Hi, I'm Julian or aka Tingus which is my forum name.
I've decided to join up to get a better understanding of the bike which i just fell in love with after merely glancing at.
I would love to hear some feedback and advice from people as I'm kind of in a tricky situation or maybe I'm running before I can walk.
Currently I only have a CBT and will be starting my DAS lessons in the next week or so with the ambition to finish this in the next two months.
I bought the motorbike as a means to push myself and a form of holy grail at the end of the tunnel.
I kinda want your insights whether this is too much of a big leep as some may call it.
Apologies in advance for grammar, as i say to the guys at work "I don't do content"! :boogie: (web developer)
What's your views?
Here's the beauty which I got last weekend:
(https://preview.ibb.co/gJiqfo/IMG_6529.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nDe7RT)
Welcome - Croeso :smile2:
:welcome1:
To all things 1402
Hopefully your on the road very soon .
In the mean time have a good look through the forum as loads of info here
:cheers:
Hi Tingus, welcome to the forum. Very nice tidy looking bike you've got yourself.
Ya should put your location & country into your profile (doesn't have to be exactly where you are) so other members that are local to you can assist if required.
The 14 is a big girl but usually very well mannered. Take your time getting used to the size & weight before you go letting her rip with a big handful.
Quote from: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 03:16 AM
Hi Tingus, welcome to the forum. Very nice tidy looking bike you've got yourself.
Ya should put your location & country into your profile (doesn't have to be exactly where you are) so other members that are local to you can assist if required.
The 14 is a big girl but usually very well mannered. Take your time getting used to the size & weight before you go letting her rip with a big handful.
Thanks for the response Kiwi and just sussed out how to do the location, cheers for the heads up!
Yea I just hope I can cope with it. Kinda got the feeling I've run before walking, but heck the bike is a beaut so kinda disregarded the engine size at the time :rolleyes:
@Red Biker is close to you .
I'm from Nottingham but currently in my 30th year doing missionary work in Scotland.
As said just go easy at first and you'll go just fine .
From what I remember of my last visit south there are loads of average speed camaras down your way .
Good luck and ride safe
:onya:
Notts, I'm sure there are a few members in the area.
What you riding at the moment? We don't use the terms CBT & DAS downunder, but I assume you're still on a learners permit sort of thing.
Welcome Tingus!
Hi Tingus Welcome to the forum fella :onya:
Del
Bienvenue Tingus! :8:
That's one BIG first post cut machine! Take it slow! But persevere, it will be worth it.
Not sure where you will go afterwards as most of us worked our way up to it. Saying that, I had a Harley before this (worked my way Down to that one!) So your present ride probably matches it for power. Just enjoy. ;)
Welcome :hat:
It's a big bike but can be ridden well in a very docile way.
Hi welcome mate if theres out you need s hand with just shout your only an hour away from me
Quote from: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 03:51 AM
Notts, I'm sure there are a few members in the area.
What you riding at the moment? We don't use the terms CBT & DAS downunder, but I assume you're still on a learners permit sort of thing.
Yes I still have a motorbike provisional licence, currently I have a Honda Varadero 125 which I commute to work on albeit it's only 7 minutes away and go on 20-30 mile trips on the weekends on random drives. I don't really have any friends who have motorbikes for the designated treks as some people set up.
Quote from: tingus on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 05:43 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 03:51 AM
Notts, I'm sure there are a few members in the area.
What you riding at the moment? We don't use the terms CBT & DAS downunder, but I assume you're still on a learners permit sort of thing.
Yes I still have a motorbike provisional licence, currently I have a Honda Varadero 125 which I commute to work on albeit it's only 7 minutes away and go on 20-30 mile trips on the weekends on random drives. I don't really have any friends who have motorbikes for the designated treks as some people set up.
Thanks Latty, much appreciated!
Quote from: seth on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 03:49 AM
@Red Biker is close to you .
I'm from Nottingham but currently in my 30th year doing missionary work in Scotland.
As said just go easy at first and you'll go just fine .
From what I remember of my last visit south there are loads of average speed camaras down your way .
Good luck and ride safe
:onya:
Yes indeed we have a fair few speed camera's down especially up towards the Sutton and Mansfield areas of Nottingham.
Hey Tingus,
Nice to see another owner from Gods Country :cheers:
The day I passed my test I drove directly from Watnall test centre to the two Wheel centre to pick up a Blackbird :onya:
I wouldn't worry about the jump in size as long as you treat her with respect! The 14 is a real nice and easy bike to ride, just a bit onthe plump side.
Wherebouts you from?
