Kaw GTR 1400

[Don B]

It's coming in 07.......

Anybody ride the ZZR 1400 yet?

 

[bramfrank]

You mean the ZX-14, as it's called this side of the pond? Yes, I have.

I picked up my '06 FJR at the same time and from the same dealer as a friend of mine got his ZX14. We've both put about 1200 miles on our bikes and I had the opportunity to trade with him because my machine seems to have a driveline vibration that kicks in at about 180kph and runs all the way up to 240 or so (didn't ride it any faster) and he owned an '03 FJR that he got rid of after Yamaha fixed his ticking, so I wanted his input.. I took it for about 100 miles on a major highway (unfortunately - would have preferred a 2 lane twisty road).

I am not a sportbike fan. I don't like the very aggressive riding position, but I took the machine up to about 230 kph and, in spite of, or perhaps because there is zero wind protection it wasn't all that bad - the 'crane your head back' issues were self-regulated by all the wind.

Power-wise it was 'nice'. There was so much hype, that I was not overwhelmed by the FJR and, while the ZX14 was faster, it didn't blow me away either. It really was quite tame, when compared to my expectations - and I do tend to twist the throttle pretty hard.

However it was fast and it was smooth. The transmission is very precise and the power delivery was good, with a definite kick above about 5K. It is low, so it seems very stable. I was on a 4 lane divided highway, so I couldn't put it through it's paces handling-wise, but from the lane-to-lane and side-to-side shifting I was able to do, it does seem to handle very well. It has a six speed tranny - I'd have liked to see a 6th gear on the FJR, but that's about the only significant plus in my book right now.

Would I buy a ZG1400 or whatever Kawasaki might call a touring version of this machine? I don't know. Will Kawasaki build a GTR1400? I don't know and Kawasaki isn't saying whether they will or what it might be if they do. Anyone who 'knows' is a liar, unless of course they work for Kawasaki Japan, since they no longer build bikes in Lincoln NB.

No matter what they build as a touring machine (if they build one), about the only really major items it will have in common with the ZX14 will be the fact that it has 2 wheels and displaces 1400 ccs - they will retune it. They will change the ergos. So the bikes will be fraternal twins and therefore not directly comparable.

We'll all have to wait and see what (if anything) Kawasaki comes up with to replace the Concours.

 

[Toecutter]

B) -->

QUOTE(Don B @ May 25 2006, 04:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's coming in 07.......
And you know this how? Pics?

 

[Mike-H]

He was channeling from the heart of Kawasaki Japan ....ya....ya....that's the ticket....

 

[Don B]

Check out Motorcyclenews.com Only read it there so no concrete info from me. It does seem like they have the "inside" on a lot of stuff though.

 

[Toecutter]

I briefly looked at a blue ZX-14 at the dealer yesterday. Other than the color :****: , a shaft drive, upright ergo variation with hard bags might be nice. Unfortunately, I just about have mine all farkled out to my liking and could use the funds for more, uh, family oriented projects. Another 20 grand for a different bike wouldn't go over well, even with the addition of a new ring and vehicle for the DW.

 

[FJReady]

Bram,

Thanks for the input regarding the new Kaw. I'm a former Concours owner too (88, 98,99) I bought my FJR because it embodied what I felt the Concours should have evolved into. I loved all my Connie's; Would still be very happy riding one but the FJR temptation proved to be too much. I was intrigued by recent news that a GTR1400 might be coming- and also concerned that I might be tempted to ditch my FJR for a Kawasaki version. I think based on your report that a GTR version of the ZX-14 wouldn't be enough to pry me off my FJR.

BTW, I assume you're the same bramfrank over at COG website. Read many of your posts there. Awesome group of people- very loyal to the Connie(rightfully so) and as you know very knowlegable about motorcycling in general. Helpful and friendly just like here.

Thanks.

 

[bramfrank]

BTW, I assume you're the same bramfrank over at COG website.

That's me.

I like to use the same user name wherever I happen to post. Makes for interesting crossgroup exchanges.

There are only two Bram Frank's in all of North America. I am the techie one, the other is Florida-based and into martial arts and designing fighting knives. He's quite famous in his sphere of influenece, and interesting enough, I am in mine. We're both about the same age and there are some interesting similarities in our heritages, but he's not a rider. No relation to him either.

I've found the group here to consist of a similar range of people - that's humanity and the sport, I guess. There are even versions of Murph - in fact Murph is looking to get into supplying for the FJR. He is now an OEM parts supplier and looking to compete with the likes of Ron Ayers, but with better service.

Me? I'm just getting into the new machine - riding as much as I can and having a ball. I AM waiting on my Skyway sliders and also for the Vstream shield to be released.

My Concours was pushed to the limits on every ride because the VFR, R10, 'Busa and K1200s riders I hang with didn't slow down just for me. It's nice to be able to keep up and actually not have wound her to red line to get there.

More power? Always nice, but I'd just use it.