A new kid on the block

[ajs18s]

Hi all, long time lover of big cc bikes, specially GSX'sss if that's a word. I feel in love with these particular bikes when the world of motorcycles changed BIG TIME. GSX1100R hyper sport first came out. I was only 16 and easily impressed.
So I am here more so to pick brains as I am maybe going to drop some coin on a 2004 1400. I'm interested in what to look for.
Looking forward to seeing what this ever evolving beast has to offer me, now no longer 16.
Currently living in Brisbane however heading home later this year to Country Victoria. Cheers all.

[Hooli]

Afternoon sounds like you've got good taste in bikes there.

There is a buyer's guide tucked away in our technical section for these https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=3137.0

[KiwiCol]

Gidday ajs18s, welcome to the forum.  2004, that'd make it a K4.  They're a rare find, hardly any k4's around.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Welcome mate, enjoy the search for your 1402. Start off slow, so you may need a black one....

But seriously, yes K4s are rare, I'm biased but the K2/K3 are great. A clean FE (Final Edition) from 2008 would make a great bike too.  Red and black ones are hard to find, as are the single colour bikes, the silver grey ones especially. The later models are identified by the red rear coils, paint scheme and that they have an immobiliser.

Look for rust in the tank, pitting on the fork stanchions, engine casings etc as signs of abuse.  Warped discs, sticking brake calipers are common if not looked after, but easy to replace or fix.

Plenty of info on here, happy reading.

[Mr Gee]

Welcome to the Org ajs18s.

You are making a wise choice in picking a 14.

Love to see some photo's, once you have made your purchase

  

[ajs18s]

Thanks for the warm welcome all.
My story, Im retirring from full-time work sometime this year and this is going to be a "hobby". So I am after a sidecar due to injuries, makes life a little easier. My first plan was going to be a K1100rt as I love BMWs. However, I have found a beautiful 1400 a few streets away, and it already has a sidecar attached, perfect. But it's not going to stop there, I intend on spending my free time rebuilding, painting.......We all know how this goes. This bike will be used for a lap of Australia, camping trips and basically to keep me from going insane....
So I will be watching every youtube video on these bikes.
  

[Eric GSX1400K3]

The 1402 is/was a popular choice for sidecar fitment.

[Tony Nitrous]

Welcome.

What to look for ?

Apart from the normal tyres, chains, steering and swingarm bearings etc etc...

The alloy on the cases and forks doesn't take much encouragement to corrode.

Later bikes have an immobiliser. That's good, unless the seller only has 1 key.

Tokic-6 plop front calipers are average on a good day. Love them and care for them, and when they need work bin them. Some folk think they are OK, I don't, and Suzuki went back to 4's on other models. 

Yoshi Cyclone pipes sound real nice and give good performance, but it's an arse to get the oil filter out.

Like lots of bikes, exhaust studs can be fragile to remove if neglected, I'm not sure if 14's are worse than others but I know a few folk with 14's who have suffered.

You won't care if it's a S/car hauler but a taller 55 tyre is nice for a solo.

Despite having injection and an ECU flashing isn't that common. Even the later ones with access are still pretty basic. It's one of the few bikes I didn't mind a Powercommander on.

There's a piece on here somewhere about punching the breather hole out in the filler neck. It lets you add an extra couple of ltrs or similar. I don't brim mine, but I can certainly hold more than a stock tank.

[Blubber]

Hi and welcome.

Hope you find the bike that suits your needs.

Or find a bland one to farkle up 

[Eric GSX1400K3]

The fuel tank filler mod allows an extra 2 or so litres, handy if going on a long ride, you get ~24l in the tank if you fill it to the brim.

6 pots with std rubber brake hoses are shite. Braided ss lines and a rebuild of the calipers with a decent seal kit, sintered pads and true running discs, plus cleaned out disc bobbins make for an acceptable package, whilst not brembo level performance, still not bad for a +22 yo bike imho.

[Mick_J]

Welcome to the forum ajs18s.  Good luck with your search.

[seth]

 
To all things 1402
 

[VladTepes]

I don't think we have any other outfits on here so we are looking forward to seeing what you get

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Gumtree OZ listed as for sale in Perth WA
Suzuki gsx1400 side car

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1339921151

[Mr Gee]

Gumtree OZ listed as for sale in Perth WA
Suzuki gsx1400 side car

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1339921151

Wow, interesting looking beast. 

Good idea for the terrain but the chain must take an awful lot, of maintenance.

A shaft drive would make life much, simpler.