GSX1400 review

[beyond]

GSX1400 Review by "beyond"

I confess that I absolutely enjoy riding a decent sized
motorcycle. I also confess that speed limits appear to have
been set by a generation that lived and breathed Morris
1000's, when roads were still dirt tracks that led to the
edge of a flat earth, where if you reached the end, you
simply fell off.

In January of 2005, my friend bought an SV1000 and his son
bought a TL1000. At this point I was talked into buying a
motorcycle as well, so that we could ride together through
the summer months. During the previous year, the idea of
buying another bike had been on my mind and I had read many
reviews. Always I seemed to come back to the GSX1400 as the
best all rounder that would be good for two up riding. I
went along to the Suzuki dealer and test rode a GSX1400 K2
with 15,000 km's on the clock.

The last bike I owned was twenty years earlier. This was
going to be a test ride only, said my other half, who I had
brought along to ensure she was comfortable on the back.
What sort of dick head, takes his wife along to test a 1400
after 20 years of abscence from riding. :)

I helped my wife to get on board and then climbed on myself.
The dealer watched and I think he was just as apprehensive
as I was. Twenty years after owning a bike and here I am,
getting on the biggest sports tourer, naked bike they had on
the floor and two up. I gingerly let out the clutch and made
our way to the motorway.

My wife is quite petite and not very tall. She had her arms
around my waist as much as she could, considering the heavy
armored jacket that I was wearing. Onto the on ramp we went
and it was at this point I opened her up, just a little bit,
or so I thought.

Well, the bike took off like a rabbit with turpentine up
its bum. I managed to find third gear as we hit around 6000
rpm and then realized my wife's arms were no longer around
my waist, but that my pockets were nearly being ripped off,
as she frantically tried to grip anything she could get her
gloved hands on. A quick throttle off, had her upright
again, with me thinking there is no way she's going to let
me buy this monster.

We returned the bike. I stood at the dealers with this
stupid grin all over my face looking like an escapee from a
Psychopaths ward. I was asked if I liked it and when would I
buy it. My wife said to the dealer, it looks like it's
sold, no matter what I have to say about it.

That was then. 14 months later with 22,000km's more on
the clock, I can say I've had it to the limit on numerous
occasions. I've had the front wheel well of the ground several
times (not on purpose mind you) and always this machine has
felt composed and willing.

My thoughts on the GSX1400:
Right at this moment in life, I do not want to own any other
type of motorcycle. My wife calls the 14, my blue mistress.
If I could, I would ride it all day, every day. I can't
stay off it even after 14 months of ownership and 1000's
of kilometres. In short, I love this bike.

Fuel consumption is as good as you want it to be. Two up
touring with a top box full of gear, riding reasonably
steady with fast overtaking maneuvers, I've seen 330 km on
a full tank, which hold 22 litres. Conversely, riding hard
and fast, I've hit just on 190km on a full tank. I've ridden
to Napier and back in one day without even getting a sore arse
and could have done it again. My wife has done the same trip
as a pillion and with an overnight stay, without any ill effects.

If you want to ride hard and fast, then I would advise a
spare bank account just for rear tires. I've worn out
four and half tyres now and have found Michelin Pilot Roads
and Metzler Roadtec Z6's to the best for this type of bike.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=26610

My bike is stock standard, with no additions or fairing.
High speed riding is tough on the neck muscles above 160kmh,
but then again, I'll look like Arnie in another couple of
months. (My neck, anyway).

This bike is fast. Not at the top end but getting there.
There would be very little around that would beat the 1400
to 220kmh. There is a video of a standard GSX1400 hitting
100kmh in 2.57 seconds. Two up, I've had it on 230kmh, fully
upright. Now that's tough on the neck. I've hit 240kmh
sitting upright and just on 250kmh lying prone on the tank.
The motor is seriously under stressed and under tuned which
is obvious in the way it runs out of breath at around
230kmh, but the torque and power to the rear wheel getting
there, is phenomenal. (Another reason for tyre wear).
These engines are built to last for a long, long time.

