Evening all,
This is my new to me 1400 (first bike passed my test 2 weeks ago)
I bought it in June as a fixer upper.
So far I've given it a really good clean as the previous owner used it in all weathers as a commuter.
I've done the below..
1) fixed a wiring fault which was making the lights flash when indicating
2) replaced the rear shocks for aftermarket
3) cleaned a polished the exhaust and headers
4) fitted heated grips
5) puig front screen
6) usb port up front
7) updated headlight bulbs
8) led indicators
That'll do for now, she needs a service and front fork service.
:welcome1:
To all things 1402 .
You have found the right place gave a good look about .
Take it easy with your new bike and enjoy it :cheers:
Gidday Scott & welcome to the forum.
Hiya Scott. Welcome along. Enjoy your new bike and enjoy being part of the forum :cheers:
Welcome Scott !
Welcome Mate. Very flash first bike. 👍
Welcome Scott! Best bikes on earth.
Question: First bike - passed test 2 weeks ago. Have you been riding bikes for long? Is this literally your first bike ever? Down here in Penalsville we have to start with a low powered bike for a while then progress to a larger capacity later. You went straight to the space shuttle! How do you feel about riding such a mighty bike as your first bike? Nervous much or are you a racer who's just got their road license?
Welcome Scott.
Re indicator issue, mine only work intermittently as in on-off-on-off etc. :rofl2:
Welcome Scott :hat:
I recall years ago we had a member who went straight to a 14 after his test, old Lucky13.
I think it's not as bad as it seems as I got mine 8 months after my test & it was easier to ride than the RF600 I had before that.
Welcome to the forum Scott. :onya: Where are you?
Welcome - Croeso :)
Quote from: SA14 on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, 04:41 PM
Welcome Scott! Best bikes on earth.
Question: First bike - passed test 2 weeks ago. Have you been riding bikes for long? Is this literally your first bike ever? Down here in Penalsville we have to start with a low powered bike for a while then progress to a larger capacity later. You went straight to the space shuttle! How do you feel about riding such a mighty bike as your first bike? Nervous much or are you a racer who's just got their road license?
I've ridden bikes up until I was 16 mainly motocross and mopeds across fields ha. I've had my car license around 15 years my lorry license 5 years so I'm experienced in that way. I'm a big lad at 6ft2 23 stone so wanted something with a little pull to move my bulk. So far I feel great on it. I'm steady away as I know it's all new to me.
Quote from: mjgt on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, 06:53 PM
Welcome to the forum Scott. :onya: Where are you?
Based in West Yorkshire
Quote from: J16SDA on Friday, 09 October 2020, 01:11 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, 06:53 PM
Welcome to the forum Scott. :onya: Where are you?
Based in West Yorkshire
There's a few of us around Yorkshire, might see you out on it sometime.
wellcome scott. Another yorkshire lad , Im west yorkshire too , prob see you on a East coast run
Welcome Scott. I feel very lonely in Suffolk ☹️
Welcome Scott - you`ve obviously already been busy, looks good. Take it easy, or she will bite back! :cheers:
Quote from: J16SDA on Friday, 09 October 2020, 01:10 AM
Quote from: SA14 on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, 04:41 PM
Welcome Scott! Best bikes on earth.
Question: First bike - passed test 2 weeks ago. Have you been riding bikes for long? Is this literally your first bike ever? Down here in Penalsville we have to start with a low powered bike for a while then progress to a larger capacity later. You went straight to the space shuttle! How do you feel about riding such a mighty bike as your first bike? Nervous much or are you a racer who's just got their road license?
I've ridden bikes up until I was 16 mainly motocross and mopeds across fields ha. I've had my car license around 15 years my lorry license 5 years so I'm experienced in that way. I'm a big lad at 6ft2 23 stone so wanted something with a little pull to move my bulk. So far I feel great on it. I'm steady away as I know it's all new to me.
Cool. Thought for a second there that you were a young kid with a fresh licence and hopped straight onto a 14. Im also a big lad so would be interested in your thoughts on the seat when you get a chance to go for a long ride.
You'll be fine Scott it's one of the slower BLACK ones :stir: :stir: :stir:
Quote from: SA14 on Friday, 09 October 2020, 05:50 AM
Quote from: J16SDA on Friday, 09 October 2020, 01:10 AM
Quote from: SA14 on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, 04:41 PM
Welcome Scott! Best bikes on earth.