Cheers
Red
I'm from hucknall originally
:cheers:
Quote from: seth on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 06:15 AM
I'm from hucknall originally
:cheers:
Gerrat on it ma duck
Quote from: Red Biker on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 06:09 AM
Hey Tingus,
Nice to see another owner from Gods Country :cheers:
The day I passed my test I drove directly from Watnall test centre to the two Wheel centre to pick up a Blackbird :onya:
I wouldn't worry about the jump in size as long as you treat her with respect! The 14 is a real nice and easy bike to ride, just a bit onthe plump side.
Wherebouts you from?
Cheers
Red
Ah I've been up to Two Wheels got my tyres done on my Varadero with Battle Axes. Also did my CBT with a guy called Alan who use to work their donkey years ago which I found out like 7 months later.
You guy's are very close, I'm from Hucknall too!
I'm not Hucknall Tingus, that was just my Hookna accent :hat:
I'm over Bingham way :onya:
Quote from: Red Biker on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 06:50 AM
I'm not Hucknall Tingus, that was just my Hookna accent :hat:
I'm over Bingham way :onya:
Got ya, you're just the other side of Notts not too far. Got a mate who lives over their owning a 1994 VFR I think it's called.
G'day Tingus. Nice looking ride you have there, you'll be fine just take your time to get acquainted. :cheers:
I was born in hucknall but I left in 1987 and have lived north of Aberdeen since then .
Depending on your age and what school they went to I might know folk you do .
:cheers:
Quote from: seth on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, 07:20 AM
I was born in hucknall but I left in 1987 and have lived north of Aberdeen since then .
Depending on your age and what school they went to I might know folk you do .
:cheers:
Parents moved up here in the early 90s, originally from Buckinghamshire. Doubt you'll know them, but bloody hell that's quite the move that is. On the other end of the spectrum almost!
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/1-290517235220.png)
Welcome Tingus & you will be fine with the 14 as it is a docile beast if you take it easy.
Welcome to the forum Tingus, that's one big target you've set yourself. Plan ahead, take it easy until you get used to it and you will be fine. It's a big lump when static but on the move the weight is not a problem. I would suggest you look into some advanced training with the IAM or ROSPA.
welcome mate, youll be right. just get used to the weight, need to plan ahead for a while.
welcome Tingus! That's sound advice from MGT that you should seriously consider. :cheers:
Welcome :cheers:
good luck.... with obtaining your license ;)
I've now just realised my insurance after I got ahold of my licence is almost a grand. It's fricken crazy... Why is it so high...
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
If you haven't paid for the insurance yet shop arround as prices vary wildly .
But you'll be hit hard as a new rider any ncb should help from your old policy
:cheers:
Yeah shop around, I would think half that would be realistic based on your circumstances 👍
Just to rub it in I pay £90 😁
Quote from: Red Biker on Thursday, 24 May 2018, 05:02 AM
Just to rub it in I pay £90 😁
yep, special grandmother discount... :stir:
There is an upside to being an old fart :whistling:
Quote from: mjgt on Thursday, 24 May 2018, 06:57 PM
There is an upside to being an old fart :whistling:
@ Vlad, I'd sell her for that!
You speak for yourself MJ !!! As long as I can still get my leg over I'm happy :smitten:
Yea I think it's been short lived, a lot of insurance companies will not touch me with the 1400. Went phoning around today and even with 1 year NCB and when I pass my test in a month or so, I'd be looking just above a grand. Everyone is comparing it to a sports bike.
May actually sell the bike in the end and get something similar but half the power. It's a shame really... It should hold it's value easily of about 3500-3800, with being near mint and having loads of time and additions put into it.
I'll reevaluate my situation later, thanks guys for all the support!
Oh no!
Would be interesting to see what the quote is on say a Bandit 600!
Good luck with whichever route you go down 👍
Quote from: Red Biker on Sunday, 27 May 2018, 04:40 AM
Oh no!
Would be interesting to see what the quote is on say a Bandit 600!
Good luck with whichever route you go down 👍
Gonna keep it in the garage until I pass my test, just starting my DAS lessons tomorrow and got my theory test next Thursday.
It's interesting to know, but someone mentioned to me that these bikes should not depreciate that much. Not sure if that is true though :S
Good luck with your training
Your right these bikes are getting more sort after but your never going to make a fortune from one it'll just keep it's price or go up slightly.
:cheers:
Never that many for sale in NZ. Good ones don't stay for sale long.
