KAWASAKI GTR1400 (2010 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
| Power: | 139 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | High (695 lbs / 315 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe second generation GTR gotr a significant upgrade, added to the comfort of the original model with a larger screen and includes heated grips as standard. But more interestingly Kawasaki improved the safety of their flagship tourer with new ABS and traction control.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineKawasaki hasn’t played around with the handling, either, which was not a fault of the old model. There’s a slightly stiffer spring at the rear, but that’s about it. For a large bike, the GTR can be hustled along with confidence, but you need a lot of confidence in the front Bridgestone tyre, which has been specifically designed for this model. The new linked ABS braking is excellent, and it’s changeable for riding fully loaded or with pillion and luggage.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe powerplant is taken from the mighty ZZ-R1400 but detuned for more midrange. The GTR also boasts variable valve timing, which has the smoothest operation on the market, far better than Honda’s VFR. It also has nearly 140bhp and gallons of torque, both of which are class-leading.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThere is no reason to question the Kawasaki 1400’s reliability as the ZZ-R14 on which it’s based is proving bulletproof and Kawasaki are renown for producing reliable motors. MCN ran the older GTR problem free for 30,000 mile in a year, without a glitch. Shaft drive will add to its longevity.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThere are bargains to be had on used GTRs if you're patient and don't mind a bike with higher than average mileage and good examples can be snapped up for around £7000. That's a lot of bike for not a lot of cash. Find a Kawasaki GTR1400 for sale.
Equipment
The second generation GTR comes with more options as standard like heated grips, larger screen, ABS and traction control as standard. There is also an additional mode button on the left bar to scroll through the informative clocks while the electric screen is pre-programmable. The GTR also comes with a switchable 'Eco mode' which works at lower revs to improve fuel consumption. Compare and buy parts for the GTR1400 in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1352cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v four stroke in line four, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
| Fuel capacity | 22 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 315kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm forks fully adj |
| Rear suspension | single shock, fully adjust |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm 4 piston radial caliper |
| Rear brake | 270mm disc, two piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70x17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 36 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £190 |
| New price | £13,299 |
| Used price | £5,500 - £10,700 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 139 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 93.5 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 151 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 180 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2007: model launched
2011: Available as 1400GTR ABS [£13,268]
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI GTR1400 (2010 - on)
8 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI GTR1400 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI GTR1400 (2010 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
Version: K-ACT KTRAC
Year: 2010
Superb for two up touring, a planted and confidence inspiring chassis. friends with Triump Sprints, Aprila 1000’s,, VFR800 and Ducati ST4 have a respect for big big Kawasaki’s ability to be punted through corners even when fully laden. Brakes are exceptional, just don’t use heavily around a corner, common sense. Power delivery is linear and it does not really lift rapidly until 4000 plus rpm on board. Smooth to ride, my gearbox Is faultless and slick, Seats are descent, wife gave thumbs up after sitting on bike temporally during a test pilot visit. Driven with a relaxed attitude on Australian country roads 400 plus km range is quite achievable in Econo mode. A satisfying bike to own, doing you own intermediate servicing is a piece of cake, oil and filter doe not require any panels to be removed. Only real fault: Front discs are prone to warp, brake pads & disc life can be a regular event depending on your distance travelled, Had a Gen one , now a Gen 2, have travelled approx 37,000km at this stage on GTR 1400s
Buying experience: Team Moto Honda Gold Coast are excellent to deal with, two bike purchases 5 years apart, both visits consistently positive.
Version: Kawasaki gtr 1400
Year: 2010
Fueling is terrible, on and off the throttle is very jerky with horrific engine breaking. Weather protection is average. When riding hard the bike will drink fuel plus the tank is a tad small, also it will destroy rear tires. Linked brakes are the worst iv ever tried with a strange feeling in the rear lever.
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.
Buying experience: Bought from Hunts in Manchester over the phone. The camera never lies!!??! Yeah right.... NEVER EVER BUY A BIKE UNSEEN IN THE FLESH.
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £150
Comfortable, strong engine, fast and spacious. The tyre sensors are a pain to exchange.
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.
Buying experience: Bought from Hunts of Manchester, with an exchange of my 2014 GSA. Bought for £7500, and well worth it.
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £200
I rode this bike on a tour in torrential rain some days. Luggage is completely waterproof. Top box and panniers are spacious.
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.
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £75
loses out on weight. Centre stand difficult to use
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.
Buying experience: dealer - low mileage - new condition - 1500m
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £350
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.
Buying experience: Private buy, no problems.
I have lots of mates who have/or have had bm s and every single one of them has had grief with their bikes and lots of it was major stuff. Ok the dealers fall over themselves to help you when things go wrong but they do seem to go wrong an awfull lot.I turned to the japanese builders years ago and have never had any problems,I now have a gtr 1400 and it is a classy bit of kit smooth like you cant believe, quick , fantastic brakes, utter comfort,traction control, switchable abs,and lots more, and when on the move feels nothing like the big heavy bike that it is,all in all it's a fantastic piece of oriental engineering.
i am not sure what the gripe and whining is all about. Its a sports tourer not a tourer which means having a cruise control would not make much sense. Which brings me to the exact point on value. What is the premium you would want to pay for Cruise control? aka BMW K1300GT which i think is THE only competition this bike faces in the same class. Else engine is bullet proof, ie 200km/h+ on 2nd gear is not something to sniff about. Quality and reliability is pure Japanese but cause i own a MV Agusta, the difference is night and day but for a premium Jap, this is considered top class. Go buy it and realise how comfy it is on the roads, how smooth is the engine around windy roads, and the storage is plenty. Except for the tires maybe, which a set of Pirelli should cure, i really have nothing to complain. Go buy one.
