So a bit over a week ago I managed to score a sweet deal on a 2004 GSX1400 with about 78000km. Despite the age and the number of kilometers the bike is fairly tidy, even the mechanic that gave it a full service commented on both the cosmetic and mechanical condition of the bike. Needless to say I am totally chuffed with the bike, both to look at and to ride. Every time I get off the bike I simply can't walk away without giving it one last look. :D
So despite having all the plans in the world, I am just starting off giving it a general clean up and polish, the weather was pretty shitty yesterday but I managed to get the seat and rear cowl off and gave the subframe a check and clean up. The Ventura rack has been taken off, leaving behind some scars, I would keep it on but I don't actually own a bag to suit, so for the meantime off it comes! The standard trumpets have been taken off and the Deklivic slip ons that came with the bike have been fitted. I haven't ridden the bike since, but at idle they do sound good and the weight difference is pretty crazy.
The bike got a decent wash, clay bar, cleanse and polish. Given the kilometers and age of the bike I am impressed with how well the paint came up. Obviously it has stone chips, scuffs and the odd scratch, but at 10 paces it gets complements already. I have started polishing some of the shiny pieces but only what I can access in situ. My garage is tiny and until I sell the CB500 and do a bit of rearranging space is my limiting factor.
The next target will be the engine casings and fork legs, although I am debating etch priming and painting the forks. Although that would involve more stripping then I am keen to do atm... We will see
Lookin good mate.
Love those Hi-Viz yellow Samoan Safety Boots. :clapping:
Cheers guys,
Kiwi they are fecking comfortable and about 4 years old, well worth the $15 I reckon :P
As long as you don't ride too quickly in them :whistling:
Great to wear for welding ......gives your dancing moves a new dimention :boogie:
You should notice a big difference in the response of the bike with the change of mufflers. :boogie: :boogie:
Does it have a standard air filter ? If YES change it to a K&N or similar, it will breath heaps better. :onya:
Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 12 May 2019, 11:48 AM
Does it have a standard air filter ? If YES change it to a K&N or similar, it will breath heaps better. :onya:
Proven time and time again on the dyno that the standard air filter is better than the K&N (but only slightly), with a K&N it doesn't breathe any better at all.
Only reason for changing to a K&N is if you do big miles, as you can clean them. Else actually no advantage at all over a standard filter, sorry
I didn't know that info, but fair call Barmy. :doh: :doh:
I reckon I've saved a lot of money on OEM air filters in 135,000 km's of travel, compared to the cost and serviceability of the K&N that's been in the bike for 18 years. :onya: :onya:
GSX, i agree. Clean instead of replace is good.
Beware the Hi-Flo aftermarket air filter has a much smaller intake.
And in NZ the original Suzuki filter was slightly cheaper.
Nice looking bike :onya:
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Sunday, 12 May 2019, 02:18 AM
Great to wear for welding ......gives your dancing moves a new dimention :boogie:
I had a friend do this once, he wore overalls, face shield and gloves... No boots only flip flops. Needless to say there was much regret.
Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 12 May 2019, 11:48 AM
You should notice a big difference in the response of the bike with the change of mufflers. :boogie: :boogie:
Does it have a standard air filter ? If YES change it to a K&N or similar, it will breath heaps better. :onya:
The bike came with a K&N filter already installed, it was cleaned during the initial service. I had a little blat this afternoon after work, I am still getting use to the bike but really is a fun ride :D In terms of response, the bike might feel like it revs up a little faster, but that could just be my imagination. It does sound better, which was my main expectation.