Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki1400 GTR 2008 The icebreaker of the road

the GTR is 20 years old. Kawasaki's renowned tourer, this now-wise motorcycle is giving way to an all-new, much larger machine. Even if it meant making a new sport-GT, and assuming that at Kawa we're all about shock and awe, the green team simply adapted the monstrous 1400 ZZR to travel, and designed a new road-going liner.

A vessel to rival the BMW K 1200 GT and Yamaha 1300 FJR, with the same kind of weapons, only sharper, stronger, meaner, more Kawa. Already, when you spot the beast, you're less of a show-off.

It's a big machine with an imposing stature, giving off an impression of strength and tenacity that's more than respectable. Beneath the GTR's specific fairing panels (certainly more protective than those of the ZZR), the soul of this 200-hp ground-to-ground missile slumbers. Same aluminum frame, inverted fork and all-radial braking system... That's a lot of hardware for a sport-GT. The equipment fitted to this "Supersport Transcontinental" gives an idea of the claims of this vessel: cardan shaft transmission, standard ABS, 12 V power socket, stylish, rigid and removable saddlebags, glovebox on the tank... and also features we're going to dwell on a little more: VVT engine timing system, tire pressure control, KIPASS starting system and electrically adjustable windscreen.

And to cut kilometers, the same big 1352 cm3 mill. The engine-makers have brought it down to 155 hp and 13.9 mkg. Values that enable it to outperform the K 1200 GT and become the most powerful new cruiser in grand touring. But more than power, it's the engine's incredible availability that will delight long-distance travellers. And how to get even more torque and pleasure from mid-range. A special feature: the spark plug is equipped with a variable valve timing system. A process designed to optimize torque according to rpm. Honda tried this with its VFR V-Tec, with mixed success. Will the Kawa process be similar or more advanced, like the continuously variable system found on certain car engines (BMW, Porsche)?

VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SYSTEM

The GTR 1400 inaugurates this new variable valve timing (VVT) system, which makes it possible to vary the engine's filling curves. Explanation: the VVT acts directly on the intake camshaft, over a 25° range of rotation. To do this, an oil-pressurized bell housing controls the camshaft. By regulating the pressure in this chamber, the VVT optimizes engine behavior, response and torque; intake and valve movements are constantly adapted. The moment of intake opening is delayed at low revs, reducing the total valve opening time and resulting in a more complete and efficient combustion at low revs. Combined with the large cubic capacity of this mill, the GTR will offer us great acceleration and excellent power availability.

TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM

This big tourer is the first to feature a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. A sensor inside each rim continuously measures air pressure, and indicates this on the machine's info-packed instrument panel. If this pressure drops below a certain critical value, a signal is transmitted to the KIPASS electronic control unit. A warning message informs you of the pressure drop and its value.

KEYLESS START SYSTEM

No more ignition key! Make way for the electronic card. The keyless ignition system has arrived in the world of motorcycles. Among 4-wheelers, this system has existed since 1999, and was also inaugurated on a grand tourer: the Mercedes S-Class.
On the technical side, we'll try to keep things simple, despite the messy electronics... Before starting off, pressing the ignition switch enables the KIPASS module to communicate via radio waves with the motorcycle's electronic board (stashed in your pocket, backpack or coffee thermos). After recognition, the KIPASS releases the motorcycle's electronic management and all that's left to do is start the engine. Handy when you've just put on your rain jacket and the key is deep in your trouser pocket, completely inaccessible.

ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE WINDSCREEN

It's not an innovation, but the adjustment of this appendage is always appreciated, if not indispensable on this kind of machine. The GTR 1400's electrically adjustable windscreen pivots on an axis as it rises. This deflects the airflow so that it passes just above the helmet. Kawasaki took advantage of the "hypersport styling philosophy, which forces the air mass to flow aerodynamically around the rider to reduce turbulence". The references to sport are numerous in Kawa's discourse, making the new GTR a hyper-roader with hypersport genes.

like all good road devourers, the GTR has a center stand and a drive shaft. The one fitted to this Kawa is particularly intriguing, with its singular swingarm. Called the Tetra-Lever, it consists of 2 double articulated arms; the left-hand one is connected at its center to the cardan shaft, demonstrating a certain similarity to the system developed by BMW and Moto-Guzzi. Still on the transmission side, like more and more hypersports models, the GTR adopts a torque-limiting clutch as standard, preventing the rear wheel from locking up when downshifting at high revs. This ensures smooth corner entry and impressive corner exits.
For comfort, the GTR's grips are located 96 mm further back and 100 mm higher than those of the ZZR, enabling a more relaxed, upright riding position, protected by the electrically adjustable windscreen. Kawa has addressed the heat dissipated by the fairing sides and installed removable leg guards. These create a flow of air around the motorcycle, keeping engine heat away from the rider's legs. By moving the leg protectors, the heat from the radiator can warm the legs more easily in cold weather.
As for storage, each case (waterproof and supplied as standard) can carry up to 10 kgs of gear. A small glove compartment is located on the front of the tank, and a resin luggage rack is also fitted as standard. A word of warning, though, as this only accepts a load of 10 kgs - not quite enough.

Could we be looking at a future GT sports benchmark? Kawa has pulled out all the stops to make its inter-continental cruiser a cut above the competition, and probably a technological showcase. What's more, the manufacturer promises sporty handling for this high-potential traveler. What's more, it's so mouth-watering that we want to believe it. Launched in July, the GTR 1400 is priced at just under 16,000 euros, with a little extra for France: owners will benefit from a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A 3D VIEW OF THE KAWASAKI GTR 1400.

M.B - manufacturer's photos