Might try riding a Rhino...

[Diesel]

At almost 30 kilos lighter (wet) than the Pan European, and with 160 horses on tap, the Kwaka Rhino looks like a really nice alternative. Had a sit on this one and all felt properly good. They are quite popular as a long distance weapon in thos communities too, and boast a lot of farkles as standard that we Pan owners have to buy and fit aftermarket. With the cessation of production of the Pan, the 1400GTR is looking pretty good.


Sent from my Note 4

[Bloodman]

Dont go to the dark side !!!

 

[Totgas]

I'm looking at the same thing, however the 2015 model which is a considerable upgrade.
As to the term "Rhino" - never heard of it.
A.

[Brock]

Is it chain or shaft drive, not fond of chains. cost of chaims and sprockets is a bit much...

[Biggles]

Ticks all the boxes, including shaft drive.
The term "Rhino" reflects its appearance from the front.
Was the bike on which Davo conquered Australia.

[alans1100]

I've never like the styling of this one; all the ribs on the side cases and the side of the fairing make it look ugly compared to the 1100........

[ST2UP]

They certainly do have a good name 

[Bikebear]

Small fuel capacity is a drawback. When they came out a group of us wanted a test ride, the local kwaka dealer basically told us not unless you are going to buy one. Needless to say he didn't sell too many.

[Totgas]

In comparison to the ST1300

PRO's
Cheaper (well they were when the ST was still being sold)
Larger panniers
Traction control
Tyre pressure monitors
Heated grips
VVTI
Increased PTW ratio
Faster 0 - 100
Weighs less
Keyless entry and
Power outlet

CON'S
ABS Braking not as good (totally revised in the 2015 model)
Faster 0 - 100 (who cares, this is a tourer)
Rear view mirrors align with your elbows (lifted in the 2015 model)
Reduced fuel capacity = less distance to next fill
Complaints about the seat (there are ST riders that have the same complaint) - (revised in the 2015 model)
Windscreen to low (totally revised in the 2015 model)
No cruise control (neither does the ST)
Not as stable as the ST

Cheers,
A

[Totgas]

Small fuel capacity is a drawback. When they came out a group of us wanted a test ride, the local kwaka dealer basically told us not unless you are going to buy one. Needless to say he didn't sell too many.

I agree, I had a devil of a time taking one for a test ride.
I can attest to the low screen and the front brake grabbing under ABS, although it was a 2013 model. I have seen 2011 models still being sold as new.
Also they had the new price down to just over $19,000 prior to Christmas as they know no one is going to want the pre 2015 once it's out.
A.

[Biggles]

CON'S
ABS Braking not as good (totally revised in the 2015 model)

Rear view mirrors align with your elbows (lifted in the 2015 model)

Complaints about the seat (there are ST riders that have the same complaint) - (revised in the 2015 model)
Windscreen to low (totally revised in the 2015 model)

At least they seem to be developing their product, unlike another company we are familiar with...       
Now if they just enlarge the tank, improve the stability and put on CC they've got themselves a weapon.   

[Totgas]

I've never like the styling of this one; all the ribs on the side cases and the side of the fairing make it look ugly compared to the 1100........

The pannier lids also come as flat with no ribs as an after market option, although capacity is reduced.
A.

[Totgas]

Kawasaki state they lean more towards the "sports" in the sports touring.
A lack of a CC is the biggest complaint especially when compared to the only other reasonable contender the FJR. 
A.

[BigTed]

Before I bought my ST in 2011 I tried 1 of these. Had it not been for the projected service costs I would be riding it now. I absolutely love this bike.

[Biggles]

the projected service costs

What were they?

[West Aussie Glen]

Also I think they are 100 mm wider than the ST

[Totgas]

ST1300 - 1,485mm (with panniers)
GTR1400 - 1,000mm (with panniers)

A.

[West Aussie Glen]

ST1300 - 1,485mm (with panniers)
GTR1400 - 1,000mm (with panniers)

A.

Just roughly measured my ST1300.
Width at the mirrors about 940 mm ( hard to measure)
Width at the panniers about 830.
Owners manual says overall width 860 mm
The wheelbase is 1,490 mm??

[BigTed]

Service for valve clearance interval every 18,000km (ST at 24) - Kawasaki suggest 10 hours labour.... wrong side of $1000.

[Totgas]

From Honda,

ST1300 Specifications:
 
Engine Type:           Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC 90° V-4
Bore x Stroke:         78 x 66mm
Displacement:          1,261cc
Compression Ratio:  10.8 : 1
Lubrication System:  Wet sump, 5-qt. cap.
Carburetors:             PGM-FI electronic fuel injection, 36mm down draft throttle bodies
Ignition:                   Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Charging Output:     740 watts @5000 rpm.
Maximum Power:      87kW  115hp  8,000rpm
Maximum Torque:    117Nm  85fp  6,500rpm
Transmission:          5-speed, hydraulic wet clutch.  2.57  1.72  1.29  1.04  .862
Final Drive:               Enclosed shaft with integrated dampers, 2.833:1
RPM at 60 MPH:       3,200

Dimensions:          2,270 x 935 x 1,485mm (with panniers)  89.4" x 36.8" x  58.5"
Wheel Base:          1,500mm  58.7"
Seat height:          775 / 790 / 805 mm   30.5 / 31.1 / 31.7"
Ground Clearance: 135mm  5.3"
Fuel Capacity:        29.2 ltrs, incl 5 ltr res  7.66 gal incl 1.3 gal res.
Average Fuel Usage: 18.1 kpl  42.6 mpg
Estimated Range:    525km  328 miles

My mistake,
So yes the Kwaka is 65mm wider,

A.

[West Aussie Glen]

Not yours, but Honda's and a bad one.

[Biggles]

Service for valve clearance interval every 18,000km (ST at 24) - Kawasaki suggest 10 hours labour.... wrong side of $1000.

I wonder if the Kwaka's valve clearances are less unforgiving than the STs?
I really doubt many owners of STs have their valve clearances checked every 24,000.  From what I've read, those who do find they are always within tolerances.

[saaz]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2015-kawasaki-concours-14-abs-first-ride-review.html

The last model was in a group test that included the ST1300, if you look back far enough. FJR1300 is the other Japanese one that keeps on getting improvements with cruise etc etc - where are you Honda

[Totgas]

Bet Australia doesn't get the green one... Why is it that the Australian distributors treat us like second rate customers... but that's a another topic.



A.

[Sabie]

Are they either cheaper than the ST or don't they hold their value???

Looking on bikepoint/bikesales 2008, 09 and 10 are selling for under $10,000.