Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) - Review & Buying Guide

The Kawasaki 1400GTR (which is often incorrectly written as GTR1400) is one of those bikes that has somewhat cruelly flown under the radar. Living under the shadow of the ZZR1400, the 1400GTR was generally overlooked but when you dig into it, it makes enormous amounts of sense to buy – especially in the used market. As well as a monster ZZR-derived engine (with variable valve timing) you get a fuss-free shaft drive, loads of practical features such as an electronically-adjustable screen and even paniers as standard. And all for around £4000 if you buy a well-used example or £5000-£6000 for a tidy bike. Talk about value for money! If you want a comfortable way to get (very rapidly...) to some great roads in Europe, look no further than a 1400GTR.

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Price

Brand new the GTR was approaching £13,000, which reflects just how loaded with goodies it was. Nowadays you can pick up a first generation (2008-2009) model for between £4000 and £5000 but ideally you really want to buy the second generation (2010-2014) or final generation (2015-2017) as they have ABS and traction control as standard. There again, not everyone wants this tech. A second-generation bike will set you back between £4500 and £7000 while a final model is £6000-£9000. Realistically, look at paying about £5500-£6000 for a tidy second-generation bike that has less than 20,000 miles on its clocks and has had its expensive valve-clearance service done.

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Engine & Performance

As you would imagine from a motor that is based around the amazing ZZR lump, the GTR’s inline four is outstanding to use. With a variable valve timing system fitted (it only works on the intake cam and is a similar oil-pressurised system to Ducati’s DVT) to boost its low and mid-range drive, the sheer grunt the GTR produces is remarkable. With a claimed 100ftlb of torque it drives forward with seamless thrust and despite its hefty 305kg weight (which can be approaching 500kg when you factor in a pillion and luggage), never seems to be left short. And it is smooth too, with a lovely throttle connection and decent gearbox – although a few owners grumble about intrusive vibes on the first generation (just add heavier bar end weights). Add to this a shaft drive system (which the ZZR lacks) and it is hard to find anything to fault with this incredible motor. Unless you need to service it...

Due to the GTR’s monocoque design of chassis, servicing is a costly procedure as access is remarkably tight and complicated. The valve-clearance check, which happens every 15,000 miles, will set you back around £800 to £1000. Minor servicing is cheap at closer to £200 but you need to bear this big bill in mind when buying a used bike.

Fairly bulletproof in terms of reliability, aside from its mileage the only real worry that GTR owners report is the shaft drive requiring rebuilding. Generally, not until the bike passes 40,000 miles, always listen out for a rumble and look for a leak from the hub area as that indicates it needs a rebuild. Generally, however, if there are no warning lights, all should be well as Kawasaki know how to build a big-capacity motor that lasts!

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Considering the GTR is long and pretty heavy, it handles far better than you would expect. At slow speed its 305kg wet weight can feel a bit intimidating (a low seat height of 815mm helps rider confidence) but once rolling it feels beautifully balanced and delivers a lovely, assured feel in bends. The suspension (which was updated in 2010) has a degree of adjustability at both ends and overall, you would have to describe the ride quality as luxurious. In a straight line it is effortless and in bends rolls through merrily if you are happy to put a bit of physical effort into the ride. But its weight does throw up a few niggles that need to be considered when buying use...

Stopping a bike that weighs so much and can travel so fast is always going to put demands on the brake system, so you need to inspect it well. The combined ABS (K-ACT) is good but by now the rubber lines will need updating for braided items (Kawasaki state to change them every four years) and that means quite a lot of work as you will need to locate the ABS pump and bleed it properly afterwards. It’s a job best left to a Kawasaki mechanic. Check the lines and the colour of the brake fluid, ABS systems can be tricky to bleed and generally need to be done by trained mechanics using special diagnostic tools. Also inspect the brake discs’ thickness (both front and rear, remember it is a combined system) against the minimum level that is marked on the disc and feel for any warping, which isn’t unheard of. If the brakes are good, move to the suspension and check the remote preload adjuster isn’t seized up, which again isn’t uncommon.

