Hi, is it right for me?

[numbskull]

Hi all,

Looking to buy a GSX1400. Have previously owned an RGV250L in the 90s and a ZX-6R in the 2000s. Not my thing to race around any more, so I'm looking for something comfortable to cruise around on whilst doing day trips and taking in the scenery.

Unfortunately there aren't really any bikes locally that I can look at or try for size. Being about 5' 5" is the GSX likely to be a problem for me considering the height and weight? Never had a problem with height of the ZX-6. I'm guessing that there's some lowering possible if necessary, and the bars can be tweaked for reach. I'm not a skinny 5' 5" so I hope the weight of the bike won't be a problem.

Looking for some opinions before I travel miles with a view to buying.

[Tony Nitrous]

Hi and welcome.

Good luck getting a balanced opinion on here!
Folk on here are serious fans and will tell you the 14 is an indestructible rocket ship and as comfy as your favourite armchair!

To be fair, you described what the 14 does best.
A nice big solid stable bike that's great for lazy days out.
Comfy, good tank range, lots of torque.

I can't really comment on being 5' 5" but I do have short mates with similar size bikes.
Experience and ability make a HUGE difference and yes, you can lower the 14, if your not a sporty rider it wouldn't be a game changer.

Not sure how clued up you are on 14's.
There's a few differences, twin pipes and single pipe models, later bikes having immobilisers, a few little issues like shock adjusters and fork legs needing a eye kept on them.

[seth]

Emma has a gsx14 and 5'6 with shortish legs and found the change from a mk2 1200 bandit much better as the 14 is both lower seat and has the weight much lower down (even though the gsx is a heavier bike).
She's now done just over 58000 miles on here and loves it .
Has already said have a good read through the pages here to give a good idea of what is good and what goes wrong .
The main changes on the gsx1400 came between the k4 and k5 when they changed a few things (exhausts,fuel maps,fork internals,shocks and ignition imobiliser)
The motor staid the same .
I would still advise trying before you buy .
There not race bikes but great allrounders .
Good luck
Seth

[Mick_J]

Welcome to the forum shortarse  , umm, I mean numbskull.  Don't know anyone that short so cant help but good luck with your search.

[numbskull]

Thanks for the replies. Been looking at the various iterations, but it will likely be an earlier model as I really like the white wheels and twin exhausts. Want to keep it fairly original. I've also noticed that there's a race by some dealers to inflate the prices with some up to the 8K mark    for mint examples. Budget is 4500 to 5K max. One such dealer has about 15 in stock starting at £5500.

[Sweaty]

Welcome & good luck in your search.

[Mister Fishfinger]

You are right about the money. You should get a nice one in the £4K to £5K range, but £8K is really too much.

Also winter is coming so that might help a bit.

[Notty]

Welcome - Croeso - I am 5" 5 and was able to ride my 14 ok. However, as my aches and pains were getting worse with age I got the seat lowered and then shorter shocks so I can stand flat footed. Guess the dealer is in Dorset? that's where I bought mine from 3 years ago - nice guy 

[KiwiCol]

Gidday Numbskull, welcome to the forum, hope your search goes well.   

[numbskull]

Welcome - Croeso - I am 5" 5 and was able to ride my 14 ok. However, as my aches and pains were getting worse with age I got the seat lowered and then shorter shocks so I can stand flat footed. Guess the dealer is in Dorset? that's where I bought mine from 3 years ago - nice guy 

Yes - Bridport. https://cjpmotorcycles.weebly.com/

I could only reach both feet (not flat) on my ZX-6R, but it didn't bother me, nor did I ever feel as if I'd drop it. It's just a confidence thing with such a big bike. I have seen several comments about the weight being fairly low down on the GSX so that will improve stability when stopped. Incidentally, I guess 40Kg is quite a bit of weight, but the ZX was reported as about 180Kg dry anyway which doesn't sound like an awful lot, and a large portion of that extra weight is on the wheels anyway.

Thanks for your comments 

[Andre]

Welcome

[VladTepes]

[numbskull]

Being delivered Saturday. White wheels 

Couple of small cosmetic jobs to do over the winter to prepare for spring.

[Suzuki boi]

That's a cracking look bike lad
You'll love it!

[Kiwifruit]

very nice, well done...... great you found just what you wanted.
Enjoy your new ride.
Welcome along