The power band is strong from 2500rpm right through to
7500rpm but best between 4000rpm and 7000rpm, if you want
all your jollies fast and at once. This bike is extremely
user friendly, as 90% of the time; any gear is the right gear.
You can be lazy on the box and leave it in sixth for overtaking
or drop it a couple of cogs and blast past anything you want.
A wheelie is a throttle twist away in first and the front wheel
can be made to skim the ground right though second, third and
fourth. 90% of it's torque is available from 2500rpm.

By todays standards, 106bhp is not a lot for a 1400, but it's the
huge 96ft/lbs or 126nm of torque that make this quarter tonne
beast sit up and go like a rocket. You want longer arms, then
get one of these.

Handling is awesome for a bike this size. I have a favorite
road that I know well, with many bends, including hairpins,
short straights and chicanes. I've owned some very sharp
handling bikes in my earlier days but have never felt at one
with these bikes, as I have felt blasting through this 8
kilometer stretch of road on the 14. Body and bike appear
to become one and as your mind plans the next move, the bike
is already moving with you. I sit well forward at these
times, using plenty of front brake. The rear brake is next
to useless under these conditions and can break contact very
quickly under extreme braking. Using the gears often to
stay in the sharpest torque range, braking hard and throwing
the bike well over until the pegs scratch the tarmac,
dispatches these sort of roads in no time at all. I don't
find tight chicanes a problem either. Counter steering on
the bars has the bike ready for the next corner when you
want it to be.

Initially, it took a long time for me to get the 1400 on the
pegs when cornering. This is a psychological problem as the
mind tells you its too big, too powerful, it's a cruiser etc.
But, if your tyres are good and you have gotten to know
the bike well and have got around the mind thing, it goes
exactly where you want it.

The factory suspension settings are crap, as it wallows like
a whale on lumpy corners. Most the reviews on this bike have
been done on the standard settings, which is why some reports
bag the handling. With a few adjustments to the settings, it
tightens things up a lot. You feel more road vibration, but
cornering is more responsive and precise without the excessive
wallow on uneven roads.

I now find ground clearance an issue with my peg, feeler bolts
being regularly worn away and of late, the side stand foot is being
worn away slowly as well. I am now exploring ways of hanging
off the bike or looking at a jack up kit to get around this slight
problem, or maybe I just need to back of a bit, but that's not as
much fun.

Two up riding is no problem. The added weight of a pillion
is not noticeable and the handling does not suffer either.
When the pillion is not using the grab rail, heavy braking
is hell on the wrists, but that goes for any bike of any
class.

In summary: This is one hell of a bike and real value for money.
I have never regretted buying it and it would be hard to persuade
me to go for anything else at this point in time. I wonder what
Suzuki has in mind for a replacement.

[Edbear]

I want one...! UNfortunately go a wedding to pay for first. Last one though, the other two are married, and one's just given us our first grandchild! A boy, I hope to corrupt into biking later on... Mind you, my 'F' gives me most of what you describe, too, and it's only done 39000k.

[skelstar]

Cool review matey. I think my bike choice will be heading in this direction sometime.

[Fishy]

Nice write up Paul!.

I can vouch for this bike being a bloody demon on the road!. Very cool bike!.

[rogson]

Great write-up on a great bike
You say yours is blue and stock standard.
I think the solid blue colour is perfect for this bike.
When you decide to customise it a bit, the bike below (sadly, not mine) might give you some ideas. Tailpiece, indicators, bars, grips, etc., and of course muffler - all tastefully done in my opinion to make it even more lustfull.

[beyond]

Great write-up on a great bike
You say yours is blue and stock standard.
I think the solid blue colour is perfect for this bike.
When you decide to customise it a bit, the bike below (sadly, not mine) might give you some ideas. Tailpiece, indicators, bars, grips, etc., and of course muffler - all tastefully done in my opinion to make it even more lustfull.


Yes, mine is totally original. They look very nice all in black as well.
The latest model has a four into one, but it looks disastrous, like a massive swiss horn. That can would surely have to go if I ever upgrade to the K6.
The white wheels are a mission to keep clean on mine.
There is an amazing amount of stuff you can do to them.

