Kawasaki GTR1400 (2007 - present)

Our score:

Your score:

1 to 5 of 7 reviews

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rgtay
Reviewed: 24 July 2012

2 years on - still in love!

I was 1st reviewer on this page. Now at 19,000 miles, went all round Western Isles and N Scotland in summer 2010, Austria in 2011, heading to Spain this year. Now on Michelin Pilot Road 3's - superb! Done a few mods such as Accessory tall screen (std on 2010+) plus Laminar Lip (I'm 6'4"), does the job for winter, use the original screen in summer. Fitted an road legal aftermarket can, HID headlight conversion, footpeg lowering kits (These are hugely more comfortable if you're tall!), heated clothing wiring (Gerbing), Autocom, fender extenders F & R.

Lost one of the key fobs, cost £250 to replace!!!!!

Excellent.
Servicing costs said to be high but I do all my own :-)
Can't understand why this bike doesn't get more attention in press comparison's etc, I get fed up of reading about BMWs, Yamahas and Hondas etc. where GTR1400 doesn't get a mention. Probably best kept as our secret eh?

Score breakdown

Engine:

5.0

Brakes:

4.0

Handling:

5.0

Comfort:

4.0

Build Quality:

4.0

rgtay would recommend this product

rgtay
Reviewed: 20 July 2010

2 months into a lifelong affair?

2008 model - Oodles of power & torque,superb handling & brakes.
May be heavier on paper than my previous bike, Trophy 1200, but feels lighter due to the C of G being much lower. Economy much better at 44mpg average.
Remember guys, the suspension is ADJUSTABLE! It's worth spending the time to get to set up right to suit your riding style.
Michelin Pilot Road 2CT's fitted - very happy with them so far. Home servicing is feasible, but a little time-consuming to get at the plugs!

I just hope I can hang on to my licence!
Fuel range calculation appears to use current mpg rather than average mpg, so jumps up & down & not very useful.
I'm 6'4" & large screen still allows some buffeting of my helmet when fully up, might try a laminar lip? At present I have to leave it as 2/3rds, so still get rain & flies on my visor.
Pillion pegs too narrow, I fitted an old set of Triumph ones.

This could be the beginning of a long and happy relationship! I've looked closely at a 2010, apart from the traction control I think I prefer this one. (TC can't be retrofitted, ABS units and loom are completely different)
They say the best you've ridden is the best you know. In my limited experience of different bikes, this is the best.

Score breakdown

Engine:

5.0

Brakes:

5.0

Handling:

5.0

Comfort:

5.0

Build Quality:

5.0

rgtay would recommend this product

A Davenport
Reviewed: 12 October 2009

Powerful, smooth and comfortable

The bike has more than enough power. Considering its size and weight, it handles very well. Probably the smoothest bike I've owned. Speed is never an issue..just twist the throttle and it goes. Luggage is well-designed and very easy to use and remove. Put over 5000 miles on it in 2 months. No issues. Nice features such as tire pressure monitors and gear indicator. Averaging over 44 mpg so far, so tank range is over 200 miles. About my limit on the stock seat.

Large, powerful engine generates a lot of heat. It becomes uncomfortable in 85+ temperatures. Replaced stock windscreen with Kawasaki taller one. Works better, but would be too much coverage in warmer weather. Neither is perfect. Mirrors work OK but are blocked by luggage. Work much better with bags off. Always nervous about leaving backup KIPASS transmitter at home and losing primary one. Not sure system is really that much of an improvement over a standard key. Irritating design of dash removes mile count-down feature of mileage once low fuel light comes on.

This is a big, comfortable, smooth, fast bike. It has a number of nice features not available on other bikes in this price range. Has been totally reliable in 5000 miles, and there is no indication this will change as the miles increase. Very good value for the cost.

Score breakdown

Engine:

5.0

Brakes:

5.0

Handling:

4.0

Comfort:

4.0

Build Quality:

5.0

A Davenport would recommend this product

thunderstarter
Reviewed: 24 July 2009

Awesome all rounder

Its actually a lot lighter than most sports tourers, handles as well as most sports bikes and it'll go for miles all day in comfort. I sold an R1 to buy this bike and I havent regretted it for a moment.

People comment on the GTR being top heavy?!? Im not quite sure what they are going on about. For a tourer its light.

there arnt many. It ate a front tyre within not many miles from new, but that was a combination of cr*p OEM Bridgestone tyres and slightly loose headbearings. Its now shod with Michelin Pilot Roads which have transformed the bike. Its thirsty, but show me a 1400cc bike that isnt. Dont buy one if you dont like filling up, the tank is slightly too small for a mile muncher like this. Kawasaki could do with adding some nice touring options like heated grips and perhaps some other luxury's. The rear accessory sockets are inaccessible. But Im picking on small faults here.

Im not sure how the owner of an FJR can possible write a review on the GTR (see first review above) if you do actually own a GTR, then I appologise, but if not, go and write a review on your own bike.

I would advise anyone to try one of these bikes, as its an awesome compromise between sports and tourer. It really is a hoot to ride quickly whilst maintaining a huge amount of practicality.

Score breakdown

Engine:

5.0

Brakes:

5.0

Handling:

5.0

Comfort:

4.0

Build Quality:

4.0

thunderstarter would recommend this product