Kawasaki 1400 GTR motorcycle test

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THE GT

There always comes a time when every
motorcyclist wonders about the positioning of his passion. And
the current offer, with its various categories, its sub-categories,
only heightens the uncertainty. After some
decades and at least as many tens of thousands of
kilometers, it is time to also consider the road to
two, to abandon this sportswoman who – it must be admitted
– starts to get heavy in town, resting on his
handlebars-bracelets. And yes ! Even if we still like to play, the drift
of this type of machines, which have become perfect homologated racing motorcycles,
is the most likely to make us admit that it is
maybe time to think of something different…
Not good to get older !

Kawasaki GTR 1400

On the train that takes me to the European presentation
of the 1400 GTR – to which is naturally invited
Le Repaire des Motards in the person of your servant – last
born from Kawasaki, here I am lost in my thoughts.
Kawa seems determined to hit hard with this machine,
wanting to marry the irreconcilable: the union of comfort with
German with the breath and mastery of its ZZR. Make a
GT a machine capable of allowing the athlete to continue his sound
dream, like a certain BMW K 1200 RT,
but by pushing the plug much further still. Squaring the
circle if the thing is translatable into Japanese.

We get out of a sportswoman to generally turn around
towards a Sport-GT like … ZZR, or even the Triumph 1050 Sprint ST or
the Ducati ST3 if one is more reasonable. Initially, the
marriage is happy, but very quickly the passenger (who
her age knows what she wants, but especially what she does not want
suffer more!) demands more: comfort, protection…
And there, we say no! No question of falling into the GT otherwise it
is done playing – even if deep down, a little comfort
besides … – and then, driving with these kind of big limousines
it is also admitting that we are starting to age. The
traditional bad faith follows the age of its biker !

So, this GTR which has already caused a lot of talk on the forums
? Patience, we get there. But while waiting to discover it live,
what do we know about her ?

The first thing that comes to my mind is the mechanics
borrowed from the Tegevesque ZZR, a big four
1352 cc in-line cylinders which develops nearly 200 cannons
in its SportGT version, a real catapult that expresses itself
from 3500 revolutions (the electronics limit overflows
at low speeds). With us, alas, in its configuration
"Without horses", the beauty loses all her splendor and shows herself
very frustrating, not even benefiting from a
behavior worthy of the name. Damn law !

The GTR will benefit from the same mechanics,
probably a little deflated to adapt it to
its new use but … it has been added the services of a
variable valve timing, called VVT (variable valve timing) makes sense
gorging it on torque from low revs. Funny ! On the
ZZR, we restrict it to the first third of its curve and there it is
the reverse. Must say that the beast still makes its
279 kilos dry for a weight of 308 kilos in running order,
a downside for a sensible motorcycle to show us skills
sports. The clutch is progressive slip and the
motorcycle, euro 3 standard requires, is catalyzed. Admission is
supplemented by the traditional RAM AIR SYSTEM (air intake
forced) Let’s move on to the look, common to all modern GTs
which gives it a false air of FJR 1300, a little more racy however
in a beautiful gray or black livery (but nothing beats the
live to get a real idea), if not just a
thing is immediately obvious: the pair of stirrups
Nissin radial fixing which clamps two floating discs of
310 mm in petals! On a GT, this is an unusual thing…
Considering the weight and the supposed velocity, in a way,
it is ultimately quite logical. At the back we find
a 270 mm disc (250 mm on the ZZR) clamped by a caliper
double piston. The frame is aluminum monocoque style to lower the
center of gravity and stiffen the bike, that may be
to compensate for the excess weight? We can think so
given the expertise of the Japanese manufacturer in this area (ZX12R). Other
advantage of this frame, allowing by clearing the space of
compact all there is to talk around. For the rest,
we find the basic fittings of machines in this category
: ABS, a gimbal named TETRA LEVER, an electric bubble,
large capacity removable suitcases delivered with
travel bags, a small trunk on the tank, a socket 12
volts, but above all an interesting starting system
smart named KIPASS. This is a magnetic card
remotely recognized by the motorcycle which will never start
without it, just keep it in your pocket, turn a big button
attached to the triple tree and press "start
". Something else too: checking the tire pressure
from the dashboard. Something silly going in the direction
safety on such a motorcycle designed to take
weight at high speed.