Snake, in Oz has one up to 400bhp running a turbo. He's getting around 200nm of torque as well. I don't think he would be getting very many k's out of a rear tyre somehow but his front tyres should last forever. :)

[Fishy]

Hey Paul, I can powdercoat your wheels for you if you want... all blue with some white rim tape around the outside lip would look good!.

[beyond]

Hey Paul, I can powdercoat your wheels for you if you want... all blue with some white rim tape around the outside lip would look good!.


Might have to have wee talk about that. :)

[Fishy]

No worries mate!. Will bring home a colour chart for ya. Could photoshop your wheels blue and put the white strips on them to see how it looks first too.

[Fishy]

Here is a quick mock up....

[MikeL]

I have to say that when I get round to replacing my XJR the GSX1400 will be a definite contender. Having owned a GSX1200 as well I find it hard to choose between the Suzuki and the Yamaha on quality and reliability. It will probably come down to price...

[Matt Bleck]

I was impressed by it on Sat.

[SwanTiger]

Nice review. Your words almost have enough encouragement for me to consider buying one.

Nah, its too Suzuki for me.

[Sniper]

Great write up.

[skelstar]

Just wondering beyond: would you be able to or have ridden faster on anything else?
Serious question.
I wonder if I could ride anything better than I can on my current bike (ok - havent been riding that long I suppose).

[beyond]

Just wondering beyond: would you be able to or have ridden faster on anything else?
Serious question.
I wonder if I could ride anything better than I can on my current bike (ok - havent been riding that long I suppose).


I've ridden my friends SV1000 a TL1000 and an R1 plus taken a GSXR1000 K5 for a demo in the last year. As mentioned in my review, you need to know your bike real well to push it hard, no matter what it is. With the above bikes I've ridden in the last year, I did not know them well enough to push them hard and was reluctant to do so, as the riding position is foreign to me after riding the 1400 for 22,000 kms.

At the risk of sounding like an arse, it is quite easy to check a riders ability by looking at their tyres. On anything above a 600, they are a hard rider if they have no chicken strips on the rear. They are more than a hard rider if they have no chicken strips on the front as well. Ground clearance issues play a part here, but if a litre class sports bike has no strips front and rear you can bet the rider knows his bike and pushs the envelope to the limit.
I stand open to be corrected here but I am sure others will verify this.

My friend on his R1 is one of very few people I know who has no strips front and rear. I mention this, as 95% of the time I can stay with him on the 1400 but I have to hang off the bike to do it. When I ride like this, I am on the limit of my machine and believe me, I know it's the limit for the bike. Me. I would like to push even further if I could so are looking at solving the ground clearance issues, which aren't actually too bad for this bike.

When I was younger (I'm nearly 50 now) I rode an RD350 which in my day was the fastest bike you could buy, none of my friends could stay with me in the corners. BUT, that was well over 25 years ago and it's been that long since I was on a bike prior to buying the 1400 last year.

Not sure if this helps Skelstar. Maybe I would kill myself on a full blown sportsbike and I kinda want to be around for a lot longer. :)

What I like about the 1400, is when you lay down the power out of a corner, the bike hunkers down and shoots away without the rear stepping out which happens too easily on high horse power sports bikes and in the case of hard road riding, lower horsepower and more torque, has it's advantages.

[beyond]

hey, Josh, waht do you reckon about plain black?

If I keep the bike for a long time, I might consider repainting it all black sometime with a blue metallic pearlescence through it. Had a Suzuki T350 I did that too way back and man it looked good. :)

Then it would be better to have plain balck wheels in that case ya think?

[Fishy]

hey, Josh, waht do you reckon about plain black?

If I keep the bike for a long time, I might consider repainting it all black sometime with a blue metallic pearlescence through it. Had a Suzuki T350 I did that too way back and man it looked good. :)

Then it would be better to have plain balck wheels in that case ya think?

Yep I agree!. Will get to work on colouring the wheels black and leave a white rim strip.

[beyond]

Thanks mate.

Hey, make the wheels all black if you could.
If we do a white strip, IF I keep the bike and paint it black, that white strip would be the only white on the whole bike. Could look a little weird maybe?

:)

[skelstar]

Nice comprehensive reply. Ta. Would green but gotta share it around apparently :).
You TaupoKBTDIII-ing?