Question: First bike - passed test 2 weeks ago. Have you been riding bikes for long? Is this literally your first bike ever? Down here in Penalsville we have to start with a low powered bike for a while then progress to a larger capacity later. You went straight to the space shuttle! How do you feel about riding such a mighty bike as your first bike? Nervous much or are you a racer who's just got their road license?
I've ridden bikes up until I was 16 mainly motocross and mopeds across fields ha. I've had my car license around 15 years my lorry license 5 years so I'm experienced in that way. I'm a big lad at 6ft2 23 stone so wanted something with a little pull to move my bulk. So far I feel great on it. I'm steady away as I know it's all new to me.
Cool. Thought for a second there that you were a young kid with a fresh licence and hopped straight onto a 14. Im also a big lad so would be interested in your thoughts on the seat when you get a chance to go for a long ride.
I'm 36 years old so not a daft lad.
The seat seems really comfy after a good 4hrs in the saddle. I have noticed that I slide forward a lot to the tank so I'm thinking of chopping a little foam away so its a little more level towards the back. I have a new seat cover to go on which I've not got around to doing yet, I'll save that for when it goes away for a few months (winter)
Odd question to another bloke but what are you wearing?
I've found textiles slide a lot more than leathers.
Quote from: J16SDA on Saturday, 10 October 2020, 06:06 AM
I'm 36 years old so not a daft lad.
The seat seems really comfy after a good 4hrs in the saddle. I have noticed that I slide forward a lot to the tank so I'm thinking of chopping a little foam away so its a little more level towards the back. I have a new seat cover to go on which I've not got around to doing yet, I'll save that for when it goes away for a few months (winter)
Good to hear. Daft is acceptable though. I'm the President of that club and new members are always welcome.
Your seat interests me though. I'm finding mine uncomfortable (after about 30 minutes) even though it's in excellent condition so I'd be interested to know more about your cover (is it a stock cover?) and the mods you do so please take some photos and make a seat mod thread if you could be bothered. Inquiring minds want to know.
Hooli, asking a 23 stone bloke what hes wearing. I just found that funny, sorry. Hope he doesnt answer with lycra.Nothing nasty meant, just my warped humour.
Pleased l'm not the only warped one Grog.....my first thought was lycra :facepalm: :facepalm: sorry.
Quote from: Hooli on Saturday, 10 October 2020, 08:35 AM
Odd question to another bloke but what are you wearing?
I've found textiles slide a lot more than leathers.
I'm either wearing jeans or I've got some padded like cargo pant thingy mi bobs
I don't like riding in jeans they do slide more than leathers, I compromised on leather jeans as I don't like power ranger shit either.
Quote from: Hooli on Friday, 23 October 2020, 07:38 AM
I don't like riding in jeans they do slide more than leathers, I compromised on leather jeans as I don't like power ranger shit either.
I'm too "skinny" for power ranger suits.......
Great bike, Scott!
Some questions and links to be provided here :grin:
2) replaced the rear shocks for aftermarket
Which ones did you choose? From the pics I see they are without piggyback. Can you provide link?
8) led indicators
Also here, very beautiful indicators. Can you source the link please?
Thank you
That's a very nice looking bike Scott :onya:
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Monday, 09 November 2020, 07:56 PM
Great bike, Scott!
Some questions and links to be provided here :grin:
2) replaced the rear shocks for aftermarket
Which ones did you choose? From the pics I see they are without piggyback. Can you provide link?
8) led indicators
Also here, very beautiful indicators. Can you source the link please?
Thank you
@Athelstanexxx Here's a link for the flowing indicators, they will be available from other places as well
https://www.amazon.com/Version-Kinstecks-Motorcycle-Indicators-Motorbike/dp/B07SZDDZFJ
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Monday, 09 November 2020, 07:56 PM
Great bike, Scott!
Some questions and links to be provided here :grin:
2) replaced the rear shocks for aftermarket
Which ones did you choose? From the pics I see they are without piggyback. Can you provide link?
8) led indicators
Also here, very beautiful indicators. Can you source the link please?
