2004 Suzuki GSX1400 from United Kingdom
Summary:
Big, mean, tough, powerful, impressive
Faults:
Regulator rectifier failed at 27,000 miles
General Comments:
I love this bike. I love the retro looks - mine is blue and white, I love that it looks massive and heavy, I love the twin silencers that sweep up on either side. When I climb aboard, it feels big and solid, I feel I'm sitting in the bike rather than on it, the riding position is beautiful and I love the deep burble from both exhausts when I fire up the 1400cc lump.
It pulls away effortlessly - even in second or third gear, clicks smoothly through the gearbox, and above 40mph you can't hear the engine or exhaust, all you get is wind rush and it feels like I'm sitting on a turbine unleashing unlimited amounts of torque and power.
Riding through town it turns heads from admiring envious onlookers, and once on the open road I know I can overtake anything in front of me.
When I bought this bike I knew I wanted a 70s style retro. My previous bike was a Kawasaki 750 Zephyr; great bike, but the engine was too small. I'd decided it was either the GSX or a Yamaha XJR 1300. It was a close thing, but the GSX got the nod due to the slightly bigger engine, six gears, and to my eye the GSX looked bigger and tougher.
Unlike most owners who modify their 14s, I reckon Suzuki did a superb styling job so I've kept mine standard apart from an oil cooler cover, front fender extender and rear hugger. It never gets ridden in bad weather, and gleams like a showroom model.
Yeah... I love this bike. Just wish the weather in this country was more bike friendly.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th November, 2013
16th Nov 2019, 09:23
What a coincidence, my last bike was a Zephyr 750 25 years ago, and I initially liked the Yamaha 1300s, but now I have seen a blue and white GSX1400, that is what I want. Going to look at some today.
30th Nov 2019, 10:10
How did the viewings go? Did you buy one?
30th Nov 2019, 22:49
Hi, yes went from Northampton to Cardiff cos he had 10 to choose from. I bought a 2003 in classic blue/white with white wheels. It was delivered yesterday, so I had to have a go, it was cold and damp so took it easy. Absolutely awesome, twas a bit scary to be honest, but not in a bad way, just because it was my first ride for over 20 years. It feels like a jumbo jet taking off just winding the throttle on in top gear. Also just as happy admiring it sitting in my garage, looking so sinister; what a beast.
21st Dec 2019, 16:55
Excellent!! I love that colour scheme with the white wheels. Mine was the same but with black wheels. I actually really envy you because I swapped my 1400 for a Harley Road King Classic four years ago. I still miss the feeling of that turbine power, and I loved how above 40 mph I could only hear wind rush. Wish I still had it.
Is yours still original? I thought Suzuki did a great job so I left mine as standard; I really love those original up-swept twin silencers. The British winter will destroy it though mate, so keep it in the garage and polish it, then in April treat yourself. Nice one mate, ride safe.
16th Nov 2019, 09:23
What a coincidence, my last bike was Zephyr 750 25 years ago, and I initially liked yamaha 1300s but now I have seen a blue and white gsx1400, that is what I want. Going to look at some today.