Quote from: seth on Saturday, 02 June 2018, 06:31 AM
Good luck with your training
Your right these bikes are getting more sort after but your never going to make a fortune from one it'll just keep it's price or go up slightly.
:cheers:
Managed to get my quote all the way down to £560 by just changing my profession and decreasing the value of the bike from £3500 to £3499.
Instead of putting web developer into the profession field of Confused.com changed it to data handler and boom £200 knocked off the price. What gives you fricken sit in a seat all day developing sites, how is that bloody dangerous apart from the clients whinging all the time...
Paper cuts.can be serious !!
Try "IT Professional" as that covers a whole range of IT professions and see if that makes a difference.
Pick your top 3 from confused.com and then go onto their websites direct and enter your info to see if that makes a difference - after all, you are paying confused.com a commission remember (or they are getting one somehow).
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Saturday, 02 June 2018, 08:40 AM
Try "IT Professional" as that covers a whole range of IT professions and see if that makes a difference.
Pick your top 3 from confused.com and then go onto their websites direct and enter your info to see if that makes a difference - after all, you are paying confused.com a commission remember (or they are getting one somehow).
I'll give that a go tomorrow and that's a really good idea with going direct essentially bypassing the middleman. Hopefully it'll come down further.
I'll have to find out what make the alarm on the bike is at some point, see if that drops it too.
Thanks guys for the advice!
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
The 14 is a big lump for an early-days bike but its not too bad.
Dispite it's size it's not an aggressive bike. It's riding position, power, geometry etc are all reasonably tame. Having impressive torque but not horsepower makes it easy to ride.
It's not going to wheelie, wheel-spin or lock up the front end like a more aggressive sports bike.
If you have a reasonable amount of ability to balance and handle the weight and are a smooth rider you'd be fine.
A comparison for you....
I took a loan bike (GS500) back to a dealers in a storm, heavy rain, deep water on the roads, strong side winds. I picked up my 160+hp, heavy 1340cc B-King (in some ways similar to a 14)
The B-King was waaaay easier to ride and much safer.
It was much more stable, not pushed around by the weather,
its big motors grunt meant it pulled at low rev's, heaps of torque no gear changing.
Better brakes too.
I felt a LOT safer on bigger, grunty, stable bike.
I agree, small bikes scare me more than big bikes.
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Saturday, 02 June 2018, 10:32 AM
A comparison for you....
I took a loan bike (GS500) back to a dealers in a storm, heavy rain, deep water on the roads, strong side winds. I picked up my 160+hp, heavy 1340cc B-King (in some ways similar to a 14)
The B-King was waaaay easier to ride and much safer.
It was much more stable, not pushed around by the weather,
its big motors grunt meant it pulled at low rev's, heaps of torque no gear changing.
Better brakes too.
I felt a LOT safer on bigger, grunty, stable bike.
Good summary and the b king is a nice bike too. Just checked out its weight and its heavier than the gsx 1400. Didn't expect that!
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Quote from: tingus on Saturday, 02 June 2018, 04:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Saturday, 02 June 2018, 10:32 AM
A comparison for you....
I took a loan bike (GS500) back to a dealers in a storm, heavy rain, deep water on the roads, strong side winds. I picked up my 160+hp, heavy 1340cc B-King (in some ways similar to a 14)
The B-King was waaaay easier to ride and much safer.
It was much more stable, not pushed around by the weather,
its big motors grunt meant it pulled at low rev's, heaps of torque no gear changing.
Better brakes too.
I felt a LOT safer on bigger, grunty, stable bike.
Good summary and the b king is a nice bike too. Just checked out its weight and its heavier than the gsx 1400. Didn't expect that!
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Yeah, my comparison was more that its a big heavy naked upright inline 4 Suzuki.
The 14 has much nicer styling, comfort, tank range and is easier to live with.
Not just for its performance, but I find a GSX1400 more relaxing to ride than most 500's and 600's.
Finally got my full bike licence on Monday and bike is now fully insured at £640. Not been able to drive it yet as got battery on charger as it went flat with the alarm after been tucked away for a few months.
Hopefully get to give it a whirl tomorrow!
Congratulations. Enjoy your bike. :cheers:
Quote from: tingus on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 07:09 AM
Finally got my full bike licence on Monday and bike is now fully insured at £640. Not been able to drive it yet as got battery on charger as it went flat with the alarm after been tucked away for a few months.
Hopefully get to give it a whirl tomorrow!
If fitted I always have my alarms removed!
Why?
2 of my mates work for the rescue services (AA and RAC) and both say the biggest call out they get for bikes breaking down is third party alarms where fitted..
