GSX1400 Owners .org

General => Off Topic => Topic started by: mikesaa309 on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 02:35 AM

Title: Need some explanation?
Post by: mikesaa309 on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 02:35 AM
Was riding out with my friend on my GSX1400 and he was on his Mt-07. I was shifting gears at 6.5k and noticed he could keep up reasonably well, not like up my ass well but much better than I'd have thought considering the torque and HP difference. Have noticed there's quite a few lower CC bikes that can give my bike a run for it's money so just wondering if it's something to do with my bike not performing well or the fact I'm a heavy guy on a heavy bike?

Also my bike is a 2005 model with 4 into 1 exhaust from factory but previous owner put a 4 into 2 system on it thought believe it's just the collector box and beowolf end cans (link pipes too obviously). Does this mean the bike should have been remapped or something seeing as it was designed and set up with a single exhaust? Does anyone else find that other bikes of smaller CC can keep up reasonably well? I mean I expect sports 600s to do stupidly well like the R6 especially top end but wouldn't expect something like a Mt-07 with less HP and torque.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: seth on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 02:45 AM
It could probably do with a 're map .
The same biker you mention are much more modern than the 14 and you'll find to keep up they'll be reving higher than the 14 is.
At normal road speeds you'll have a much more relaxed ride than them.
:cheers:
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 02:58 AM
I'd do a remap.

The 14 has about 80 kg more than the MT-07. Add a heavier rider and you got most of your explanation. The rest: what Seth said

You can really lose him big time on long trips when he has to go for an early fuel stop :grin:
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: mikesaa309 on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 03:00 AM
Yeah true, just odd as I checked the specs of the two bikes, MT-07 is only making 68nm at 6500rpm and 75 hp at 9k rpm where as gsx is 126nm at 5k and 105 hp at 6800 surely gsx would leave it standing pretty easily? Though guess weight of the gsx doesn't really help. Not overly bothered as such just curious as to why this is the case like I'd expect something like an R6 to leave the gsx as it makes more hp thought will be revving like mad in comparison.

Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Kiwifruit on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 04:29 AM
Agree with everything already said. Have done a couple of track days and have had my wheels blown off by smaller bikes.
So....now put panniers, topbox, tankbag, pillion and a full tank of gas in each bike just for good measure throw in a steep hill.
I know which bike I'd put my money on.
:cheers:
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: gsxbarmy on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 05:01 AM
When the previous owner put the 4into2 on, did he keep the original stainless headers or put the (older) chrome headers on with the collector. He should have kept the original stainless headers as they are slightly larger bore than the chrome headers, the chrome headers having the slightly smaller bore will slightly stifle performance
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 05:07 AM
I've got a 5000cc V8, an old one. It made 165kw when new, now it's 24 years old & it still purs, no smoke & about the same power. The 14 is the same sort of machine, good power but made for longevity as opposed to 'a grenade race' engine.

Your bike will still be going strong well after the 07 has died.  If it were all down to cc & torque, the Hardlys would be up there, but they're not.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 05:15 AM
Honestly speaking I think the rider makes more difference than the bike. Pretty much anything you can buy will far exceed the speed limit and also exceed what is sane and sensible on public roads. I often get "lesser" bikes flying past me but I don't care, I'm happy going at my own pace.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Proteous on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 09:23 AM
I love the MT series of bikes and i own an MT-09. and let me tell you the MT-09 will leave the GSX for dust up to about 110 its then the GSX comes into its own. The MT tops out at about 145 but i have exceeded 155 on the GSX (1550 remember) but as previously stated, i know which i would choose to tour on and it wouldnt be the MT.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: VladTepes on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 03:21 PM
155 mph I assume you mean.

That's 250kph which is pretty respectable but must have been NO fun with wind buffeting on a naked bike....

I had mine up to 200+ kph two-up with luggage, but only to see if I could. Didn't enjoy the thought of maintaining that consistently. 
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 07:16 PM
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 29 May  2018, 03:21 PM
155 mph I assume you mean.