The machine has an adjustable 43mm inverted fork,
Ditto for the rear shock that can be adjusted to the surplus
weight of a passenger via a large dial located on
the left side of the motorcycle.

The dashboard is analog type with big numbers though
visible. Above, an on-board computer indicates the time, the report
engaged, total mileage, trips, range,
the average and instantaneous consumption as well as level indicators
fuel and engine temperature. A button nearby,
easily accessible with summer gloves, allows
scroll through the different displays.

Kawasaki GTR 1400

Now remains to roll … I admit having a certain
can’t wait to try it, this fat Kawa, just to check it out
if the ramage is worth the hope suggested by the factory
japanese !

When I first discovered the 1400 GTR, I
find it more beautiful than on photo! We are dealing with a GT,
but the Kawa brand is present: enveloping shapes
but the stroke of the pencil is energetic. We feel that this motorcycle is sweating
the genes of her younger sister ZZR !

Numbers ? 155 horsepower at 8,800 rpm for a torque of 136 Nm
at 6200 rpm. Only ? Some would say, disappointed with
not to find in part the impressive cavalry which
the magic of the ZZR. There, the engineers present us
explain that this mill has been modified to offer
maximum efficiency over its entire rev range,
with the help of its VVT system (a weight fixed
at the end of the shaft, varying the angle of the cams by 24 °
) as well as injectors with a diameter of 40 mm (44 on
the ZZR)

Good ! Caused enough ! Action…

Discovery

The kick is instinctive. I take this opportunity to
test the stand: easy, even if the bike is not
lifting handle (which may upset some).

The saddle seems quite firm but the triangulation of the latter
with the half-handlebars and the footrests is judicious: we do not find ourselves
not, like on many GTs, with the legs disproportionately
unfolded and the positioning of the (wide) half-handlebars
leaves some support to control the front axle, without excess.
The reservoir allows the machine to be squeezed between the legs.
Well all that !

Contact (weird not to have a key) !

The engine lets out a muffled, almost banal noise. First,
Let’s go ! Heavy when stationary, the motorbike shows itself
extremely lively from the first laps
of wheels: miracle of a perfect centering of the masses. Clarification
: the motorcycles in this presentation are full versions and we
do not have our "without horses"

As soon as we leave, the rain decides to accompany us,
which allows me to see the effectiveness of the lower fairing
: I did not put on a combination (laziness …) but the
jeans stay dry! It is not the same with the hands or the top
of the body: the fault of a too low bubble (even in position
high) and not wide enough.

The time to take the measurement of the motorcycle and a first fault
appears quickly: flexible, the motor is hollow under the
4000 (fault already present on the ZZR), this
which forces you to play excessively with the box (a bit
firm but very precise), a shame on such a displacement
! The revs are regular, at
failure to show genuine character worthy of
this name. But the engine tows well … for a GT. Let him
benefit of the doubt, the bike only totaling 600 kilometers.

The first curves suggest a braking feeling
perfect, if not a very slight propensity
to raise the machine. Nothing serious, however. Which is great,
it is the reactivity of the supports on the footrests
: a very light pressure and the motorcycle dives forward
even thinking about it, great! On the other hand, if we try the
same thing with the handlebars, it resists by showing a lot
of inertia. Not GT behavior, that !

The suspensions work wonderfully between comfort and efficiency
real, I just take 2 notches off the trigger
of the fork (very sensitive to adjustment), and it is
perfect precision. We must also admit the excellent work
BT21s: no escape, even on this soggy asphalt.
Without entertaining the field, the printed rhythm is quite quiet
for now and ABS is totally forgotten. NS
take advantage to see that the mirrors do not vibrate and release
a wide field of vision.

The average consumption on the on-board computer then displays 7.6
L / 100.

