GSX1400 review - what to include?

[KiwiCol]

I sometimes give mine a birthday & get a tank of 100+ octane.

[Kiwifruit]

Same.....now usually run 91 with the odd fill of 98.

[Mick_J]

You boys shouldn't spoil your bikes with fancy fuel, they may get a taste for it and not deliver the goods on the cheaper stuff, bit like women really. 

[grog]

Not so sure mjgt, can remember in my younger days, thats when dinosaurs still walked by the way, the object was to use cheap fuel on girls for good performance. 

[KiwiCol]

Not so sure mjgt, can remember in my younger days, thats when dinosaurs still walked by the way, the object was to use cheap fuel on girls for good performance. 

  I remember them daze, pink gin was always a favourite goto . . .   

[Milts]

 The only con for me was hauling the thing onto it's centre stand!

The fitting of rear suspension jack up blocks solved that issue for me. (Do remember to check/adjust chain tension if doing this modification)

[Jeykey]

For me most has been said. The pros are far more than the cons. The really big con for me is the heat ! Living in the south of Europe, when it´s +35ºC, all black bike sitting in the sun and then doing even a 20 min ride, it´s like riding in hell! The petrol has been heated in the sun (sometimes you can´t avoid leaving her there), you roll the throttle, the engine starts to heat, the fins letting all that heat rise... man, it´s like roasting in hell: That´s why I prefer riding in Winter, with 5-10ºC here she´s perfect.

[VladTepes]

haha try the heat from the cylinders of a BMW boxer or Guzzi..... that was the only thing that I didn't like about the Guzzi California I test rode here similar outside temps.

[Hooli]

14s always feel cool to me, try a Pan Euro when the fan kicks in & blows the hot air all over you.

[Irish in Oz]

I've forgotten what it's like to ride in temps over 25 degrees C.

[grog]

I reckon 14 feels cool, ive been in a few hot days. Try a later Thruxton, so much heat.

[Mick_J]

Try a KTM superadventure for heat, even on a cool day I got stuck in traffic and boy did I get hot, even had to pull over.

[Batkwaka]

Firstly it's a comfortable bike for rider and pillion.
It has strapping points for overnight luggage and easily more if you can find a set of Givi's etc.
A naked bike so wonderful in summer, inconvenient in winter.
22 litre fuel tank gives good range particularly if being conservative.
Adequate suspension with aftermarket options readily available.
Brakes again adequate.
Excellent spread of power though a standard exhaust will restrict top end acceleration.
Takes all popular brands of tyres.
Has no ABS or TC, it's up to you if that's good or bad.
Too many electrical accessories can put a strain on the charging system.
Isn't too hard on tyres or brake pads if ridden sedately.
Does alright through the gravel when required.
Cleans up an absolute treat.
Still bucket loads of fun at a track day or the Drags.
My view, although put together as a budget machine, the 14 equates to more than the sum of its parts, it's just a really nice motorcycle.

[grog]

Batkwacka, very well said. 

[Jeykey]

OK guys, thanks for the heat tips on other bikes. I'll try to remember there's always worse. For me the 14 still is the best all rounder. Nearly perfect. Can even beat scooters on city commuting, I used to have a Vespa GT200.