[Fishy]

I reckon with the bike still being blue and white, the white rim tape would look pretty good. If you decide to paint the bike black at a later stage you can just peel the tape off as I will coat the entire rim black.

Here is a rough pic of each.

Josh

[skelstar]

I wonder if the white rim tape just makes it look a little like white-wall tyres?
Tape would be heaps thinner maybe?

[Fishy]

I wonder if the white rim tape just makes it look a little like white-wall tyres?
Tape would be heaps thinner maybe?

Nah mate rim tape looks really good!. Its available in 6mm and 11mm from most companies that make it. And in all sorts of colours - even reflective and glow in the dark colours are available.

I have some silver rim tape I am gonna put on my wheels tomorrow. I will post pics and give details of the supplier when its done.

[skelstar]

Was thinking of putting some red tape on my rims. Nothing too vivid. Velox has some on her black CBR600RR and it looks real good.

[beyond]

Nice comprehensive reply. Ta. Would green but gotta share it around apparently :).
You TaupoKBTDIII-ing?

No problem mate.

No, I won't be doing the Taupo thing, few things on.

[beyond]

I reckon with the bike still being blue and white, the white rim tape would look pretty good. If you decide to paint the bike black at a later stage you can just peel the tape off as I will coat the entire rim black.

Here is a rough pic of each.

Josh


Thanks Josh, appreciated. I kinda like the all black look personally. ( Nothing to with footy)
Prolly cos I am an ol fart eh :)

[Fishy]

Up to you mate!. Yep will still look good all black!. and you won't notice the dirt and chain lube flicked on the rims as much.

[Leong]

Good write up Paul, enjoyed reading it. It's great when your wife knows how you strongly feel about some things and "supports" your decision, regardless, isn't it.

My bike has black wheels, and I think they look good - but then my bike is all black (and actually is easily lost in the dark!!)

[beyond]

Good write up Paul, enjoyed reading it. It's great when your wife knows how you strongly feel about some things and "supports" your decision, regardless, isn't it.

My bike has black wheels, and I think they look good - but then my bike is all black (and actually is easily lost in the dark!!)

Yep, it's good when the other half is behind you in something you want to do.

With your bike being easily lost in the dark, all the more reason not to have a couple of pints if you're heading home after dark. You would never find it anyway. :)

[Fishy]

My bike has black wheels, and I think they look good - but then my bike is all black (and actually is easily lost in the dark!!)

Hey Leong,

Some glow in the dark rim tape would sort that out :niceone:

[skelstar]

How effective is the gitd-rimtape FS? Is it freaky?

[Fishy]

I'll find some pics in a little while and post them for ya mate. The reflective ones (you know like safety vest type reflective) is freaky!.

[Fishy]

Here is a pic of the glow in the dark reflective stuff...

[skelstar]

Awesome.
I have a predominantly black bike (and black leather gear) so I could see a benefit in getting some stuff like that.
You gotta a source?

[terbang]

Nice write up there Beyond and I can vouch to have seen you in action on it on Coro and the package is by no means a slouch.

[Fishy]

Yep...try these guys mate.

http://stores.ebay.com/AWESOME-GRAPHICS

The reflective stuff is near double the cost of non-reflective.

I bought mine from these guys......

http://stores.ebay.com/Decal-Design

The silver only cost me about $22NZ delivered.

[skelstar]

Cool dude. Looks like a good option. The decal-design.co.uk site is pretty sweet. Pity they dont do tribal-decals...Im sure plenty of ebayers do though.

[Fishy]

Yeah they are pretty good eh. I'm sure you could find tem if you looked for long enough.

You can find just about anything on ebay if you have the time.

[metric]

nice write up about the bike...

