A picture a day....biker banter (Vol 4)
Discussion
Yazza54 said:
podman said:
Few things to do, need to make a bit of a cowl/attachment to force air through the rad a bit better, quickshifter wasn't as smooth as it should be and I found a rose joint knackered on the linkage so that'll be why. Also waiting on some new needle jets as it's a bit flatter mid range than it should be then all hell breaks loose! Getting there though.3DP said:
podman said:
Friend bought one of these GSXS jobbies, I thought this sort of thing would be perfect for me but having ridden it and both old and new Fazer 1000's of recent, I found the front end heavy and whilst the wide and upright bars make for a very comfy position up to 100, after than on smaller A roads, when pushing on, the bike felt disconnected and vague from the front, wider bars and sitting up like a sail maybe or just too road focused?
Either way, my Firestorm was far more happy when pushed with much more accurate and lighter steering and I know they have a reputation for a being a soft-ish ride.
Engine was mega thou, pulled really hard from anywhere in the rev range and the standard can even had a nice bark to it. That element was certainly far nicer than the FZ1.
Hi Bryan - interesting feedback. I have my dad's one in my garage in those colours. It's quite accomplished and you do get used to the 'super naked' riding position after sportsbikes, but initially, they don't feel as good at the front. You end up changing your style a bit with less trail braking and more 'get it stopped, chuck it on its side and get the power on early'.Either way, my Firestorm was far more happy when pushed with much more accurate and lighter steering and I know they have a reputation for a being a soft-ish ride.
Engine was mega thou, pulled really hard from anywhere in the rev range and the standard can even had a nice bark to it. That element was certainly far nicer than the FZ1.
I thought it was going to be more beastly than it was, based on the dyno charts, but TBH, I found it a little underwhelming. It lacks the character and punch of the Speed Triple and only works when properly going for it, at which point it is very quick, but defeats the point a little of an upright bike. It does feel super light though, which is why I steered my old man to it, considering the weight of his ZZR1400. He actually really likes it. At the discounted price it was a great buy though, but I see it as a commuter on steroids.
I think it would respond quite well to modifications and once up on the rear wheel, you can wheelie it a looooong way with that slick gearbox
As you say, I can see it being a great starting point for modifications but not quite there, the Triumph is more focused then with better suspension then?
I have ridden a Speed Triple but the ride was so brief I cant remember anything from it.
podman said:
Agreed mate, it does lack some character, I wouldnt have been sold on it after a test ride anyway, I also found the legroom more cramped than the GSXRs too, quite surprised that the pegs are not adjustable the GSXRs are , so why not the GSXS?).
As you say, I can see it being a great starting point for modifications but not quite there, the Triumph is more focused then with better suspension then?
I have ridden a Speed Triple but the ride was so brief I cant remember anything from it.
I find the leg room ok, but only ridden it for a few 20 odd mile runs. It needs its first service doing soon.As you say, I can see it being a great starting point for modifications but not quite there, the Triumph is more focused then with better suspension then?
I have ridden a Speed Triple but the ride was so brief I cant remember anything from it.
The brakes are a bit pants, which I think is pad material. They improved a lot with a good thrash. The Triumph feels more keyed in and the suspension a bit better. The Triumph feels fantastic up to 90% and a little lacking in the last 10% due to age/weight of engine. This last 10% is where the GSXS is best, but for the other 90% the Triumph is far more rewarding. Allegedly the rear shocks are rubbish and go off quickly when thrashed, but I reckon that going off might be more of a function of the position of the giant catalytic converter, literally millimetres from the shock linkage.
At £8400 it's a lot of bike new (deal at end of last year). If it was mine, a Renntec rack, decat, end can, PCV, Nitron rear shock and different front brake pads and it'd be a proper practical weapon and sleeper.
podman said:
Yazza54 said:
podman said:
Few things to do, need to make a bit of a cowl/attachment to force air through the rad a bit better, quickshifter wasn't as smooth as it should be and I found a rose joint knackered on the linkage so that'll be why. Also waiting on some new needle jets as it's a bit flatter mid range than it should be then all hell breaks loose! Getting there though.Yazza54 said:
podman said:
Yazza54 said:
podman said:
Few things to do, need to make a bit of a cowl/attachment to force air through the rad a bit better, quickshifter wasn't as smooth as it should be and I found a rose joint knackered on the linkage so that'll be why. Also waiting on some new needle jets as it's a bit flatter mid range than it should be then all hell breaks loose! Getting there though.Been out on mine regularly since Feb mate, was out on the 500 again today, cant get enough of 'em..
tezzer said:
Finished this last week, and not really gelling with is oddly, but went for a ride out today to pick up some train tickets for tomorrow morning, and it went really well, a perky old 2 stroke twin.
The noise alone must be worth it. a mint GT550 came past my office on Friday evening, I thought, "I'd like one of those"tezzer said:
Finished this last week, and not really gelling with is oddly, but went for a ride out today to pick up some train tickets for tomorrow morning, and it went really well, a perky old 2 stroke twin.
Look very pretty that, im sure someone will take it off your hands quick enough if you decide its really not for you.Lovely long hard day in the sun on the newly " refreshed" stroker....reed valves replaced and starting cold / hot on a half prod of kickstarter, breathing and fuelling beautifully so now predicatable and consistent on its delivery....should make me oh so much better on it .....it doesn't !
However , new hard Enduro circuit tested , Parkwood/Tong, near Bradford,great set up huge wooded streams , uphill wet rock climbs etc ....the lad parked next to us was up from Milton Keynes to ride it !
First time I've ever somersaulted off a bike today , dropped the front into a proper deep gully and it stopped but the rest , the arse end of the bike and me , didn't ...wet and messy ....
But - stamina and progress improving ....slowly
Edited by hebegb on Sunday 26th March 20:29
hebegb said:
Lovely long hard day in the sun on the newly " refreshed" stroker....reed valves replaced and starting cold / hot on a half prod of kickstarter, breathing and fuelling beautifully so now predicatable and consistent on its delivery....should make me oh so much better on it .....it doesn't !
However , new hard Enduro circuit tested , Parkwood/Tong, near Bradford,great set up huge wooded streams , uphill wet rock climbs etc ....the lad parked next to us was up from Milton Keynes to ride it !
First time I've ever somersaulted off a bike today , dropped the front into a proper deep gully and it stopped but the rest , the arse end of the bike and me , didn't ...wet and messy ....
But - stamina and progress improving ....slowly
Edited by hebegb on Sunday 26th March 20:29
Good fun gave everyone a laugh
podman said:
graham22 said:
Fair play, any future plans for it now its out of retirement?Did get a few positive comments though.
podman said:
Look very pretty that, im sure someone will take it off your hands quick enough if you decide its really not for you.
Oddly enough, not yet. I've had it advertised on a few sites / groups, and despite a few early nibbles, nothing.It can stay in the garage, on an optimate and under a cover till it does take someone's fancy, prices are only going one way on old strokers these days.
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