Thank you
Shocks were purchased from Brook Suspension the guys there helped me pick them out and I also purchased uprated springs which were installed by them before being delivered.
https://www.brooksuspension.co.uk/motorcycle-motorbike-shock-absorbers/yss-shocks/suzuki-gsx1400-yss-twin-shock-absorbers-02-07/ (https://www.brooksuspension.co.uk/motorcycle-motorbike-shock-absorbers/yss-shocks/suzuki-gsx1400-yss-twin-shock-absorbers-02-07/)
LED indicators were purchased from Amazon...they come with running lights (I've not wired them in) and also rear brake lights built (I've not wired them either) I probably could've bought different LED's cheaper but decided I liked the shape of these, also had to buy an LED Flasher unit so that they work as they should.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LiNKFOR-Motorcycle-Waterproof-Indicators-Compatible/dp/B07H24SX63/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3BDCZE3N81MSM&dchild=1&keywords=led+indicators+motorcycle&qid=1605478686&sprefix=led+indicator+light%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-6 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/LiNKFOR-Motorcycle-Waterproof-Indicators-Compatible/dp/B07H24SX63/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3BDCZE3N81MSM&dchild=1&keywords=led+indicators+motorcycle&qid=1605478686&sprefix=led+indicator+light%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-6)
not a lot to report really from my end.
added a few little extras to my bike.
Clutch and brake lever (will post pics asap)
replaced viper seat for a standard seat (will post pics asap)
rear hugger to fit (no fittings kit or any idea how to do it?)
any help with the fitting of the rear hugger would be great. i.e. how to fit/what nuts/bolts I require? it'll be getting some paint shop attention before I do attempt to fit so I want to get the bits I need together asap
What sort of Hugger have you got Scott? Mine is a Powerbronze type without the chain guard. If yours is the same I will take pictures and check bolt sizes for you. The other type I know of is Pyramid which includes the chain guard as part of the hugger.
Quote from: Big Phil on Wednesday, 30 December 2020, 11:56 PM
What sort of Hugger have you got Scott? Mine is a Powerbronze type without the chain guard. If yours is the same I will take pictures and check bolt sizes for you. The other type I know of is Pyramid which includes the chain guard as part of the hugger.
not a clue I'm afraid, it's a carbon fibre one with the chain guard bit. I can't see any markings on the hugger itself.
Sorry mate can't really help you in that case. Perhaps post a picture of it on here as someone is bound to have a similar type and will help you out. Worst case offer it up to the bike and you should be able to see where it should bolt down. That's as long as it has pre-drilled holes🤞
I've attached some images of the hugger I've got. Looks like a pyramid one. I've trial fitted it and I need all the bolts/screws. Does anyone know where I can buy them? Sending the hugger to my local Bodyshop to see what if anything they can do to the fading
Also attached some pictures of the other bits :-)
J16, top photo is one beautiful bike. One of the best i reckon.
Quote from: J16SDA on Thursday, 31 December 2020, 07:06 PM
I've attached some images of the hugger I've got. Looks like a pyramid one. I've trial fitted it and I need all the bolts/screws. Does anyone know where I can buy them? Sending the hugger to my local Bodyshop to see what if anything they can do to the fading
@J16SDA - not sure that that is a Pyramid hugger - I had a Pyramid on mine, as far as I know, the Pyramid didn't do ones with integral chain guards
https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/collections/suzuki/products/suzuki-gsx-1400-hugger-gloss-black-2001-2008
Quote from: Big Phil on Thursday, 31 December 2020, 09:10 PM
https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/collections/suzuki/products/suzuki-gsx-1400-hugger-gloss-black-2001-2008
I stand corrected!
I can't vouch for it but perhaps
Little update....
My carbon rear hugger wasn't fixable so I've had it painted black. (win some you lose some) waiting for this to come back from the bodyshop.
Bought all my bits so I can service the bike before I start using it again (away for the lovely uk winter)
managed to find myself an absolute bargain in a top box and rack (monokey or whatever its called) £45
sending a few bits for powder coating tomorrow but after removing my rear footpegs/exhaust hanger to get coated I can't remove the rubber from the pedal (previous owner has butchered the screws and the pin) so I can't strip it down. feeling frustrated by this but I suppose you always inherit someone else's issues.
Can't wait to get back out on the bike though....roll on the better weather
Fitted my bargain top box and arms tonight.
Really not a fan of the look, tempted to remove them and just fit them when needed..as it'll only be used like this for camping trips or weekends away somewhere (when we are allowed)
Also bought myself a new helmet :-) Ruroc 2.0 Core which is a thing of beauty
No update as such....
