Super tight rear upper shock bolt removal - noob

[SA14]

SA, search gsx1400 luggage bobbins. E Bay.

Thanks. I did that but got zero results and only found these which are unsuitable and a lot of crash bobbins. But I adjusted my search terms and found "paddock stand bobbins"...I wonder if they'd work?

[SA14]

Just checked the Mick Hone site (thanks for the suggestion) and he has all the parts listed but I have to ring on Monday to see if they have them in stock. In the meantime I enlarged the washers behind the top bolt but couldn't find anything really strong so I doubled up. Looks janky but I torqued it up to 16 lb/ft as per the manual and I reckon it's good to ride until I get the nice stock parts.

Also for the rear grab handle that givi hook/bolt wouldn't reach the threads so I tried the givi bolts which were very long because they pass through a tube before bolting into the top (rear most) hole on the grab handle. I decided to screw them in and see how far they go and low and behold they screwed in just enough to produce a makeshift hook!...lol It's not correct because the head isn't contacting the grab handle but it looks good I reckon and the grab handle isn't moving at all. Not a big issue because I won't have a pillion and I have a car for shopping so the givi stuff wasn't doing it for me at all. Now (with the scratched up and faded) fairing removed as well it's a full normal naked bike again. I'm pleased (for now) and I was able to polish the tail piece. Looking better and better every day. 

Good enough to ride without being embarrassed. Last pic for comparison.

[froudy]

There used to be someone on here that made all sorts of replacent parts for the GSX1400 from stainless. I had these along with a gear shift rod, foot peg pivot pins, wheel spacers and swing arm pivot caps. Superb quality, but I don't think he does them any longer which is a great shame.

[SA14]

Id be draining that 3yo fuel out quicksmart  fill with nice new 95Ron and a bottle of petrol injector cleaner and go for a fast ride AFTER fitting the correct washer.

Theres a thread on here about the nightmare that is off fuel and the havoc it causes to the fuel tank and efi system.

Been trying to find that thread for a while Eric. No luck so far. Can you remember the thread? And what's the best way to drain the fuel? Been trying to find a thread that mentions that and again no luck - still looking.

[Tally]

Hi SA14 I had a look and if you go to the fuelling thread scroll down to the section how to clean out your tank and filter, hopefully all the lnfo you need is there.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Id be draining that 3yo fuel out quicksmart  fill with nice new 95Ron and a bottle of petrol injector cleaner and go for a fast ride AFTER fitting the correct washer.

Theres a thread on here about the nightmare that is off fuel and the havoc it causes to the fuel tank and efi system.

Been trying to find that thread for a while Eric. No luck so far. Can you remember the thread? And what's the best way to drain the fuel? Been trying to find a thread that mentions that and again no luck - still looking.

See here for fuel system https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=430.0

And here for the off fuel one (I think its the right one...)
https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=1474.0

[SA14]

Thanks for that. I've read both this threads. They're great threads but that guy had problems starting the bike after it had sat and the other thread is about cleaning out the entire fuel system which I don't need to do right now (hopefully).

My bike starts right up and runs fine. I was just going to take it for a few long rides to use up the old fuel but you've got me concerned so unless you agree "should be fine just don't thrash it" I'd rather drain the fuel, use it for my lawnmower and enjoy fresh new BP98. So I'm just looking for an easy way to drain the tank. Is there a hose I can disconnect and run the fuel pump to empty into s container or do I have to buy a siphon and a two 20 litre jerry cans? There used to a petrol cock in the old bikes we'd hook up a fuel hose to that and let it drain. Not sure on these though.

Scrolling through the manual but haven't been able to find how to drain the fuel from the tank in a civilised way. I'm guessing it's very simple but would rather know what I'm doing than go on a hose pulling adventure.

I'll start a new thread I think as this is going off topic. Thanks again for help guys.

I'm such a noob...lol. Still, having a tonne of fun.

[steve porter]

Syphon it out, you won't get 100%, but you can get most of it out

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Hi SA14, didnt mean to concern you, issue is when the fuel goes off, the entire fuel system gets this algal growth in it that is very hard if not impossible to get rid of, meaning new tank, efi pump, lines and possibly injectors.  If you think its fine and have looked inside the tank and all is good, then go for it.

By the sounds of it your fuel should be ok, but pays to check.

[steve porter]

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-jiggle-siphon---brass-1.5m-x-12.5mm-7lpm/557064.html

I have had one of these for years and use it all the time, handy for emptying Or filling bike tanks

[SA14]

There used to be someone on here that made all sorts of replacent parts for the GSX1400 from stainless. I had these along with a gear shift rod, foot peg pivot pins, wheel spacers and swing arm pivot caps. Superb quality, but I don't think he does them any longer which is a great shame.

Oh man, they look great. As do these but I'm not sure how big they are or what bolt size they are. Thread needs to be M8 with a 1.25 pitch. I've emailed the seller with the pics and drawings from this thread.

[SA14]

Syphon it out, you won't get 100%, but you can get most of it out

Thanks, I'll do that probably. Seems like with an electric fuel pump handy it might have been simpler to let it do the work without having to buy a syphon but I'll do what I have to do.

Hi SA14, didnt mean to concern you, issue is when the fuel goes off, the entire fuel system gets this algal growth in it that is very hard if not impossible to get rid of, meaning new tank, efi pump, lines and possibly injectors.  If you think its fine and have looked inside the tank and all is good, then go for it.

By the sounds of it your fuel should be ok, but pays to check.

I appreciate the warning. It taught me something new as did this algae growth - eek! Didn't even know that was a thing. The previous owner was aware of the dangers of air in the tank when storing and filled it to the brim. He said he's experienced rust issues in another 1400 he had (he had three) but this one was clean after a close inspection with a scope (I think - can't remember exactly) but he assured me the tank was fine and the bike was ready to ride although it starves over 5,000 so that (according to what I read on here) means it's time to clean (at least) the teabag or whatever else needs doing in there. I have no problem waiting and doing everything to make sure there's no avoidable damage being done.

Just went out and took a video of the inside of the tank (with my old iPhone). Looks a bit brown! Can't see much though. Might have to find someone with a scope to have a really good look around. I hope I don't have to dismantle the tank and replace or repair everything inside. I really was hoping this would be a rider and not need an entire fuel system overhaul. I've ridden it down to the authorities to get registration into my name which was a nice slow ride of about 15 kms.

[SA14]

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-jiggle-siphon---brass-1.5m-x-12.5mm-7lpm/557064.html

I have had one of these for years and use it all the time, handy for emptying Or filling bike tanks

Thanks for the suggestion. The reviews are a bit unkind to it saying the hose isn't flexible (enough or at all depending who you believe). You're not having any issues with an "uncooperative" hose?

[steve porter]

Mines so old, at least 20 years,the hose is as stiff as a board, been meaning to replace it, but it still does the job, emptied the 14's tank out a couple of weeks ago when I was pissing about with the filter

[grog]

Mate, if the fuel smells ok, youd know if it doesnt, just ride it and use it up. After that pull out pump etc. have a look. Clean filters etc. Wynns fuel cleaner is great stuff, not the shop one but the one only available at workshops. Youll have to find a workshop that uses it, add to your next tank of petrol. Job done. The fuel jiggler hose is a great product also, hose is a bit stiff but not really a problem.