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Kawasaki GTR1000 motorcycle review - Riding
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Kawasaki GTR1000 (1986-1999)

View all Kawasaki GTR1000s for sale (6)

Detail Value
Parker's used price range £920-2,555
Full used prices
Engine size 997cc
Power 110bhp
Top speed 130mph
Insurance group 14
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 3 rating is 0
Engine rating is 2 rating is 0
Ride & Handling rating is 4 rating is 0
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 0
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 0
Value rating is 3 rating is 0

MCN overall verdict rating is 3

The Kawasaki GTR1000, an 80s touring dinosaur, has its good points; a screen which actually protects the rider well, shaft drive, comfy saddle, a massive 28.5 litre fuel capacity and - for the time - respectable handling. But the aged GPZ1000 motor, weak brakes and dated styling limit its appeal.

Engine

MCN rating rating is 2
Owners' rating rating is 0

The GPZ900/1000 in line four cylinder motor was the boss in its day, but its day was 1984. The Kawasaki GTR1000 saw its peak power drop from 110bhp to 92bhp in 1994, but Kawasaki re-tuned the engine to make more midrange and it has enough grunt to eat up motorway miles with ease. The Kawasaki GTR1000 gets hot `n' bothered in heatwave weather though.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

You know, for an old 80s omnibus, the Kawasaki GTR1000 goes around corners surprisingly well. Yes, the GTR1000 is top heavy and needs some body-shifting moves to make it turn into tight hairpins, but the overall handling is OK for most people's idea of a touring pace. Worth checking the suspension carefully on any used Kawasaki GTR1000 - the bike can weave if the Uni-Trak linkage is neglected.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

Excellent panniers on the Kawasaki GTR1000, easily detachable too. The fairing also offers superb weather protection, much better in fact than many modern touring bikes. The Kawasaki GTR1000 has details like tripmeter, clock, fairing vents etc are all there and later `94 onwards model has updated dashborad and lockable fairing pockets. For its time, the Kawasaki GTR1000 was a well thought out touring motorcycle.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

The Kawasaki GTR1000 engines can easily clock up 80,000-100,000 miles without major issues. The only area to keep an eye on is the air-assisted suspension, which can be leaky and generally worn after a few years. Otherwise the overall finish on some parts of the Kawasaki GTR1000 can be iffy, leading to furry alloy and rusting steel details on an otherwise sturdy motorcycle.

Value

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 0

As a used buy, the Kawasaki GTR1000 has plenty going for it, especially its resale price, which can start as As a used buy, the GTR1000 has plenty going for it, especially its resale price, which can start as low £1000 for something two decades old. But Yamaha's FJ1200, BMW K100LT and Triumph's 900 Trophy all compete on price, comfort and touring ability. Find Kawasaki GTR1000 motorcycles for sale.

Insurance

Insurance group: 14

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Model History

1986: Kawasaki GTR1000 launched.
1989: Kawasaki USA cease production of the Kawasaki GTR1000 due to poor sales.
1990: Kawasaki GTR1000 production restarted.
1994: Revised Kawasaki GTR1000 appears, 12kgs heavier, more midrange, new wheels, uprated brakes.
1999: Kawasaki GTR1000 discontinued.

Other Versions

1200 Voyager II ( US market only ).

Specifications

Top speed 130mph
1/4-mile acceleration 12.1 secs
Power 110bhp
Torque 73ftlb
Weight 258kg
Seat height 815mm
Fuel capacity 28.5 litres
Average fuel consumption 41mpg
Tank range 250 miles
Insurance group 14
Engine size 997cc
Engine specification 16v, in line 4, 6 gears
Frame Tubular diamond type
Front suspension adjustment Preload, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound
Front brakes Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake 280mm disc
Front tyre size 110/80 x 18 in
Rear tyre size 150/80 x 16 in

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

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Kawasaki
GTR1000

17525 miles

£2,395

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Kawasaki
GTR1000

18149 miles

£1,895

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Kawasaki
GTR1000

27000 miles

£2,795

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Kawasaki
GTR1000

9673 miles

£7,995

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Kawasaki
GTR1000

8549 miles

£8,599

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