Suzuki customisation continues

**Toaster** · 21st March 2011, 15:54

Originally Posted by Maha

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** · 21st March 2011, 18:08

Originally Posted by Maha

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?....

You could do worse

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

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** · 21st March 2011, 18:21

Originally Posted by skinman

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

Indeed, I may have to spank him for that comment

Originally Posted by Maha

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

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

**JimO** · 21st March 2011, 18:50

Originally Posted by Maha

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

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

Pokey · 21st March 2011, 19:03

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** · 21st March 2011, 20:23

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** · 21st March 2011, 20:43

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** · 22nd March 2011, 07:42

Originally Posted by Mom

Indeed, I may have to spank him for that comment

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

Very wise young lady

**Crisis management** · 22nd March 2011, 08:02

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** · 22nd March 2011, 08:50

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** · 22nd March 2011, 23:56

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?

They don't understand

**Laava** · 23rd March 2011, 07:14

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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** · 23rd March 2011, 08:51

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** · 23rd March 2011, 10:10

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.