Unveiled in 2007, Kawasaki claimed that the new GTR1400 (dubbed the Concours 14 in the US) was a new type of tourer – a supersport tourer. Utilising high-performance technologies from the firm’s Ninja range of supersports bikes, in a touring package, the GTR claimed to offer new levels of sporty riding, with the comfort and practicality of a long-distance tourer.
The heart of the GTR is certainly a strong performer. Taken from the firm’s 200bhp ZZR1400 hypersports bike, the inline-four engine has been revamped with new top-end components, including a hydraulically-operated variable-valve-timing setup that alters the inlet cam timing to give a broader spread of power, as well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Kawasaki also fitted the 155bhp engine with a new shaft final drive to reduce the maintenance requirements compared with chain drive.
The 1400’s chassis is also all-new, with a twin-spar aluminium frame, beefy upside-down front forks and an adjustable rear monoshock. The brakes are a direct lift from Kawasaki’s sportsbikes – four-piston radial-mounted calipers with large, petal-type discs and an ABS anti-lock system built-in. Sleek, aerodynamic bodywork keeps the rider out of the windblast, while an electrically-adjustable windscreen allows fine-tuning of the protection to suit different riders. Large, hard panniers provide ample luggage space, while a novel "keyless" ignition system uses an electronic tag rather than a key to operate the ignition system. There’s also a trip computer with a tyre pressure monitoring system built-in.
On the road, the GTR is incredibly fast, with a reassuring handling package and strong brakes. But it’s let down by a few flaws: fuel consumption isn’t as good as the competition, and the range of optional accessories is poor compared with BMW.
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