Kawasaki GTR 1400

We are now attacking the (German) motorway. At 130, the counter
indicates 3700 on the last report, an overdrive which suggests
longevity and autonomy (barely 6 L at the computer).
The bubble in the low position no longer protects. Thumb pressure
straight up instantly … But she is still
too low and not wide enough for my 80 meter and I suffered a few
turbulence in the helmet and shoulders. Too bad, let’s do
with (a "high" option exists in the catalog). We can ride
here ? So Gas! Then appears a slight sway at
200 … I lower the bubble, the phenomenon disappears
but I take full face! Too large frontal area
? The suitcases ? An adjustment at the trigger level of the
rear suspension? I rather think for too much pressure
in the front tire (the indicator on the instrument panel indicates
3.1 kilos). When questioned, the engineers explain to me
that this pressure is quite normal. A point to check
in use !

To summarize, in the immediate future the GTR is showing
good GT, except for the protection of the screen and
engine behavior a bit hollow at the bottom. The phenomenon
darting only appearing at speeds now
highly prohibited, let’s say it has no consequences.
If we exclude the responsiveness to the footrests, an FJR makes
as well for now … with one detail,
the gimbal: this one is totally forgotten. This is what i have
tried better so far, a real success
!

But this devil hid her game well…

Finally a thinning! And the viroleuse … Go! Let’s see
so if the miss keeps her promises! As much to say it right away, I have
been amazed! And I’m not the only one in this case…
For a bit, it feels like a CB 1300, nothing less, but better
Again ! The ground clearance is very good, so much the better because there is material
to play with this motorcycle !!! We would almost forget its 279 kilos
she is so responsive and precise … Incredible
what this big machine is capable of! Of course, it is necessary
accompany him, but the motorbike is silent and obeys. Better ! She
want more and connect the curves with a casual
disconcerting! The icing on the cake, the gimbal that is done
always so discreet: you can downshift like a pig, nothing
don’t flinch! The limited slip clutch is there
certainly for many too.

I put a layer back to see: at most very
slight swaying without any consequence on a rhythm…
to go straight to jail! Braking, without history until
there, finds its full measure with precision and power
in unison with the capabilities (and weight!) of the machine.
This is where we can only congratulate the contribution
radial calipers. Just can we note a few small
reactions of the ABS which ends up panicking a bit
– mainly from the rear – but here I
don’t think the motorbike will be used like this often
! Incredible !!! We end up doubting driving a … GT! Another
assayer with whom I got off the hook …, uh …, I
rolled, could not believe it too! Yet a good pilot used to
to ride on the best all year round,
he was as excited as I was. And all the opinions of
other testers present went – in their great majority
– in the same way.

The icing on the cake, even by softening the suspensions
(we tried), the bike does not come apart and stays on course
in "manly" use, proof of excellent centering
masses and a judicious geometry.

Kawasaki GTR 1400

The tires

A word about the BT21s? Perfect too! No evasion despite
many damp spots in places. The 190
rear does its job properly, sometimes slipping very
slightly without any vicious reaction, and the 120
before calls no criticism.

Engine

Didn’t I mention the engine under these conditions? I’m there
come on … just drop a report and it is in perfect condition
adequacy with its cycle part: if it is kept in the part
high of the rev counter, it changes register and accompanies the tempo with
a certain aggressiveness while being very present.
The most common range of use is between 4 and 8000,
even if beyond that we still benefit from a
nice extension until approaching the red zone located
at 10,500 rpm. Unfortunately not having the possibility
to verify it, I nevertheless remain convinced that
reserves some surprises in terms of recovery and acceleration tests…
Under these conditions, the consumption turns around 9 L (maximum displayed
of 9.2 L)

Sorry for the max speed but the traffic very
dense German highways did not allow testing. Know
all the same that the motorbike, at 200, purrs at a small
6000 turns !

By the way …, with all that I was going to forget a point that
is important, I mean the fuel gauge. She
works using bars that disappear as
and as the tank (22 liters) empties. House
also has a valuable indication on the computer
on board with the remaining autonomy. When we reach the last
bar, we connect the function using the function button
on the dashboard (easy with summer gloves) and
the countdown begins. On mine, there were 78 kilometers left
when all of a sudden registered in French (we can
choose language): empty tank! Moment of loneliness, lost
in the middle of the German pampas … In fact, at this moment we pass
really in reserve and there are 4 liters left to gain the
next station. Quite frankly, to run out of fuel
with this bike, you have to put a certain amount of goodwill.

