Vlad's GSX1400 "Back in Black"

[VladTepes]

Well, I figured it's well past time to start a thread documenting my GSX1400 ownership.....

After many years without bikes, followed by a divorce (not a coincidence) I decided it was well past time to get back in the saddle. There wasn't a day went by when I hadn't wanted to get back on a bike, now I finally could.

While I had always wanted a Moto Guzzi - price was an issue as well as a requirement for a good reliable bike I could ride daily and enjoy both commuting and on weekends.

After much research it came down to a classic style muscle bike - either the GSX1400 or XJR1300. Sense prevailed.

I was fortunate that at that that time Bov (from the GSX1400 forum) was selling his beautiful black K7. (A decision he probably regretted at some point afterward)

At the time it had around 67,000 kms on the clock, 1 owner from new with a full service history and rego.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/63.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/64.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/65.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/66.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/67.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/68.jpg

To view the full gallery click Here (https://picasaweb.google.com/bov1400/20111028?authuser=0&feat=directlink)

I was very fortunate in that the bike had a good range of mods which Bov had taken the financial hit for. Thanks Bov!

They included:

Full Carbon Akrapovic exhaust system
Power Commander PCIII
K&N Air Filter
GI Pro Gear Indicator
Ignition Advancer
Mini Led Indicators
Stainless Org oil cooler cover
Custom Seat (John Moorehouse)
Michelin PR2's (new)
Iridium plugs
Braided Front, Rear & Clutch Lines
Progressive Front Springs
Givi Box & Rack

To say I was very happy to complete that purchase is an understatement !


So after a gap of some 20 years, I was "Back in Black" !

[VladTepes]

6 September 2013

Three weeks previously the 1400 (my only running bike) went in for a service and they found the sprocket carrier had failed or at least was that close to failing it was dangerous.

Given the bike was discontinued there were apparently no spares in Australia. Of course. http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.png

So they said they'd get one from Japan....

Three weeks later... and today I find out that Suzuki Japan have advised they won't be able to ship one until 15 September. FFS !!!!!
So it'll be ANOTHER 2 -3 weeks before I get the damn thing back
Withdrawal symptoms well and truly kicked in !

20 September 2013

I got a call, the part had arrived the previous day and the bike is now ready to go.

I was $985 poorer. http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/public/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif (Full service, labour, fluids, sprocket carrier, sprockets, chain)
Oh and that price is after a discount. http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/public/style_emoticons/default/wacko.png

That's a ****load of money and I'll know better next time to come on the gsx1400.org first !!!!!!

[VladTepes]

26 May 2014

Had a little off last week - hit the back of a ute on the highway http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/public/style_emoticons/default/blush.png
Saw it in time to wash off about 99% of my speed but just not QUITE enough.
Low speed impact and dropped it on the RHS.

The good news - I'm uninjured.

The care had a slightly damaged number plate and some paint transfer to my front guard.

My front guard didn't even break but I'm not sure if I might not have hit his tow bar on the way through.

The handlebars are bent (perfect excuse for a straighter set of bars maybe renthals), the bracket holding the front brake M/C is broken (zip tied that for now). My crash knobs and case sliders saved any more serious damage to the side. A few aesthetic scratches to the carbon akro can - nothing a new sticker wouldn't fix.

I managed to ride it home - carefully. Bars bent made it a little interesting.
There was no real vibration noticeable even at speed (100kmh was fine, with care and about 2 miles following distance...). Under braking however it was really odd and jerky which leads me to believe that perhaps the rim is damaged (nothing visible) or the forks are..... (Bloody hope not though).

Certainly there would be at least some alignment issues......


I subsequently went through all the insurance palaver...

5 June 2014

GOOD NEWS !!!! https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Just got a call from QBE and they are going to fix my bike. (I'll be in the hole the $500 excess)

I was astounded though when they said that the repair quote is $3,285.30 ! http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/public/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.png
As far as I can tell all that is damaged is
1. The R&G case sliders
2. The bracket holding the front brake M/C.
3. The handlebars.

There may have been more, of course, but QGE won't give me a copy of the quote. I'll have to ask the repairers if they can enlighten me as I am interested.

I was thinking of Renthal bars instead of the standard Suzuki, but they will only put it back "as was" - with genuine Suzuki bars. Apparently not interested in saving money which would keep us both happy ?!

The not so good news is that they have quoted a repair time of 4 weeks !
Apparently they may have to source parts from Japan and Suzuki takes 3-4 weeks to send them.

