GSX1400 Owners .org

General => Introductions => Topic started by: Almost on Friday, 10 February 2023, 10:38 PM

Title: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Friday, 10 February 2023, 10:38 PM
I've been reading this forum for a couple of months since I' inherited my1.4k
She didn't look pretty after 4 years underneath canvas.
The forks had a lot of surface rust along with cases. But after some effort  she is starting to look good.
I'm trying to get her in shape for a ride across to Thailand sometime soon.
So can I ask what steps would you do before  turning her on.( I'm talking about the bike of course) I haven't  started it yet.
The front brakes  are seized, I've bought  a seal kit so that should  be  covered. Wheel bearings seem okay. The fuel in the petrol tank smells like paint thinner. I have bought new break and clutch hoses from Hel.Also have oil and air filters , plugs and fluids.
I liked advice  on what else I should  investigate.
At the moment I'm breaking all the fastenings and putting  copper ease on all the bolts.
Thanks in advance

Ps There's some great information It's really been helpful already
Pps. Maybe I should mention the rear shocks are after-market Hagon Nitro.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Mick_J on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 12:12 AM
Welcome to the forum Almost.  :onya:
First thing Is to remove the tank and drain it out, then shove some fresh fuel in there.  While the tank is off I would remove the plugs.  If the battery is in good order (unlikely after 4 years just sitting there) I would give a starter a press to make sure nothing has seized, this will also slosh a bit of oil around before you try a start.  If it spins up I would replace the plugs and tank and try to start the engine, they are pretty tough so I don't think there will be any problems with it.  Once it has started give it few minutes to warm up and dump the old oil and filter for fresh stuff.  Check the dates on the tyres if they are past 5-6 years old replace them for new.  While the wheels are out you can attend to the brakes easier, also check the sprocket bearing while it's out.  That should keep you busy for a while.  Where are you?
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 01:15 AM
Thanks for the welcome. I'm in sunny London.
Have tried Bilt Hamber tank cleaner before. I think I will change the fuel filter and hose while I'm at it.
Can't wait to get on the road,but it's still cold here so no rush.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Notty on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 01:52 AM
Welcome  :)
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: KiwiCol on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 04:39 AM
Gidday Almost & welcome to the forum.  Mick has you on the right track for pre-start & start up.    If it were me doing it though, I'd be inclined to drain the old oil out first & fill with fresh prior to start, but that's just me.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Kiwifruit on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 05:45 AM
Almost welcome  :cheers:
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Stepdoug on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 07:22 AM
 Definitely dump the tyres . Had a rear go on mine a few years back. Not fun.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 09:42 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Saturday, 11 February  2023, 04:39 AM
Gidday Almost & welcome to the forum.  Mick has you on the right track for pre-start & start up.    If it were me doing it though, I'd be inclined to drain the old oil out first & fill with fresh prior to start, but that's just me.
I'm of the same mind.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 09:43 AM
Quote from: Stepdoug on Saturday, 11 February  2023, 07:22 AM
Definitely dump the tyres . Had a rear go on mine a few years back. Not fun.
Really.  Are they bad news after so long I didn't  realise.  One more thing on the list.
Cheers
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: grog on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 06:43 PM
Mate, you have a list to do. Good luck with it all.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: GSXKING on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 07:20 PM
I concur with all the previous comments 4 years of inactivity is huge on a motorcycle 😵😵
Good luck with rebirthing the GSX.
You won't believe what a great allrounder it is 🥳🥳🥳
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Stepdoug on Sunday, 12 February 2023, 03:34 AM
Quote from: Almost on Saturday, 11 February  2023, 09:43 AM
Quote from: Stepdoug on Saturday, 11 February  2023, 07:22 AM
Definitely dump the tyres . Had a rear go on mine a few years back. Not fun.
Really.  Are they bad news after so long I didn't  realise.  One more thing on the list.
Cheers
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: VladTepes on Sunday, 12 February 2023, 03:33 PM
@Almost
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/1-290517235220.png)

@Stepdoug  Ouch!
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Stepdoug on Monday, 13 February 2023, 12:06 AM
 ???was about three years ago. Doing 90 ish. Outside lane of a clear motorway.
Felt/ had some vibration on the front .
So slowed down a bit heard a lot more noise so pulled over and that was the end result.
Took all the rear light out aswell

Tyre tread wise was very good condition
But it was the age of it that caused the end result.
But to look at it looked good .
So now check age rings on bikes when I buy them.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: GSXKING on Thursday, 16 February 2023, 08:26 PM
Date of manufacture is stamped on side of tyre. I've heard some horror stories of guys saying "one quick ride & I'll change them" & bang into Armco or crashed big time. Not worth it guys 💩💩💩
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Saturday, 18 February 2023, 10:37 AM
Quote from: Stepdoug on Monday, 13 February  2023, 12:06 AM
???was about three years ago. Doing 90 ish. Outside lane of a clear motorway.
Felt/ had some vibration on the front .
So slowed down a bit heard a lot more noise so pulled over and that was the end result.
Took all the rear light out aswell

Tyre tread wise was very good condition
But it was the age of it that caused the end result.
But to look at it looked good .
So now check age rings on bikes when I buy them.
F**k.

AMENDED BY ADMIN
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: GSXKING on Saturday, 18 February 2023, 11:31 AM
Steady on 🧐🧐we don't use that language here 😳
Try F..K 🥸
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Kiwifruit on Saturday, 18 February 2023, 05:11 PM
I read this forum to my kids at bedtime !!
There are times we all think fcuk we just don't write it. So stand in the naughty corner for another five minutes and she's all good   :happy1:
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: gsxbarmy on Saturday, 18 February 2023, 06:53 PM
Quote from: Almost on Saturday, 18 February  2023, 10:37 AM

F**k.

@Almost please DO NOT use profanities on this forum, its not allowed and its not nice. :rulez: :redcard:

Thank you, ADMIN

@VladTepes
@KiwiCol

Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: grog on Saturday, 18 February 2023, 07:12 PM
Im prob one of the worst swearing people in the world, dont mean to but ingrained. I try not to on here, slipped up a few times.
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Sunday, 19 February 2023, 01:06 AM
Quote from: GSXKING on Saturday, 18 February  2023, 11:31 AM
Steady on 🧐🧐we don't use that language here 😳
Try F..K 🥸
Roger that.
But did you see the wheel😀
Kiwi apologies to the kids.
Can I get off the step now my bum's sore?
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: BbigMmac on Sunday, 19 February 2023, 04:50 AM
Welcome Almost, hope you get the 1400 running good and cleaned up. After that you will enjoy it!
Title: Re: 4 years standing underneath a cover.
Post by: Almost on Sunday, 19 February 2023, 11:17 AM
Quote from: BbigMmac on Sunday, 19 February  2023, 04:50 AM
Welcome Almost, hope you get the 1400 running good and cleaned up. After that you will enjoy it!
Thanks  mate, and I can't wait.