I recently made the mistake of 'trying' a GSX1400 when my other Suzy blew a head gasket.
Unfortunately I enjoyed the experience quite a lot (no not the head gasket incident, the GSX bit), but I swing the other way - I currently prefer '70s two strokes.
No, I'm not ashamed and have been riding them and others (bikes that is) for many years - in fact I'm old enough to have avoided shame for a long time.
I currently have a GT550 running, resto-ed a couple of years ago, just sold another 550 resto-ed 3 years ago, and a GT750 that has been less than enlightening for the last 18 months or so. And just started another 550 resto. so as you see, I like two strokes.
I recently tried a mate's GSX1400 and liked the experience, so decided to look for one 'just in case'.
Currently I do prefer 2 strokes, having ridden them for more years than I prefer to remember, but also ridden 4 strokes and driven 4x4s for many years. Hopefully that won't have upset too many, but for those who it does upset, soz about that. :rolleyes:
Anyway, I enjoyed the 1400 experience a lot and currently looking to buy one just to upset several people who are a tad more than anal. I like to be different and do what appeals. I still like the two strokes, but as I'm a Suzuki preferee, I thought I'd try a GSX. Hopefully, I'll not be too much of a PITA, but there may be daft questions asked.
Seen a silver 2003/4reg one that may fit the bill. Not perfect but very reasonable, and as a Yorkshireman, I tend to be 'economical' with the old currency. needs smartening a bit but reasonable.
First question is, should I look for anything that may not be obvious?
Second, where's the best place to get aftermarket bits?
Third, why did Suzuki think that the 1400 needed 6 gears?
Sorry to go on a bit, I tend to do that sort of stuff. :)
Keep smiling,
Alan
Welcome to the forum Alan, I don't think there are any big problems to worry about as long as the bike runs well and everything works as it should. Aftermarket bits are on fleabay, just bandits and a few other places on the web and it has 6 gears cos apparently that's what people want (even Harley have 6 now) like we don't want effective mud guards and huggers :whistling: .
Gidday from the other side of the world Alan, welcome to the club.
These bikes / engines are pretty much bullet proof, very understressed. How many miles does it have? Many of the UK ones are up around the 100,000 & still going strong - all depends on how they've been serviced etc.
There's the usual chain / sprockets, brake pads. The 14's brakes are nothing startling compared to newer radial setups, but they're adequate for most folk -and most probably better than you're use to on the GT550.
Sprocket carrier bearing is a known weak point for original bearings, but seem ok once done - some guys change them with the sprockets though.
Aftermarket parts - I've heard the UK guys talk about "Robinsons Foundry" as a great source of 1400 parts, I'm sure there'll be others there too. We down under have to buy online or order through the local Suzuki shop.
6 Gears? why not? Merc are now using 9 speeds!!!
Cheers :cheers:
Welcome :)
The only issue that has been common is oil leakage of the preload system of the rear shocks. It affects all years with the later years much improved but still there. Something that can be fixed by yourself or a suspension specialist. It cost me about 100€ for both together. To test for it, crank up the preload all the way and check for oil around the lower rings. If there isn't enough oil in them anymore, they won't go up or up all the way. This leakage does not affect the dampening, only the setting of the preload. Unrepaired originals are still out there - as I can attest.
6 gears, why not? You don't have to use it, it's like an overdrive. The 14s torque allows to ride in 6th at low RPM.
I found "Robinsons Foundry" to be quite expensive, but there are good deals to be had at times. I use them only to get the part numbers and buy somewhere else.
Yeah, forgot the bearings, particular the ones for the sprocket carrier (think they fixed it in the later years). The wheel bearings are also shite (for sure in the earlier models). The common thing is that they are only sealed on one side.
Does the org2 really need another rambler under our folds? :devil:
..since he likes oiled strokes... wouldn't p0rnhub be a better site? :mwink:
Just kidding, we like a good banter.
Welcome Alan H :onya:
Hope you find a nice 14
Thanks for the welcome. There's only 26k on the bike that I had a look at yesterday.
A bit tatty but nothing that won't clean/polish/paint that I noticed.
I'll run it all past the boss later :rolleyes: and then get the money spent when she's not looking. :onya:
Then I suppose the accessory catalogue will beckon.
Ah well, it's only money.
