All Tests – The Ninja that won’t break you – Pre-Owned KAWASAKI

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The Ninja Who Won’t Break You

All Tests - The Ninja that won't break you - Pre-Owned KAWASAKI

Although officially Kawasaki considers it a novelty for 2008, the GTR 1400 has already been scouring French roads since this summer. Based on the ZZR 1400, the new Kawa enters the sport-tourism niche with a host of equipment. Converted test ?

The GTR 1400 may well be a "new Kawasaki 2008", it was presented in September 2006 at the Intermot Show in Cologne (read). It is true that after 20 years of good and loyal service, the GTR 1000, its steel frame, its engine derived from the 1000RX and its lines known by heart deserved to retire..

Its replacement, the Kawasaki GTR 1400, which already has a Tour de France in its hands, made a remarkable entry into dealerships in July (read). It only remained for him to pass between the gloves of Site: it’s done !

"Here is our own definition of tourism", begins Kawasaki in a presentation which, despite the resolutely GT orientation of its new model, smells of sport….

The Ninja Touch

"The heart of the GTR 1400 is a modified version of the ZZR 1400 engine", explains the manufacturer who did not hesitate to graft a variable distribution system (Variable Valve Timining, VVT) to its 1352 cc 4-cylinder in order to optimize "the couple at all speeds"and get" constant acceleration, combined with high power in the towers".

In addition, the new GTR adopts a monocoque-type aluminum frame from the ZX-12R and ZZR 1400, a solid 43 mm inverted fork, radial "reciiing" calipers at the front, a torque limiter clutch. We will have understood it: Ninja’s blood flows through the veins of this 1400 !

But at the same time, the Kawa receives a cardan transmission, a GT driving position, an imposing design fairing, an electrically adjustable windshield, a tire pressure indicator, a Kipass start system (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System) and the now inevitable ABS.

In the end, the GTR 1400 aims to be the new benchmark in sport-tourism: "the efficient, manoeuvrable and comfortable mega-sport tourer"according to Kawasaki … So let’s not waste any more time and go check it all out on the road !

A quick tour of the owner reveals that everything about it is disproportionate: its front optical unit, its mirrors, its fairing, its pot, its suitcases, its dashboard, etc. The GTR does play in the "big" court – they prefer that term to "big"! – and not intended for beginners…

As for the small sizes, they will be put to the test: the saddle of the GTR 1400 culminates at 815 mm high, which is 15 more than that of the ZZR (and 15 more also than the Yamaha FJR 1300 or the BMW K1200GT low saddle version, read and). Relatively wide, the saddle of the Kawa is comfortable but limits access to the ground by the "short on legs"..

Another test for the lighter: the crutching on the power plant! The absence of a handle makes the operation particularly difficult as long as confidence between the pilot and the 279 kg beast – dry – has not been established. But it’s not time to park, rather to start !

Sesame, start the !

To start the machine, no need to insert the key in the switch since it is already there! The Kipass in his pocket – this sort of small keyless remote control – the owner is automatically recognized by his GTR which allows him to position the key to "On", then to activate his 1400.

Without the precious sesame, the key is spinning in the void. This thus prevents malotrus from forcing or damaging the system, which calls for "the "Misty" encryption algorithm designed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation", specifies Kawasaki to the attention of hackers !

Extremely simple to use, we regret that the Kipass does not facilitate the opening of the suitcases or the gas hatch. For this type of operation, the "real" key remains necessary and you end up using the double, conveniently clipped inside the Kipass.

Once mounted on his GTR, the rider enjoys a most relaxing driving position: the high handlebars remove any constraint on the wrists and shoulders, the flat and comfortable saddle allows you to sit where you want and footrests located under the front part of the saddle prevent the rider – even tall – from having his legs too bent. We expected no less from a GT !

From his first outing, the pilot is surprised by the behavior of the "big" GTR: its 300 kg – approximately – hardly take off the 1st engaged. The tank that extends under the saddle significantly lowers the center of gravity while the long handlebars allow the bike to easily tilt from side to side..

Only its volume restricts the pilot

Only the volume of the 1400 bridles the driver, who will have to closely monitor his mirrors on the one hand – they offer good vision but are located exactly at the height of those of the cars – and his suitcases on the other. With a wheelbase lengthened by 60 mm compared to the ZZR and an overall width of one meter (more than the Honda Gold Wing, read), the "tolerated" gymkhana between the lines becomes delicate, as evidenced by the mark left on the left suitcase – but not by Site, Kawasaki France can attest !

Fortunately, the imposing appearance of the new Kawasaki does not go unnoticed in the mirrors of other road users, who move away sympathetically as it passes. In town, the GTR 1400 therefore allows you to drive serenely, the regularity and availability of its 4-cylinder at idle and at low speed allowing you to navigate quietly in the traffic..