[n0regret5]

funnily enough i'm only here cos i've been reading reviews of this bike..i initially wanted a sportsbike (when i FINALLY sell my nc30, someone make me an offer!!), but i saw a big pic of a gsx14 on some random japanese tuning website while looking for info on a TL-S, thought that looks like fun..after first thinking '100BHP isn't enough for me', i'm heading down to wellington to check one out next weekend..hah! badass.:-)

[imdying]

100BHP it might be, but it's also got a zillion ft/lb of torque to go with that I expect :D

[beyond]

funnily enough i'm only here cos i've been reading reviews of this bike..i initially wanted a sportsbike (when i FINALLY sell my nc30, someone make me an offer!!), but i saw a big pic of a gsx14 on some random japanese tuning website while looking for info on a TL-S, thought that looks like fun..after first thinking '100BHP isn't enough for me', i'm heading down to wellington to check one out next weekend..hah! badass.:-)

Did you get to try one in the end?
If so I am sure you will be the proud owner of a very capable machine :)

[BarBender]

Did you get to try one in the end?
If so I am sure you will be the proud owner of a very capable machine :)

Yep - A fantastic bike. Heaps of muscles.
Probably seen more barbells than I have.

[Okey Dokey]

What an excellent review. So well written and your love of the bike comes through. Good on ya!

[martybabe]

[QUOTE=Okey Dokey;1418324]What an excellent review. So well written and your love of the bike comes through. Good on ya![/QUOTE


Do you know, I'm on the brink of buying one of these and I think your well written review has convinced me I'm doing the right thing.

Thanx also to Okey Dokey who by Pure accident lead me to this thread.

Well Done you. +1 :2thumbsup

[beyond]

Oh, by the way, I have done some later reviews than this one here so for your continued appraisal....

Part One
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34913

Part Two:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34914

If you want to see it in action or rather from my onboard video cam then search Youtube for the username beyondkiwi

Cheers

[martybabe]

Oh, by the way, I have done some later reviews than this one here so for your continued appraisal....

Part One
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34913

Part Two:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34914

If you want to see it in action or rather from my onboard video cam then search Youtube for the username beyondkiwi

Cheers

Many thanks Beyond,I've read all of that and watched all the videos,beats watching the telly eh.

Cheers mate enjoyed that.:niceone:

[selyahnitram]

great review! I have been riding for 22 years now and have owned and ridden just about every type of bike going. I used to be a sports nut but decided I wanted to go back to a real mans grunty bike that could be used every day in comfort. I test drove all of the bikes in this bracket, the XJR1300, CB1300 and of couse the GSX1400. None left me with same grin as the gixxer, just so much torque.... have now fitted the twin headlight kit, mini fairing, small indicators and chopped the rear tail a small bit.

Could not ask for a more fun and brutal bike, will keep up with just about any sport bike to 200k if you can hang on and yet cruises for miles in top at 4 thou, perfect balance.

Have to say though, its best in BLACK.

[martybabe]

great review! I have been riding for 22 years now and have owned and ridden just about every type of bike going. I used to be a sports nut but decided I wanted to go back to a real mans grunty bike that could be used every day in comfort. I test drove all of the bikes in this bracket, the XJR1300, CB1300 and of couse the GSX1400. None left me with same grin as the gixxer, just so much torque.... have now fitted the twin headlight kit, mini fairing, small indicators and chopped the rear tail a small bit.

Could not ask for a more fun and brutal bike, will keep up with just about any sport bike to 200k if you can hang on and yet cruises for miles in top at 4 thou, perfect balance.

Have to say though, its best in BLACK.


Hey Hey, you can't get away with that, I'm off to purchase a 14 this evening and the first mod I wanna make is a lill fairing. picture and details would be very nice, PLEASE.:niceone:

[selyahnitram]

I spent weeks looking for a good twin headlight kit, this one came with the little fairing - made by Pyramid plastics, got it from UK ebay for about $275including postage from the UK to my door. In NZ expect to pay over $500+ just for the lights and another couple of hundy for the fairing - its a bugger to fit but nice result. (Have to have the twin setup to fit this fairing as it mounts in the middle of the join of the two lights).

Further mods - Would love to have a couple of lighter cans on it, neptune or something similar in black / carbon but at the price they are new for two, well Im not paying that!!

He is still selling these light kits on ebay - and will happily post to NZ if you ask:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Streetfighter-twin-head-light-and-fly-screen_W0QQitemZ310022484086QQihZ021QQcategoryZ994 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:shit:

[jrandom]

I'm off to purchase a 14 this evening...

Welcome to the fookin brotherhood dude!

