Best review of GTR

[100milesaway]

Sorry not smart enough to put the link on !!!!!! just go to             motorcycle.com         then follow the Kawasaki link 2010 concours review which can be found under the picture of the KLR. A proper in depth review explaining all the updates of the year 10/11 model.    ;D

[Kwikasfuki]

Here's the link:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-review-88880.html

And a shootout with the BMW 1600
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2012-bmw-k1600gt-vs-2011-kawasaki-concours-14-abs-video-91105.html

[Winston Smith]

What he said!

I've just come back from a week of back to back testing of these two machines (and the ST1300 & R1200RT)

I have to say every word is spot on in respect of the machines.

The K16 is awesome and I will have one, but the price is off putting.

It works though.  It works so well and although I love the GTR, the K16 is phenomenal.

[Andy]

Yes saw it on Youtube http://youtu.be/wpTPihOYMn4

[100milesaway]

That is not the link I meant the one I read was solely on the 010 model

[Kwikasfuki]

That is not the link I meant the one I read was solely on the 010 model

This one?

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-review-88880.html

[mecki]

How much did BMW pay those guys to rubbish the GTR?
I don't think it "steers heavy" (which they keep repeating throughout the video) at all and so far I haven't felt any annoying vibrations either.
I know some guys are complaining about it, but mine doesn't vibrate noticeably.
I have to admit that it feels a bit "sluggish" at low revs even compared to the Suzuki 1250 Bandit and I am sure Kawasaki could do something about that, but the handling is superb and not "heavy".
I have been through parts of the Alps on it and I definitely don't dread long twisty bits ahead - I cherish them!

BTW what do you guys think about their suggestion to put a 190/55 tyre on the back to improve the "heavy steering"?
Wouldn't that play havoc with KTRC since the computer would think the rear and front are turning at different speeds all the time?

[Rusty]

Interesting words Winston ... at some stage I shall test ride the K1600 but not NOW ... the Gtr is only a few months old and the temptation may be too much if it's as good as you say it is !  ;D
The only real thing that puts me off BMW full stop is the running costs ... labour rates, oil cost, parts etc ... just that bit more than anything else .... however, in retirement there would be a less miles going on it .... or would there ??

[100milesaway]

This one?

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2010-kawasaki-concours-14-review-88880.html

What a man!!!!!! yes thats the one  ;D

[Winston Smith]

............. the temptation may be too much if it's as good as you say it is ...............

Rusty.  It's even better than that.  Do Not, and i really mean this, DO NOT take one for a test ride or you will end up with the wife on the game and the kids being rented out to the cast of Coronation Street to fund the habit........

[Rusty]

LOL !!!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Kwikasfuki]

Rusty.  It's even better than that.  Do Not, and i really mean this, DO NOT take one for a test ride or you will end up with the wife on the game and the kids being rented out to the cast of Coronation Street to fund the habit........

By that I take it you're getting one!

[wiltsguy]

"BTW what do you guys think about their suggestion to put a 190/55 tyre on the back"

Weird.... the one I picked up last week has a 190 rear ..

[Rusty]

The BM has without doubt struck all the right chords with just about everyone who has ever sat on one !
I don't think I can honestly find anyone that has anything bad to say about it ... but as with all things BMW that comes at a price   ;D

[mecki]

Weird.... the one I picked up last week has a 190 rear ..

Right, and it will be a 190/50 since that is the Kawasaki recommended size.
The first number describes the width and the second number the height of the tyre. So the 190/55 will have the same width as a 190/50 but is higher and therefore will have steeper sides and tip easier into corners. Most likely there will be a trade-off in straight line stability, though. And what those guys in the BMW commercial obviously didn't take into account, mounting a tyre with a bigger radius on the rear will most likely confuse the hell out of the computer controlling the traction control system.