So that will be a total of 6 weeks without the bike....... what a prospect !


Some time later.....

Bike back on the road (the right way up) and as good as its ever been https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/public/style_emoticons/default/wub.png

[VladTepes]

21 January 2015

Had a wee bit of drama. Had ridden the bike to work at Centrelink Goodna (well, I was working there that day!)

As I exited the car park, I heard a bit of a noise as I crossed a steel speed bump in the car park then suddenly the rear was skating all over the place. My initial thought was catastrophic rear tyre failure.... until I looked back and saw a HUGE trail of oil.... I managed to turn the bike around and ride it to the McDonalds' car park (just across the street) where I parked it and where it enthusiastically continued to pour oil on the ground a rate substantially faster than my Land Rover ever has! At least the large sump capacity meant there was still plenty of oil in it so at least there won't be any engine damage......

As it transpires I had managed to destroy the sump. I think it was a 1/10,000 chance - the sump plug must have contacted one the the bolts which holds the speed bump to the driveway... causing this:

http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-34260000-1421846221.jpg

http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-46425600-1421846231.jpg

http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-71017400-1421846241.jpg

Anyway I figure that even with the $150 tow (cash) I should get out of it as DIY for less than or approx. same as an insurance excess, but without having to claim and see my premium rise......


It wouldn't be so bad except that I managed to rip the rear end out of my Defender on the weekend..... no wonder the missus is unhappy. :(


Had been really busy with all sorts of other **** going on but having purchased the parts at a good price from Springwood Suzuki I finally got around to fixing it myself!
Before:

http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-25036300-1426415819.jpg

http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-52207900-1426415834.jpg


After:


http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-04233900-1426415921.jpg

http://www.gsx1400.org/gsx1400_board/uploads/post-16931-0-54260500-1426415950.jpg

Certainly a big sense of satisfaction having done it myself and learned a few things along the way.

[VladTepes]

17 March 2015

First time back on the road since the sump fix....

Got about 10 metres down the road... whoa that's skaty.... better check tyre pressures next servo. 100 metres down the road - cough cough splutter, Oh **** fuel. Pulled into to servo and fuelled up. FULL tank required. Hmm, checked tyre pressures. They were at 26/24 jeepers.... so I fixed that to 36/38. As I rode off it was still a bit hesitant when on and off the throttle - fuel starvation I guess - but this soon settled down. Took it for a decent run - seems to be going good now. Finally !

[VladTepes]

There are a few niggling things which do need sorting.

The adjusters on the rear shocks are buggered and I just can't get it set up right, so I'm going to get those rebuilt.

I have ordered a set of Renthal 758 bars which I'll fill with silicone so hopefully get my wrists a bit straighter (and less sore) and remove the vibe I've been experiencing from the bars.


I'll get some bar end mirrors to replace the wing mirrors at the same time. For some reason the mirrors I currently have are just the right height to hit 4WD mirrors when I am filtering.

Getting a set of SR Racing adjustable shorty levers, so my 'normal length' SR racing adjustable levers will be available for sale soon if anyone is chasing them here is Australia.

The brakes have been ****ting me for a while so I paid a visit to Metal Gear and got a set of discs and pads for front and rear - walked out $600 lighter (got a slight deal which essentially equalled free rear pads).

I also need some new tyres. Not sure how many kilometres we can normally expect from a set of Michelin PR2's but they were new when I bought the bike from Bov at 67,000 kms and it's just ticked over the 89,000 km mark so that's probably a good run. :lol2: Some PR4's will be replacing them.

[VladTepes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ3VQg4dVNA

[VladTepes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDq7MFdDHVk

[Tombie]

Awwesome Vlad... Great write up....

They're a nice bit of kit - be careful :cool:

[Ranga]

About time you did those brakes! :p

When you getting the new rubber?

[VladTepes]

Well I'm dropping the bike off tomorrow for the shop (http://rockerclassicmotorcycles.com.au/) to attack it and strip a few bits off.

Hopefully the new (2nd hand) GSXR 4-pot calipers will arrive soon. (Tracking says they are now in Sydney so should be OK)

Then its off to the Powdercoater (http://www.robertoscustompowder.com.au/) for most of the bits, and the exhaust home to try to clean it and polish it up !

The rear shocks will be going in to the specialist (http://www.radmotorcycleshockyrepairs.com.au/) for a rebuild.

Still waiting on some bits from Oberon but the bars can be done any time so not worried about that.

Finally some progress.....



