Suzuki customisation continues

[Hitcher]

The GSX1250FA got another "to do" item ticked off this weekend.

Thanks to the ministrations of the inimitable Mac and Cherry at McDonalds Motor Trimmers in Tauranga, the Big Blue Bike now has a significantly modified and considerably more comfortable seat. It's lovely but still awaiting some pillionation.

And a great trip to and from was had. The FA is a veritable eater of highway. The 021s also got a chance to play on some wet roads between Turangi and Tauranga on Friday afternoon. They did OK. No nasty surprises or apprehensive angling around corners.

Modifications so far:


Oxford heated grips
Scottoiler
Leo Vince SBK can
Radguard
Garmin zumo
Rider seat


Modifications pending:


Braided brake and clutch lines
Grippier brake pads (I'm striving for the stopping experience I once had on an FJR1300T)
Gruntier headlight low beam (highbeam is brilliant)


Possibles/maybe later list:


Slightly taller screen
Ohlins fore and aft.


After nearly two months in the Hitcher household, a 6,000km service is looming.

[NZsarge]

Not letting the grass grow under the tires.

[Tunahunter]

Got any photos of the new seat? - I'm considering doing the same to my bike - Cheers

[Maha]

There must come a time when enough is enough surely?
I cant get my head around the thought process that goes intp throwing good money at an otherwise rather perfectly built and structured bike.
All mine got was better that stock tyres within a month and a new can.
I haven't even been tempted to get heated grips.

[skinman]

That would be because you live in the winterless north i suppose

[Maha]

That would be because you live in the winterless north i suppose

They have heated grips on up this way, but mainly Buell/BMW owners...:yes:
That aside, I would probably get them if I really wanted to but....I just dont.

[Ronin]

There must come a time when enough is enough surely?
I cant get my head around the thought process that goes intp throwing good money at an otherwise rather perfectly built and structured bike.
All mine got was better that stock tyres within a month and a new can.
I haven't even been tempted to get heated grips.

Well, The Hitchers do a great many miles in search of the perfect Cafe and if I may be so bold I would say that he enjoys the process of upgrading. As we enjoy reading about it.

[Maha]

Well, The Hitchers do a great many miles in search of the perfect Cafe and if I may be so bold I would say that he enjoys the process of upgrading. As we enjoy reading about it.

Sure I understand that, what gets me is that you buy a bike thats worth $13-14K then end up spending $4-5K+ on extras and its still only worth $10K when you try to sell it. After spending a possible $18-19K on it.
The expenditure is just not warranted from where I sit, but hey, its not my money and who am I to have an opinion on the subject right?....:corn:

[Ronin]

Sure I understand that, what gets me is that you buy a bike thats worth $13-14K then end up spending $4-5K+ on extras and its still only worth $10K when you try to sell it. After spending a possible $18-19K on it.
The expenditure is just not warranted from where I sit, but hey, its not my money and who am I to have an opinion on the subject right?....:corn:

Same reason some people end up with a car that owes them $1000's I guess. And don't look at me. I can't afford to do it so that pretty much excludes any opinion I may have forming.

[skinman]

[QUOTE=Maha;1130016443]They have heated grips on up this way, but mainly Buell/BMW owners...:yes:

What are you trying to say, didn't 'mum' want a buell :innocent:

[Eyegasm]

Sure I understand that, what gets me is that you buy a bike thats worth $13-14K then end up spending $4-5K+ on extras and its still only worth $10K when you try to sell it. After spending a possible $18-19K on it.
The expenditure is just not warranted from where I sit, but hey, its not my money and who am I to have an opinion on the subject right?....:corn:

I can understand where you are coming from, but in the end it is only money.

You can not take it with you when ya go, so spend it now and live in a bit more comfort.

I just wish I could spend more money on bikes... Plan for this year is to just get the 750!!! next year will come the upgrades :drool:

[Maha]

What are you trying to say, didn't 'mum' want a buell :innocent:

Yes, and MOM probably would have ended up with heated grips...:love:


I can understand where you are coming from, but in the end it is only money.

You can not take it with you when ya go, so spend it now and live in a bit more comfort.

I just wish I could spend more money on bikes... Plan for this year is to just get the 750!!! next year will come the upgrades :drool:

Case in point... some time ago, a new member posted his 4-5year old Red and Gold R1 on here fior sale. It was so blinged out that it must have felt like Liberace' the morning after a big night in Vagas. The chap was berated by some of the biggest bike blingers on here because of the value he put on the bike.

I mistakenly (looking back) put Ohlins front and rear on my old Sprint, was told at the time ''it will be like night and day'' ..well it was dusk at best...that $2.5K would have been better spent on a party.

[Tunahunter]

There must come a time when enough is enough surely?
I cant get my head around the thought process that goes intp throwing good money at an otherwise rather perfectly built and structured bike.
All mine got was better that stock tyres within a month and a new can.
I haven't even been tempted to get heated grips.

Well you'll have coldy woldy hands this winter!

[Maha]

Well you'll have coldy woldy hands this winter!

Real bikers grab hold of the engine when the chill sets in.

