GSX1400 Owners .org

General => Member's Bikes => Topic started by: Bob on Sunday, 31 March 2019, 07:05 AM

Title: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Sunday, 31 March 2019, 07:05 AM
I've bought another 1400, I don't know how to put pics up, once I can please don't look at them before or after eating, this one is a real shitter, i,d give it a score of 1/100 and that's being generous, this is probably the worst ever bike you will see.
It has a low mileage at 16,000 but I'm not sure how to go about rebuild or even if it is worth fixing, do I get it running before buying more bits or strip it down to its bones and start from scratch
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Notty on Sunday, 31 March 2019, 07:12 AM
beautiful or ugly it doesn't matter  :)
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 31 March 2019, 02:51 PM
Do the bare minimum to get the motor running, then make a decision.

I bought mine with smashed clocks, caved in tank, and lots of road rash.
I'd buy almost ANY big Suzuki, it's just down to the price.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Dusty ST on Sunday, 31 March 2019, 10:27 PM
I'm guessing this is the 14 on FB?
It's a scary sight, I think you'll need deep pockets to get her anything like presentable!
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: northern on Sunday, 31 March 2019, 11:50 PM
@Bob
Saw it on FB - it's really scary  :shocked:

Unless, you do not have desire to restore this specific item, I think it would not be efficient to spend time and funds on restoring...
It may be good idea use it as donor for some custom build. And even then - what's inside the engine? It would be wise to take a look inside, before you make decision's.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Monday, 01 April 2019, 01:40 AM
It is the FB one, low mile engine was running when it was parked up
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 01 April 2019, 02:02 AM
Show us the pic's Bob, what happen to it that it's got 'so bad'?   Parked up under a waterfall?  or left sat in a coal bin which has been repeatedly filled?
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: northern on Monday, 01 April 2019, 03:29 AM
@Bob , hope you do not mind, I use your FB pictures and upload them here...
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Notty on Monday, 01 April 2019, 04:07 AM
Oh f**k - that is not good  :bugga:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 01 April 2019, 05:22 AM
That one has Lawrie written all over it!   Just about the condition he likes. . .

@lawrie
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Del on Monday, 01 April 2019, 05:27 AM
looks like a fairly standard bike  :whistling: :whistling: :whistling:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: turner on Monday, 01 April 2019, 05:30 AM
Very brave man, hats off to you. :hat:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: seth on Monday, 01 April 2019, 05:30 AM
It'll buff up just fine.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: grog on Monday, 01 April 2019, 06:49 AM
What a mess. Autosol, a big bucket of it.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: gsxbarmy on Monday, 01 April 2019, 07:43 AM
Ye gods !!!!!

I take my hat off to you Bob, get that one back on the road and that will be one heck of an achievement
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Monday, 01 April 2019, 08:42 AM
I have some bits but really need a tank with internals, forks, rear shocks, standard brake and clutch lines.
Has been sitting in a garage for a few years with no windows or doors, it's near the sea and very exposed, there's also a Kawa zephyr there I couldn't get on the trailer, but if I go back its mine too
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: SheepDog on Monday, 01 April 2019, 09:19 AM

I apologize now ... but holy crap!!

Vision. It's in the eye of the beholder.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Taniwha on Monday, 01 April 2019, 04:33 PM
Oh. Oh no. Oh dear lord! What evil cretin did this to her? You are doing the lords work. Rescuing this poor, homeless waif from the streets
Hopefully, with enough time, love, and care, she will be back to her former self. Shiny, Powerful, and Glorious.

I wish you the best of luck sir.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 01 April 2019, 04:41 PM
Time, love and care maybe, but definitely loads if cash to throw at it. Mind you, the foot peg rubbers looked ok. That's a start.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 01 April 2019, 05:19 PM
I'd soak it in WD / light oil and stick it in a corner in the hope of finding any spares I could possibly use.