Below 4000 rpm, the 4-cylinder in-line tows but does not catapult despite its variable valve timing (VVT) which changes the camshaft diagram depending on the speed and the position of the throttle valve, "reduced from 44 mm (ZZR1400) to 40 mm for a more linear engine response at low and medium speeds and greater ease of driving", explains Kawasaki.

The driving pleasure is certainly present: the revs are linear, the times are smooth and the clutch a bit hard but progressive is quickly abandoned thanks to the precise gearbox. But "acceleration when starting and when overtaking (above all, Editor’s note) spectacular"promise is not quite there…

An engine to refine under 4000 rpm

"Intake opening timing is delayed at low engine speeds, reducing total valve opening time and resulting in more complete and efficient combustion at low engine speeds", specify the Japanese engineers. On the ground however, the performances do not seem so different from those offered by the ZZR which does not benefit from the VVT, but weighs it is true some 60 kg less…

"An OCV type valve system (Oil Control Valve), electronically controlled, varies the oil pressure inside the cavities of a mechanism located at the end of the intake camshaft. When the pressure varies, the oil is admitted or discharged from the cavities through holes drilled in the shaft. The variation in the oil volume activates the mechanism, causing a rotation of the camshaft and consequently modifies the distribution diagram ", explains the manufacturer..

On the "full power" versions, the difference between the engine of the GTR and that of the ZZR is certainly more appreciable. Because in addition to the adoption of VVT technology, the cam profiles, the designs of the piston caps, the compression ratios (12: 1 on the ZZR and 10.7: 1 on the GTR), the mass of the flywheel. ‘alternator – "increased to improve engine torque at low engine speeds", assures Kawa – and the maximum power (200hp against 155) differs between the two flagships of the brand.

The fact remains that in the French version, the two machines offer a relatively similar behavior: wise under 4000 rpm for 1400 cc "Ninjas", they wake up and push vigorously up to 8000 rpm before turning off. rest, law of "without horses" obliges…

Once again, French legislation is sweeping away months of hard work by Japanese engineers … and wasting years of happiness for French bikers! A situation that is not ready to change despite the work of the FFMC … (read)…

This parenthesis closed, we remember that the new Kawa has in France a motor character a little too discreet, strong but not scary, especially in the first third of its rise in speed – we will not talk about the third third. Some will be happy about it, others will be happy with it and still others will regret it bitterly. It depends…

Fortunately for the more athletic, the GTR 1400 allows you to maintain enough speed in curves to have fun and its 121 Nm available at 4,500 rpm are effective. !

Agile and precise on the road

The slight tendency to engage observed on the front end of the ZZR is attenuated on the GTR by the increase in the shank angle which goes from 23 ° to 26.1 °. However, the front end of the new 1400 is surprisingly light, so the rider can take their mount exactly where they want it. In the smallest sequences, he will still have to give of his person to lead the Kawa vigorously. Nothing surprising.

Reinforcements in the steering column, top pillar and swingarm support provide excellent handling in more open bends and in a straight line. Accessible, the adjustments of the fork and the rear shock absorber – in preload and in relaxation – also allow the rider to play on the behavior of his motorcycle..

Fully unscrewed, the suspensions offer royal comfort but the sensitive recovery of the bike when braking on the angle pushes to seek a better compromise. The latter naturally depends on the driving rhythm adopted, but also on the loading of the motorcycle or the type of roads mainly used..

The braking is flawless: biting, powerful, it inevitably requires more effort on the lever than a frail Supersport. Nevertheless, the radial calipers with four opposed pistons effectively clamp the semi-floating discs "in petals"of 310 mm and stop the GTR with precision without any problem.

At the rear, the triggering a hasty bit of the ABS at the level of the 270 mm disc during the biggest braking only proves that the bike is watching, no more and no less !

To maintain a good pace, it is better to keep the engine between 4000 and 8000 rpm. Its noise muffled by the long pot "tri-oval"and the impressive foams wedged under the fairing lessen the feeling of speed, but the decor scrolls quickly anyway !

Highly stressed, the rear axle – cardan transmission – works in a completely transparent way thanks to the swinging arm Tetra Lever "one piece die-cast aluminum"- but not under the armpits, forget to specify the Greens! Without targeting anyone, Kawasaki assures on the other hand that"the bilateral conception of Tetra Lever offers much more resistance to torsion than single-sided swingarms "… Difficult to check on the road !

If the tires of the GTR are of the same dimensions as those of the ZZR (120 / 70ZR17 at the front and 190 / 50ZR17 at the rear), the new Kawasaki skilfully puts on BT021s. Composed of softer rubber on the sidewalls, the rear tire offers foolproof grip on the angle and easily withstands 100 French horses..

