Report Abuse

Report this review to the Review Centre Team

Here at Review Centre we work hard to make sure we are the best place on the internet for honest, unbiased consumer reviews - we are grateful for your help in keeping us that way!

441505

Why are you reporting this review?

If you represent this business why not claim your page by creating a Free Business Account where you will receive improved review monitoring functionality.


★★★★☆

“The Kawasaki GTR1000 or ZG1000 in the USA Tourer is a...”

written by Moonbadger on 28/09/2004

Good Points
Speed, handling, comfort, engine, gearbox

Bad Points
Build quality, buzzy engine, handling.

General Comments
The Kawasaki GTR1000 or ZG1000 in the USA Tourer is a true intercontinental ballistic bike. Capable of transporting two people + luggage vast distances in total comfort. However, all is not rosy. It is a heavy old beast, and the drive shaft can be intrusive when pressing on along bumpy roads.

The suspension wallows, and is under damped. The fairing gets brittle with age, and vibration fractures near every fastener point. Removing the fairing for maintenance is a chore. This puts up the price of dealer servicing and less than scrupulous dealers may skimp on the valve work required.



I have put the engine in both the good and bad points above. There is a reason for this. When derestricted, it is truly awesome. Do you want a revvy sports bike derived engine in a tourer?, if not, think twice before buying. The engines are also prone to buzzy vibration. It affects some bikes more than others, and some people seem more susceptible to it. It really doesn't bother me and I love the top end power delivery. Bear in mind the above though.



The gearbox is a six speed, and it needs all of them. Thankfully, it is one of Kawasakis better efforts though, and seamless shifting is a doddle with or without using the excellent lightweight clutch.



The brakes are not all roses though. They are marginal one up and have a tendancy on the pre A9 bikes to warp the puny discs at the front. The rear brake is a solid and needed backup to the front.



Fuel consumption varies on mine between 22 and 35mpg depending on how hard I ride it. Bear in mind it weighs over 650lbs when fuelled, so when caning it away from lights, or enjoying the power delivery, it can drain the 7.5 gallon tank rather rapidly.



Front tyre life is approx 10,000 miles on Maxxis, less on Dunlops. The tyre has a tendency to 'cup' on the front before the tread is worn. This is due to the understeery nature of the bike. Rear tyres last about 5,000 miles. I found Maxxis bias belt to be better than Dunlop radials on all counts. Others swear by Metzler.



In summation, a good all round bike.

Was this review helpful? 6 0