LIKE A MAGIC CARPET WITH A ROCKET UP IT'S ARSE' , gsx1400 user review

LIKE A MAGIC CARPET WITH A ROCKET UP IT'S ARSE'

Strengths:
HUGE amounts of torque make for effortless riding. Very comfy for touring, especially if you keep the speeds under triple figures or fit a decent flyscreen.

Weaknesses:
Suspension needs setting up correctly ( the Suzuki test pilot must weigh about 6 stone, wringing wet ). There are lots of shiny bits that need taking care of, or they'll corrode before your eyes.

Overall:
Straight out the crate, the bike isn't the best handling and I suspect this has given rise to a fair few of the reported handling issues. MCN did an extensive setup article a while back and using these setting transforms the bike. You lose a little in the comfort stakes, but you gain a LOT in the handling stakes. It's no sportbike eater ( unless your sportsbike rider is a weekend warrior ), but it's a lot more nimble than it's given credit for.
If you want to hussle, it can ( within reason ), but if you're on a lazy Sunday ride, you can pop it into 6th at 20mph and just roll on and off the throttle, never needing to change gear again.
The finish is good, as long as you keep on top of your cleaning. Owners should invest in ACF50 and F365, which really helps in keeping the whole thing looking great.
Ditch the Bridgstone 020 OE fitment too...the torque seems to overwhelm the tyres in anything but the driest of weather. Michelin Pilot Roads or Avon Storm ST are both highly rated for this bike.

Engine

100%
Brakes

80%
Handling

60%
Comfort

100%
Build Quality

60%