In normal use, the motorcycle allows more than 250 kilometers of autonomy.
Don’t forget that the way we’re going to turn the handle
will influence a lot on the consumption, displacement requires !

Kawasaki GTR 1400

Conclusion

Then ? Rather sport or GT the last Kawa? Both my
captain! If we exclude the few faults mentioned more
high, we are not far from faultless … I open nevertheless
a parenthesis concerning the latter which should be
nuance: the dip at low speeds? We forget it at
after a while. Better, in precarious circumstances
kind out of a wet greasy pin, the relative lack
as a couple can become an ally. Over the kilometers,
the engine was released and was much more demonstrative
at the start of the test. As for darting, it suffices
slightly lower the bubble or remove the
saddlebags so that the phenomenon disappears completely. A
another solution is also to take a passenger (the bike loves
!), but it is strongly recommended that this
last, rather comfortably installed, to have
arms long enough to reach for the handles located
far enough in the back.

The Japanese manufacturer has just achieved the feat of
reconcile sport and tourism in one motorcycle. Much more complete
that a ZZR for example, the latter can be worried
with the arrival of her younger sister who, if she is less exuberant,
has a number of qualities in common that she can blush…
while being much more versatile! Of course, the sport GT
will always keep its fans. On the other hand, the FJR can start
to tremble … We will forgive her, it is she who opened
the way of the sporty GT. The only unknown, how will the
BMW customers who seem directly affected by this disorder
Party ? The Bavarian brand has an excellent K1200GT,
less focused for my taste in terms of instinctive skills
driving (I qualify nevertheless because this bike is quite successful
it too, but more on the comfort side) and displayed at
almost 3000 euros more in its basic version. A comparison is essential
between the two.

One more thing: the 1400 GTR plays the big arms by going straight
on the grounds of the ZZR. Curiosity prompts me to consider
a direct confrontation between the two, because I doubt that after
having tried the GT, a lot of people will be wondering
selecting !

The price of this novelty now? 15,799 euros, one price
more than reasonable for the category in view of the services offered..

OPTIONS: GPS, high screen, top case, comfort saddle.

Strong points

  • position
  • comfort
  • maneuverability
  • braking
  • gimbal
  • behviour

Weak points

  • bubble protection
  • hollow engine under 400
  • darting at very high speed

COUNTER BRIEF: There are playful testers in the small world
from the specialized press, including a certain Etienne…
"Are you coming with me? We are going to make a loop of twist "
But certainly my friend…

Uh … Roll the animal hard !!! He inquires like a deaf person
by taking arched angles! Poor GTR (well, she likes
that …) is found very quickly in incongruous situations
for a GT! And go ahead that I expand to dive into this
left blind and come out like a bullet in a shower of sparks…
At the beginning, I try to copy my traj ‘on him and there,
nothing to do, it’s going too fast and I end up with 20
meters in view. I don’t like that … GAAZZZ !!!
Change of style: interiors with broken turns…
and it works ! I glue back to Etienne who gives a ladle
illico! The rhythm goes up a notch.

There, I end up touching the limits of the ABS (which I thank
by the way) with starters of panic at the front.
The machine starts to wave, but never in a vicious way.
Just a few glide bites from the back. We go on
thus an incalculable number of curves, pins and turns
of all kinds like pigs !

At one point, far away on the train …, uh …, in front of us
on the road, a certain Eric C., a well-known journalist, who gatouille
nicely waiting to overtake a limp in front of him. We spend the whole
(we talk about mountain bends …) with at least 50 better terminals,
our 2 motorcycles following each other even three meters apart,
to quickly disappear to the next right in a superb spray
spark! Well done for him, had only to
look in his retro, this dwarf! The worst ? Mr. even
didn’t want to play with us…

We arrived at the hotel with a banana until
ears !!! Thanks to you Etienne! I did not succeed
to do without, you gave me a hard time
by pushing me into my last entrenchments (and the motorcycle too …),
but what a pleasure you have just given me! By the way … you were attacking,
you ?

Datasheet

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