Kawasaki Concours 1400

[Kiwi Graham]

Well just been for an extended test ride;

I've owned 4 GSX1400's over the years and found it to be an absolutely stunning bike to own. It does everything so well, commute, scratch, tour and even does a half decent job on the track. Its been an awesome work, play bike but I'm thinking time to move on.

Me and her in doors spent 3hours road testing the concours 1400 today, took in some motorway, highway and twisties. Did the Auckland - Miranda - Clevedon back to Auckland round trip with a coffee stop etc.

Overall impression was its a big bike but a nimble one, the oem tyres were shocking, no feedback and made the bike steer really slowly (first things that would go). The silencer would be the second, replaced with a dual ZX1400 system. Anyway, once set up (it was set far too hard) the ride was very pleasant. Adjusting the screen to limit bufferting on the motorway was a cool thing then dropping it again in the twisties was a nice option. Believing the bike would steer a whole lot better with a set of Michelin PR2's or 3's it made a good effort in the twisties, reasonable ground clearance, good punch out of the turns and very tractable. Maintaining a reasonable pace called for a fair bit of forward planning, she didn't like last minute changes of direction (but I feel again different tyres and a bit more suspension twiddling would help) but was a stable platform for what cam her way. The wife liked the level of comfort and would feel even better with a top box behind her. The front brakes were bloody impressive, there linked and one or two fingers will have her slowing down bloody quickly, the rear felt a little wooden.

It wasn't as nimble as the GSX but a far more accomplished mile muncher,the pace would be a little slower but is traded by better weather protection. Getting back on the GSX after the test felt like jumping on a 600. Over all we are pretty impressed with the Concours and with the few mods we would make to it believe it would last us for quite a few years.

Would be interested in hearing the views of other Connie owners out there.

[NZsarge]

PM Meanie or Banditrider, both have done 70,000+ km's on theirs. Either the Concours or FJR would be my pick out of the Japanese full house sport tourer's.
Edit: Apparently a change of tires does do quite a bit for the riding experience, both the above mentioned guys are running Road 2's with good results.

[banditrider]

PR2's are the only way to go - on my third set after trying Pirelli Stradas (good) and Angels (just don't go there). Here's the thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/59484-Pilot-Road-2-for-The-Concours-14) Meanie started about them and Connies.

Our bikes are both the first of the '08's although we both bought them in August '07. This means that they don't have the linked brakes, traction control, standard grips etc. The brakes (with ABS) are superb.

Some of my mods are: Oxford grips, Projekt D screen and hugger, Radguard, Stebel horn, Givi box, Garmin Zumo and +80 bulbs (make good lights even better). I haven't done the muffler as I like it quiet but Meanie has a Muzzy on his and it sounds nice. Another mate has a great stainless muffler that looks good and also sounds nice.

237725237724

Here's another accessory thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/55231-KGA-1400-Concours-accessories

The bikes are made to munch miles in comfort and that they do with ease (regardless of weather) and economy. Mine has done 4 GC's, a couple of Southern Crosses etc etc. A fantastic bike for this sort of stuff.

Like Sarge says I've got 71k on mine and cannot see myself parting with it anytime soon. Replacement bike (if and when) would more than likely be another Connie...

Video of my first ride on PR2's, chasing Cowboyz on his ZX-9.

kKG5SEDI_aQ

[Stylo]

PR2's are the only way to go - on my third set after trying Pirelli Stradas (good) and Angels (just don't go there). Here's the thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/59484-Pilot-Road-2-for-The-Concours-14) Meanie started about them and Connies.

Our bikes are both the first of the '08's although we both bought them in August '07. This means that they don't have the linked brakes, traction control, standard grips etc. The brakes (with ABS) are superb.

Some of my mods are: Oxford grips, Projekt D screen and hugger, Radguard, Stebel horn, Givi box, Garmin Zumo and +80 bulbs (make good lights even better). I haven't done the muffler as I like it quiet but Meanie has a Muzzy on his and it sounds nice. Another mate has a great stainless muffler that looks good and also sounds nice.