:2thumbsup

[martybabe]

I spent weeks looking for a good twin headlight kit, this one came with the little fairing - made by Pyramid plastics, got it from UK eBay for about $275including postage from the UK to my door. In NZ expect to pay over $500+ just for the lights and another couple of indy for the fairing - its a bugger to fit but nice result. (Have to have the twin setup to fit this fairing as it mounts in the middle of the join of the two lights).

Further mods - Would love to have a couple of lighter cans on it, Neptune or something similar in black / carbon but at the price they are new for two, well Im not paying that!!

He is still selling these light kits on eBay - and will happily post to NZ if you ask:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Streetfighter-twin-head-light-and-fly-screen_W0QQitemZ310022484086QQihZ021QQcategoryZ994 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:shit:

You sir are a top bloke, thanx for the info and its a wicked looking beast,well done.:first:


Welcome to the fookin brotherhood dude!



And you JR are possibly the best ambassador for Suzuki outside of the Suzy PR dept. Do you get Suzuki fly buys for your efforts?:laugh:

:2thumbsup

[Okey Dokey]

Hey, martybabe, so glad that I was of use in some mysterious forum thread way. That's cool!

[martybabe]

Hey, martybabe, so glad that I was of use in some mysterious forum thread way. That's cool!


Yeah, It's good when things work out,inspite of my efforts to cock everything up.

Thanx again babe.:niceone:

[beyond]

Hey Martybabe. Get along to the:
http://www.gsx1400.org/

Sign up as a full member and get access to the MCN suspension settings. With anything less than these dialled in you will be sorely disappointed.
Also if you are buying new, get rid of the BT020's first chance you get and toss on some Pilot Road 2's.

Welcome to the best value for money bike on the market with as much fun as you want. :)

[martybabe]

Hey Martybabe. Get along to the:
http://www.gsx1400.org/

Sign up as a full member and get access to the MCN suspension settings. With anything less than these dialled in you will be sorely disappointed.
Also if you are buying new, get rid of the BT020's first chance you get and toss on some Pilot Road 2's.

Welcome to the best value for money bike on the market with as much fun as you want. :)

Thanx for the info mate, 14 0wners sure are pasionate about thier rides.


I've purchased a k3 in good nick with low k's,shod with pirelli diablo corsas.it needs a bit of cosmetic work,pitted lower fork legs n engine cases but nothing beyond a martybabe special vallet.

the last owner seems to have run the fork stancions through the tope yoke and changed the bars to flat ones which results in bugger all turning circle and the bars catch on the tank.again no biggy but without another one to compare it to...how much fork leg shows above your top yoke mate? there's a question ya don't hear much.

I could wibble on about how great it is but I think yawl know the bike well enough.On a personal note,after ridding Harleys for the last four years,I keep shooting my feet out front looking for the foot pegs and I'm changing up at low revs so I don't stress the motor and thinking well wheres all this legendary stomp then, the fookers gutless then I remember what iz riddin,wring its neck and scare meself shitless. :laugh: Hey I'm a bit old and slow to adapt, in two weeks time,if it stops pissing down,me and that bike will be one. :yes: :drool:14

[martybabe]

Oh and I bought an old fella cause I love the white wheels and twin pipes, It's blue and white and gorgeous, I'd post a picture but me cameras knackerd and I think you may have seen one or two in the past anyway.


Thank you all,carry on. :niceone:

[beyond]

Congrats mate. I had a K2 which I run to 45,000 kms before upgrading to the black k6.

Don't worry about overloading the motor. They are already at 90% torque at 2500rpm.

My forks are about 2mm above the top of the upper yoke. I reckon you need the standard bars as they give you so much more leverage in the twisties.

The corsas are good tyres but I don't think you will get much out of them on the 14, especially the rear.

Enjoy....I know you will :)

[martybabe]

Congrats mate. I had a K2 which I run to 45,000 kms before upgrading to the black k6.

Don't worry about overloading the motor. They are already at 90% torque at 2500rpm.

My forks are about 2mm above the top of the upper yoke. I reckon you need the standard bars as they give you so much more leverage in the twisties.

The corsas are good tyres but I don't think you will get much out of them on the 14, especially the rear.