But I'm thinking of selling 🤔
It isn't the comfiest of places to be when I'm going on long rides. Seating position is perfect its just the suspension I think. Its quite stiff and my friends got a v strom and that's like riding a cloud.
My gsx is harsh. I have to avoid everything in the road just so I don't break my back.
I've replaced the rear shocks and had them set up so maybe I could do something with them to smoothen the ride out.
My front shocks the bottom screw adjuster is seized so not sure how easy/expensive that will be to sort out. I know they need an oil change as this was mentioned with set up.
Would changing the oil make that much of a difference? I love the look and the power its just the hardness of the ride.
I'm in Yorkshire and feeling quite defeated so if anyone can help id appreciate it
Bottom of the shocks is the compression adjuster, so yeah if that's set hard then it'll ruin the ride. There's a thread on here somewhere on how to fix it, it involves drilling them out to release the ball bearing that seizes & fitting a brass plug from memory.
I'd try changing the fork oil, it always makes a noticeable improvement on mine. If you it yourself it'll cost about £10-15 in oil & a few hours work.
@Hooli could you help him in person
As he sounds quite close to you that said Yorkshire is a big place.
@seth I'd offer but I'm hoping to be busy fixing my Triumphs soon, both have parts due next week.
What are the replacement rear shocks? Hopefully, along with preload, you have both rebound and compression adjustment.
I've done a full suspension upgrade on mine.
Setup mostly for 2 up with some touring luggage.
But even by myself, I can adjust the suspension softer to the point where it is just firm, but certainly not uncomfortable and here in Australia, the state of NSW is known for its crappy country roads.
I'm sure that some adjusting is all that would be needed. Along with fixing the compression adjustment in the front forks
J16, must be set up just too stiff. Not harsh/ backbreaker when all adjusted correctly, just the opposite really. I had mine all set, got sick of trying to get it right, shop replaced fork springs, serviced forks and rear shocks. Adjusted for my weight, all up $800. Have never touched adjustment since. Made huge difference. Can feel front and rear working together. Stick with it Mate, youll smile after. 👍
the rear shocks are only rebound and preload adjustment only so not all singing all dancing.
I really think my issue is with the front end as these do require an oil change but with the bottom adjusters seized I could do with fixing these too but wouldn't know where to start drilling out and finding replacement bits.
looks like I'll have to find someone to do them for me.
:cool:
Quote from: J16SDA on Monday, 05 April 2021, 06:15 AM
the rear shocks are only rebound and preload adjustment only so not all singing all dancing.
I really think my issue is with the front end as these do require an oil change but with the bottom adjusters seized I could do with fixing these too but wouldn't know where to start drilling out and finding replacement bits.
looks like I'll have to find someone to do them for me.
Rear shocks are also adjustable for compression, although in only 4 presets. Theres a 4 position adjuster wheel on the top of the external resevoir.
Servicing the front forks is straightforward, im sure a decent bike shop will get it done for you if you are not confident and will help you out with the stuck adjuster. It will make a big difference to the bike and your enjoyment of it. Stick with it, lots of info on here as well to help you.
@J16SDA I've found the download on fixing the compression adjusters
https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=46
I've got the fun of this over next winter as part of the refurbishment of my 14.
Looking to replace my mirrors with something a little more upto date or better.
I've tried bar end mirrors which I love the look of but my grips overhang the end of my bars ever so slightly so I can't tighten bar end mirrors up :-( not sure i can move them up any further either. (Oxford heated grips)
Also send my bike in for the front forks servicing on Friday ready for a day of riding Sundsy around the Yorkshire dales hopefully or peak district. Unsure
So because I'm bored I've gone down to the garage to have a proper look.
If I chop the little nipple/nobble bit which fits into that hole and move the switch up. Will it tighten up ok? Or do I need to drill a hole for it to slot into?
If you want to do that I suggest you file down the nipple but leave a bit so it grips the bars .
You'll need to do a bit of trial and fit to make sure it's just long enough but you can still screw up the switchgear hands properly .
Mine was cut off when I got my bike as Renthals were already fitted, I can move the switch gear by twisting it but it's never moved in use.
I recently cut the switch nipples off the switches on my Honda cos I wanted the heated grips just so..
Initially the switches could be rotated even when tightened up, but I cured this by cleaning the bars with brake cleaner and then sticking a layer of Gaffer tape around the bars, cut to the same width as the switch gear so it doesn't show.
