GSX1400 Owners .org

General => Member's Bikes => Topic started by: steve porter on Saturday, 07 September 2019, 07:13 AM

Title: 851
Post by: steve porter on Saturday, 07 September 2019, 07:13 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/9O5PYGk.jpg)
Had this since new

(https://i.imgur.com/hcETJRb.jpg)
And spent far too much time doing this over the years
Title: Re: 851
Post by: grog on Saturday, 07 September 2019, 05:17 PM
Beautiful bike Steve. I was in awe of those in showroom when new. Loved Tri Colour. Only a 2 valver but had my Darmah for 15 yrs. Rebuilt motor in 1985, cost me 6 g back then, me doing the work. Best of everything installed. Could spin to 9 g. Sure could go. I did 86 th ks on that motor, was still running perfectly. Was an amazing bike. I sold the bike but still have wife, she was a bit younger then. 😀
Title: Re: 851
Post by: steve porter on Saturday, 07 September 2019, 07:37 PM
Thanks Grog, it sure is a nice thing that I can't part with as I have now had it for half my life, it however doesn't get a whole lot of use these days as I don't do a lot of tear arseing around, and it's not much good for anything resembling social behavior, even with my high bar/seat and lowered pegs modifications. I also had a Darmah from 85 till about 91 along with a GT and a Sport.Had another GT that I rebuilt and only sold recently and replaced it with the 1400 as I wanted something usable.

(https://i.imgur.com/Jjesqn9.jpg)
Title: Re: 851
Post by: grog on Saturday, 07 September 2019, 08:48 PM
When i had Darmah, also had gsx1100&gs1000g. Was always told i needed something reliable as Ducati would break. It never did. 3 of best bikes ive owned. 14 now rates with them.
Title: Re: 851
Post by: steve porter on Saturday, 07 September 2019, 09:01 PM
Yea, they have a reputation that they don't deserve, however they do require more challenging maintenance that can't be ignored or they will stuff up
Title: Re: 851
Post by: grog on Sunday, 08 September 2019, 05:46 PM
Steve, this one in shed. Can certainly move along. Best brakes ive ever used. Bit of a pig at low revs but once spinning, wow. Would love 14 to rev like it.
Title: Re: 851
Post by: steve porter on Sunday, 08 September 2019, 06:08 PM
Weird looking things, never had the pleasure but,bet they are great to ride though,
Title: Re: 851
Post by: grog on Sunday, 08 September 2019, 06:27 PM
They sure are a great ride. Very comfortable. They get a few bad reviews but all unfounded. I hate no key, just a fob, forever leaving in my pocket, find it later. Its worst feature. Its little screen is just brilliant, takes all air away. 14 is much smoother, better gear change, Diavel is just better at speed. Faster the better, not that ive gone over 100.  :smile2:
Title: Re: 851
Post by: GSXKING on Sunday, 08 September 2019, 08:29 PM
When I was a kid my neighbour had silver and blue striped 900SS he commuted on. He would come down to the street with it after getting it out of the lounge room. Start it, then go back inside for coffee and when it warmed up sufficiently would ride off to work each weekday morning. My alarm clock for many years.  :onya:
Title: Re: 851
Post by: grog on Sunday, 08 September 2019, 08:47 PM
Exactly correct GSX, 5 litres of 50w oil. Didnt warm it, goodbye big end. I used to putt for 10ks before opening up. Total PIA. Reason i never rode to work. When warm, stayed that way for hours after turning off.  Rev it hard all day when warm. Loved Bevels.
Title: Re: 851
Post by: Sweaty on Sunday, 08 September 2019, 09:31 PM
Beautiful looking bike there Steve  :onya:
Title: Re: 851
Post by: BJ on Thursday, 12 September 2019, 09:12 PM
I've got a 996SPS in the shed.
Register it every year and done about 50km in three years.
Can't bring myself to sell it.
Title: Re: 851
Post by: steve porter on Thursday, 12 September 2019, 10:55 PM
Quote from: BJ on Thursday, 12 September  2019, 09:12 PM
I've got a 996SPS in the shed.
Register it every year and done about 50km in three years.
Can't bring myself to sell it.
I know what you mean, the older I get the more I just want a ride instead of an event
Title: Re: 851
Post by: VladTepes on Thursday, 12 September 2019, 11:15 PM
Ducatis are beautiful things, especially the old ones.  And the 916.
Not just Engineering, they are ART.

Their sports bikes have always been a bit small for my frame.
Nowadays I'm a bit old and sore for crouching, though I had considered buying a 999 as their polarising styling makes them significantly cheaper than the models before and immediately after.
(https://raresportbikesforsale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2004-ducati-999-2018-05-18_002.jpg)

Title: Re: 851
Post by: steve porter on Friday, 13 September 2019, 08:02 AM
Quote from: VladTepes on Thursday, 12 September  2019, 11:15 PM
Ducatis are beautiful things, especially the old ones.  And the 916.
Not just Engineering, they are ART.

Their sports bikes have always been a bit small for my frame.
Nowadays I'm a bit old and sore for crouching, though I had considered buying a 999 as their polarising styling makes them significantly cheaper than the models before and immediately after.
(https://raresportbikesforsale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2004-ducati-999-2018-05-18_002.jpg)

too old and fat for clipons these days

(https://i.imgur.com/gSm0abL.jpg)
Title: Re: 851
Post by: grog on Friday, 13 September 2019, 07:09 PM
Bloke at golf used to strap his clubs on 996, ride around 25ks to golf. Sight to see. Others i know have mid 70s 750gt, Vincent motor in it. THey collect rarities. Story, pics etc say that Phil Irving helped installing motor. Will try to get photo.