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I'll be taking a test ride soon

2K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  LA-K12GT 
#1 ·
Hopefully, soon if the stars are aligned I want to test ride the GT.

I was wondering what your opinions were on things to consider, review, etc. while in the moment.

The SO and I have been riding an R1100R for the past few years and need something more to take longer rides on.
We took an Edelweiss tour in Tucson a couple weeks ago on an '05 RT and had a blast. It was very easy to manage and smoother than my R. Keep in mind my R without the cases weighs as much as the new RT . Because of the topcase (which I don't have on the R) she was able to ride without her backbrace. Her only complaint was that the pegs were too close in but they seem to be a bit further out on the GT.

I don't expect to be going very far and will be doing it solo, just want to get a feel for the bike. I've sat on it a few times and feels much like my R only more roomy and obviously a bit top-heavy. But I understand that goes away once it's moving. My only major concern is slow-speed handling.

Sorry this is so long, just wondered what others would think of to keep in mind on a test ride.

Thanks.
 
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#2 ·
I have to admit that I purchased my 06 GT without ever test riding the bike. I saw it at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show last December and went to the dealer the next week and gave them a deposit.

The first few moments (miles) where nothing short of exhilarating. Some things took a slight getting used to and were a bit distracting, like the clutch release contact point, feel of the brakes, etc., but when you give this beast some throttle and take a turn or two, there is no looking back. I tested the ESA which I think is one of the best features, the brakes which I was familiar with from the LT and the POWER!!

I am coming off a 99 KRS and an 02 LT. If you think this bike is top heavy, don't try the LT. I thought the KRS was the fastest and smoothest bike in the world and then came the new GT.

You'll see it everywhere on this site but make sure that you don't bring your checkbook because there is a strong possibility that you will be riding one home.

Enjoy the test ride none the less!!

Pete D.
Simi Valley, CA
 
#4 ·
AND to make you feel even better about your potential ownership, my future 06 CGM KGT was still in the shop being uncrated when I saw it the first time. I had never even seen the new KGT until then and I bought it on the spot.

Save yourself an extra trip and bring your checkbook with you! :D :D :D

John
06 CGM KGT
 
#6 ·
Motorwerk said:
I don't expect to be going very far and will be doing it solo, just want to get a feel for the bike. I've sat on it a few times and feels much like my R only more roomy and obviously a bit top-heavy. But I understand that goes away once it's moving. My only major concern is slow-speed handling.
Top heavy? Umm...that isn't how I would describe my GT. And at 5-10 mph, I can do 15' circles with ease. I've yet to have anyone keep up with me on the likes of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.

I live about 1/2 hour from you. Maybe we should hook up soon, before the snow flies.
 
#7 ·
Well I took the short test ride and here's the results:

- The engine was smooth and linear but I would not say it's scarry as some have mentioned. Although it is suprising how quickly it's up to speed without realizing it. And it's deceptive about how fast you are actually moving compared to how it feels. No wonder you guys are such big contributors to your local government. :D

- The seat, it sucks big time. Hits me right under the thighs in the wrong way. I've never been a big complainer with seats but this one needs a re-design badly. It's so narrow front-to-back that there is no way to readjust yourself for comfort. Sat on another GT with the low seat and it felt a bit better - seemed flatter.

- Handling was surprisingly easy. The top-heavy feeling really is not an issue while moving and was easy to get used to stopped as well. It's is a bit more reluctant to turn-in in comparison to the RT probably because of the wheelbase difference but not an issue. It does hold a line well.

- Shifting is much different from the boxers. 95% of the clutch throw is useless, they should probably just shorten it. I had trouble down-shifting, kept pressing down but nothing. I think it's just technique and being used to the boxer tranny. You need take your foot completely off the shifter with each down stroke.

- What surprised me most was how noisy it was. The engine is very loud and with the standard windscreen I could not find a quiet spot anywhere at any speed. I normally wear earplugs but left them out to hear the engine and such but had to stop to put them back in at it was still very loud. I think it may have something to do with shape of the fairing or something. Even doing triple digits on the RT it was not this loud. Wondered if you guys had the same opinion.

It's still up for debate on a Spring purchase - I need to get the SO on it to gauge her opinion but mostly to get another ride. That's if the weather cooperates.

Joe, it's looking less and less likely due to the elements but you never know. There's still salt on some of the roads around here from last weeks snow!
 
#8 ·
Motorwerk said:
...
- What surprised me most was how noisy it was. The engine is very loud and with the standard windscreen I could not find a quiet spot anywhere at any speed. I normally wear earplugs but left them out to hear the engine and such but had to stop to put them back in at it was still very loud. I think it may have something to do with shape of the fairing or something. Even doing triple digits on the RT it was not this loud. Wondered if you guys had the same opinion....
Noisy?

Coming off a rattly RT myself (i.e. valve train racket and initial piston slap) and even moreso on startup, dunno how the GT is noisy?

To me it fires right up like a sweet 10 cylinder Viper and sounds far better -- imho.
 
#11 ·
- The engine was smooth and linear but I would not say it's scarry as some have mentioned. Although it is suprising how quickly it's up to speed without realizing it. And it's deceptive about how fast you are actually moving compared to how it feels. No wonder you guys are such big contributors to your local government.

****** Depends on the bike you are coming from. GT is the biggest bike I ever riden, I think it is very fast, very powerful... Hang on if you RPM over 8000 rpm.

- The seat, it sucks big time. Hits me right under the thighs in the wrong way. I've never been a big complainer with seats but this one needs a re-design badly. It's so narrow front-to-back that there is no way to readjust yourself for comfort. Sat on another GT with the low seat and it felt a bit better - seemed flatter.

****** I know most original seat is never as good as aftermarket. I never have problem with any original seat before. GT seat is fine for me so far.

- Handling was surprisingly easy. The top-heavy feeling really is not an issue while moving and was easy to get used to stopped as well. It's is a bit more reluctant to turn-in in comparison to the RT probably because of the wheelbase difference but not an issue. It does hold a line well.

****** Yes. I got both RT (my friend's) and GT (mine) in my garage... RT is more agile... Steering is ligher than GT. RT's handlebar is wider, which make it easier to turn...

- Shifting is much different from the boxers. 95% of the clutch throw is useless, they should probably just shorten it. I had trouble down-shifting, kept pressing down but nothing. I think it's just technique and being used to the boxer tranny. You need take your foot completely off the shifter with each down stroke.

****** Yes, 1, 2 and 3 gears are clunckly... RT are really smooth... I never have problem up shifting or downshifting on my GT...

- What surprised me most was how noisy it was. The engine is very loud and with the standard windscreen I could not find a quiet spot anywhere at any speed. I normally wear earplugs but left them out to hear the engine and such but had to stop to put them back in at it was still very loud. I think it may have something to do with shape of the fairing or something. Even doing triple digits on the RT it was not this loud. Wondered if you guys had the same opinion.

****** I don't think noisy is the correct word. When RT and GT start up and park side by side. Yes, GT's is louder... I meant powerful louder... GT sounds GOOOODDDDD!!! RT sounds terrible... Like there is no oil in the engine!!! :)
 
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