Suzuki customisation continues

**Hitcher** · 24th March 2011, 17:49

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

**vifferman** · 24th March 2011, 17:51

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.

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** · 24th March 2011, 18:30

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** · 24th March 2011, 18:37

Farkling is fun!

**bogan** · 24th March 2011, 18:45

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

**Hailwood** · 25th March 2011, 15:43

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

**AllanB** · 25th March 2011, 15:49

Originally Posted by Hailwood

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.

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** · 25th March 2011, 21:24

Originally Posted by Hailwood

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** · 27th March 2011, 16:22

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** · 27th March 2011, 17:13

Originally Posted by Mom

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

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** · 28th March 2011, 19:10

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 28th March 2011, 19:23

Originally Posted by Toaster

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** · 28th March 2011, 21:25

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......