The Suzuki GSX1400 Owners Club

Reviews

A review by Paul Yorke detailing why he picked the GSX 1400 over a Fazer - 08/10/01

I collected my new GSX1400 on Wednesday 3^rd of October from G Whites of Swindon. I had arranged to exchange my Bandit 600 S for the GSX on the 2^nd but it rained; I don’t enjoy motor biking in the wet. I’ve been caught out many times of course over the years, but I don’t leave home if it is tipping it down and tipping it down it was on Tuesday the 2^nd. Wednesday was completely different and with blue skies and 16 degrees, I set out on my Bandit for the trip to Swindon with the busy commuter traffic.

At 09:15 I arrived at G Whites to exchange my Bandit for a new GSX. I had ordered the bike a month before on spec, not having even sat on one before. I had previously tested a few large capacity bikes and had decided to buy the Yamaha Fazer 1000. Identical weight as well as similar handling and comfort to my Bandit 600 S but with a rather different attitude to performance. The Fazer was rather more “point and shoot” than ride. Extraordinarily exhilarating and lusty performance – the decision was made. Then I saw a brochure and started to read GSX reviews and it becoming clear to me that the GSX was the bike for me.

I’d been to G Whites the weekend before because it was their 40^th birthday and they were having some special events. There in the corner of the yard was a GSX1400 in blue and white Suzuki livery. I couldn’t believe it – could this be the bike I had ordered a month before – yup – I checked with the salesman and sure enough – it was mine for the taking. It had just arrived the day before. Of course, there was no insurance or registration arranged so I had to leave on the Bandit knowing my GSX was left behind waiting for me.

So why the GSX and not the Fazer? Simply put – it was the looks, spec and testimony of others who had experienced the torque. It was a risk worth taking. 

Formalities completed, the salesman pushed my GSX out onto the pavement. I received the customary shakedown and just as well too. Two items regularly used on the Bandit were not even present on the GSX. No choke and no reserve fuel valve. Computer controlled fuel injection negates the need for a choke and a fuel gauge has replaced the reserve fuel tap. More on this later. The accuracy of the gauge has yet to be tested though the user manual suggests a flashing icon means about 6 litres to go. The GSX delivered 43 MPG (not particularly good) with the first tank full so the “reserve” distance should be between 50 and 60 miles. 

The engine started at the turn of the key, and within a couple of seconds had settled into a beautifully steady 1000-rpm tick over. I was warned about new tyres, damp roads and twisting the throttle too far. All VERY poignant as GSX owners will already be aware, the power is delivered in wheelbarrow loads. From new, the bike was so smooth – not a single snatch or missed beat.  I wound my way out of Swindon, following the annoying diversion which takes you three miles out of your way and returned to Oxford via the A420 and its plethora of Gatso cameras. 

The riding position seems more forward than the Bandit probably due to the lack of fairing but frankly, after about 3 miles, I’d completely forgotten how the Bandit had handled and performed. I slipped the perfect Suzuki gearbox into top gear only to find that there was another gear. Up to 60 and blow me, another gear. The very low gearing and my previous experience with a 600 cc bike led me think I was in top gear when I was really only in 4^th. 

The low gearing makes for a very relaxed ride and the torque means you don’t need to swap cogs to pass a Skoda. I have traveled some 200 miles so a full report is a bit premature but a spirited thrash around Milton Keynes’ many roundabouts on the evening of the 4^th October suggests to me that the additional 20 Kgs (more than a Bandit) are only a problem when maneuvering the bike into the garage. The GSX seems to turn in very well, almost too well and better than expected.  I wouldn’t say that it’s “flickable” like a Bandit but it’s not far off. 

I’m used to naked bikes so I don’t feel particularly buffeted at speed. I haven’t exceeded 90 MPH though so it’s probably early days to make a judgment on this. Overall riding comfort is excellent. I suspect a smaller person will not like the large tank and wide motor. Personally, I love it. The handlebars are set slightly wider that a Bandit. For me however the bars, seat position and foot pegs are ideally placed. 

Reviewers who have suggested that the brakes struggle to pull the bike up probably don’t realise the blistering speed from which they are trying to stop. The low revs and almost noiseless engine are very deceptive and I often think that I’m travelling at 60 MPH when the speedometer indicates 80. The brakes are very good. I never managed to lock the front wheel on my Bandit but have done so twice on the GSX – both times without trauma as the mass of the bike prevents it from sliding away from you.

The accuracy of the fuel gauge has yet to be tested though the user manual suggests a flashing icon means about 6 litres to go. The GSX delivered 43 MPG (not particularly good) with the first tank full so the “reserve” distance should be between 50 and 60 miles.

My overriding memory however is of the bucket fulls of smooth power that emanate from the engine. The GSX could be described as jet-propelled velvet. It pulls smoothly and strongly from 1500 rpm but once over 2500 rpm, the surge of power is awesome in spite of the 4500 rpm running limit. Only 5^th and 6^th are required for most riding situations and the GSX will pull away from still in third. Not advisable as a normal practice I know but it is so easy to forget which gear you’re in when gear changing is so infrequently undertaken. I’m certain that when run in, a spirited use of the gearbox would show a clean set of rear shocks to a very large number of so-called super bikes. Also important to me (and my large 18 stone frame) is the comfort factor; after an hour on the saddle I had no discomfort at all.

I can’t wait to get past the first 600-mile “first service” barrier so that I can increase the revs beyond 6000. When I purchased the Bandit, I knew I would replace it after a year or two. I have no plans to replace the GSX1400.