Aftermarket Parts Market Drying Up

[CROS]

Hello

After 3 months of Googling aftermarket parts and ordering many I have been surprised how many aftermarket ghosts there are out there on Google. That is, discontinued parts. In fact, I had 2 recent orders where I was told I had bought the last of it and 3 others that said 2nd hand only. This is supported by 2nd hand prices being so close to their new price. Do readers know of any GSX1400 index for dead and not-dead aftermarket parts. With limited production companies and limited countries is it time to hoard? Thoughts?

e.g. K-Tech fork cartridges are now discontinued.

[lurch]

I didn't don't have much luck with aftermarket parts when I was putting my 1400 together either. Found the same thing with many still appearing on websites but not actually available anymore.

Based on that experience I've started a bit of a stockpile of genuine parts mostly bought from Webike Japan. I think it might already be too late for non-genuine.

[gsxbarmy]

Given how long the GSX1400 has now been out of production, I'm actually surprised how long its taking for parts to dry up; I think (although noy 100% sure) that in the UK, a manufacturer is only duty bound to keep spares for cars/bikes that have gone out of production for a minimum 10 years (although the 3rd party market is not constrained by this). So on that basis (in the UK anyway, that would have been 2017/2018. Some parts of course are shared across models so there will be variations.

Sadly though it could well be the start of the demise of the GSX1400 (albeit quite slowly) where some get broken for parts as replacment parts, new or second-hand just are not available. Time will tell. All I can say is that that will be a very sad day.

[CROS]

Yes, I agree it will be sad. As I am heavily customizing mine, I will have a few spares that I will let go so current riders can have a chance at extending their GSX1400 experience.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Not all doom and gloom though.  As Barnmy said, there are many parts that share across a few Suzuki bikes and also cars.  So a few years left yet.

Webike Japan, legitimate breakers, Suzuki dealers still have stock (if you are willing to pay their prices), aftermarket stores including eBay and Amazon still have parts too, but Caveat Emptor applies.

I would agree for the model specific parts (LH rear exhaust hanger or headlight bowls anyone?) they are getting harder to come by, but there's still enough out there and on forums like this, I am sure that we can track down even those elusive 'hens-teeth' or 'unicorn poop' parts.

[grog]

Same sad story around a decade ago. 14 will run out of parts. Here we are again.

[Phill P]

Brookes suspension had been advertising the k tech innards a couple of months ago,unless it hadn't been updated.

[KiwiCol]

I might just hang on to my black K6, it's a full running bike & it'd be a shame to break it for parts, but it could be worth it - eventually. 

It's not road registered though, so parts or track, or like I did & swap the necessary with the Blue to get the black out on the road occasionally.

[Jeykey]

Turned 58 now and I think I´ll still get parts for the bike until I´m able to ride. I´m more worried that maybe I´ll not get parts for my myself!
At the beginning of this year got a minor bump on my K5 exhaust from a 3rd party and ordered a new oem from Suzuki. What´s my astonishment that they still had them, but had to wait 3 months for it from Japan. Did they order a manufacture from their suppliers ? Maybe... Just FYI other guy´s insurance paid 1500€ for it.

[Horse]

Talking of parts that might go away was keen on getting a hugger, just looking for opinions from anyone that's got one as to the quality of the powerbronze or pyramid am keen to keep the original chain guard thanks in advance,

[Phill P]

Talking of parts that might go away was keen on getting a hugger, just looking for opinions from anyone that's got one as to the quality of the powerbronze or pyramid am keen to keep the original chain guard thanks in advance,

I removed my carbon pyramid hugger and fitted a powerbronze one, found the brackets rivnut on my new hugger fouled my aftermarket chainguard slightly,standard may be OK. Could not get the hugger level, was in contact with powerbronze and they said the brackets were correct. I personally believe they sent the wrong hugger, it was sent back with a full refund. Purchased a white pyramid hugger and all was fitted in 20 min, very pleased with it.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Turned 58 now and I think I´ll still get parts for the bike until I´m able to ride.

depends how long you intend to ride for. We've got a 91yo in our bmw club that has been riding for over 65 years....just got himself a new Honda...

[Horse]

Talking of parts that might go away was keen on getting a hugger, just looking for opinions from anyone that's got one as to the quality of the powerbronze or pyramid am keen to keep the original chain guard thanks in advance,

I removed my carbon pyramid hugger and fitted a powerbronze one, found the brackets rivnut on my new hugger fouled my aftermarket chainguard slightly,standard may be OK. Could not get the hugger level, was in contact with powerbronze and they said the brackets were correct. I personally believe they sent the wrong hugger, it was sent back with a full refund. Purchased a white pyramid hugger and all was fitted in 20 min, very pleased with it.

Great info thanks for the feedback

[Phill P]

Talking of parts that might go away was keen on getting a hugger, just looking for opinions from anyone that's got one as to the quality of the powerbronze or pyramid am keen to keep the original chain guard thanks in advance,

I removed my carbon pyramid hugger and fitted a powerbronze one, found the brackets rivnut on my new hugger fouled my aftermarket chainguard slightly,standard may be OK. Could not get the hugger level, was in contact with powerbronze and they said the brackets were correct. I personally believe they sent the wrong hugger, it was sent back with a full refund. Purchased a white pyramid hugger and all was fitted in 20 min, very pleased with it.

Great info thanks for the feedback

Some pics, finish is good too

[grog]

So clean Phill, 👍