Enjoy....I know you will :)


No mate,not worried about overloadin it but Harleys max out about 4000 revs so somat inside tells me I gotta change up or blow up.I'll get it before long.:laugh: the forks potruded 25-28 mm above the top yoke so at lest we've sorted that,thanx. New bars and more ridding and it's happy days.

One little observation, it seems overly prone to cross winds, Is that normal or should I look at tire presures or somat.

Hey it's good having my own GSX1400 guru, thanx Bud. :niceone:

[beyond]

:)

Never had problems in side winds and in fact it's proved very stable in high winds from all directions.
It may be becuase if the forks are dropped through the yokes you get quicker turn in on the 1400's but the trade off is instability at high speed which may also be effected by wind as well.

Also make sure you are running 38 rear and 36 front. Ensure your head stock bearing is not worn as this can effect how it rides in the wind also.

Cheers

[martybabe]

:)

Never had problems in side winds and in fact it's proved very stable in high winds from all directions.
It may be becuase if the forks are dropped through the yokes you get quicker turn in on the 1400's but the trade off is instability at high speed which may also be effected by wind as well.

Also make sure you are running 38 rear and 36 front. Ensure your head stock bearing is not worn as this can effect how it rides in the wind also.

Cheers

Dunno what I'd do without ya. Original bars going back on thursday+ full service including head stock check,tyre pessure ok ,so should be runnin on full gas by the weekend. many thanx dude if yer ever down New Plymouth way I owe ya a beer. :clap: :drinkup:

[selyahnitram]

hey there, I also run 38 rear / 36 front, any harder and it gets skippy. on the suspension front, I tried the MCN suspension settings - there are 3 sets from 3 different riders - I found on open flat roads it was ok, on all settings, but as soon as I hit the twisties and b roads with slightly uneven parts the basta*% bounces all over the place. I am 5 foot 9 and 80kgs, maybe the guys from MCN are a bit heavier and taller. I found once I softened the settings back just one point all round from the softest set in the article she turned into a carving machine, guess you need to go to the settings and then spen some time playing, I found it helpful to write each setting down and then look back until you find the best combination. I did move to a set of braced renthal bars, but found as the bike is very heavy they flexed nervously under pressure especially around tight corners at speed - went back to the standard ones at a flatter angle, much better leverage and cornering. Only other mod I am looking at will be bar end mirrors as I cant see past my shoulders well, possibly and under seat conversion with led rear lights (uk ebay is a good source) and matbe an aftermarket air system, but I dont really want to have to dyno the bike.
Martin.

[martybabe]

hey there, I also run 38 rear / 36 front, any harder and it gets skippy. on the suspension front, I tried the MCN suspension settings - there are 3 sets from 3 different riders - I found on open flat roads it was ok, on all settings, but as soon as I hit the twisties and b roads with slightly uneven parts the basta*% bounces all over the place. I am 5 foot 9 and 80kgs, maybe the guys from MCN are a bit heavier and taller. I found once I softened the settings back just one point all round from the softest set in the article she turned into a carving machine, guess you need to go to the settings and then spen some time playing, I found it helpful to write each setting down and then look back until you find the best combination. I did move to a set of braced renthal bars, but found as the bike is very heavy they flexed nervously under pressure especially around tight corners at speed - went back to the standard ones at a flatter angle, much better leverage and cornering. Only other mod I am looking at will be bar end mirrors as I cant see past my shoulders well, possibly and under seat conversion with led rear lights (uk ebay is a good source) and matbe an aftermarket air system, but I dont really want to have to dyno the bike.
Martin.

:killingme ha ha aint that the truth I'm sick of looking at my manly shoulders.

Thanx for the info , very useful,dunno what settings it's on at the mo but seems ok, then again I aint exactly pushin it just yet.

[beyond]

Ok, for the GSX1400 riders out there.

Here's my jealously guarded suspension settings for those interested. May help depending on your riding style. I push hard at times and are 186cms tall at 85kgs and add about another 5kgs for gear. These settings suit my riding and are great when pushing hard. Road feel is increased of course and some may not like that but I don't find long distance comfort an issue on these settings.

