Kawasaki GTR1400 - observations

Warchild · 11-16-2006, 12:36 PM

The following was posted over on FJRForum.com yesterday.

I know a number of us have some amount of interest in this new Kawasaki platform, so I thought I'd share. The observer obviously makes a lot of comparisons to his FJR, but the info is pretty good nonetheless:

Quote:

Got a chance to sit on the Concours14 (GTR1400) tonight

Impressions:

- very similar seating position to FJR (I have an 05 FJR) - bars (though I have risers) seem maybe a little higher than stock FJR, but very comfortable
- Knee cutouts fine - I'm 6', 34" inseam, knees didn't touch like they do on STs
- windshield top edge a bit lower, apparently follows same arc when raised as FJR - prototype wasn't a fully working example
- K-pass remote seems cool - no place to insert a key into dash, just a knob. There is a key that pops into the back of the remote for seat/saddlebag
- seat maybe narrower but firmer than stock FJR seat. Can't really remember as I have Yamaha seat by Corbin
- removed seat - no underseat storage like FJR, but 2 helmet wires, 1 on each side, to lock helmets to bike - irks me that Yamaha still insists on not providing such a simple solution
- saddlebags - mount/dismount almost exactly like Yamaha - tangs on bags go down in slots like Yamaha, and slide over extension to footpeg mount - again like Yamaha. Biggest difference is the top mounts stick out from the bodywork, as opposed to fitting in the bodywork like FJR
- bags have same 2-handle set-up as FJR, 1 for opening the bags, 1 for removing bags. I did try the mechanisms, and I like the way they work better than the FJR as they are much more positive in action - they almost click up & down. I've never liked the way the FJR handles (for R&R bags, open/close) seem to be pulling back against the lock, like they're not quite shut. The FJR ones function fine, I just liked the action of the C14 bags
- exhaust can as big in real life as photos {Warchild note: I know Muzzy is working on a gorgeous brushed Titanium replacement for the heinously large single bazooka can that Kawasaki put on this bike )
- bags may not hold ff helmet - no chance to try it out, but then it has the helmet holders, which I prefer, since if your bags are full, there is no place to put your helmet. And, yes, I have seen the threads on how to attach your helmet to the bags
- I personally like the way the bodywork/tank seals off the engine bay, cutting off the heat escape route - huge ducted fairing side vents + sealed bodywork should = cooler cockpit, not that I ever really had much of an issue with the heat
- glove box on tank top pretty small - won't fit much more that reg & ins, etc
- the seat, at least in this prototype form, is not adjustable for height.

MrBadExxample · 11-16-2006, 9:57 PM

Does anyone know if the GTR is part of the International Motorcycle Show tour? I hope so, I usually go in Jan. when the show stops in DC.

Squareman357 · 11-17-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBadExxample

Does anyone know if the GTR is part of the International Motorcycle Show tour? I hope so, I usually go in Jan. when the show stops in DC.

Yes it is. I'm gonna throw a leg over when it comes here to Chicago in February.

Obby · 11-17-2006, 2:31 PM

On this note... how ugly is the ZX-14 for '07. I mean daymn

After all the bad feedback Kawi gets on the forman grills, what do they do... paint them red on a white bike and spash it with flames?

. Good thinking Kawi.

As for the GTR, that one look much better, but where do you sit?

Squareman357 · 11-17-2006, 3:08 PM

I don't know what they were thinking with some of the fugly ass paint jobs. The bike looks best in solid colors. <shrug>

chaserkeywest · 11-17-2006, 4:59 PM

To my way of thinking the GTR is the answer to the FJR-ST

And the ZZR 14 is the Blackbird of Kawizookee's/ George Formans aside.

I may be ready for a GTR in 10 years...when I'm 70.....hey its just me!

2equis · 11-17-2006, 7:34 PM

Quote:

Yes it is. I'm gonna throw a leg over when it comes here to Chicago in February.

The bike at the IMS is up on a 2' pedestal. There is a bunch of pics of it in one of my albums from the Phoenix show on the other site. They won't let you sit on it.

davesxx01 · 11-17-2006, 8:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2equis

The bike at the IMS is up on a 2' pedestal. There is a bunch of pics of it in one of my albums from the Phoenix show on the other site. They won't let you sit on it.

God, I hope not! I wan't to sit on it also. And study it some

Can one of you guys get all 3 side by side? ST, FJR, GTR.

I know, wishfull thinking

Warchild · 11-18-2006, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squareman357

I don't know what they were thinking with some of the fugly ass paint jobs. The bike looks best in solid colors. <shrug>

Concur.

But if one had some really good peyote buttons, one could come up with some killer paint jobs for the ZX-14....

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Gotta love these blingy wheels, too...

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Squareman357 · 11-20-2006, 12:43 PM

I'm actually getting really close to having mine repainted in...wait for it...2002 Honda CBR1100XX Silver. I love that color, always have, and I think the ZX would be dead sexy in that tone of Silver. Then I'll have the wheels powder coated in gloss black. Yeah...I like that idea...

Squareman357 · 11-21-2006, 5:53 PM

This is what I'm talking about...DAMN that's sexy...

Warchild · 11-21-2006, 7:01 PM

That is a nice looking silver, Squareman...

You seriously gonna paint your ZX this color over the winter?

Squareman357 · 11-21-2006, 7:40 PM

If I can come up with the dineros. If not, then I'll start saving now and it'll be a winter project for next winter...