Finally, the ability of the GTR 1400 to transform into a "sports car" is completed by a ground clearance and angles of inclination quite respectable. Fans of arsouille – with weapons and luggage – can therefore be reassured: before rubbing the footrests, they will have to show a good commitment !

For those who prefer highways to departmental and long journeys to Arsouilles, the new Kawasaki does not lack arguments either. Its equipment is complete and calls for only a few slight negative reviews.

Perfectible on motorways

Starting with the electric bubble: in the low position, it gives the GTR an aggressive look, like two frowns above its enormous headlights. However, it is the pilot who risks giving him an even more threatening look….

Because on the motorway, the protection of the screen is insufficient, even in the high position (+10 cm): a good part of the helmet and the ends of the shoulders remain exposed to the wind. It lacks 5 cm on the screen to completely isolate the eddies – and therefore noise – the driver’s head. The "high screen" option may be able to solve this problem, major for a "mega-tourer"…

The knees benefit from good protection and are not hampered by the fairing. It should be noted that in winter, the leg guards can be moved to take advantage of the heat emanating from the large radiator..

The sixth report, qualified as overdrive and appearing as such on the instrument panel – appearance of the "OD" warning light – allows driving without tiring the engine. And for good reason, at 140 km / h, the 4-cylinder purrs at 4000 rpm! On the last report, overtaking on national roads or on expressways is therefore not dazzling, but the theoretical top speed becomes mind-boggling … We dare not do the math !

More interestingly in our region, sixth gear considerably lengthens the stride of a motorcycle that only carries 22 liters of gasoline. By driving calmly, the autonomy of the GTR – calculated in real time by the on-board computer – can reach 340 km. Site Certified !

Another concern, less penalizing than the bubble, concerns the front clutch and brake levers. Indeed, it appears around 4000 rpm – yes, at 140 on the motorway … – small vibrations! On long journeys, it is therefore better to put your fingers on the handles..

Always on long journeys, the life on board of the pilot and his passenger is tarnished only by the lack of space reserved for their boots. Even if the shoe size of the passenger is restricted to a tiny 36 – it was the case for our test! -, the pilot who likes to land on the soles of the feet may be embarrassed.

Fortunately, the rest of the cohabitation is done without problem since the "co-pilot" can easily grip the pilot with one hand and grab the passenger handle with the other. The seat is comfortable and according to some – some, more precisely – only lacks a good backrest…

Good equipment

Easy to remove and attach (see our video), the cases can each contain a full-face helmet and some additional equipment that will stay in place thanks to the tensioners. In addition, the saddlebags counterbalance the massive appearance of the front part of the motorcycle and their design blends perfectly with the grooves of the front fender as well as the fins of the fairing sides. Streaks that allow "instantly recognize the GTR as a real Kawasaki", rightly remarks the manufacturer.

On the tank, a large but shallow storage compartment allows you to slide your credit card, mobile or keys, but nothing too bulky. On the other hand, nothing can be accommodated under the saddle … But who would use a GTR without its suitcases? ?

The dashboard inherited from the ZZR 1400 is still as imposing – therefore readable – and complete. There is a lot of information but the one of which Kawasaki is logically the most proud is that provided by the tire pressure control system supplied as standard: "a first on a motorcycle", assures the manufacturer !

We would just like to be able to switch from one option to another by means of a simple button on the right stalk. And if there is one point on which this Kawasaki is exemplary, it is the lighting: as good as the headlights are big … Like what the size would ultimately matter ?

Finally, adjoining the height adjustment dial of the right headlight, is a direct current outlet with a capacity of 70W. It will equip the traveler with an essential GPS, a mobile charger or a razor for the more adventurous.

Close to the goal

According to Kawasaki therefore, "the GTR 1400 literally laughs for miles"…" and its pilot too ", one would be tempted to add at the end of this test, so much the new GTR 1400 seduced us by its capacity to drive quickly – hum, not too much anyway – and for a long time , despite some imperfections attributable to his youth !

By fine-tuning the screen delivered as standard, the character of the engine under 4000 rpm and the crutching on the central too difficult, Kawasaki will certainly offer a "mega-sport tourer"efficient – thank you for the cycle part and warmly the end of the 100 horsepower clamping – handy and comfortable !

Offered at € 15,795, the Kawa is placed just above the Yamaha FJR 1300 (€ 15,590), below the Honda Pan-European (€ 16,950) and even lower than the BMW K1200 GT (17,850 €) – "which will keep a higher second-hand rating !", arguably already the Bavarian. The choice is yours…

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