237725237724

Here's another accessory thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/55231-KGA-1400-Concours-accessories

The bikes are made to munch miles in comfort and that they do with ease (regardless of weather) and economy. Mine has done 4 GC's, a couple of Southern Crosses etc etc. A fantastic bike for this sort of stuff.

Like Sarge says I've got 71k on mine and cannot see myself parting with it anytime soon. Replacement bike (if and when) would more than likely be another Connie...

Video of my first ride on PR2's, chasing Cowboyz on his ZX-9.

kKG5SEDI_aQ

Got back from a 2500km trip up to and around the NI late last year, two up and loaded on our Gen2 Busa and would have appreciated the comfort levels I've been reading about that the Concours offers !

Might have to look at one before we plan our next trip though, we both love the Busa in spite of it's foibles. It's a nice point and shoot machine, even when loaded .

For the record I put a new set of the Metezler Z8 Roadtech's on the 'Busa before our trip and ..awesome , 6000kms so far and look fwd to a few more ....:yes:

[Kiwi Graham]

Thanks for the links banditrider;

Yep the standard tyres were bloody terrible and I could tell it had a lot more potential when suspension is set up and with decent tyres on. Have gone through a fair few sets of PR2's and really rate them and am hearing even better reports on the PR3's!

Spoke to the dealer on return and found out the blue colour option (our colour of choice) was all pre sold (8 in total for NZ) before it even hit our shores and all future allocated 'blue' options have been snapped up by the American police?? go figure?

So my list of jobs for the dealer to work on is;
Supply an 2011 bike and get it painted the Kawasaki colour matched blue complete with all badges and stickers, add a Givi 47 monkey box, radiator guard (those babies are $1600 to replace!), swap to Michelin PR3's and fit the 'supplied' ZX1400 dual muffler system (just like that symmetrical look eh!).

The one we test rode was a 2009, the 2011 has a few detail changes such as heated grips, traction control, tyre pressure indicators, larger windscreen, engine heat shields, re-located glove box (that locks), improved (switch-able) linked brakes and engine economy mode.

It really is a total package, as I indicated the only disappointment was its reluctance to change direction and lack of feed back that came from crap oem tyres.

Its a bloody nice bike, lets hope the dealer comes back with a reasonable deal. I wont be pxing the GSX, a friend is keen on it and he'd be getting a good well looked after bike too with all the extras or failing that it will be offered to the masses.

[banditrider]

All the Connies have the tyre pressure sensors and I can tell you from experience that they are worth their weight in gold as I've had early warning of two punctures. I even used this feature once to keep an eye on a slow leak so I new when to find a garage as I made my way to a bike shop for repairs. I now carry a repair kit and a compressor...

Early magazine articles rubbished the slow speed handling. I think that this may have been tyres or the journos simply didn't know how to ride a bike. I certainly have no issues with this and have chucked it through 15km/h corners with total confidence. Direction changes are simply a matter of thinking about it...

It is a big heavy bike and the rider does have to get their head around this. I've probably changed my riding style over the years - I trashed my original front tyre in 5,500kms and some of this may have been the way I was riding the bike. I also used to touch the pegs down every now and again but nowadays thats pretty rare - and I'm not riding it any slower.

Blue is certainly nice - there was no colour choice when I got mine but I happen to like the "neutron silver", it does hide the road grime well.

Good idea on fitting decent rubber from the get go - I'd definitely try that one on too next time. A radguard was my first farkle...

[banditrider]

PS: The Concours Forum (http://forum.concours.org/index.php)

[Kiwi Graham]

PS: The Concours Forum (http://forum.concours.org/index.php)

Yep, found it and joined it (same user name), already had a lot of advise on the twin system mod err 'farkle' I want to do.

I just like the balanced look of twin pipes, if it wasn't possible I would have put a V&H CS One on with the sound insert (read makes it quieter).
As it would happen the similarities to the ZX1400 mean the oem system of that bolts straight on the Concours with a few minor mods.

