MB's smile machine

[Masterbates]

So a bit over a week ago I managed to score a sweet deal on a 2004 GSX1400 with about 78000km.  Despite the age and the number of kilometers the bike is fairly tidy, even the mechanic that gave it a full service commented on both the cosmetic and mechanical condition of the bike.  Needless to say I am totally chuffed with the bike, both to look at and to ride.  Every time I get off the bike I simply can't walk away without giving it one last look. :D

So despite having all the plans in the world, I am just starting off giving it a general clean up and polish, the weather was pretty shitty yesterday but I managed to get the seat and rear cowl off and gave the subframe a check and clean up.  The Ventura rack has been taken off, leaving behind some scars, I would keep it on but I don't actually own a bag to suit, so for the meantime off it comes!  The standard trumpets have been taken off and the Deklivic slip ons that came with the bike have been fitted.  I haven't ridden the bike since, but at idle they do sound good and the weight difference is pretty crazy.

The bike got a decent wash, clay bar, cleanse and polish.  Given the kilometers and age of the bike I am impressed with how well the paint came up.  Obviously it has stone chips, scuffs and the odd scratch, but at 10 paces it gets complements already.  I have started polishing some of the shiny pieces but only what I can access in situ.  My garage is tiny and until I sell the CB500 and do a bit of rearranging space is my limiting factor.

The next target will be the engine casings and fork legs, although I am debating etch priming and painting the forks.  Although that would involve more stripping then I am keen to do atm...  We will see

[grog]

Lookin good mate.

[Kiwifruit]

Love those Hi-Viz yellow Samoan Safety Boots.

[Masterbates]

Cheers guys,
Kiwi they are fecking comfortable and about 4 years old, well worth the $15 I reckon

[Mick_J]

As long as you don't ride too quickly in them 

[Kiwifruit]

Great to wear for welding ......gives your dancing moves a new dimention 

[GSXKING]

You should notice a big difference in the response of the bike with the change of mufflers. 

Does it have a standard air filter ? If YES change it to a K&N or similar, it will breath heaps better. 

[gsxbarmy]

Does it have a standard air filter ? If YES change it to a K&N or similar, it will breath heaps better. 

Proven time and time again on the dyno that the standard air filter is better than the K&N (but only slightly), with a K&N it doesn't breathe any better at all.

Only reason for changing to a K&N is if you do big miles, as you can clean them. Else actually no advantage at all over a standard filter, sorry

[GSXKING]

I didn't know that info, but fair call Barmy.

I reckon I've saved a lot of money on OEM air filters in 135,000 km's of travel, compared to the cost and serviceability of the K&N that's been in the bike for 18 years. 

[grog]

GSX, i agree. Clean instead of replace is good.

[Kiwifruit]

Beware the Hi-Flo aftermarket air filter has a much smaller intake.
And in NZ the original Suzuki filter was slightly cheaper.

[Beaker]

Nice looking bike 

[Masterbates]

Great to wear for welding ......gives your dancing moves a new dimention 

I had a friend do this once, he wore overalls, face shield and gloves... No boots only flip flops.  Needless to say there was much regret.

You should notice a big difference in the response of the bike with the change of mufflers. 

Does it have a standard air filter ? If YES change it to a K&N or similar, it will breath heaps better. 

The bike came with a K&N filter already installed, it was cleaned during the initial service.  I had a little blat this afternoon after work, I am still getting use to the bike but really is a fun ride :D In terms of response, the bike might feel like it revs up a little faster, but that could just be my imagination.  It does sound better, which was my main expectation.