It's gonna be like a new bike! (in due course). Let's hope the whole process doesn't take TOO long....




Ryan: tyres from here - Home (http://www.i-m.mx/kriscoz/mbct/home.html)
(I think they have a new name and website now but can't find it just at the moment)

[Disco Muppet]

Nice!
Dad has a stocky GSX1400, they certainly don't hold back!
Great bikes :cool:

[VladTepes]

Well the shotgun sale has gone through so now I actually have the money to pay for all this..... which is, umm, handy.





Nice!
Dad has a stocky GSX1400, they certainly don't hold back!
Great bikes :cool:


He on the GSX1400.ORG forum perchance?

[Disco Muppet]

He isn't. I shall point him towards it though.

Sent from my HTC One using AULRO mobile app

[VladTepes]

Progress with photos....

I've been polishing the exhaust (had heaps of road grime caked on etc) It's a time consuming hard job but worth it.

They started like this (actually look better in photos than they really are)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/565.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/exhaust_zpszaawkhwz.jpg.html)

This is after having attacked it with grey compound on a sisal wheel on the power drill. (before and after)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/604.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/polish%20start_zpsnreqxqr2.jpg.html)

The polishing is on the back burner briefly. The bloody 200mm wheels I got don't fit on my 250mm bench grinder - spindle is too large, Hopefully be able to sort that out with tradetools tomorrow.


Meanwhile the bike is in the shop

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/605.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/bike%20shop%201_zpslwafnhb4.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/606.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/bike%20shop%202_zpsmjt7capo.jpg.html)

having had various parts stripped from it.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/607.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/parts%20for%20PC_zpst8jyjmgy.jpg.html)

These have since been to the powdercoaters who have done a MAGNIFICENT job for me, I'm very happy. I dropped most of the bits off, but took the rims to have some new Michelin PR4 tyres fitted.

More to come as the project progresses but here's a teaser....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/608.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/suzuki%20wheels%20redone_zpskp3bwikb.jpg.html)

[Ranga]

I was expecting the wheels to be a bit more maroon than that!

[VladTepes]

I wanted red. They vary in different light

[Ranga]

Nice - when you reckon it'll be back on the road?

[p38arover]

After much research it came down to a classic style muscle bike - either the GSX1400 or XJR1300. Sense prevailed.

Oi! I resent that! :mad:












:D

[VladTepes]

More progress:

Having done the initial polishing on a wheel attached to the drill, I changed to a series of wheels on the bench grinder.

One little hiccup was that the M16 thread tapered spindle I had, while the correct thread, wouldn't slide over the larger diameter spindle? on the grinder.

Out with the angle grinder... sorted!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/563.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Miscellaneous/spindle_zpspoeuqtkf.jpg.html)



Having worked up to blue compound on the mop wheel, I reckon they've come up pretty good, even though this photo doesn't do it justice it gives some indication......

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/564.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/20151114_161124_zpsnck7ko9a.jpg.html)


BEFORE
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/565.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/exhaust_zpszaawkhwz.jpg.html)

AFTER
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/566.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/936b6235-bde7-46bd-a861-86242daea4ca_zpsfabznot7.jpg.html)

A bit of autosol tomorrow and they'll be finished. :)




Ryan - all things being equal - hopefully next weekend. :)

[TeamFA]

Nice work! Reminds me of the many, many hours spend behind the bench grinder with various wheels and mops. Got down to a preferred selection of 2 wheels and a mop with matching compounds (sisal is great for initial cutting, then a cotton wheel, then a nice soft mop for mirror finishes).

The first two Buells received this treatment - headers, swingarm, forks lowers, and any alloy that I could remove.

The 848 will have the headers done the next time I'm servicing it... and I reckon that single-sided swinging arm would come up a treat as well.

[VladTepes]

RESULT !

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/155.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030116_zpsofxqflx0.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/156.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030119_zpsj7xu4m0y.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/157.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030124_zpsxkaalxk9.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/158.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030129_zpsagq1udxl.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/159.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030134_zpsqimc3vnd.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/160.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030136_zpsuz5xkiz9.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/161.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030150_zpslbt65uyr.jpg.html)

Yes, I'm happy ! :D

[TeamFA]

Time to pencil in a ride soon, then...?

[VladTepes]

Yep - if anyone has time off during this week I have a few free days.


Well I got stuck in and did a "poor mans" tail tidy. Also fitted some new indicators to the rear (will do the fronts another day)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/587.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/tail%20tidy_zpsxt8yqdjw.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/121.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/tail%20tidy%202_zpsajri0hsv.jpg.html)

[Ranga]

Yep - if anyone has time off during this week I have a few free days.