I'm happy to buy crashed or damaged bikes, I'd certainly buy that one, but not with the intention of fixing it!
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Mick_J on Monday, 01 April 2019, 05:42 PM
Wow, that's a mess.  If you seriously going to fix this up Bob keep us updated as I think it will be one hell of a restoration (and expensive).  Good luck  :hat:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Monday, 01 April 2019, 09:39 PM
Well at least the plastics are ok.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, 01:26 AM
No they aren't seat unit has a big crack front guard is good tho  :grin:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Yoda on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, 05:01 AM
Hi Bob

I have some spares that you might be interested in

Pm me for details

Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Globalrider on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, 08:52 AM
Yikes - that will take lots of new parts! How could/ would any one do that to any bike! Bob your a star to try and bring it back - keep posting your progress!
:hat:
Stan
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Kiwifruit on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, 12:26 PM
Oh dear looks like it was used as a mooring :facepalm:........
One owner just 700 miles on the clock is it that one again ??
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: VladTepes on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, 01:22 PM
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Tuesday, 02 April  2019, 12:26 PM
Oh dear looks like it was used as a mooring :facepalm:........

or anchor.


:)
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Sweaty on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, 06:54 PM
Holy Shit. I will be the first one to come out and say this. You are F""king mad Bob :shocked:  :grin:
All respect to you for giving it a go, but that is just a money/time pit to me.
Would be good to see it's transformation thought.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: lawrie on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, 12:21 AM
Great!  Right up my street that, wish I had it, my last 1400 was bad, but yours is a little bit more!!
I'm in the process of buying another shitty basket-case at the moment, & this one IS as bad!!
Enjoy the project.
My 1400 resto is here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6cjwwu0ih5bsls/AABaZuXxDxPiGoGRRdZgPchYa?dl=0
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tally on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, 02:59 AM
Hi bob , I saw the pictures yikes!!. I have virtually new ,standard brake lines plus banjos, have been bagged since I bought the bike 10 years ago the're yours if you want them . See pic ( mines a k7 ). Hopefully that doesn't make a difference.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Milts on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, 05:22 AM
Quote from: lawrie on Wednesday, 03 April  2019, 12:21 AM
Great!  Right up my street that, wish I had it, my last 1400 was bad, but yours is a little bit more!!
I'm in the process of buying another shitty basket-case at the moment, & this one IS as bad!!
Enjoy the project.
My 1400 resto is here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6cjwwu0ih5bsls/AABaZuXxDxPiGoGRRdZgPchYa?dl=0



@Bob I wish you well...... but FFS

@lawrie Just seen your resto  That's amazing. Well done  :worshippy:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Mrg on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, 05:23 AM
I a man sure the demestos toilet cleaner that Seth told us about will cut through all that grime mate  :stir:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: seth on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, 05:43 AM
It was harpic max10
It'll work on some of the parts
Good luck Bob
:cheers:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Icebreaker on Monday, 03 June 2019, 05:10 AM
Drar lord, first though was that it had been on the bottom of a lake.
That needs some elbow grease.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Monday, 03 June 2019, 06:03 AM
I've started taking bits off, everything is a battle, I need the clear out my garage for more room, my varadero is in the local bike shop for sale and I'm selling my DR800 supermoto too, but on the upside I've got a brand new K2 tank, a pair of shocks, some brake hoses & rear seat unit  :grin:

Have a look at www.rustypaint.com might do it with that and put the full blue/white body kit on my red/black K4
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: GSX1400Convert on Monday, 03 June 2019, 02:38 PM
 :shocked: Saw this thread for the first time .............. my current project is a '85 GSXR750, and there is some light pitting in the frame rails I'm concerned about.
If your 1400 was in my hands I wouldn't sleep.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 03 June 2019, 04:12 PM
Quote from: GSX1400Convert on Monday, 03 June  2019, 02:38 PM
:shocked: Saw this thread for the first time .............. my current project is a '85 GSXR750, and there is some light pitting in the frame rails I'm concerned about.
If your 1400 was in my hands I wouldn't sleep.

I like the early oil cooled GSXR's. I've had a few.
Currently have an 86 1100G sat in my to-do queue.
I have a spare Bandit 12 that may donate its motor.

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Fiogg20.jpg&hash=15c8ad2372ebb71dea70bf3efecc40c6ace01c8f)
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 03 June 2019, 04:14 PM
Quote from: GSX1400Convert on Monday, 03 June  2019, 02:38 PM
. my current project is a '85 GSXR750

Any pics of your 750 ?
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Milts on Tuesday, 04 June 2019, 05:44 AM

Going off topic,  i've always fancied a slab side too especially after seeing this beauty in a magazine from way back.

Tried taking a photo of a photo to post but turned out shite, but you'll get the idea.


(https://i.imgur.com/dWg8Teh.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/oULmOM6.jpg)
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: GSX1400Convert on Tuesday, 04 June 2019, 08:32 AM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 03 June  2019, 04:14 PM
Quote from: GSX1400Convert on Monday, 03 June  2019, 02:38 PM
. my current project is a '85 GSXR750

Any pics of your 750 ?