[Hitcher]

Before you buy a Concours, at least take an FJR1300 for a ride.

[AllanB]

The Kawa is a constant winner in the big bore tourer comparos - just read one over Easter in one of my USA subscriptions.


4 x GSX1400's! Did you wear 3 of them out?

[Devil]

Go try a K1200GT before you commit as well.
Here's a good looking example:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-370704783.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-372369748.htm

Electronic Fuel Injection
ESA - Electronic Suspension Adjustment (three modes: standard, comfort & sport)
Cruise control
Heated seats, front and rear
Heated grips
Adjustable handlebars and seat
Electric screen
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, servo assisted
On-board computer
Xenon headlight
BMW Panniers
BMW Tank bag
Top box mount

[Kiwi Graham]

Before you buy a Concours, at least take an FJR1300 for a ride.
Will do sir, as Allan has said, the comparison tests (which are many) point me in favour of the Concours but it would be fair to try the FJ too

The Kawa is a constant winner in the big bore tourer comparos - just read one over Easter in one of my USA subscriptions.


4 x GSX1400's! Did you wear 3 of them out?
Ha ha, they ave been around for something like 11 years now. Had my name down on one before they even hit the streets. Yep they got well used, but changed them to keep the milage down, warranty current and just because I liked a different colour. Its a bloody shame they stopped making them otherwise.......

Go try a K1200GT before you commit as well.
Here's a good looking example:
[url]http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-

Can't see it, I'm at work and IT have done the blocked it thingy with the trade me web site. But i'll look when I get home.
Pretty set on a new bike though, warranty and it being new and all. The BMW (new) is so bloody expensive!! and anything from their accessories range is stupidly expensive too!!

[Gremlin]

Pretty set on a new bike though, warranty and it being new and all. The BMW (new) is so bloody expensive!! and anything from their accessories range is stupidly expensive too!!
Tis how the other half lives tho... serious equipment for serious motorcyclists is my view.

Other cheaper option, would be the R1200RT (what the cops use). I'm sold on my BMW anyway...

[Devil]

If I had deeper pockets i'd love to get my hands on the new K1600GT. Nom nom.
Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.

[yod]

Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.

:shit::blink:

[Gremlin]

If I had deeper pockets i'd love to get my hands on the new K1600GT. Nom nom.
Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.
Your chances of buying that bike are so slim, it may as well be available on Mars only :killingme Get yourself a fully equipped 2010+ R1200GSA... they're mint :2thumbsup

[AllanB]

Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.
:shit:
What's a Gold Wing in NZ new? I only ask as that is one of BMW's target markets in the USA with the 1600.

Seriously I can't imagine it selling at that price in NZ - many excellent much cheaper options.

[banditrider]

:shit::blink:

Exaccery.........

[Gremlin]

:shit:
What's a Gold Wing in NZ new? I only ask as that is one of BMW's target markets in the USA with the 1600.

Seriously I can't imagine it selling at that price in NZ - many excellent much cheaper options.
Yeah, the Goldwing is about $46k new from memory?

Just saw the Concours 2011 is around $30k, which ain't cheap either...

[Hitcher]

If I had deeper pockets i'd love to get my hands on the new K1600GT. Nom nom.
Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.

Or you could buy a GSX1250FA and sex it up.

$16,500 ride away, with $3,000km for Givi Monokey system, $1,000 on the seat, $200 for heated grips, $3,000 for Ohlins rear and Race Tech fronts, $200 for a Scottoiler, $3,000 for airbox full Yoshi and a PowerCommander, and you've still got more than $16,000 change from a new BMW. Spend some of that on a zumo 550 and you've still got $15,000 change. Upgrade the screen and that's still $14,500 left to freight it to a foreign country and ride it around for a while.

You could perhaps even invest some of the remaining surplus to chuck on a set of radial mounted Brembos.

The only benefit the BMW would have against the fully sexed Suzuki as specced above, is fuel tank size and perhaps some super floozie gizmo information on the panel. The Suzuki is also not ugly and intrinsically assymetrical nor made in Germany. Make of that what you will.