[Tunahunter]

Real bikers grab hold of the engine when the chill sets in.

Wouldn't people think you were giving it one?

[Toaster]

There must come a time when enough is enough surely?
..... I haven't even been tempted to get heated grips.

Nah.... mods are like tattoos, once you start you just keep getting more.

We don't need heated grips up here mate, we actually have good weather (more often)!

[98tls]

Sure I understand that, what gets me is that you buy a bike thats worth $13-14K then end up spending $4-5K+ on extras and its still only worth $10K when you try to sell it. After spending a possible $18-19K on it.
The expenditure is just not warranted from where I sit, but hey, its not my money and who am I to have an opinion on the subject right?....:corn:

You could do worse:blink:like myself.paid $12500 for my S a decade or so(was a steal at the time) ago spent huge amounts on it over the decade to have something worth 7-8k as it sits:shit::facepalm:though ive had some pretty good offers over the years incl of swaps for later model bikes,worth it in the big picture no way,would i do it again yep wouldnt miss it for the world,thing is in the real world as opposed to Magazine/internet world it still does everything just as well as anything on real world roads,its been to bits just for the hell of it and in a way become part of the family.Different strokes for blah blah blah always but at my age owning a bike/improving it/getting your hands dirty working on it is far more rewarding than writing out cheques for a new one.The worth of something isnt defined by market value alone,well not to me anyway.

[Mom]

What are you trying to say, didn't 'mum' want a buell :innocent:

Indeed, I may have to spank him for that comment :yes:


Yes, and MOM probably would have ended up with heated grips...:love:

Yeah, and my new blue lovely will probably get a set if she is a commuter. I am too old for the frozen in handgrip shaped hands for the first hour or 2 at work :yes:

[JimO]

Real bikers grab hold of the engine when the chill sets in.

a real biker would grab the headers..........with his scrotum

[Pokey]

Hey there:) well not quite at the 6000k service with my 09 gsf1250s.. actually only done 1300k and indeed only time for the 1000km service. Quite timely however- took it for a few runs over the rimutakas in upper hutt over the weekend and lo and behold - an oil leak! Took it to Freedom Suzuki in Palmy as theyre easier to get into when you want, and a good group of folks. The oil leak - is incredibly a stuffed rear shock leaking! 2mths old and 1300kms. Theyre as surprised as I am. My son said theres the proof dad... you need to lose weight! lol.. just one of the ones obviously that slipped through manufacturing quality control systems. A stuffed rear shock at 1300kms! wow - anyone had similar?

[Hitcher]

1. Most people who own motorcycles rarely ride them. Don't believe me? Just check out the mileages on most secondhand bikes that are for sale, and read the perennial questions from people on this site who seem to have reservations about any machines that have travelled more than 15,000km. I've only ever parted with one bike that has travelled less than 35,000km.

2. Manufacturers have figured that out. That's why they underspec seats, suspension and other accoutrements such as heated grips, all specifications that any more than a couple of consecutive saddletime hours scream out for. Most riders will be nonethewiser and many will never notice.

3. Manufacturers that have figured 1. out also know that they can charge over $25,000 for a bike with "all the fruit".

4. Apart from lack of shaft drive, my GSX1250FA will soon be specced better than many $25,000+ bikes, for significantly less coin all up then that.

[AllanB]

Mod away Mr H.

I'm always 'adjusting' bits and bobs on my bike and my Ebay watch-list is often stacked full of dreams!

All motorcycles come out of the factory designed to fit the full spectrum of mankind. Regrettably to obtain this they end up middle of the road or at one end of the spectrum. Plus factor in the companies accountants and there is a lot of scope for personalisation.

[Tunahunter]

Indeed, I may have to spank him for that comment :yes:



Yeah, and my new blue lovely will probably get a set if she is a commuter. I am too old for the frozen in handgrip shaped hands for the first hour or 2 at work :yes:

Very wise young lady

[Crisis management]

Carry on Hitcher, I've always modified my bikes to get what I want out of them so I completely understand. I will be interested in your thoughts after the suspension upgrade.

[sinfull]

There was a Mod, who reshaped his Pod to fit his Tod !
Fitted heated Grips, as the cold is the pits and lack of feeling gives him the shits !
He's a Fan of the V&H Can, so in a rattly old Van, you'll surely hear the Man !
Not much rhymes with Oiler, which could be a Spoiler !
But Ohlins ? Ummmm now that there's a Sod !


Nah good on ya, some go for custom paint (or chrome in my world) but i'm a firm believer in get up and set up !

[Gremlin]

I've had front end suspension overhauled at 1000km, but not because it had failed. I simply didn't like the way it handled.

Nothing wrong with spending oodles on extras (probably because I do), but I guess it depends how much you ride, and your priorities. I have no other vices, so my expenditure on bikes, gear and accessories makes most people's eyes water. I reckon Hitcher is enjoying it hugely, so good on him.

The real problem is when you own one of the most spec'd bikes available (with matching price tag), and all the factory extras, and it still takes 3 days of labour to wire up the extras I reckoned the bike needed. Mates think I'm crazy? :weird:

They don't understand :D

[Laava]

for significantly less coin all up then that.