One of my previous bikes was a Honda CB1300 (naked) with only 4k miles on it.. When I told the dealer I would have it on condition he took the alarm off, he said "oooh your insurance will rocket up"..
I thought OK I will do this properly and inform the insurance it was now a standard bike with no aftermarket alarm fitted...
How much do you think my insurance "rocketed by"?
£12 !!!!!!
I just bit the bullet and took that massive financial hit ! :grin:
I agree every bike ive had with an alarm has been a pain in the ass !... even the factory fitted ones .
Well done Tingus. :onya:
Quote from: Speedy1959 on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 02:53 PM
Quote from: tingus on Wednesday, 01 August 2018, 07:09 AM
Finally got my full bike licence on Monday and bike is now fully insured at £640. Not been able to drive it yet as got battery on charger as it went flat with the alarm after been tucked away for a few months.
Hopefully get to give it a whirl tomorrow!
If fitted I always have my alarms removed!
Why?
2 of my mates work for the rescue services (AA and RAC) and both say the biggest call out they get for bikes breaking down is third party alarms where fitted..
One of my previous bikes was a Honda CB1300 (naked) with only 4k miles on it.. When I told the dealer I would have it on condition he took the alarm off, he said "oooh your insurance will rocket up"..
I thought OK I will do this properly and inform the insurance it was now a standard bike with no aftermarket alarm fitted...
How much do you think my insurance "rocketed by"?
£12 !!!!!!
I just bit the bullet and took that massive financial hit ! :grin:
I totally understand with what you're saying, I've already ordered a self contained GPS trackers and really want to keep the alarm because it would put people off from moving it.
To be fair the bike had been stored in a garage since when I first started this thread and the alarm was still functional at 5.6v on the battery. It took quite a long time for it to drop in voltage considering I didn't leave it on trickle charge at all.
Went out today on the bike and it's phenomenal, definitely a lovely bike. Only went out for 2 hours, out of curiosity what's the power band of the bike on the reg gauge?
The exhausts pop all the time when revved hard, fricken insane.
Most of the time when in 30 lanes, I was cruising in second gear as third wanted me to go faster/lack if control. Normal right? Cause my 125 I'd be in third gear easily otherwise if be ragging second gear.
Ya gotta remember it's not a 2 stroke Tingus. It doesn't really have a 'power band' as such, it's just always on. 3rd or 4th or even 5th will be fine at 30mph. The engine will pull fron about 1500rpm onwards, you don't need to ride it at 3000 - 4000 to make it go. You're just using fuel (and making it pop & bang on deceleration)
It's a whole different beast Tingus. Definitely does not need revs to go. I would also be in 4th/5th gear at 30mph and when you want to go, no need to knock it down a gear, just give it a bit and away it goes.
Have a play around with your gear selections next ride & you will be amazed at the pulling power from down low.
I have had no problems with any alarms on my bikes Tingus, two have been on for 11 and 12 years and the other has been on for 17 years with no problems at all, I do use an optimate though.
Mines the same as mjgt's.... no issues with the alarm in 15 years (touch wood)... but kept on optimate especially during winter. As for pick up from low speed, I'm usually in 5th at 50kmh (sometimes 6th!) and it pulls away just fine! The 14's got a fine engine with loads of torque... no need to be dropping gears (unless you want to lift the front end :whistling:)
http://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=2373.msg28450#msg28450
My bike lives outside and is NEVER on an optimate charger.
It is ridden all year round.
Last winter which was a pretty bad one in the UK it never failed to start 1st time every time..
At one point its cover was covered it snow/frost for over 3 weeks and still she started 1st time with no charger (or alarm) fitted.
Oh and its still on the original battery !
Quote from: Speedy1959 on Thursday, 02 August 2018, 06:01 PM
http://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=2373.msg28450#msg28450
My bike lives outside and is NEVER on an optimate charger.
It is ridden all year round.
Last winter which was a pretty bad one in the UK it never failed to start 1st time every time..
At one point its cover was covered it snow/frost for over 3 weeks and still she started 1st time with no charger (or alarm) fitted.
Oh and its still on the original battery !
If you fit a permanent live usb you WILL need an Optimate as they draw current even with nothing plugged in :smile2:
Quote from: ARH on Thursday, 02 August 2018, 05:33 PM
Mines the same as mjgt's.... no issues with the alarm in 15 years (touch wood)... but kept on optimate especially during winter. As for pick up from low speed, I'm usually in 5th at 50kmh (sometimes 6th!) and it pulls away just fine! The 14's got a fine engine with loads of torque... no need to be dropping gears (unless you want to lift the front end :whistling:)
I went into third or fourth today and the revs go down to 1k and feels like it's gonna konk out unless I'm reading into it too much...
