice. Having had an SX and knowing what a great bike it was, the only downsides was the size of the panniers - lack of top box fitment and hard seat. It would appear they have addressed the pannier and seat issue hopefully the top box too. The chain is not so much an issue as OC said 10 minutes tops to maintain. Looks like there are some kind of lights just below the indicators, i like the wheels though - Ducati - MV - ish and always loved the 4 exit end cans. However if the price is as stated it would be a definite NO! from me.

I would be happy with a non supercharged engine with power much the same as now and circa £14-15k and i would change tomorrow; As said change is inevitable and life goes on, just got to go with the flow.

I hope it will be at the Bike Show because it will be a star attraction as the H2R was.

[PRD]

On a touring bike a chain is definitely a backward step.

[O.C.]

On a touring bike a chain is definitely a backward step.

Rubbish, explain yourself      

[snowy]

some more info...................
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2017/october/kawasaki-supercharged-ninja-h2-sx/

[GTRpilot]

£20K.......I don't think so 

[ChrisB]

Definitely a photoshop mock up as the panniers are not in proportion to the size of the bike, but regarding chains, I have no issue with maintenance and reliability but how come shaft drive tourers are almost all fitted with a centre stand as standard but chain drive bikes don't? Seems a bit arse upwards if you ask me.
Oh and the price, not a cat in hells chance of me spending £20 on it.

[O.C.]

Definitely a photoshop mock up as the panniers are not in proportion to the size of the bike, but regarding chains, I have no issue with maintenance and reliability but how come shaft drive tourers are almost all fitted with a centre stand as standard but chain drive bikes don't? Seems a bit arse upwards if you ask me.
Oh and the price, not a cat in hells chance of me spending £20 on it.

My Versys has a main/centre stand as standard     

[ChrisB]

My Versys has a main/centre stand as standard     

That should be £20k

[nightrider]

Just buy a versys and stick a turbo on it ,,

[O.C.]

That should be £20k

It's very good Chris, but I don't think it's good enough to warrant a £ 20 grand price tag     

[PRD]

Rubbish, explain yourself      

unnecessary maintenance. Space taken up with chain lube. Having to keep an eyes on the adjustment. Cleaning excess lube off the rear wheel.  No thanks.

[nightrider]

Why don't bikes with a chain have it fully enclosed , I'm sure I have seen some small bikes years ago have fully enclosed chains ,  the worst thing I find with my chain driven bikes is oil on the wheel , it's a bugger to get clean. ,  did 2800m across the alps in June and did not need to adjust the chain once ,just oiled it a couple of times ,,,