GSX1400 K3 - A project with a purpose.

[Cursed]

Bit of pre-amble now, so I apologise, but bear with me.

I've become the owner of a GSX1400 through unfortunate circumstances, my dad sadly passed away last year and having been his main riding companion over the last 8 years or so I became the owner of his main bike and several projects, long story, but I couldn't keep all of them but there was one that was particularly special to him, his 14 that he purchased as a project, but unfortunately his health began deteriorating shortly after purchase so it never really got off the ground. Cue my introduction to the project...

My dad, and the aforementioned 14..



Sorry if this came across a bit depressing, but this isn't meant to be sad!

Once built, I intend to ride it, not just look at it but it will be a bike that I don't ever have any intention of parting with.

------------

Moving on...

It has the dreaded second gear problem which I may or may not tackle myself, as you can see it needs paint, standard headlight, engine paint needs addressing, frame needs blasting and new powder coat.

Progress will be slow as i'm getting married in September so funds are needed elsewhere (that's an understatement!) but it will pick up after that. My intention is to get it built by the TT next year. so I have almost a year to get it done.

Stripping it down began a long time ago but i've picked up on this recently. Currently i'm stuffed as the middle 2 exhaust header bolts are rounded off and seized solid, I have read the thread on here about removing them but I don't know if i'm brave enough for that, I have contact details for a local guy that will remove them to the tune of £120, so I may weigh it up.

As it currently sits, looking sorry for itself..

[gsxbarmy]

Nice looking 14, sad circumstances but I'd be exactly the same. Well all the help you'll ever need is on this forum.

I'm in Billericay, and very happy to help if you wish, or just chew the cud on how to approach/go about things. If its dropping out of second gear, that's probably the best part of £1200 plus at a dealer to get done - but whilst it may look a daunting task, its been done by a few in the past successfully.

Good luck with the re-build, look forward to the photos as it all progresses

[Cursed]

Appreciate that, i've got a complete (I believe, I need to go through the parts) second hand gearbox to use parts from, i've had a reasonable quote from an independent bike shop if I take them the engine out of the bike so that's something else for me to consider.

Nice looking 14, sad circumstances but I'd be exactly the same. Well all the help you'll ever need is on this forum.

I'm in Billericay, and very happy to help if you wish, or just chew the cud on how to approach/go about things. If its dropping out of second gear, that's probably the best part of £1200 plus at a dealer to get done - but whilst it may look a daunting task, its been done by a few in the past successfully.

Good luck with the re-build, look forward to the photos as it all progresses

[seth]

Indeed sad circumstances I'm sure you'll turn it into a very fitting tribute bike .
I love the paint job. Will follow with interest and if there's anything your needing your in the right place just ask .

[Notty]

Forget the wedding - the 14 is more important !! 

[Blubber]

That can turn into a nice tribute bike 

Take your time

[Hooli]

What year is it? looks like a K3/K4 to me as silver rear springs & matt side panels.


/anorack

[Cursed]

What year is it? looks like a K3/K4 to me as silver rear springs & matt side panels.


/anorack

It's a K3, 53 plate.

[Cursed]

To give a bit of a better idea of the sorry state it's in.





Don't you just love dealing with previous owners work...electrical tape all pulled off the loom!

[seth]

We've seen worse restored to fantastic condition
I'm sure you'll take you time and do a great job with it.
 

[KiwiCol]

Calling Lawrie . . .

[ARH]

Yep..... some work to do there.  As others have said, sure it will turn out a belter and will you many hours of enjoyment in the rebuild!

[Cursed]

Removed:

• Exhaust
• Top Yoke & Clocks
• Loom

Being a bit thick, I didn't realise the exhaust is a full akrapovic system so I could remove the headers without the seized bolts for the minute.

For a long time i've been a fan of Kanerdogs build (having originally seen it on PBMag forum), infact I bought one of his exhaust mounts as a gift for my dad a few years back - Definitely a source of inspiration and now it's had me eyeing up billet yokes, not sure if the pennies will stretch that far just yet!

Loom is going to need a good clean and tidying up, got to try and strip a datatool alarm out of it, I hate the things with a passion.

All but one of the engine mount bolts is out, don't think they've ever been undone, every single one has put up a fight!

[Andre]

Nice surprise to have a full Akra.

To remove the alarm is probably the best thing one can do for any bike. I have disc locks with alarm. Certainly helps prevent riding off with the locks on

[Hooli]

Alarms, designed to stop the owner using the bike. They do bugger all to prevent crime.