[Gremlin]

The Suzuki is also not ugly and intrinsically assymetrical nor made in Germany. Make of that what you will.
Yeah... the BMW is just quality... The huge fuel tank and electronic suspension, plus 10k service intervals, oh, and shaft drive.

The BMW's ugliness I reckon makes it look more functional :yes:

[Devil]

Or you could buy a GSX1250FA and sex it up.
.......
The only benefit the BMW would have against the fully sexed Suzuki as specced above, is fuel tank size and perhaps some super floozie gizmo information on the panel. The Suzuki is also not ugly and intrinsically assymetrical nor made in Germany. Make of that what you will.

Perhaps you missed a digit in the post you quoted.
K1600GT. 1649cc straight six. 160hp and 175nm. Nom fricken nom.

Even if I was talking about the 1200, i'd still pick the bmw. $20k for a low km one.

[NZsarge]

If I had deeper pockets i'd love to get my hands on the new K1600GT. Nom nom.
Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.


:shit::blink:


Exaccery.........

I know someone who's buying one....

[NZsarge]

Or you could buy a GSX1250FA and sex it up.

$16,500 ride away, with $3,000km for Givi Monokey system, $1,000 on the seat, $200 for heated grips, $3,000 for Ohlins rear and Race Tech fronts, $200 for a Scottoiler, $3,000 for airbox full Yoshi and a PowerCommander, and you've still got more than $16,000 change from a new BMW. Spend some of that on a zumo 550 and you've still got $15,000 change. Upgrade the screen and that's still $14,500 left to freight it to a foreign country and ride it around for a while.

You could perhaps even invest some of the remaining surplus to chuck on a set of radial mounted Brembos.

The only benefit the BMW would have against the fully sexed Suzuki as specced above, is fuel tank size and perhaps some super floozie gizmo information on the panel. The Suzuki is also not ugly and intrinsically assymetrical nor made in Germany. Make of that what you will.

All fair point to be sure...
But the 1600GT one nice piece of kit! Would be a superb motorcycle provided it's reliable. Personally though i'd shoot straight for the middle and get a low milage Concours or FJR and kit it out with some nice bits including above mentioned suspension upgrades, Sargent seat etc..

[Owl]

If I had deeper pockets i'd love to get my hands on the new K1600GT. Nom nom.
Looks like the GT is going to be $46K ish and the GT-L about $49k. Hrmph.

They're not bad buying in the UK at 15k pound. Absolute rip here though!:blink:

[banditrider]

I know someone who's buying one....

Spill.........

[Hitcher]

Perhaps you missed a digit in the post you quoted.
K1600GT. 1649cc straight six. 160hp and 175nm. Nom fricken nom.

Sometimes horsepower is overrated. At other times I miss what my FJR could do when asked.

[Kiwi Graham]

Mmm that Beemer 1600 looks like a sweet machine but again the $$$ are going to put it out of so many peoples reach.
Same can be said for a lot of the big BMW range, for the price of a big cube Beemer with 20-30k on the clock you can get a new Jap mile muncher. There is no doubt they make a good package but the price!!!!

Dealer got back to me today with a price we really cant refuse. Very generous with their accessory supply and fitments.......most were free!!! will even fit my supplied accessories for free and swap out the tires for PR3's, pretty much everything we asked for and most for free, very impressed.

Agreed in principal on the deal, just got to move some cash around and do the deed.

[banditrider]

Sometimes horsepower is overrated. At other times I miss what my FJR could do when asked.

But torque is never overrated.


Dealer got back to me today with a price we really cant refuse. Very generous with their accessory supply and fitments.......most were free!!! will even fit my supplied accessories for free and swap out the tires for PR3's, pretty much everything we asked for and most for free, very impressed.

Agreed in principal on the deal, just got to move some cash around and do the deed.

Great news! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Seeya on the road sometime...

[Kiwi Graham]

But torque is never overrated.



Great news! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Seeya on the road sometime...

Heading down to Palmy in a couple of weeks (21st), if I can sort my self out I may give you a shout, wouldn't mind picking your brains if thats ok.

