Driving report: Kawasaki 1400 GTR

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Driving report: Kawasaki 1400 GTR
Kawasaki

Driving report Kawasaki 1400 GTR (2009)

Sporty touring machine

With many changes in detail, a combination brake and even a traction control, the 1400 GTR should convince the tourer fraction.

It is a well known fact that touring machines can only be relaxed for a long time. Big tourers now not only tear long distances in a hurry, but also take their tracks on country roads or alpine passes with well-coordinated chassis. From this point of view, the Kawasaki presented for the 2007 season fits 1400 GTR in time. The engine comes from the 182 hp ZZR 1400 speed bike – even if it was tamed to 155 hp for the tourist class and an elaborate variable valve control brought more pressure to the speed range. The chassis is sporty, taut and tuned with large reserves, and the cardan drive is largely relieved of reaction forces thanks to the complex Tetra-Lever swing arm. The seating position goes well with it: the slightly bent upper body and the relatively high footrests ensure load distribution on long journeys and an active driving posture on country roads. This successful mix does not change on the new GTR. In return, lots of details (see “What’s new”), plus interesting ones. The first thing you notice is the significantly enlarged fins on the side of the fairing. They should dissipate the engine heat better in the future. First gear clicks into place with little noise. Departure. The full tank of around 313 kilograms can also be felt in motion. Subjectively, the touring Kawa was never a lightweight. Even with the revised Bridgestone BT 021 tires, the steering still needs a back pressure in tight bends – at least less than the previous model.


Manufacturer

Better, but not good: the suitcase and driver’s hand are still in the picture even with the rear-view mirrors set higher.

The windshield can also be raised electrically between the short, dry switching processes. Its larger dimensions (seven centimeters higher) can be clearly felt. Drivers up to 1.85 meters have their heads completely spared from the hurricane, and their shoulders are now completely in the slipstream. A good thing, especially since the improved rear ventilation keeps loud turbulence within tolerable limits even at higher speeds. A look back into the rearview mirror, which was four centimeters higher than last year, but still relatively low. The suitcase and the driver’s hand still fill about a quarter of the mirror surface. You can live with that, but it’s not ideal.


Manufacturer

The red button above (K-ACT) selects the coordination of the combination brake, the lower one (KTRC) deactivates the traction control.

In contrast to the new combination brake. This brake concept, which has meanwhile become widespread among tourers, now also simplifies life on the Kawa. Both the hand lever and the brake pedal basically activate both brakes. The support provided by the front brake is particularly noticeable when you step on the foot brake lever. A clear gain in security and convenience. Two modes with different braking force distribution can be selected from the handlebars. And thanks to ABS, even less experienced people can confidently choose the “sharper” variant with more braking force at the front. Another goodie: the new traction control that intervenes in the spray supply, ignition timing and throttle valve opening. The slip control works brilliantly on wet cobblestones, for example. Instead of using hard control intervals – as is the case with BMW’s slip control – the GTR control system throttles the engine power after a brief initial tearing with a highly sensitive thrust control, thus preventing the rear wheel from spinning.


Manufacturer

Task accomplished: the complex Tetra Lever rocker minimizes cardan reactions.

According to Kawasaki, the control speed should be sufficient to avoid unwanted slides even in the acceleration phase in an inclined position. MOTORRAD will try it out in due course. As well as the effects of the so-called eco mode, which can also be selected from the handlebars. Subjectively, the fuel-saving mapping, which is supposed to ensure ten percent less consumption, takes nothing of the GTR’s liveliness and fascination.

Which, by the way, applies to all modifications to the lifted GTR.Plus:

  • Combination brake works effectively
  • Extensive equipment
  • Very good wind protection
  • Engine revving and cultivated

Minus:

  • Passage for the displacement class is moderate
  • Handling a bit sluggish
  • Limited visibility in the rearview mirror

Technical specifications

Engine:
Water-cooled four-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine, two balance shafts, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, injection, ø 40 mm, regulated catalytic converter with secondary air system, 490 W alternator, 12 V / 14 Ah battery, hydraulically operated multiple discs – Oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, cardan, secondary ratio 2.036.
Bore x stroke 84.0 x 61.0 mm
Displacement 1352 cm3
Compression ratio 10.7: 1
rated capacity 114.0 kW (155 PS) at 8800 rpm Max.
Torque 136 Nm at 6200 rpm

Landing gear:
Bridge frame made of aluminum, upside-down fork, ø 43 mm, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, double-jointed two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, double disc brake at the front, ø 310 mm, four-piston fixed calipers, disc brake at the rear, ø 270 mm, two-piston fixed caliper, composite brake, ABS, electronic slip control.
Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17
tires 120/70 ZR 17; 190/50 ZR 17

Mass and weight:
Wheelbase 1520 mm, steering head angle 63.9 degrees, caster 112 mm, spring travel f / r 113/136 mm, seat height 815 mm, empty weight 304 kg, tank capacity 22.0 liters.
guarantee two years
Colours Gray / black, brown / black
price k. A..

What’s new?


Manufacturer

The side fins on the cooling air openings characterize the appearance of the 1400 GTR.

Engine:
Traction control; Fuel saving mode

Landing gear:
Combination brake; Windshield seven centimeters higher; Ventilation slots in the cockpit area for reduced turbulence behind the windshield; Heated grips as standard; Cladding with enlarged air outlet slots; Rearview mirror four centimeters higher; newly placed storage compartment (left instead of center); Hooks for tank bag attachment; Display of outside temperature; Exhaust shortened by four centimeters; Front tire (Bridgestone BT 021, special code “U”) with thicker rubber layer and deeper profile; Payload increased from 200 to 228 kilograms.

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