Kawasaki GTR1400 Bike Overview
The heavyweight touring class has fallen off a bit in terms of popularity in recent years. But there are still some incredible machines in that sector.
Kawasaki GTR1400 stands out from the class though, by combining a hugely powerful 140bhp engine with fully-faired bodywork and luxury accommodation for rider and pillion.
The 1,352cc inline-four engine is based on the mighty ZZR1400 unit, but overhauled with shaft final drive and a novel variable valve timing setup. That means lower maintenance – useful on longer trips – and a torquier power delivery respectively. Peak power is around 140bhp, enough for 150mph+ where allowed, and with torque of 94ft lbs, fast, relaxed progress is guaranteed.
The chassis does a sterling job of providing sporting capability, while cosseting the rider and pillion. The riding position is relaxed and protective, and there are useful extras like an electric screen, standard panniers, keyless ignition and combined digital/analogue dashboard. A cast aluminium frame is super-stiff, the suspension is adjustable to suit different loads, and the USD front forks and radial brake calipers are top-end, high-performance items.
The original GTR1400 was launched in 2007, and updated in 2010, when Kawasaki gave it heated grips as standard, and a new combined ABS/traction control system. It was discontinued in 2018, and has been replaced by the H2SX – a supercharged 1000cc model which does much the same job, with even more high-tech accessories.
Kawasaki GTR1400 Bike Spec
- Capacity1352cc
- Top speed151mph
- Engine16v, four stroke in line four
- Weight315kg
- Average fuel consumption36mpg
- Seat height815mm
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Kawasaki GTR1400 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Power, and more power when you need it. Space, costs.
Cons
Possibly more power, CC up lift as with the ZZR. factory cruise control for motorway runs.
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Excellent for pillion, standard seat not the best for rider, overall a very reasonable package.
Its Japanese so what more do you want me to say.
More than adequate.
Nice balance and feel, enough power even when loaded to have a little bit of fun, for a heavy old sports tourer it's more fun and easier to ride than my previous sports bikes.
Way more than needed, but not complaining. Can be used for a casual relaxed B road or hauling down a motorway.
Normal running costs, nothing outlandish goes wrong.
Pros
Really happy with all
Cons
Screen size
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Tons of power all through the box, no need to drop down gears when at lower speed.
Not had any problems yet
Brakes are fantastic and don't need to apply mutch presure
Light and nimble pulls like a train.
Tons of grunt all through the box fab
Not really calculated but seems really good on fuel
Pros
It ticks all the right boxes for a tourer enough power and comfort with good luggage space. Power and comfort are the pros.
Cons
Weight and when moving the bike back the footpegs get in the way slightly.
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Quite heavy
More than enough power
Weight and when moving the bike back the footpegs get in the way slightly.
No problems
Nissin the back brake could be stronger
Pros
It's the only bike I have ever owned where I have not felt the need to make a large number of tweaks or bolt ons for it. The handle bars are perfect for me, most bikes I tend to put handlebar risers on the ease the pain in my wrists after an hour or so of riding. I've added a manual cruise control, taller screen and handle bar extension for action camera. The bike came with a fitment for a a Garmin GPS that fits perfectly, the guys fitted the wiring loom foc when the bike arrived. I also fitted an aftermarket professionally monitored tracker to protect my investment! The tyre pressure monitors are a bonus, I like having the display showing that all day long, I can see how the temperature and loading affects the pressures and should I have a puncture I'll hopefully know there is an issue before I feel it. electronic height on the screen is a nice touch for cold/wet conditions and conversely hot conditions when you want some more air in your face.
Cons
Lack of electronic cruise control on a £15k grand tourer motorcycle is silly, its a £15k bike with few electronic tools. It needs a revamp and some more gadgets, Suspension perhaps. ABS and traction control, screen height adjustment are about the extent of it.
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It's a big bike, there is no two ways about it, this is a BIG bike, but, its got the trusty 1400 powerplant from a ZZR (albeit tuned for torque and not 1000mph), it pulls cleanly from pretty much any gear, it handles corners well, although initially I was worried about getting something this big round corners full stop!.
Its good at all speeds, although oddly, poodling around towns and villages in Europe with their 50k speed limits can be a little odd unless your in ECO mode, it just smooths out the power delivery more and is happy at 15-20mph, open it up in ECO and it still goes well, take it out of ECO and its very nippy for a big this size. Its no R1 or H2 but its quick, smooth and comfortable.
Comparable to my old 1100 suzuki and Kawasaki Versys and ZZR. No surprises thus far.
Its good, certainly better than the previous bikes I've had, this was Kawasaki's flagship so I would expect that especially with the cost! The shaft drive means clean and smooth power delivery, no issues thus far with it. As expected the rear tyre lasted roughly 3.5k miles, but all of that was two up and fully loaded. The replacement is a dual compound and its already got 3k on it and looks to be good for another 3k miles at least.
Good solid brakes, tested several times in the dry but not to the point of ABS kicking in. Never felt needing in this department at all. There does seem to be quite a bit of travel in the rear brake peddle, will get that looked into at the next service
Pros
Effortless long distance touring
Cons
Screen
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Does everything well or superb. Difficult to manage when wheeling around due to being a heavy bike
Faster than I could use, endless torque and pulling power even when two up fully loaded
Average 50 mpg. Servicng costs much less than similar machines from BMW or Honda
Not one bit of corrosion on the bike and it was kept outdoors for the first 7 years of ownership. Some minor plastic fittings are showing their age.
Brakes are more than adequate and work well