Tingus... have you got standard sprockets on? At 50kmh mine is sitting at around 1400 rpm in 6th...
Will be interesting to see what the other guys are at that speed...
At 1000rpm in 3rd or 4th, it would feel like it's about to conk out & be very jerky.
Something isn't right there, if you're doing 1000rpm in 3rd or 4th at 30mph. You'd need a 19 front & 38 rear? or some other weird combo of sprockets to get that.
The speedos do read high, but usually not more that 8-10%, yours would be need to be reading about 50% too high.
Probably better to start a new thread for this really.
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 03 August 2018, 02:48 AM
At 1000rpm in 3rd or 4th, it would feel like it's about to conk out & be very jerky.
Something isn't right there, if you're doing 1000rpm in 3rd or 4th at 30mph. You'd need a 19 front & 38 rear? or some other weird combo of sprockets to get that.
The speedos do read high, but usually not more that 8-10%, yours would be need to be reading about 50% too high.
Probably better to start a new thread for this really.
I'm being a spaz, earlier I cruised in 4th whilst doing 30 easily. Fricken love this bike, not given it full throttle yet, gotta break myself into it lol.only passed a few days ago and want to live aha!
All good Tingus! :cheers:
Go fast slowly Tingus.....took me a little while to get used to the bike. They will go reasonably quick and they are reasonably heavy.
In a 50kmp/30mph area I tend to ride in a lower gear at somewhere between 2500 to 3200rpm. Not sure what gear but most likely 3rd. Pulls nice and clean, close throttle no need for dabbing the brakes and the bike feels lively.
Just a word of caution. They get very heavy very quickly if you stall them.
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Friday, 03 August 2018, 06:17 AM
Go fast slowly Tingus.....took me a little while to get used to the bike. They will go reasonably quick and they are reasonably heavy.
In a 50kmp/30mph area I tend to ride in a lower gear at somewhere between 2500 to 3200rpm. Not sure what gear but most likely 3rd. Pulls nice and clean, close throttle no need for dabbing the brakes and the bike feels lively.
Just a word of caution. They get very heavy very quickly if you stall them.
I've stalled it a fare few times now already especially when pulling off at junctions and accidentally went into neutral whilst going around a round about, was trying to find second gear. Aye I'm with you on staying in a lower gear, just feels more responsive and control in general at that speed. You can go higher as other people have suggested, but I prefer the control most of all unless it's a very long road then sure go higher.
Are they suppose to run very hot aswell? Whilst riding you can feel the heat emanate from the engine and to the touch can burn! Maybe it's me, just use to a smaller bike.
Yes they give off loads of heat..
At traffic lights my mate comments he can feel the hot air from my bike !!
Quote from: Speedy1959 on Friday, 03 August 2018, 06:52 AM
Yes they give off loads of heat..
At traffic lights my mate comments he can feel the hot air from my bike !!
This is great when riding in an Aussie Summer at 40 degrees C :mwink:
Quote from: tingus on Friday, 03 August 2018, 05:39 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 03 August 2018, 02:48 AM
At 1000rpm in 3rd or 4th, it would feel like it's about to conk out & be very jerky.
Something isn't right there, if you're doing 1000rpm in 3rd or 4th at 30mph. You'd need a 19 front & 38 rear? or some other weird combo of sprockets to get that.
The speedos do read high, but usually not more that 8-10%, yours would be need to be reading about 50% too high.
Probably better to start a new thread for this really.
I'm being a spaz, earlier I cruised in 4th whilst doing 30 easily. Fricken love this bike, not given it full throttle yet, gotta break myself into it lol.only passed a few days ago and want to live aha!
That's an essential part of enjoying bikes :whistling:
Tingus, just roll onto faster with ease. youll get there. when i got 14, 2012, i was Ducati man for 20 yrs. i could move those things as good as anyone. along came 14, heavier, less stable, first time i pulled into car park, nearly off. extra 50kgs makes a difference. now just how it is. youll be same.
The monster 1200 not tempt ya Grog?
@grog
It did me.
never thought about Col, my mates diavel coming to stay while he finds new house. that thing is amazing. lots of maintenance. unbelievable bike. you doubted 180 thru a 80 corner, dont. other mate has scrambler, he loves it, not me.
So, they're really that good. My old boss had a 1200 monster & wanted to sell it to me, didn't buy it. Maybe I should have . . . High maintenance ya say? Like a wom#n?