That's 250kph which is pretty respectable but must have been NO fun with wind buffeting on a naked bike....

I had mine up to 200+ kph two-up with luggage, but only to see if I could. Didn't enjoy the thought of maintaining that consistently.

Same here, I've done 120mph for a bit just to see what it's like (on a private motorway of course), that's 195kph-ish. The bike was more than happy to stretch its legs and I am sure it was looking forward to a 150mph gallop like a Rottweiler chasing a sausage, but the combination of GSX + me has the aerodynamics of the Cutty Sark. I thought my head was going to come off, so sanity prevailed and we settled back down to a far more reasonable speed.

One day I might buy a bike with a fairing. It would certainly be nice for touring long distances but then I'd be worried about keeping my license. There's only a limited amount of "private motorway" after all.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 07:25 PM
ive been blown away by some unexpected that i thought couldnt. a harley that i could almost match, 250 2 stroke aprillia that flogged me, im no racer but those two surprised me. biggest flogging was a suzuki boulevard, it did have a turbo, reckon it could run with a busa. i mean not usual sports bikes, just ones that surprised. had a long run with a 2008 bonneville, that thing could go. im quite happy with mine, still puts a smile on dial. that 1550 Proteous must be unreal. one day ill get something like that for mine. have ridden busa, diavel etc. they sure make 14 a mid range. a bloody good mid range. i remember getting 85 bhp from a ducati, that cost lots. 14 is much easier
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Kiwifruit on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 07:33 PM
Haha.....yep l had a bunch of trouble with a 250 Aprillia also. Would leave it down the straights but l kept seeing it under brakes.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Dan B on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 07:49 PM
I spent a really long time thinking there was something wrong with my 1400 because of this. Just didn't compare to my R6 once you got through the midrange torque wave.

While I was making Inquiries though, I talked to a mechanic who owned and loved the 1400's. He said an akrapovic system and yoshi cams really brought out the top end power, but did nothing for the bottom end.

I have no idea what this does to the reliability of the bike or if you can still run 91 fuel though?
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Mick_J on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 08:04 PM
Reminds me of when I bought my GSX1100, the fastest most powerful production bike in the world at the time, thought I was king of the road, nothing could get past me.  Then one day some little shit on a 200 overtook me on the inside of a bend, I chased him and put some manners on him till the next bend.  I then realised that a smaller lighter bike with a better chassis can always do a big fat slob of a bike unless its a long straight road or has big hills on it.  Many years later I confirmed this with my 14 and my FZ6, same sort of top speed but the 14 could not live with the little yam on tight twisty roads or through traffic but out on the open road the yam had to work a lot harder.  I don't ride any bike below 955cc now.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: bikerface on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 08:47 PM
If you learn to ride the torque wave and counter steer, on long twisty roads and correct suspension setup there is not a lot the GSX cant keep up with.
If you can ride a 14 fast through twisty roads you can ride anything fast
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 29 May 2018, 08:54 PM
Quote from: Dan B on Tuesday, 29 May  2018, 07:49 PM
I spent a really long time thinking there was something wrong with my 1400 because of this. Just didn't compare to my R6 once you got through the midrange torque wave.

While I was making Inquiries though, I talked to a mechanic who owned and loved the 1400's. He said an akrapovic system and yoshi cams really brought out the top end power, but did nothing for the bottom end.

I have no idea what this does to the reliability of the bike or if you can still run 91 fuel though?

What I have read the mechanic is right. The bottom end might actually lose a bit as the curve get's moved up on the rpm scale. One guy said that those who ride mainly up to 4k rpm (me) shouldn't bother. You do save quite a bit of weight if you switch from original 4-2 which should improve handling and help a little with acceleration.

