Scott's 14 (First bike)

[J16SDA]

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

[Hooli]

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.

[seth]

@Hooli could you help him in person
As he sounds quite close to you that said Yorkshire is a big place.

[Hooli]

@seth I'd offer but I'm hoping to be busy fixing  my Triumphs soon, both have parts due next week.

[BlueDragon]

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

[grog]

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. 👍

[J16SDA]

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. 

[Eric GSX1400K3]

 

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.

[Hooli]

@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.

[J16SDA]

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

[J16SDA]

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?

[seth]

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 .

[Hooli]

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.

[Speedy1959]

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.

[grog]

Lots of options Speedy. Normal old insulation tape works just fine.