I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: GSX1400Convert on Tuesday, 04 June 2019, 03:41 PM
This is what I'm working with ......... very early stages.
99 GSXR wheels, K3 Front end, K4 Swing arm.

Tank is 86 1100 .... for now.

Have motor, and going with the Yoshi half fairing.

Deciding if I paint, powdercoat, or, re-annodise the frame .......... a work in progress.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 04 June 2019, 05:42 PM
 :cool:
Quote from: GSX1400Convert on Tuesday, 04 June  2019, 03:41 PM
This is what I'm working with ......... very early stages.
99 GSXR wheels, K3 Front end, K4 Swing arm.

Tank is 86 1100 .... for now.

Have motor, and going with the Yoshi half fairing.

Deciding if I paint, powdercoat, or, re-annodise the frame .......... a work in progress.

That's a great project. Feel free to keep us updated. There's a few folk on here who like older Suzuki's.  My Bandit lump was going into a GSX1100ET build, there's a fairly easy conversion to take the Bandit swingarm too but it depends on what else turn up.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 04 June 2019, 06:54 PM
I had a GSXR1100 Slabsider as a winter rat in the UK.
It was a bit of a cruel thing to do to it, but what the Hell!
It looked rough as guts but went surprisingly well,
even by GSXR standards it was a bit lively !

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F1431vo.jpg&hash=536d3303504fddb2e41c21ed7431f9d194d69efe)
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Wednesday, 21 August 2019, 11:07 PM
Strip down has commenced
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: seth on Wednesday, 21 August 2019, 11:30 PM
That's actually not as bad as I thought from what you were saying @Bob
Still plenty of work ahead if you but I'm sure you'll get it sorted .
:cheers:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Thursday, 22 August 2019, 01:07 AM
The other side got the brunt of the sea air, will get frame blasted and inspect it before coating commences
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Simonic on Tuesday, 27 August 2019, 09:42 AM
Look forward to seeing how this progresses....It's a hell of a project
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Tuesday, 27 August 2019, 08:03 PM
Making a list up of required bits  :doh:
Does anyone have a damaged or wrecked 14 for sale, could be more cost effective
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 27 August 2019, 11:30 PM
Not I !!
Sorry Bob
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Notty on Tuesday, 27 August 2019, 11:47 PM
Bloody hell Bob that's one big mess !!  :bugga:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, 03:06 AM
On the positive side, the chain guard looks in reasonable nick & if the air filter is K&N ya might be able to resurrect that . . . else  :confused1:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: seth on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, 07:53 AM
@Bob is an old hand at resurrecting gsx1400 with a bit of help from the folks here and thier contacts I'm sure he'll get there in the end .
:onya: :cheers:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: GSXKING on Thursday, 29 August 2019, 08:48 PM
I'll buy the chain guard if you decide to wreck it  :onya: :onya: :onya:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Saturday, 31 August 2019, 08:09 AM
Project shitter is going to get a surprise, I've bought a powder coating system  :happy1:
Just have to work out how to use it  now
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Friday, 06 September 2019, 03:54 AM
eBay purchase today, new stantions, £266 delivered, I'm getting there  :rofl2:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Tuesday, 10 September 2019, 01:38 AM
More stripping done, ready for blasting
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Kiwifruit on Tuesday, 10 September 2019, 02:42 AM
Quote from: Bob on Saturday, 31 August  2019, 08:09 AM
Project shitter is going to get a surprise, I've bought a powder coating system  :happy1:


You must find a new and complimentary name for your project Bob. She may look a bit sad in her old dress but with a bit of love l'm sure she will look a million dollars and treat you well.
:1400spray:

I have some quirks with things like that. When l am looking to change a car, l don't speak about it within earshot of the old one. They get sulky and misbehave


Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 10 September 2019, 03:35 AM
Project shitter = Ugly Duckling?  It'll either die as an ugly duckling or finish up as a swan.
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Bob on Sunday, 29 September 2019, 07:56 AM
Col you're right, the end is in sight (frame not back from coater yet) and my own powder coat oven not ready either, but the list of purchases has grown to better not tell the wife what I've bought today level I.e Def Con 1  :shocked:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: froudy on Sunday, 29 September 2019, 06:04 PM
So @Bob ....