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Comfort & Economy

The 1400GTR is a very comfortable bike that is built for covering big mileages. That said, if you are considering doing so there are a few things you need to bear in mind.

The first generation (2008-2009) isn’t quite as easy-going as the updated 2010 model as its screen is 70mm shorter and the updated model has a more comfortable seating position and better padding in the seat itself. Also, the 2010-onwards models have ‘ECO’ fuel mode, which automatically comes in when you are cruising and allows the bike to average 55mpg where the older one tends to run closer to 50mpg. On a big journey, this makes quite a difference both financially and in terms of its range. Take it easy on a 2010-onwards bike and you can hit over 250 miles before having to start looking for a fuel station, on the earlier bike it is closer to 220 miles. The 2015-onwards model has a screen vent to help reduce pressure as well as a redesigned seat, which are small upgrades and not that noticeable.

When buying used, always check the electronically adjustable screen (standard on all models) works as it is known to snap its mechanism, which is tricky to locate and replace. Check it raises and lowers nice and smoothly with no slipping or grinding sounds. When you ride the bike, avoid altering its position (especially upwards) at speed as this puts stress on the system.

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Equipment

The 1400GTR initially arrived in 2008 but this model was left a touch lacking in term of tech as it doesn’t have traction control and ABS was an optional extra. That said, like all GTR models, it does come with an electronically-adjustable screen, tyre pressure monitors and panniers as standard alongside a motor with variable valve timing, so it is hardly under-specified...

In the 2010 update Kawasaki added KTRC, the firm’s three-stage traction control system, alongside new combined ABS (K-ACT) brakes with two modes and an ‘ECO’ fuel mode. The bike also has a keyless ignition and 12v output alongside a repositioned cubby hole.

When it comes to accessories, most GTR owners stop at a top box and heated grips (cruise control was never an option, later bikes have heated grips as standard) with taller screens also popular. Very, very occasionally you see a set of aftermarket pipes fitted (generally Akrapovič) but that’s about it.

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Rivals

Potential GTR owners are looking at covering big distances, usually around Europe, and will generally do so with a pillion onboard. That means its main rivals are big-capacity tourers with an eye on performance as well as comfort.

BMW K1300GT (2009-2013) | Approx Price: £4000-£7500 (Image and review of K1200GT)

Read more

Power/Torque

160bhp / 99lb-ft

Weight

255kg

Honda VFR1200F (2010-2017) | Approx Price: £3500-£8000

Read more

Power/Torque

170bhp / 95lb-ft

Weight

267kg

Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-2021) | Approx Price: £2500-£9000

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Power/Torque

141bhp / 99lb-ft

Weight

292kg

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Verdict

Due to the fact it is quite an overlooked model, the 1400GTR represents excellent value for money. More practical than a ZZR but every bit as fast, it is a great long-distance hyperbike that has lots of neat touches and a very good reliability record. It’s not incredibly agile but it is a sure-footed bike that certainly can be enjoyed in bends after it has demolished a straight-line run.

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Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) -Technical Specification

What is MCIA Secured?

MCIA Secured gives bike buyers the chance to see just how much work a manufacturer has put into making their new investment as resistant to theft as possible.

As we all know, the more security you use, the less chance there is of your bike being stolen. In fact, based on research by Bennetts, using a disc lock makes your machine three times less likely to be stolen, while heavy duty kit can make it less likely to be stolen than a car. For reviews of the best security products, click here.

MCIA Secured gives motorcycles a rating out of five stars (three stars for bikes of 125cc or less), based on the following being fitted to a new bike as standard:

• A steering lock that meets the UNECE 62 standard

• An ignition immobiliser system

• A vehicle marking system

• An alarm system

• A vehicle tracking system with subscription

The higher the star rating, the better the security, so always ask your dealer what rating your bike has and compare it to other machines on your shortlist.