[banditrider]

Heading down to Palmy in a couple of weeks (21st), if I can sort my self out I may give you a shout, wouldn't mind picking your brains if thats ok.

No problemo!

[Devil]

Heading down to Palmy in a couple of weeks (21st), if I can sort my self out I may give you a shout, wouldn't mind picking your brains if thats ok.

Bring it out for a ride day at HD ;)

[NZsarge]

Spill.........

Norbert....

[banditrider]

Norbert....

Cool, we'll have to invite him along on a ride sometime...

[NZsarge]

Cool, we'll have to invite him along on a ride sometime...

Indeed, he's done a FNR with us before. Will be interesting to have a squizze at it when he gets it, he goes over seas for a while shortly then the new bike. He's got a '06 FZ1 Fazer like I had stashed at his nephew's place in Germany so he can go riding when he visits back home...

[Kiwi Graham]

Deposit paid and bike ordered, so now I wait :wait:

[NZsarge]

Deposit paid and bike ordered, so now I wait :wait:

Mint! Checked out some pre-loved ones on TM, bloody reasonable second hand buy too....

[banditrider]

Mint! Checked out some pre-loved ones on TM, bloody reasonable second hand buy too....

What do they go for at 200k - gonna hang onto mine for a while yet...

[NZsarge]

What do they go for at 200k - gonna hang onto mine for a while yet...

Your guess is as good as mine dude, there's 3 second hand Concours on TM at the moment all done 'round the 33k mark on for $13.5-14k. Good buying I reckon, a lot of bike for the coin.... Also a FJR for similar money and k's on there too...

[Gezza]

Best you check out the April edition of Motorcycle Trader regarding the above. I would have to agree that he's absolutely 100% correct.
Gezza

[Kiwi Graham]

Wow, saw my bike yesterday!
Looks bloody fabulous, the colour really looks the part and a better finish than factory!
Just have to wait until late Monday for a few final tweaks on the new (duel) exhaust system and she will be delivered.
Its been far too long off a bike (prob the longest I can remember!) so cant wait.
Pics will follow when I'm able.

[Maha]

Wow, saw my bike yesterday!
Looks bloody fabulous, the colour really looks the part and a better finish than factory!
Just have to wait until late Monday for a few final tweaks on the new (duel) exhaust system and she will be delivered.
Its been far too long off a bike (prob the longest I can remember!) so cant wait.
Pics will follow when I'm able.

Did you have it painted a more ''you'' colour Graham?

[Kiwi Graham]

Did you have it painted a more ''you'' colour Graham?

Absolutely mate, as you know blue is the fastest colour ;)

[Owl]

Absolutely mate, as you know blue is the fastest colour ;)

What colour was it before?

Oh yeah and keep an eye on stone chips.:(

[Kiwi Graham]

What colour was it before?

Oh yeah and keep an eye on stone chips.:(

They only had silver or black so had a silver one. The American police bought all the NZ blue ones and all they could get of the Aussie ones too!?
Porsche/Mercedes detailers did the respray and its mint. It is also much more resistant to stone chips apparently due to the way the paint and clear are applied (all very technical and way over my head). The finish looks like glass and it will be the only blue one in NZ. Colour and other mods done have all been approved by Kawasaki and will be covered under manufacturer warranty.

Its going to be a long weekend, wish I had gone down to Manfield now!

[Owl]

Porsche/Mercedes detailers did the respray and its mint. It is also much more resistant to stone chips apparently due to the way the paint and clear are applied (all very technical and way over my head).

All good Graham!

Colour changing a new vehicle is just a bug of mine, as I've seen too many fail. If done well, there should be no great concern.

[LankyBastard]

Looking forward to the finished result, i've got my eye on one of these too...:2thumbsup

[banditrider]

Ahem...we need pictures!

[Kiwi Graham]

Ahem...we need pictures!

Indeed.

Will charge the camera and wait for the arrival day :banana:

[Kiwi Graham]

Well here she is!!!