As you would probably add a PowerCommander, you have another piece that can potentially fail. I don't think the cam and exhaust by themselves will decrease reliability. Having more power and running at higher rpm (if you make use of it) may reduce longevity though.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Dan B on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, 11:40 AM
It'll set you back over $3,000 for the exhaust system, cams and PCV anyway so I didn't bother myself.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Batkwaka on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, 05:35 PM
Whilst it would be a fair bet his bike wasn't stock standard, ex Australian Champ Shaun Giles said he liked taking his GSX1400 through the favoured bike twisties rounding up Sports bikes.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, 06:41 PM
I often her stuff like this. How someone's 14 will sit with GSXR'S / R1's etc etc.
It tells me a lot more about the rider than it does the bike
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: mikesaa309 on Friday, 08 June 2018, 07:55 AM
Will say that I couldn't be without the GSX. I don't really have the space for another bike atm as there's my dad's CX500, my old bandit 600 which my dad now rides and my GSX14 in our back garden, but if I did have the space I wouldn't mind getting other bikes but would have to keep GSX. Not sure if it's just me being biased but I find it very difficult to fault the GSX except being heavy which I don't find an issue but the riding position is great for me, couldn't be riding sports bikes for too long and the sound is epic with the low grumble and the deep hum a big CC inline 4 has. Then you have the under seat storage, comfort, the looks etc it's by far one of the best bikes made imo. That said I do also like the other muscle bikes like the XJR 1300 and the CB1300.

Was thinking the other day that it's funny that when I had my 125 I used to want to go stupidly fast but now I have a bike that can go pretty quick top end wise I'm a lot more sedate than I used to be. Just some what find it odd that bikes with less torque and HP can keep up with the GSX but then again I am a heavy guy so probably slow it down quite a bit lol.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Kiwifruit on Friday, 08 June 2018, 10:05 AM
The coppers here are appealing for the public to dob in two bikers clocked in excess of 300kph at the weekend. :clapping:
I think not 14 riders !!
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Friday, 08 June 2018, 12:18 PM
Quote from: Mister Fishfinger on Tuesday, 29 May  2018, 05:15 AM
Honestly speaking I think the rider makes more difference than the bike.

Wise words.

It makes me smile when GSX14 owners say how they beat a GSXR or R1 or how they are as quick as a Busa or B-King and you can't use anymore power etc.

Your never comparing like for like, as it's always a different rider on a different bike. How you beat a specific bike or a certain bike beat you is only part of the story, the rider is a greater %.

I've seen big guys on GSX's run faster times than a lighter guy on a Busa, doesn't make the 14 a "faster" bike.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: grog on Friday, 08 June 2018, 07:06 PM
i got totally blown away couple of weeks back. a stupid looking harley, looked like it was about to shake to bits. i went off from lights fairly quickly, he passed me, i then gassed up, no chance. gone by hundreds of meters. i could hear it but couldnt catch it. im guessing hes spent a lot more on his motor than i have. i posted recently, biggest surprise i had, aprillia 250 2 stroke. very fast. no riding skills in either encounter, both straight line.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Friday, 08 June 2018, 07:36 PM
Quote from: mikesaa309 on Friday, 08 June  2018, 07:55 AM
Will say that I couldn't be without the GSX. I don't really have the space for another bike atm as there's my dad's CX500, my old bandit 600 which my dad now rides and my GSX14 in our back garden, but if I did have the space I wouldn't mind getting other bikes but would have to keep GSX. Not sure if it's just me being biased but I find it very difficult to fault the GSX except being heavy which I don't find an issue but the riding position is great for me, couldn't be riding sports bikes for too long and the sound is epic with the low grumble and the deep hum a big CC inline 4 has. Then you have the under seat storage, comfort, the looks etc it's by far one of the best bikes made imo. That said I do also like the other muscle bikes like the XJR 1300 and the CB1300.

Was thinking the other day that it's funny that when I had my 125 I used to want to go stupidly fast but now I have a bike that can go pretty quick top end wise I'm a lot more sedate than I used to be. Just some what find it odd that bikes with less torque and HP can keep up with the GSX but then again I am a heavy guy so probably slow it down quite a bit lol.

I completely agree. I was looking for an XJR1300 for a while, then went for the GSX on the recommendation of a friend who has a CB1300. They are all good bikes but I am very happy with my GSX.