How many cans of Plus Gas have you got through so far?? :imrgreen:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: grog on Sunday, 29 September 2019, 06:12 PM
Bob, think youre the front runner of the year award for persistence against all odds.
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Sunday, 29 September 2019, 08:25 PM
 :happy1: good question Froudy
I bought 10ltrs of WD40, only used 5 and everything is off, except manifold bolts, 6 snapped or stuck
Innotec deblock, 2 x 500ml tins both used, it's a plus gas on steroids stuff, we like at the garage
13ltrs brake cleaner
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: froudy on Monday, 30 September 2019, 12:40 AM
That's  not bad considering the condition the bike was in. I did similar with a Honda 400/4 years ago. Its soul destroying at times, but stick at it as the end result will be worth the time and effort :onya:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Saturday, 12 October 2019, 07:52 PM
Ok....

Front calipers rebuilt, seals, bolts & painted  :onya:

Forks all apart, the top caps are seized, currently soaking in a bath of deblock

Studs in head, I'm worried about these so have managed to get a 2 week trial of a PROPER induction heater (I'm going to weld washers and nuts on to snapped studs 1st) I've seen one working and if anything will help it will be this, I really don't want to have to drill these out, also a guy from the factory next door was in, they have a spark eroder would need to get head off for that tho and that's not in my plans

I've bought some industrial rust remover, will use this on some bits before going to for electroplating, options are silver, gold or BLACK  :cool: :imrgreen:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Speedy1959 on Sunday, 13 October 2019, 04:01 PM
H
Those induction heater jobbies seem an amazing bit of kit..
I've watched them in use with success several times on various YouTube channels..
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Del on Sunday, 13 October 2019, 07:35 PM
Hi @Bob

you probably know this mate but its good idea to give teh stud as few taps with a hammer when you pass as this allows teh penetrating fluid to get in there and breaks up some for grab the stud has on the head
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Tuesday, 15 October 2019, 08:12 AM
Induction heater coming tomorrow, I'm going g to try to do a video but if I fail you tube is your friend  :happy1:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: V_i_c_i on Wednesday, 01 January 2020, 08:52 PM
Ouch, such rusty bike. But ideal base for original rat bike  :devil:
Finger crossed with renovation.  :hat:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Friday, 12 June 2020, 04:23 AM
I've been quietly collecting bits, latest additions today are
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Friday, 12 June 2020, 04:26 AM
Shocker
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Friday, 12 June 2020, 05:17 AM
Try again
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Mick_J on Friday, 12 June 2020, 06:59 PM
Looks good, even tells you which way to fit them  :whistling:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: GSXKING on Friday, 12 June 2020, 07:02 PM
They will take some tuning in I assume with all those adjustments  :cheers:
Title: Re: New 1400
Post by: Desert Fox on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, 04:12 AM
Quote from: northern on Monday, 01 April  2019, 03:29 AM
@Bob , hope you do not mind, I use your FB pictures and upload them here...
Holy shit. Even Barmy would have a tough time with this
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: DP1400 on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, 06:32 AM
Bob, sorry, did you say you bought this bike? ie. you actually paid money for it? :rofl2:

On a more serious note, i`d be really interested in knowing its history - after all not many complete bikes get this neglected. I think one of your photos shows it was last taxed in `06, so what happened after then?

I`d like to think the owner had forgotten where he`d left it after a good night down the pub in 2006, but i`m guessing the truth is rather more tragic than that?

Anyway, good luck with the rebuild  :cheers:
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: Bob on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, 06:54 AM
It is a sad story, English bloke came to Scotland west coast, started a small shop, 2008 recession started and banks  closed him down, he went back south and didn't come back, I had k own of this bike for 2 years and eventually managed to contact him and bought it for £200, I dread to think how much its cost me but I e made over 60 Ebay purchases alone (she  counted them) but it will be worth it. 
Title: Re: 1400 rebuild
Post by: DP1400 on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, 07:11 AM
Wow, that IS  a sad story. I suppose the guy didn`t have the means to move both bikes at the time. Even more reason to get her up and running again :onya:

Reminds me of a real situation of an old mate of mine - lived alone, house in Milton Keynes, then moved with his job to Southampton. Still owns the property in MK but hasn`t been back for years......his garage contains his Yamaha collection: x2 RD500`s; x3 RD400`s and a couple of RD250`s for good measure. All were minters. All will now have a certain patina..... :bugga: