Do I strip or not?

**martybabe** · 5th July 2008, 12:14

Question, This is aimed at bikers that go places on a bike, because they've got a bike, not for the die-hards and commuters.

I wanna strip my GSX1400 down for the winter, do some suspension mods, powder coat, rust prevention etc.It's in good nick for it's age but good isn't good enough. I'm afraid I'm a bit anal and if my pride and joy isn't immaculate, all is not well in the house of martybabe.

The problem is this crazy weather, just as I commit to stripping, after days of rain and crap, you get one of them lovely cool but dry sunny days. If my bike is in bits when such days occur, I have a tantrum of epic proportions.

I was supposed to have a DR650 by now to ride through any old shite but plans don't often work out in my neck of the woods.

So do you guys strip for the winter or isn't the kiwi winter long enough for restorations, he asks hopefully?.Or do you all have two or more bikes, in which case this is'nt a problem. I do hope the latter is the case, strengthens my multi bike plan against the bride.

For all those that tuned in expecting strippers, I know who you are, check out pix bellow then back to the pron section.

**FJRider** · 5th July 2008, 12:26

The strip doesn't take the time... doing the business (properly) while the gear is off DOES. At the end of the day, its YOUR decision. Two bikes are good... but you never would be home to do "the business"...well not as often as you could be. PLANNING each stage, prior to the strip works best. Book the tradesmen so less time is wasted. Draw up a plan listing times for each stage of work...and GO / STICK to it.

**martybabe** · 5th July 2008, 12:36

Originally Posted by Finder

The strip doesn't take the time... doing the business (properly) while the gear is off DOES. At the end of the day, its YOUR decision. Two bikes are good... but you never would be home to do "the business"...well not as often as you could be. PLANNING each stage, prior to the strip works best. Book the tradesmen so less time is wasted. Draw up a plan listing times for each stage of work...and GO / STICK to it.

Now there speaks an organised man. Good plan thanks. Coincidentally, I've stripped loads of FJs over the years, still reckon it's one of the best bikes ever made, but pommy winters (the wet and grey wanna kill yerself kind) last about six bloody months anyway, well it feels like it, so it's not really been a prob before. Cheers FJ

**AllanB** · 5th July 2008, 12:38

The plan is a good idea.

Get into it now, the weather is at mid point regarding winter so it will still be shit for a month or two.

For its age? how old is your GSX1400 - can't be more than 5 years or so.

I'm very anal about the appearance of my bikes as well so I say go for it NOW. I made the mistake a few years back on a previous bike to pull it down late winter and consequently missed on some of the best warm end of winter riding we had had for years!

**Headbanger** · 5th July 2008, 12:44

She looks great with her clothes off.

**martybabe** · 5th July 2008, 12:52

Originally Posted by Allan B

The plan is a good idea.

Get into it now, the weather is at mid point regarding winter so it will still be shit for a month or two.

For its age? how old is your GSX1400 - can't be more than 5 years or so.

I'm very anal about the appearance of my bikes as well so I say go for it NOW. I made the mistake a few years back on a previous bike to pull it down late winter and consequently missed on some of the best warm end of winter riding we had had for years!

Ah, That's the fella, can't bear that I might miss out, I'm such a baby.

The 14 is presactly 5 years old, how perceptive but there are the beginnings of rustyrot that need attention now, some would laugh if I showed em the decay of which I speak but it's my baby and it deserves it, I'm having nightmares of monster rot setting in while I sleep.

**skidMark** · 5th July 2008, 12:59

Originally Posted by martybabe

Ah, That's the fella, can't bear that I might miss out, I'm such a baby.

The 14 is presactly 5 years old, how perceptive but there are the beginnings of rustyrot that need attention now, some would laugh if I showed em the decay of which I speak but it's my baby and it deserves it, I'm having nightmares of monster rot setting in while I sleep.

You would have a heart attack if you saw my suzuki.

**martybabe** · 5th July 2008, 13:04

Originally Posted by skidMark

You would have a heart attack if you saw my suzuki.

I fookin would. Don't tell anyone but I have been known to take bikes on test rides, take em home and clean em up and return em. There's something very wrong with that.

**Drew** · 5th July 2008, 13:11

Originally Posted by martybabe

I fookin would. Don't tell anyone but I have been known to take bikes on test rides, take em home and clean em up and return em. There's something very wrong with that.

Yes there is something very wrong with that! But I walk into shops, sit on a bike and feel compeled to wind some more spring on the rear, lessen the rebound damping and start bouncing the thing up and down to get the set up better. Similar thing I guess.

**martybabe** · 5th July 2008, 13:34

Originally Posted by Headbanger

She looks great with her clothes off.

Amen Bro, Obviously a lack of pie shops in her neighbourhood.

Originally Posted by Drew

Yes there is something very wrong with that! But I walk into shops, sit on a bike and feel compelled to wind some more spring on the rear, lessen the rebound damping and start bouncing the thing up and down to get the set up better. Similar thing I guess.

Ah, a fellow obsessive, yes you can always make em that little bit better, well maybe not but fiddling is healthy.

**skidMark** · 5th July 2008, 13:40

Originally Posted by martybabe

Ah, a fellow obsessive, yes you can always make em that little bit better, well maybe not but fiddling is healthy.

If you play with that you will go blind.

**DMNTD:Me** · 5th July 2008, 13:46

Originally Posted by martybabe

Don't tell anyone but I have been known to take bikes on test rides, take em home and clean em up and return em. There's something very wrong with that.

I have done the same mate,you're not the only loon around

**toebug** · 5th July 2008, 13:54

I always make sure I have a second bike before i strip anything! And everything does get stripped! But then that works when you have 5 bikes like I do!

**martybabe** · 5th July 2008, 14:08

Originally Posted by skidMark

If you play with that you will go blind.

I fail to (see) your point.

Originally Posted by DMNTD

I have done the same mate,you're not the only loon around

Thank cripes for that, that's two normal people, whats up with the rest of em?

Back on topic and falling in line with (the plan befroe you dismantle plan) any one know of a good powdercoat operation and or polish shop in the New Plymouth area? oh and who's that suspension guru on KB, might have a word with him ,one of the rear shocks isn't shocking too well.

I intend to start in the next couple of weeks so have your clasic bikes ready for the impending heat wave, whilst I'm awaiting a crucial chromed nut or something.