KAWASAKI GTR1400 (2010 - on) Review

A very comfortable motorbike with more than ample wind protection, even when trundling along with a pillion. The linked brakes are very smooth and cornering is precise. Shaft driven so no chain maintenance.

It's a Kawasaki inline 4, 'nuff said.

Bulletproof

Fluctuates depending on annual mileage. Oil changed religously every 5k miles.

Heated grips, electrically adjustable screen height, luggage that could fit the moon inside it. Tyre pressure monitoring, fairly accurate range and trip computer, outside temp indicator, I could go on. The lights deserve a mention, these things should get a verse in the bible as they turn night into day even on the crappiest of nights.

The brakes are amazing and offer alot of stopping power helping you control the somewhat blistering speeds you can easily achieve... With the added and refined abs linked braking and traction control system updated in 2015 to allow for a smoother less intrusive combined braking experience you always feel confident when applying the brakes... As for the ride quality when I first bought my bike the ride felt hards and over sprung, causing me to feel as though the rear want to overtake the front when heavy braking, however the guys a AP Workshops in Tamworth (Griff) sorted me out with a suspension setup to accommodate both my weight and riding style, thus has transformed the bike completely, she now tips into corners with greater fluidity... Passing across our joyfully smooth pot hole infused British roads now feel smoother as the suspension now absorbers the bumps taking this in her stride.. This is a modification you should have done as soon as you can ever before considering exhaust or tinted windscreens..

Like listening to a Michael Bubblè Christmas album, smooth, controlled, never rushed and appeal to the slightly older 40"s generation... The engine never feels out of its comfort zone even if you twist the happily grips to bring the revs up to 10k, it always feels ready to destroy the open road in a blistering eye watering display of showmanship, yet will happily float along causally allowing you time to take in the surrounding views.

I use my gtr1400 all year round as a volunteer bloodbiker, the bike definitely stands up to our delightful British weather.. Only requiring a regular clean and check of the tyre pressures to keep you going... Due to the addition of the shaft drive there no messy chain cleaning and or adjustment required. As the engine is derived from the zzr1400 being detuned means you'll never need to worry about stressing the engine.

Due to the sheer size of the gtr1400 you will find she likes to eat through tyres.. Ironically she's harder on front tyre wear than rear... Always opt for a gt or heavy weight sports touring tyre option when replacing tyres... Generally the gtr1400 wants for nothing other than regular fuel stops and tyres such is the amazing quality of the whole package... I've found the guys a Llandudno Motorcycle Centre LMC have my back in regards to servicing and maintenance, cheers guys

Let's start with safety, KTRC traction control and K-ACT ABS and brake assist, as well as linked brakes offer some piece of mind when riding such a bike sports touring bike, it's nice to know that if you require a little assistance it's there.. After this you get the obligatory electrically adjustable windscreen and on the 2015 models thus also has a manually operated vent to reduce the vortex of the screen pushing you and your pillion onto the handlebars, I can confirm this is a welcomed addition. You also get heated grips straight from the factory keep your nuts warm and toasty on those chilly winter mornings.. There is also a 12v 5amp socket on the right side of the dash giving you some options to run a sta nav, mobile phone charger or if you feel you want to risj it some heated clothing... On the left side just above the dial for the heated grips there is an ignition controlled glive/storage box (which can when open support a lovely starbucks coffee cup when you've stopped for a refuel)..The gtr1400 is lacking in some options such as cruise control (MC Cruise can sort you an amazing aftermarket unit to solve this dilemma), also the modern bike now have cornering and led headlights, digital dash setups and things like cornering abs which would be a nice option to have but certainly not a deal breaker.

Rode UK to Barcelona 12 hours only stopping for fuel & coffee breaks. Super comfy. Brakes were good. Only pillion has been granddaughter & we went to great Yarmouth hour + trip stopping at Mildenhall Mcds.

Big heavy tourer, but had power to overtake. When needed. Sat lovely abroad at about 85 mph. Ate up the straight smooth roads.

Only issue it ever had was tyres never lasted long. Had a versys 1000, trip Barcelona once but I got 9500 miles out of rear tyre ...

Too much plastic to remove to do any servicing

Needs cruise control. 2000 miles round trip to Barcelona basically killed the tyres, huge flat spot in middle, tyres lasted about 4 - 5K miles

Bike rides OK for a heavy lump, brakes are very sharp.

The engine has been neutered by kawasaki and needs a full remap to unleashed its true potential.

Sub frame paint is wafer thin and the swing arm paint isn't much better. When riding you need to tell the bike who's boss as the bike can wander wide out of corners. The bike sometimes can be subject to stalling problem due to the appalling fueling. Front guard is way too short even with a fender extender the downpipes will soon look sorry with road crud.

Iv had mine 6 months, two rear tires and a full set of pads later.

All round equipment is good, abs, traction control etc etc bla bla bla.

Handles well if it has better rubber on (not BT21), 2 to 3 hours riding and you might need a break, but the screen could be better, even an aftermarket one makes it still a bit noisy.

Wow....super! Slick and on demand with a quick twist of the throttle.

Well built, strong and quality looking. Only problem being the tyre sensors that need replacing and cost.

Be aware of correct tyre pressures as it will eat your front especially if 1 psi down or more..

Top box needed. GPS and a better screen. Avoid BT21, way to twitchy.

I rode almost 11 hours on this bike returning from a tour and it was sublime. The pillion seat is comfy. Plenty of room two-up.

Really smooth motor that just keeps going. On the move the bike's weight is not noticeable.

Build quality is very high. Mates with BMW's seem to have lots of problems in comparison.

Costs seem average for what is a top end model.

Traction control and ABS work really well. Fitted a Pyramid front fender extender to protect the radiator and a Ductail which keeps the spray off the rear gunner.

amazing but had to change seat to lower and gel filled

torque unbelievable pure silk but capable of barking mad

tyre pressure sensors need easy to replace batteries as 2-3 life

amazing standard kit. ABS and Traction give confidence in wet. Like to try different tyres can be a bit of a wonderer on fast corners.

Have done 40,000 miles on 2008, NOW 2010. Great all-rounder. Forgiving chassis. Sits at 100mph all day (where speed limits permit), stress free high miles. Seat design at odds with bike style. Forces you forward when the style is to sit up. More suited to the ZZR1400 I had before. You end up sliding up to the tank with legs bent like a sports bike. Maybe suits the shorter-legged gent. Foot pegs located just where your calves are with feet on the ground, a bit unsettling.

Needs to get up to 6-7000 rpm to start coming alive. Smooth train-like power delivery.

Tyre pressure sensors, battery and fork seals all needed replacement at 20,000 miles

Great value for money, particularly when you compare to German or Italian rivals. Average running costs for a bike like this.

Love the pre-set screen height. Heated grips a good addition from 2010 on. Handlebar risers, an extra, good for me (depends on your preference). Sports exhaust (Leo Vince SBK) adds a nice note and a couple of HP, also looses a few KG from the stock tailpipe (longest in history), looks better too. Could use cruise control. Traction control and linked brake option useful.