The Concourse specialists among you will recognise the subtle additions (farkle's) that have been added.
For those that don't;

Complete 07 catless ZX1400 Ninja twin pipe exhaust system (new)
Rad guard
Fender extender
Michelin Pilot Road 3's
Give e52 top box & rack
One off paint job.

Mmmm I like it :love:

[Maha]

Stunning Graham and you'll love those 3's....:2thumbsup
Theres a Chamios on the number plate....:nya:

[NZsarge]

Well here she is!!!


Mmmm I like it :love:

Yeah the paint colour is mint! Looks great but what with the ZX14 mufflers? I must say though they don't look out of place on a Concours.

[banditrider]

Well here she is!!!

The Concourse specialists among you will recognise the subtle additions (farkle's) that have been added.
For those that don't;

Complete 07 catless ZX1400 Ninja twin pipe exhaust system (new)
Rad guard
Fender extender
Michelin Pilot Road 3's
Give e52 top box & rack
One off paint job.

Mmmm I like it :love:

:drool: Very nice paint and the mufflers look great! Still missing and few farkles yet....

[MrKiwi]

niiiiccceeee:yeah:

[Kiwi Graham]

Yeah the paint colour is mint! Looks great but what with the ZX14 mufflers? I must say though they don't look out of place on a Concours.

I felt the standard single pipe was fugly as!
Plus I just much prefer the 'balanced' look of twin pipes and they sound so much better :niceone:

[Geeen]

Awesome finish on the paint, bet it looks better in person. :drool: That pink one in the last pic looks FAAAASSSSTTTT :lol:

[TomJ]

[QUOTE=Kiwi Graham;1130092982]Well here she is!!!

The Concourse specialists among you will recognise the subtle additions (farkle's) that have been added.


what a great job, beaut bike and awesome colour (might be biased but we all know Blue is best)

[NZsarge]

I felt the standard single pipe was fugly as!
Plus I just much prefer the 'balanced' look of twin pipes and they sound so much better :niceone:

I actually meant why did you choose ZX14 mufflers over after market twin set up's? I know Muzzy does a twin set up for a Concours but like I said.. The ZX muffler do look the part.

[Gremlin]

I suppose you were chatting to Henry a bit then?

She's real shiny mister. I could scrape her up a bit for you? Ask the mechs... I gots good skills I does...

I told the mechs it must have been good practise for them, and apparently there's been one other bike where they took it apart more...

[Kiwi Graham]

I actually meant why did you choose ZX14 mufflers over after market twin set up's? I know Muzzy does a twin set up for a Concours but like I said.. The ZX muffler do look the part.
I was after keeping the OEM look and remain 'stealthy'<_< . The option is always there for later though.

I suppose you were chatting to Henry a bit then?



You could say that, it was more a case of him doing all the chatting though and me doing all the listening!

It was young Zac that did the deal so big thumbs up to him, he worked really hard to make it happen and Experience went the extra mile too. They seemed as every bit excited about seeing the finished product as me, even Kawasaki NZ were on board with it all and gave it their seal of approval, couldn't have asked for more really.

[yod]

That.Looks.Bloody.Awesome.


Absolutely mate, as you know blue is the fastest colour ;)



what a great job, beaut bike and awesome colour (might be biased but we all know Blue is best)

Eggszackery. Blue is the shizznitz :lol:

[NZsarge]

Eggszackery. Blue is the shizznitz :lol:

Oh c'mon! Black is the new blue... and red and green and gold and...

[TomJ]

Oh c'mon! Black is the new blue... and red and green and gold and...
Black is for those who aren't imaginative enough to go againsr the flow. Blue wins every time

[Owl]

black is so yesterday!

So are ZZR's:bleh:

[TomJ]

So are ZZR's:bleh:

Got me there, wonder if the old girl still goes faster than most bikes here on KB!

[Owl]

Got me there, wonder if the old girl still goes faster than most bikes here on KB!