I don't cane it around the place all the time, but I love the overtaking grunt (in any gear) and the comfort. The handling is certainly good enough for my limited riding skills and I don't miss ABS, rider modes and traction control because I've never had them.

There's not much to criticise really. The finish isn't great but I've sorted most of that out on my bike. Left shock adjuster went a bit AWOL but thanks to the info on this site I fixed that with the syringe trick. Ditto the clutch slave cylinder (modded again thanks to this site) and a few minor bits and pieces.

It reminds me of the last dog we had. He was proper old mix-up of different breeds but he just looked right. Someone asked my daughter what type he was and she said "if a kid drew a dog, that's what they would draw". The 14 is like that - engine, wheels, frame and all that in the right proportions with nothing you don't need. And every time I push the starter button that rumble puts a smile on my face a mile wide.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: grog on Friday, 08 June 2018, 07:38 PM
Agree
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: ARH on Saturday, 09 June 2018, 06:27 AM
I always agree with Grog when he's right  :onya:
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: mikesaa309 on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 02:24 AM
Even my mates gladius 650 can keep up with my gsx 14 annoyingly. Surprisingly left him through the bends tho but he soon caught up on the straights. Will say I have done 21k miles on my 14 in a year so maybe I've worn it out? I did leave his Aprilia Shiver 750 that he used to have so not sure if my bike has lost power or not. Seems to run fine otherwise though. I don't mind if it's sports bikes like I expect an R1 to leave the 14 but surely 650's with less torque and HP the gsx 14 should easily leave behind?
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Hooli on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 03:27 AM
21k in a year won't wear out a 14, that's just keeping it working properly.

Having said that you should be able to wave goodby to a gladis on a straight. I'd guess at a partly blocked high pressure filter, mine seems to suffer it every 50k. There are mods on here to fit an external one as it's cheaper.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Mick_J on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 06:43 AM
Quote from: mikesaa309 on Sunday, 22 July  2018, 02:24 AM
Even my mates gladius 650 can keep up with my gsx 14 annoyingly. Surprisingly left him through the bends tho but he soon caught up on the straights. Will say I have done 21k miles on my 14 in a year so maybe I've worn it out? I did leave his Aprilia Shiver 750 that he used to have so not sure if my bike has lost power or not. Seems to run fine otherwise though. I don't mind if it's sports bikes like I expect an R1 to leave the 14 but surely 650's with less torque and HP the gsx 14 should easily leave behind?

Where are you, if you're close we can meet up and compare bikes.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 06:58 AM
Should be the other way around.

I know guys who've raced SV's (similar to the later Glad's) in the Mini-Twin race series. They are a light nimble bike and can be chucked around in the twistys. Unless its a big-bore seriously worked little twin the 14 shouldn't have a drama pulling away at speed.

Again, the twistys is more down to the rider. Straight line speed really shouldn't be.

Marks SV...

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2Fvcrpua.jpg&hash=d4159ba9a78f0560d3e6448760f48a8745ed0c80)




Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Bielie45 on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 09:13 AM
Hi Tony

I am a huge SV fan its the most under rated bike out there and by the look it did not take off here in OZ.
My wife owned one of each of the models ever made with full power, so this means the very sexy round shape and carby model and the sharp fuel injected one, they were both awesome bikes, my wife preferred the look of the first generation and it sounded like a TL1000 with the Yoshi can I fitted for her untill you park next to one and the SV is dwarfed by the size of the TL
In the twisties you could overtake any other bike out there even a skilled rider on a litre sports bike could not last long in front if you are a skilled rider on the SV and once over took cant keep up. For a out the box bike the steering is very sharp and accurate with exelent feed back especially in the very tight twisties and flicking from one corner to the other its absolutely seemless.
My daughter owns the new relaunched SV but they are not full power for some stupid reason here in OZ, too regulated. But again the SV does not dissipoint in the handling department.