This worked perfectly..
A mate cut his switch nipples off and used a length of inner tube under the switch gear, and this too worked perfectly..
So there are options for you to do when you modify the switch gear.
S.
Lots of options Speedy. Normal old insulation tape works just fine.
Or move somewhere warm where you dont need heated grips, then you dont need to modify your switchgear snd you can have your bar end mirrors too. :whistling: :stir:
Wot? You want more whinging over there? :stir: :whistling: or are you thinking of Greece or Turkey? :imrgreen:
Qatar, Doha, Yemen are all nice and warm....
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 18 April 2021, 02:37 PM
Qatar, Doha, Yemen are all nice and warm....
......where women dress up like a letterbox
:oops:
So had my bike in for the fork seals doing and oil replacing. Got the bike home and went out for a ride 170miles was sooo much better not as firm and harsh as before.
Parked the bike up for a couple of days and came back to a puddle of oil next to the right hand fork as you sit on the bike. Looks to be leaking from the dust cover. Does this mean the new seal might have been damaged whilst putting it back together? If I pump the forks up and down it leaks out a little?
Feeling frustrated as the mot is due in a couple of weeks and it'll probably fail on that. So going to have to send it back to where it was done and get then to fix it...
Yup, sounds like the seal again. Make sure they used genuine seals (fitted the right way up, they've got three lips & need fitting so two hold the oil in). Genuine are about £10 a side so not mega money for a trouble free life.
No one seems to have any luck with aftermarket ones. After market dust seals are ok, but the actual fork seals aren't.
Get back onto them Mate, not good enough.
Quote from: Hooli on Monday, 26 April 2021, 06:39 PM
Yup, sounds like the seal again. Make sure they used genuine seals (fitted the right way up, they've got three lips & need fitting so two hold the oil in). Genuine are about £10 a side so not mega money for a trouble free life.
No one seems to have any luck with aftermarket ones. After market dust seals are ok, but the actual fork seals aren't.
I reckon that's what they've done, put the seal in the wrong way.
It always surprises me even the factory manual doesn't mention which way up they go.
Hmm, I used aftermarket seals on mine when I rebuilt them last year, no issues to date. You have to pay attention which way they go on (take a photo of the old ones when they come out), plus I put a smear of grease in the seal lips before they go on, stops them dragging and potentially rolling when you slide the staunchion in.
Agree though, only the oem ones use 3 seal rings.
From memory, Kawasaki fit and are same as OEM. 1/2 price rings a bell.
You are correct but in the UK Suzuki dropped the price to match the lower Kawasaki price a while ago .
Another small update...
Had the bike back in for the leaking seal.
Replaced the seals again and no leak so far, booked in for mot today and passed with a couple of advisories
Rear Tyre (which I knew was getting low)
Rear pads (which I was told the previous owner had replaced and I've only done about 1500 miles)
All in all I'm happy 😊
My experience is the rear calipers like to stick & wear the pads out quickly, so worth keeping an eye on if it eats them.
Agree Hooli. Mines been cleaned, lubed seals, all the normal stuff. Rotor always runs hotter than fronts.Front after quiet run, 80 degrees, rear 120. 5 sets of rear pads to 1 front. No idea what causes it. Just seems too much drag on pads when in free mode.No adjustment so no way i know to fix. Doesnt really worry me but very strange.
Managed to fit my cheapo bar end mirrors to see whether or not I like them and I much prefer them to the standard mirrors. I can actually see behind me so now to purchase some better quality ones.
I need to find something to cover the holes where my old ones came off. Does anyone know the size bolt I'll need to cover them?
Put a bit of Blutac down the hole & cover it in black marker pen. :stir: :whistling:
Put the old mirrora back in, so you can admire your handiwork ans see yourself looking at your new bar end mirrors. :stir:
take your old mirrors to a bolt place and ask for a bolt to match the length and thread.
and then here comes the boss being all sensible . . . :popcorn:
J16, pretty sure 10 mm. Just find rubber plugs to fit. Thats all i have, been in a long time.
I'm sure Suzuki and Yamaha use the same thread but other manufacturers use a different pitch of thread .
As vlad says take your mirror's to a bolt supplier and happy days.
:cheers:
Yeah Seth, Yam the same. Hundreds of blanking plugs/threaded on E Bay. Rubber plugs work fine.Fraction of cost.