Kawasaki's Hidden Secret = = The GTR 1000 , ZG1000A Shafty.

“Kawasaki's Hidden Secret = = The GTR 1000 , ZG1000A...”

Written on: 06/07/2012 by chappeurz (2 reviews written)

The main regret is that I did not find out about this little gem, years ago. I bought it in the Summer of 2010 to take me from North Wales down to Oradour sur Glane, in the Limousin region of mid/centrale France. Then on up to the Normandy beach area and finally to Devon, to visit my brother. Then home ; about 2.5K in a week or so.
Comfortable, effortless tourer, which is capable of fairly high daily mileages. Superb mirrors, which are very adjustable. Frugal on fuel, ie, low to mid 50's @ French motorway speeds. Handling stable enough, even in windy conditions. Good rain / weather protection from the medium height screen. I have 4 screens, but did not like using the tall one, mainly due to the curvature distortion as I had to look thru it. Suspension is good solo, but a little vague on the front end when 2 up and loaded. Steering / manoeuvering it about is fine on mine, as I have higher bars fitted. Does away with back ache nicely. Also have a plush, mega comfy custom seat fitted.

Last year I fitted Avon Storms again, front + rear, these tyres inspire confidence, particularly in the wet.
The clock is handy, tho it looks like it was thrown on as an after thought, or Kawasaki had a few thousand of them they needed to use up. Shame about that. Luggage very useful, + I,ve fitted a Givi topcase too. So we can carry quite a bit of kit if needed.

The Mediocre Bits. Well, I would prefer 17" wheels, which offer a better tyre choice nowadays, especially as the rear is a 16" one, front 18" ; tho I,ve never struggled to buy new rubber for it. Cannot say I,m over happy with the brakes, the rear is average . Upgrade to 4 pot calipers is something I would like to do in the near future, specificall up front , just need to find a donor bike - anyone know which other calipers will fit ? May opt to upgrade the forks also, even try some different oil or springs, not sure yet. Do not forget though, this bike is now classed as a " tourer " , so remember to treat it as one. and ENJOY..

The Nasty Bits. Getting it up onto the centre stand.... Ouch ! ! I,m 5'9", 11 stone, and struggle a little / a lot.

So thats my thoughts on this value for money bike. Well done Kawasaki, if I was not so happy with it , I,d even consider upgrading to a newer GTR model in the near future.

Regards, Dave..














































































































































up to 48K.
Good value.