Straight line you need to control putting the power down on the ground and horse power wins that one.
The only other bike out there that surpases the SV hanling (in my opinion only) is the Tryumph Daytona 675 now that is a exelent ballance between handling and power available.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 09:36 AM
Yes, we have had a few.
Early tube frame / carb ones in the UK,
Later brand new box frame injected one out here in AU.

Had another early one in AU after those, did the Renthals / Yoshi can / Single seat / useless twin lights etc.
Ex-Mrs had it as a first bike (pre-LAM's and new restricted licence Law).
It ended up doing regular 1000k weekends to Macksville and back or 1100k weekends up to Agnes Waters and back. Sold it with 103,000k's on the clock, after several owners and a few crashes it still went as good as any other little SV.

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F65n3vr.jpg&hash=e7962978b4615e3413593eb54200f14af7b57713)

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F2911bmv.jpg&hash=d0f319bd4402c1b4ab1b222ef1e8b867b49236a3)
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 05:54 PM
Quote from: Bielie45 on Sunday, 22 July  2018, 09:13 AM
The only other bike out there that surpases the SV hanling (in my opinion only) is the Tryumph Daytona 675 now that is a exelent ballance between handling and power available.

Fully agree, i had the '08 Daytona in Tornado Red with Factory Race pipe, single carbon silencer, so nice and balanced, but not much of a tourer. Still miss that bike, but the GSX1400 is an awesome machine, everything in the right proportions and it just looks right.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Bielie45 on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 08:49 PM
Mine was a 06 Graphite with all the factory racing trimmings, I was fortunate to own one of the first 4000 off the production line for 2006 world wide.
Yes not for touring but eats up the km"s like theres no tomorrow.
Still love my 14
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 22 July 2018, 08:56 PM
There's a yellow 2nd shape naked SV650 for sale near me.
Looks OK but has 130,000K's on it. Cheap enough at $1,350.

I'm hoping folk are paranoid about the mileage, I'm not.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 23 July 2018, 11:03 AM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 22 July  2018, 08:56 PM
Looks OK but has 130,000K's on it. Cheap enough at $1,350.
I'm hoping folk are paranoid about the mileage, I'm not.

I reckon. Too few people realise that's in not the mileage that's really importance - it's the condition and maintenance.

A well maintained 130,000 kms is better than a not maintained and ridden unsympathetically 50,000 kms.

Let me know if you ever come across a TL1000R at that price... :D
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 23 July 2018, 04:09 PM
Quote from: VladTepes on Monday, 23 July  2018, 11:03 AM


Let me know if you ever come across a TL1000R at that price... :D

I will, when its sat in my garage, although its the TL1000S I'm after not the R.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Sweaty on Monday, 23 July 2018, 08:37 PM
Have you had a look at this Tony. Was $7000, now $5500 and if it's as good as he says ? Might take $4500 to get rid of it?
https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/details/1998-Suzuki-TL1000S/SSE-AD-5512560?id=SSE-AD-5512560
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Bielie45 on Monday, 23 July 2018, 08:48 PM
Wow thats not bad.
I first want the new busa.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: bikerface on Tuesday, 24 July 2018, 12:16 AM
I rode out with my mate who was on a triumph  Rocket 3 in a straight line they are quick and I wasn't far off him and I know he was giving it some with all the black lines he was leaving.
The GSX14 runs out of juice about 6500 rpm anything over that is just noise (in standard trim) Ride that torque and watch the horizon arrive quickly
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 24 July 2018, 01:14 AM
I think of that every time I see a vid where guy is accelerating the 14  shifting at 8-9k rpm. Think she would do better when shifting around 7k.
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: seth on Tuesday, 24 July 2018, 01:17 AM
On my tuned 14 the dyno guy said theres mo point reving past 7000rpm as the power starts dropping of then it's be sooner on a standard bike .
:cheers:
Title: Re: Need some explanation?
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 24 July 2018, 01:26 AM
I rarely go past 7.5-8k even when getting a shift on & I only go that high to be right in the power band when I shift. But then that's not what these bikes are for so it doesn't happen often. Normally I'm shifting by about 5-6k.