1 of 15

Kawasaki GTR1000 motorcycle review - Riding

translate:/Shared/Controls/Multimedia/Flickrator/PreviousImageAltText

translate:/Shared/Controls/Multimedia/Flickrator/NextImageAltText

Kawasaki GTR1000 (1986-1999)

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
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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 group: 14

Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now

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.

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