Rear shocks: I have five rings showing on preload (maximum) The upper dial is set at three on the shocks and the adjuster at the bottom is set on four (maximum)

On the front I used the settings available under the member area on the GSX1400.org but tweaked them for best performance. I went two clicks harder for compression and damping over and above the recommended settings for the heaviest rider and my preload at the top of the forks has two rings showing only.

This makes a hell of a difference to the bikes handling over stock.

Ground clearance then becomes a smaller issue but when pushing hard you must lean more than the bike using upper body weight and your head. There is no need to hang right off or try and get a knee down. With practive you will literally thrive on the twisty roads and find good stability at speed through the sweepers.

Hope this helps.

[Zuki Bandit]

Great write up!!!

[Kiwi Graham]

Like the write up Beyond, Suzuki should pay you a commision!!

I run slightly softer pressures than you at 36/34 I feel I get more feed back at these pressures I'm 6' and 82kg. I've also tweeked the suspension generally firming it up and increasing the damping, I wouldnt recommend dropping the forks though with ground clearance already an issue when the going gets more enthusiastic!! I just really enjoy riding this bike either as an everyday commuter, a holiday tourer or a sunny day scratcher.

However BLACK is the best colour......and faster ;)

[beyond]

Like the write up Beyond, Suzuki should pay you a commision!!

I run slightly softer pressures than you at 36/34 I feel I get more feed back at these pressures I'm 6' and 82kg. I've also tweeked the suspension generally firming it up and increasing the damping, I wouldnt recommend dropping the forks though with ground clearance already an issue when the going gets more enthusiastic!! I just really enjoy riding this bike either as an everyday commuter, a holiday tourer or a sunny day scratcher.

However BLACK is the best colour......and faster ;)

Thanks mate.

yep, ground clearance has always been an issue but I rarely touch down the pegs these days. Used to hang right off the bike :)
Bloody awesome bikes they are.

[rygsx]

cool review awesome bike i have a k2 grey one any ideas on aftermaket pipes cheers

[beyond]

cool review awesome bike i have a k2 grey one any ideas on aftermaket pipes cheers

Good choice of bike mate :)

Yep, scorpion cans are pretty good and sound rather nice on full song.
I'm running a scorpion can on mine but it was a four into 1 for the K6 but you can get two for the K2.

The headers on the 1400's are restrictive so if you want more grunt go the four into one route, full akropovich.

[chrisso]

Howdy all, Im seriously thinking of buying a GSX1400K6, got 64,000k, build 10/06....... hes asking Aus$8750. Thats not very high ks for one of these is it???---I had a GSX1100 back in NZ in the early 80s & loved it -the 14 would be Much More of the same......120Nm of torque sounds good.
Any thoughts????? Cheers

[beyond]

Seems a tad high in price for the K's mate but I'm not sure what they go for in Oz.

Hop on the GSX1400 org as there is an Aussie Kiwi section and you'll get help from some of the Oz members on price etc.


http://gsx1400.org/ Sign up as a member and get on the messages and find the section Aussie Kiwis etc.

These bikes go for ever. Oil air cooled, under stressed for there size and idling when other bikes are in the high revs :)

Easily do 100,000kms before things need doing if serviced regularly.
In the UK they are talking 100,000 miles before work needs to be done on some areas of the mill.

[roogazza]

Hey Beyond, did you catch the 'Rapid' bike mag, 1400. They turned it into a 1640 or some such and it was pushing out about 160 hp ! Even with just yoshie cams and exhaust/power commander it was 144 .Thats pretty good increases for one of those.
It sounds like you get along pretty well for an older fella ? Have fun. Gaz.

[beyond]

Hey Beyond, did you catch the 'Rapid' bike mag, 1400. They turned it into a 1640 or some such and it was pushing out about 160 hp ! Even with just yoshie cams and exhaust/power commander it was 144 .Thats pretty good increases for one of those.
It sounds like you get along pretty well for an older fella ? Have fun. Gaz.

Yeah, caught that mag when they were doing the 1400 up. Love one of those :)

I think I do ok for an older geezer LOL
You can check out some of my vids by doing a search on "beyondkiwi" on youtube.
Have 8 vids in there.