Money well spend :boogie:
Quote from: Blubber on Friday, 07 July 2017, 05:33 PM
Does the org2 really need another rambler under our folds? :devil:
..since he likes oiled strokes... wouldn't p0rnhub be a better site? :mwink:
Just kidding, we like a good banter.
Welcome Alan H :onya:
Hope you find a nice 14
Rambler! Cheeky blerry kids!!!
I'll have yer know that ah were riding bikes when yer were on'y a twinkle in yer mam's eye....
Hang on a bit, I sound like somebody that's been on planet earth forever....
Maybe 'cos it seems that way sometimes!
Pornhub eh? Thought that was for yahama and quickasfaki riders. Maybe not?
Got a link so I can check it out mate? ;)
Quote from: Alan H on Friday, 07 July 2017, 05:41 PM
Quote from: Blubber on Friday, 07 July 2017, 05:33 PM
Does the org2 really need another rambler under our folds? :devil:
..since he likes oiled strokes... wouldn't p0rnhub be a better site? :mwink:
Just kidding, we like a good banter.
Welcome Alan H :onya:
Hope you find a nice 14
Rambler! Cheeky blerry kids!!!
I'll have yer know that ah were riding bikes when yer were on'y a twinkle in yer mam's eye....
Hang on a bit, I sound like somebody that's been on planet earth forever....
Maybe 'cos it seems that way sometimes!
Pornhub eh? Thought that was for yahama and quickasfaki riders. Maybe not?
Got a link so I can check it out mate? ;)
hahaha :happy1:
there is a huge change your GT750 has the same first date of registration as me ( 1976 )
:welcome1:
alan
apart from the things said rear shoxs and sprocket carrier bearings .
generally good strong reliable bikes .
I'm on my 7th only 1 of my previous 14's done less than 10000 miles with me .
mostly over 30000 on each one.
the finish isn't brilliant but can be kept good with a bit of work.
have a good read through this forum you'll get a good idea of the bikes and minor problems folk have had with them .
plus on here you'd get as much help if you ever needed it.
seth
Welcome Alan,
As others have said it's almost!impossibel to go wrong, maybe workout your own priority list for aftemarket bits and I'm sure you'll find somthing you like!
Fork bottoms and engine casings take the brunt of wear and tear but it doesnt cost that much to get them all powder coated and good as new!
Cheers
Red
Quote from: Andre on Friday, 07 July 2017, 04:34 PM
Yeah, forgot the bearings, particular the ones for the sprocket carrier (think they fixed it in the later years). The wheel bearings are also shite (for sure in the earlier models). The common thing is that they are only sealed on one side.
Agreed on the sprocket carrier bearing, mine always needs changing with the chain (every 30k or so).
Disagree on wheel bearings, never changed one & 111k on mine so far.
Changed the rear wheel bearings, hardly any grease left. Like I said, one side is unsealed, but better protected than the sprocket carrier bearing.
While in place, the sprocket carrier bearing showed no signs of failure. But when taken out showed lots of rust. A touch of brake cleaner and it crunched terrible. Who knows, could have ridden another 10k+ without any outward signs of failure. 44k at change.
Hard to tell condition of bearings from outside inspection unless they are real gonners. Bearings are cheap and easily changed.
I check the bearings are ok every time the wheels are out, if they run smooth they are ok to me.
The sprocket carrier always feels rough by the time I wear a chain out & these days I just order one & a dust seal with the chain/sprockets as a matter of course.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum_test/gallery/0/1-290517235220.png)
Well that's it then.
Spent the money and pick up the 2003 model/2004 reg silver beast 'soon'.
I'll post pics when it gets home.
Quote - Third, why did Suzuki think that the 1400 needed 6 gears?
Yeah i agree.. should have been 8 gears really!!! :rofl2:
buy one.. you'll quickly understand why so many of us go for 7th and then fit a gear indicator !!
welcome bud
Stoli
Picked it up yesterday and well impressed.
Now the blingification starts!
Although I might just ride it and make a list of things to do this winter.
Quote from: Alan H on Wednesday, 19 July 2017, 06:10 AM
I might just ride it and make a list of things to do this winter.
That would be my advice :onya:
Quote from: Alan H on Wednesday, 19 July 2017, 06:10 AM
Picked it up yesterday and well impressed.
Now the blingification starts!
Although I might just ride it and make a list of things to do this winter.
So.. where are the pics of your new pride and joy? :whistling:
Here's one showing the tatty casing.