Sorry mate - a new job means I won't be getting any weekdays off for a while.

[V8Ian]

Yep - if anyone has time off during this week I have a few free days.


Well I got stuck in and did a "poor mans" tail tidy. Also fitted some new indicators to the rear (will do the fronts another day)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/587.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/tail%20tidy_zpsxt8yqdjw.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/121.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/tail%20tidy%202_zpsajri0hsv.jpg.html)
What are you up to tomorrow Vlad? I was thinking about riding out to Darling Downs Zoo.

[Ranga]

What are you up to tomorrow Vlad? I was thinking about riding out to Darling Downs Zoo.

Always thought the ride up through Heifer Creek would be nice...

[VladTepes]

Sorry Ian I missed that comment re the ride.

Meanwhile -

I got some stainless swingarm pivot covers from a bloke in the UK. So much nicer than the plastic ones...

Here are some comparison pics:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/63.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030163_zpsbnxhj39f.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/64.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030168_zpst7zxss98.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/65.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030172_zpsatptatfb.jpg.html)


And before and after on the bike.

Before:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/66.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030159_zpsqqzkqb8i.jpg.html)

After:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/67.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030175_zpsgcmjbuwv.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/68.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030173_zpsoiua7bzg.jpg.html)

and a bit of colour on the tank....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/69.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/Landyvlad375/media/Suzuki%20GSX1400/P1030180_zps01ui4quv.jpg.html)

[VladTepes]

https://youtu.be/z_VI1F7nJw4

[Ranga]

Hey, just noticed in your tail tidy you have no rear reflector. When I was researching tail tidies, it was pointed out that rear reflectors are mandatory in QLD, and blokes had apparently been pinged for them. Just sayin'...

[VladTepes]

The bottom portion of the tail light has an inbuilt reflector....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/587.jpg

There was no other reflector prior to me doing the tidy.

[Ranga]

Ahh, very good. ;)

[V8Ian]

They've also been blitzing rear mudguards, or lack thereof, up Mt Glorious.

[VladTepes]

The ADR's changed - tail tidy's are legal now.

[TeamFA]

The ADR's changed - tail tidy's are legal now.

Don't you just love it? Makes it even more obvious how much of a joke it was to be issuing fines for them in the first place.

[VladTepes]

Don't you just love it? Makes it even more obvious how much of a joke it was to be issuing fines for them in the first place.



Oh, they are across all the big issues !

[carlschmid2002]

Nice

[VladTepes]

Latest update - just bought a set of Yoshimura Stage 1 cams for the bike.

Gives extra torque and horsepower above 4000 rpm all the way too redline. :D

Mate is installing for me (there's a bit to it) for the price of 2 cartons of Coopers Sparkling ($130 total) as compareed with $400 at a bike shop.

My bike will then have the same setup as his - Yoshi cams + Full Akropovic Exhaust + PC3 so he has a map he can upload for me - saving me a fortune in dyno costs... Winner winner chicken dinner.

[p38arover]

The bottom portion of the tail light has an inbuilt reflector....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/587.jpg

There was no other reflector prior to me doing the tidy.

Upload the pic again, Mike?

[VladTepes]

Hey Ron,
These pics show the reflector built into the tail light (it's also red)

http://www.landyvlad.net/piwigo/upload/2018/01/27/20180127231220-7afbee0c.jpg

http://www.landyvlad.net/piwigo/upload/2018/01/27/20180127202726-6294e85d.jpg

[p38arover]

Hey, just noticed in your tail tidy you have no rear reflector. When I was researching tail tidies, it was pointed out that rear reflectors are mandatory in QLD, and blokes had apparently been pinged for them. Just sayin'...

I noticed a while back that my son had cut the reflector off the back of his (now my) XJR1300 - it hung down well below the number plate. So I got a self-adhesive trailer reflector from an autoparts store and glued it on just below the tail/stoplight.

[VladTepes]

Let's say that theoretically I'd been pulled over by police several times since doing this mod and removing reflector. Not once was it mentioed or come up at all.

[p38arover]

Fixed the links to the videos.

[VladTepes]

OK I now have Yoshi Stage 1 cams fitted :D

Have a few 100ks of limited revs ahead of me while they bed in, then it'll be party time ! :)

[p38arover]

Mike, send me the missing pics and I'll put them back into the thread