Gsx1400?

[gixxer-king]

OK keep changing my mind each time I know.
Who here OWNS OR HAS OWNED a gsx1400?
What are they like to live with?
Fuel economy?
long and I mean LONG distance riding?
reliability wise?
overall comfort?


I found that even taking things for a test ride is only an OK indicator of what the bike is gonna do for me when I actually have it.
They dont have the accessories on them, they havent been run in, they don't let me take it on 6 hour rides, it doesnt show me how reliable it may be, how the seat feels after a single long ride or how much it changes shape over 2-3-4-5 years and many other things so I'm wanting to hear from you guys.

Also what you paid and what condition it was in if you bought it 2nd hand.
what to look for when buying one pre-thrashed urgh i mean 2nd hand.

cheers dudes and dudettes

[jrandom]

Oh my.

Wonderful machines they are.

I got my GSX1400 K7 new just before Christmas 2007, about 30,000km ago. I've subsequently fitted a Two Brothers muffler and BMC filter, and had it dyno tuned at TripleZee Cycles.

I've also swapped the stock handlebars out for some Pro Taper MX bars, and I've lost the stock mirrors and use CRG bar-end mirrors, just cos they're sexy.

The different bar setup looks better and turns a lot sharper, but gives a slightly more aggressive riding posture; a little less comfy in the shoulders for long hours of touring. Not to mention that you really have to lighten up on the grips through fast sweepers with the extra-sensitive bars, lest you start the whole bike oscillating like a mad thing. I like the tradeoff, but everyone has their own priorities.

I'm currently on a, er, licence holiday, so my GSX1400's in track mode for a while. References regarding its pace around Taupo provided on request.



(1:50 around Taupo, 1:21 around Manfeild. Bullshit-free numbers, btw.)



Stickchick and I have done quite a bit of mileage on it two-up on a significant portion of the roads between Cape Reinga and Wellington. She's pillioned on a fair few motorcycles, and it's her favourite machine to date to spend time on the back of. Super comfy. Even I'm comfortable on the back of it (thanks kiwifruit).

You won't find a better long (yes, LONG) distance tourer without going to something like a Goldwing or FJR1300. Certainly there's no unfaired bike that'll beat a GSX1400 for the long hauls, in my humble opinion. As soon as I get my licence back in April and the bike's back on the road, I'll be investing in a full set of Givi hard luggage.

Fuel economy, though... not really stellar. You'll be pushing it to get 300km between fills of the 21L tank if you lose the horrible stock muffler and catalytic converter (putting on the TBR can upped the top-end power a lot, as in top indicated speed going from 230 to 250, I kid you not, but also noticeably degraded fuel economy at cruising pace).

gsx1400.org is your friend when it comes to the technical details. I haven't heard any tell of the bikes having any issues over time. They seem, as most of the big aircooled Suzukis are, bulletproof.

Beyond has a great review of his GSX1400 here.

The real handling drawback is the ground clearance. I've almost worn my pegs through to the rubber footrests. Not so much an issue on the road, but you'll do a lot of grinding at trackdays (hardwire the cutout switch and take the sidestand off before riding at Taupo - trust me).

I run Michelin Pilot Power 2CTs on it. Great road tyres for big torquey bikes that need to stay planted at both ends. A lot of guys use the Pilot Road 2s, but I find that the Powers give so much more grip and solidity that the somewhat reduced mileage and increased cost is very much worthwhile.

For a 225kg-dry bike, it handles really lightly and nimbly. Suzuki have really hit the bullseye with the GSX1400. A pearl of a machine; definitely more than the sum of its parts.

[AllanB]

Well I was all set with a arm-load of Suzuki jokes, then I read Jrandoms review and it knocked me over like an attractive naked woman running towards me

An honest, insightful review that was well illustrated.

Fine job mate.

[mulletman]

Hi mines an 07 which ive had since new it came with the Yoshi and a bit of fairing - which is very usefull over 140 (buffeting) can sit at 200 quite nicely, mine did 250 easy as after run in, its on 25600ks and comes off warranty next month with no claims or issues.

I have fitted some Ventura bars for comfort they are basically flatter, it has a BMC air filter which ive noticed drinks more gas but worth the bit more go.cruising at 120 will easily do 300k, tyres are lasting around 6000k for back and 10000k on front, im using Pilot Road 2ct rear and sport up front and are fine for me ( 6ft 95kgs ), next week i will hopefully have some nice new stainless headers ready to fit replacing the tripple skinned factory restrictors!

My wife has no probs on the back with long rides fine - Ch Ch to Nelson. I did a 1000k in a day ride last Nov with relative ease comfort wise, shame about the rain though oh well.

On the suspension side ive only firmed things up a couple of clicks to stop the mid corner wallow noticeable when 2up with gear.
Engine braking is great on these theres heaps of it people have commented on the lack of brake light on corners.

These bikes are fairly bulletproof i only know one thats let go ( rod ) only because it had a turbo and was pushing around 200RWHP to its credit it ithink lasted 25000ks ridden HARD, it was stock apart from the clutch and diff airbox.

Hey cool pic Mr Random nice!

Oh well my 2c worth hope it was useful.