Cheap classics: Kawasaki GTR1000

Classics would have become prohibitive. Only bought by wealthy investors, investors and opportunists. NOT!

The range and the prices have never been better. We just don't talk about AC Cobras, Lamborghinis, MV Agustas and Münch Mammuts. Because whoever does not cry along with the wolves realizes in peace that cars and motorbikes from day one have been unaffordable for 99,7% of people. So now we can just keep dreaming about it.

Very cheap

The fact that you are currently buying a Kawasaki GTR1000 (1986-1999) between € 400-2.000, is irrefutable proof that a classic doesn't have to be expensive. And a spotlessly awakened kissed Suzuki Altootje from a really old lady for only € 250, including the automatic transmission is also not much. But just as well: An acquaintance bought a GTR 1000. As a daily driver. He now has three: The engine with which he still commutes 80 km / day, a ZGAN copy and perfect copy, unfortunately without an engine block. Such a Kawa is not an iconic classic. In his time it was 'just' a very good selling heavy and fast touring motorcycle. And he actually is now.

Add to that the Kawazaki GTR1000 - unlike the Goldwing and the Yamaha XVZ13 - was really designed for Europe. In short: He controls and he brakes. The streamline provides excellent protection and the standard cases are good and removable.

It is a real Kawasaki

As befits the reputation of the brand, the muscular four-cylinder engine delivers very sporty performance. The strongest version delivered 110 hp. And in 2018 that is still more than enough. From 2.500 rpm, the engine already wants to work, but the case only gets going from about 4.000 rpm. If you are often in high revs, you pay for it at the pump. A consumption of 1 to 13 is then quite realistic. Fortunately, the tank is 28,5 liters, so it doesn't degenerate into a triple jump between the gas stations. The GRT1000 is a touring bike, a fast touring bike, but still. There is no lack of comfort for driver and passenger M/V. The fairing offers a lot of protection and most Kawazaki GTR1000's that you find now already have a somewhat higher fairing than Kawasaki had thought. That saves a lot of turbulence around the helmet. The Kawasaki GTR1000 weighs almost 300 kilograms when ready to ride. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to handle on the road. Only when maneuvering by hand do you really feel the kilos. And the Kawa is not afraid of bends either. Whether they are long runners or tight secondary ones.

The problems

The first models (from before 1987) had problems with the oil supply to the camshafts. From 1988 onwards, the problems with the camshaft chain and the tensioner were also solved. Difficult shifting can be the result of worn shift forks. And also the Kawazaki GTR1000 belongs to the Japanese classics where trouble-free mileage above the ton can be achieved. In the meantime, weird steering behavior can be caused by wear of steering and wheel bearings. Moreover, the Kawa really does not steer well when the rear tire is at the last quarter of its tread depth.