Continuing - So what did you do to your bike today...?

[Will14]

Having grated away the front tyre on the GTR down to the limit during my excursion on the GTR I was going to have to use my other bikes if I wanted a run out.

A bit of sunshine prompted me to pull the GSX out for a ride out to Haughmond Abbey, near Shrewsbury. It was Okay, but a bit out of sorts - I don't think bikes like being neglected and unloved at the back of the garage for a month. Although there was not a pressing need for a refuel, I decided to top it up with the premium juice - it ran a little better at speed but I still couldn't help thinking it was missing the odd beat at low revs. On the ride back, I found myself wondering how long ago it was that I last had the plus or air filter changed - there was a good chance that David Cameron was Prime Minister.



I sourced some plugs and a filter through Ebay. After dubiously eyeing up some alternatives, I stuck with NGK standard plugs, but I'd be interested to know if anyone has been satisfied with cheaper alternatives? Once the kit had arrived it wasn't a difficult job to swap everything out, even for my confesesd limited skills. It was certainly an overdue job, the old plugs' bodies were very corroded although the electrodes did not look too bad. The air filter was also past it's best, with debris from several European nations reminding me of its touring days.

A short run has suggested that it is in a better place, hopefully another hour on the road this afternoon will confirm.

The 14 looks bloody lovely in standard trim I think, not much need for any modification & a true credit to you! It's a shame that the standard exhausts are so quiet, I think they suit the bikes looks better than any aftermarket alternatives, I don't want much noise but do like to hear the note from the exhaust when riding, I think it tells a lot

Modern fuel doesn't like to be left standing for very long, that goes for both Petrol & Diesel these days. I have looked at alternatives to NGK plugs in the past but have read some horror stories about them failing & causing catastrophic damage, but also fake NGK plugs being sold online, they cost a bit more but I have taken to buying NGK plugs from Halfords as would expect them to be a reliable source & doesn't work out much more expensive with the trade card   

[Phill P]

Oberon slave cylinder fitted, feels smoother and shifts are definitely better. Will keep an eye on fluid level as had to nip up bleed screw quite tight as I kept seeing wetness around threads.
Also fitted new full lengh levers in black, all good although had to set the lever at 3 onwards or the clutch switch wouldn't engage 🤣

[KiwiCol]

Took the Black for a bit of a run today.  She began surging & running rough just after 5,000rpm, figured plugs or fuel filter.  Went back home & she was getting worse as I went.  Made it home ok, tank off & plugs out, looked ok so cleaned them up, lubed & re-fitted. Tank, yeah but of crud in the swirl pot & the tea bag looks like it's seen better days. Had a look for a new tea bag on e-bay & came across this staggeringly good buy.  Genuine Suzuki tea bag, $233 plus $54 shipping from the UK!!  Ones from China are about $13 each & some with free shipping at that price.  Bloody madness that Suzuki one.

I put the whole lot from inside the tank into the ultrasonic cleaner, some in petrol (in a plastic bag) & some bits in water, so we'll see if it still goes after this.  I've got the whole pump & HP filter assembly in water, so best I dry it thoroughly before reinstall.



 

[lurch]

I've got some HFP-S1 filters made by Quantum Fuel Systems sitting on the shelf ready for when I'm next working on the 1400. I've used many Quantum pumps and filters over the years on different bikes without any issues. Much cheaper than genuine, a bit more expensive than no name Chinese filters but I have complete faith in Quantum.

I've just this morning fitted a new pump and filters to my 990 Adventure actually.

[KiwiCol]

Well, she cleaned up goodly.  Air hose on the HP pump for quite a few minutes to get the water & any crud out, then ran it on the bench, yep she still goes. Decided to run petrol through it on the bench to flush out any left over water n crud.  Did this 3 times & the fuel stays pretty clear now.  Decided to wire on the pressure relief valve while I was in there.
Putting the tank back on the bike, I dropped 1 of those round rubber pucks & managed to disconnect the swirl pot line while I was connecting the HP line, fuel everywhere!!    Hate that.
Called it a night as getting too dark.   Will get it finished tomorrow & see how she runs after the cleaning ritual.

[grog]

Col, a blob of glue under pucks, stops the drops. Fuel line made easier, replace hose with proper EFI hose. In front of air filter under front of tank bracket, cut in half, add inline filter or JIS connector, so easy a job then.

[GSXKING]

Col do you guys get dirty fuel ?

[KiwiCol]

Thx Grog, I'll see how she goes tomorrow, but I don't want to get too carried away on a bike I hardly use, however if she's no good, I'll get it right.

Chris, no, we don't get crappy fuel.  The poor ole bike has basically been sitting around for approx 7 years with only occasional runs. Think the fuel I took out of it at one stage was 3 years old, so gotta expect some issues.  Reckon she'll be right now though.

[KiwiCol]

Got it buttoned down this morning & cranked her over while still on the lift, starts, hesitant & cuts out. Repeat, same thing.  Hmmm, it's like it can't get enough fuel.   Have a look at the fuel gauge, which is now working again after yesterdays clean, & everything is flashing.  Hmmm, thinking, how much fuel came out last night?  Bloody thing was basically empty!  10L gone.  Put in another 12l & tried again.  Starts, wee hic up then settles down to purring like a tiger!
Haven't ridden it yet but from how she sounds & from what I did & cleaned yesterday, she'll be a good 'un.   Reworked tea bag n all . . .  LOL

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Good on you Col, found the same in mine when I'd cleaned out the fuel system. Topped off the tank and fired right up, albeit still with the misfire. 

I'm glad you got her running again

[KiwiCol]

Took it for a quick run down the street, 5500rpm & all is well.  Couldn't go any faster / longer as it hasn't got a number plate on today.

[Mick_J]

Yep, those number plates really slow bikes down. 

[grog]

Col, get a bottle of F10 fuel treatment, saves old fuel going bad, Repco sells it.

[KiwiCol]

Minor update, put a plate on it & took it for a proper road test. It revved freely to 7300 (in 3rd) & that put the speed at a bit over 160. Happy with that & am certain she'd do more, but no need.  Smooth acceleration & just wants to go.


Grog, I've got some Wynns fuel stabiliser that I use in the generators, I could use that in it, just never crossed my mind to use stabiliser in the bike as I'd hope I'd be riding it, but seeing as how I don't, probably a good idea to start using it in there.  I do use Moreys Upper Cylinder lube though, in all my petrol things & that seems to help, even though it doesn't say it specifically does this.   It just keeps everything in the fuel system clean. A few months ago I stripped down 6 carbys off the outboard, never been touched in 25 years, n no sign of crap build up or varnish etc in any of them.  I reckon that stuff really works.

[grog]

Col, cant get a better reco than that for Moreys. We used it on lpg converted cars, saved valve recession.