Aaaaaaaahhem!

Oh good answer by the way. I have thrown a fair bit of coin at my bike now and that includes heated grips. Paid off in one weekend to cold kiwi.

[gijoe1313]

:niceone: Good on you Hitcher for following through on your life's wishes and dreams. After the last several incidents you've survived through, I reckon you've got the right idea!

Keep on tack as you are sir!

[Maha]

I dont care one way or the other how much any one person wants to spend of their expendable items, thats entirely up to them. The term Economy of Scale does not even enter the equation when self gratification creeps in.

[Groins_NZ]

So where's the picture of the new seat Hitcher, are you able to post one please?

Cheers.

[Hitcher]

A seat picture shall be my task for the weekend when I don't have to rely on streetlighting for that special effect.

[vifferman]

Sure I understand that, what gets me is that you buy a bike thats worth $13-14K then end up spending $4-5K+ on extras and its still only worth $10K when you try to sell it. After spending a possible $18-19K on it.
That's the fun of it, eh?
Except in my case, it's $12k of bike, probably $6k of mods, and a bike that's worth maybe $5k.

[Hitcher]

A bike's going to depreciate anyway. Unlike some people who park their bikes in a shed and do three Wednesday night rides over summer when it's not raining, I average about 30,000km a year. I like to ride in comfort and have suitable protection attached to my bike's more vulnerable areas. On a $ per km basis I like to think that the "extras" are good value for money.

[banditrider]

Farkling is fun!

[bogan]

What's all this then? three pages on the whys of customising (and only lightly custom too), about 3 posts on the actual custom stuff, and no bloody pictures :facepalm:

[Hailwood]

Just a question Brett...how long did it take to get the seat done? I am thinking about it for the Buell......

[AllanB]

Just a question Brett...how long did it take to get the seat done? I am thinking about it for the Buell......

It has a Harley engine - surely you'll get a old style leather seat and mount it on Mack Truck valve springs. :yes: Orange County style ....

Bahahaha

I jest.

There are lots of options with vinyl textures and styles to consider too. Go for something a bit different.

[Hitcher]

Just a question Brett...how long did it take to get the seat done? I am thinking about it for the Buell......

It takes Mac about four hours. He's an artist.

[Hitcher]

OK then. Here are some images of the new Rider saddle, courtesy of Mac at McDonald Motor Trimmers in Tauranga.

Back half of seat has now been pillion tested and approved.

The first image is of the "Suzuki Family" at Rotoma. Shame about the contrast.

[FJRider]

Yeah, and my new blue lovely will probably get a set if she is a commuter. I am too old for the frozen in handgrip shaped hands for the first hour or 2 at work :yes:

A decent set of gloves would be cheaper ... our winters are a bit "cooler" than your's ... and I can't see a reason to fit them on the FJ ... and I still clock up plenty of winter km's ...

[Toaster]

A bike's going to depreciate anyway. Unlike some people who park their bikes in a shed and do three Wednesday night rides over summer when it's not raining, I average about 30,000km a year. I like to ride in comfort and have suitable protection attached to my bike's more vulnerable areas. On a $ per km basis I like to think that the "extras" are good value for money.

Smart man. Great to see the new bike going so well and getting a good range of useful accessories.

I am doing the same with my ST. A fair number of practical/safety accessories on the way to help improve the bike and rider visibility. With 33000km a year just to work and back, the investment is worth every penny - especially with the upcoming winter riding season and riding in the dark.

I might have to investigate the aftermarket seat you use once I give the factory one a good bit of use over the next year through 4 seasons.

[Hitcher]

I might have to investigate the aftermarket seat you use once I give the factory one a good bit of use over the next year through 4 seasons.

Mac had an ST1300 in his shop when we were there, so he knows his way round them when you decide to get something done.

[kewwig]

The seat looks great. My GSF1250 has a wide range of extra kit on it. It's a keeper, and I like to spend money on my hobbies. If I was rational, I'd get around on a scooter, but I'd rather stick forks in my eyes. We all spend money on our hobbies: boats, cars, bikes, computers, toys etc.

You have the pipe. Now all you need is a 1.5 inch hole in your airbox, K & N filter, TFI or PCIII and plug your PAIR line to stop the popping on the overrun......

[Hitcher]

stop the popping on the overrun......

Are you mad? That popping is one of the most arousing things a motorcycle can do.

[kewwig]

Are you mad? That popping is one of the most arousing things a motorcycle can do.
I personally prefer the high frequency vibration, but to each his own....When my ride pops I usually have to leave the room

[98tls]

The seat looks great. My GSF1250 has a wide range of extra kit on it. It's a keeper, and I like to spend money on my hobbies. If I was rational, I'd get around on a scooter, but I'd rather stick forks in my eyes. We all spend money on our hobbies: boats, cars, bikes, computers, toys etc.

You have the pipe. Now all you need is a 1.5 inch hole in your airbox, K & N filter, TFI or PCIII and plug your PAIR line to stop the popping on the overrun......

Add in some rims and 1/5th throttle insert.