I'm sure it would and without question, kick mine into touch!:laugh:

[NZsarge]

I'm sure it would and without question, kick mine into touch!:laugh:

It matters not dude, your bike is black so it rules! :niceone:

[banditrider]

I like black but I love Neutron Silver! :banana:

[NZsarge]

I like black but I love Neutron Silver! :banana:

If we are talking silver it has to be LIQUID SILVER! :D

[Kiwi Graham]

I like black but I love Neutron Silver! :banana:

Well, technically my bike is silver...................underneath :yes:
But it does have a fast coat of blue on the top :lol:

[banditrider]

Putting colours to one side for a mo...

I was in at AFC today and they had a guy in with a brand new Connie with about 1,200km on it and some shredded Bridgestones! It will be very interesting to see how the PR3's go.

I've only got about 2k left in my PR2's so if you could get out on ya bike and rack up some serious miles it would be appreciated! :niceone:

241352

[Kiwi Graham]

Its going to be tucked up all weekend but hitting the road on Monday, long way to and from work for me :2thumbsup

Will report back on tyre wear as and when.

1,200k's and they were goneburger!! or just well worked?

[banditrider]

1,200k's and they were goneburger!! or just well worked?

I would say well worked...I got 5,500 out of my original 'stone front and 9ish from the rear. I didn't see the bike but apparently the rear looked fairly abused...

I'll never touch a Bridgestone or Pirelli Angel again...

[Owl]

If we are talking silver it has to be LIQUID SILVER! :D

Yeah but what's it called when it dries?:nya:

[NZsarge]

Yeah but what's it called when it dries?:nya:

:facepalm:

[Hitcher]

I'll never touch a Bridgestone or Pirelli Angel again...

I feel your pain.

[Kiwi Graham]

Putting colours to one side for a mo...

I was in at AFC today and they had a guy in with a brand new Connie with about 1,200km on it and some shredded Bridgestones! It will be very interesting to see how the PR3's go.

I've only got about 2k left in my PR2's so if you could get out on ya bike and rack up some serious miles it would be appreciated! :niceone:

241352

Well just clicked 8k on the Connie, the first three were really light weight commuting and the PR3's looked as fresh as the day they were put on.
Then a 5k trip around the South Island two up with full luggage saw the 'sides' of the rear tyre disappear leaving a very weird looking high in the middle with very deep scallops ridge and it was awful to ride. Pressures were all good 40/42. I know the SI roads are particulaly errr grippy ;) but 5k!!

Anyway got a PR2 on the back now, have used them down there several times in similar set up on a GSX1400 and although experienced a greater wear rate never to this degree.

[NZsarge]

Well just clicked 8k on the Connie, the first three were really light weight commuting and the PR3's looked as fresh as the day they were put on.
Then a 5k trip around the South Island two up with full luggage saw the 'sides' of the rear tyre disappear leaving a very weird looking high in the middle with very deep scallops ridge and it was awful to ride. Pressures were all good 40/42. I know the SI roads are particulaly errr grippy ;) but 5k!!

Anyway got a PR2 on the back now, have used them down there several times in similar set up on a GSX1400 and although experienced a greater wear rate never to this degree.

Hearing the odd disaster story about PR3's, next to no issues with the PR2's.. Perhap's newest is not always best eh...

[banditrider]

I reckon the sides do wear more than the 2's but in saying that mine have about 9k on them (3k on those South Island roads) and the rear is just about done in the centre. Also not really enjoying the front end feel at the mo. Might get a bit more out of them but will also be going back to 2's...

My ranking so far would be (best to worst):
PR2's
Pirelli Stradas
PR3's
and hard to pick the worst from the original 'stones and Pirelli Angels. The 'stones were probably better but I shredded the front pretty quick.

Depending on pricing I could be persuaded to try the Z8's as Brian has done all right on one rear and got the same on at the mo. I tend to be harder on rubber than him though...

[banditrider]

Hmmmmm.....

259771259772

[Hitcher]

It's so black, even its white bits are black.

[NZsarge]

Hmmmmm.....



I kinda like it but it really is a bit much.. It's got a Sargent seat on it I see.