GSX400E Project Suzzie.

[Nessism]

The 1000S uses U-shaped black trim around the windscreen that stays in place without use of adhesive. If you are going to use RTV get the type that's an adhesive, not just a sealant.

 

[Runeight]

Thanks.

Found some flexible rubber trim on fleabay that is the same size. I'll try that before cutting up the moulding I have now. Never find another.

 

[Runeight]

Thanks.

Found some flexible rubber trim on fleabay that is the same size. I'll try that before cutting up the moulding I have now. Never find another.

Didnt work, fail. lol.

 

[Runeight]

What a hoot! Had to adjust up the clutch cable but running fantastic. I was surprised at the low gearing, reminds me of a Honda CB350 F I once had. This is going to be fun around town.

The tachometer sweeps slow or at least it appears so. It could just be me but until I'm certain I would like to put a rpm meter on it and compare the two. Would hate to over rev and do damage.

Can I get a signal from the signal generator on the right side for a rpm reading?

TIA

 

[Guest]

What a hoot! Had to adjust up the clutch cable but running fantastic. I was surprised at the low gearing, reminds me of a Honda CB350 F I once had. This is going to be fun around town.

The tachometer sweeps slow or at least it appears so. It could just be me but until I'm certain I would like to put a rpm meter on it and compare the two. Would hate to over rev and do damage.

Can I get a signal from the signal generator on the right side for a rpm reading?

TIA

You'll notice this motor kicks in noticeably at about 6500 rpm; at 6 it's just leaving the pre cam section and by 7 it's doing its stuff. It will have peaked by 9500 and after that it's just spinning faster. If you want to wind it out without worrying, just take it to where the power kicks in and shift when the speedo reads 50% higher. Given the short stroke and four valve configuration, I'd estimate that the mechanical redline is way higher than the power peak. There's usually a resonance peak at about 9000 above which it smooths out and loses interest in going faster.

That tach may need some more waking up; don't give up on it yet. I once bought a low mileage car for cheap that had been sitting a long time; the salesman was offing it because the tach and speedo were inoperative. I took it for a test drive and when it got to highway speed I punched the dash really hard and the both sprang up to action. Paid the man his asking price and drove it for years. Both gauges were a little sluggish for a few months...

 

[Gorminrider]

Can I get a signal from the signal generator on the right side for a rpm reading?

Hey Good idea! repoort back! But I expect you might have to divide by 2 or something...(brain not there just now)
One thing, I've had no luck with ebay induction rev counters....they work on cars, and four-cylinder bikes but Fail on my 2 cylinder..not made for it?

A personal and general comment, for what it's worth, is that Tachometers are useless. Sound is the biggest Clue altogether. Looking down is never good anyways and if so, speedo is the one that works as well for changes anyways- is more accurate. and easily tested... (I like my Suzuki Gear Number Indicator though I'm not sure why I just like it and miss it on Hondas...)

Plus, tachometers vary...I have two GSX 400's and think they are both guessing, for sure...35 year old steel spinning magnet (steel can lose field) versus spring on needle? ..meh! I think not...When one entirely wore out, I took the needle off so it is merely a placeholder on dash ...Unlikely I could ever stand redline in sound pitch and "oh-my-poor-motorcyle!" stress.

That said, general rambling so ...at your peril per lost time
I don't find much practical happening beyond (what appears to be!) 7000 myself and bike seems really good altogether...between 5-7 That's the happy place. very narrow but ok with a 6 speed gearbox.....I can shift at (ahem) "5000 "and will shift then. Shifting down at 4500, 4000 because it feels better for re-accelerating 3rd gear and beyond...but bike does well anywhere if you wait just a little longer. Heavier people or two-up riders or track riders could call me stupid though...and admit that going up through 4 gears from 2nd at "7000" is conceiveable even to me when I'm frisky and indeed....maybe what a track rider would expect from the bike? hard to type that whiny sound, but I don't think I make it much!!!!

Of course, in 6th, I soon run out and rpm is all that's left. so, looking at much time above 70mph- That's when I'm thinking ..."I wish I'd brought the 650 instead and can appreciate popularity of the 850 even more..."

A notable difference from my 650 which suprising to me can be at 3500 at I think it's "singing". I want to shift! I expected opposite for some reason...torqueing on two, winding on a 4

 

[Gorminrider]

runeight- maybe one of these? hand-held Mechanical Rotation counter...I have an antique one kicking around. Held onto the crank shaft at pick-up side, might be best of all.

https://www.checkline.com/product/HTM

 

[Runeight]

Grominrider- agree with listening to the motor versus looking down. Even with the Ducati I listened more than looking.

I have a tester that reads 4, 6 and 8. The reason I asked if I could get it somewhere else is I can't reach the coils with the tank on. Not removing it either.

John- agree with you also. The first ride was easy peezy to let everything soak in. Looking forward to my next spin. This thing is a hoot!

I installed the wind screen trim, looks fantasic. I'll get some pics posted next time I fire up the laptop. Can't link PB to here using my iPad.



Thanks guys.

 

[Runeight]

I had the oem trim for the windscreen and cowl but prefer the cowl had none, only the screen. Problem was the trim didn't fit snug. I was going to use adhesive but figured that would be a big mess when I pressed it on.

How can I do this? After much pondering and a few cocktails the light came on. Ah, right on the peg board.

I set the jaws just a tad less than the width of the molding working it just a little each time. Worked very well as the core of the trim is metal.

Much better.

 

[Runeight]

A couple of early morning pictures. Sun was still low, no trim on the screen when taken. I'll get more in the future, not the best.

Getting closer to the door.

After test ride.

 

[Runeight]

Got her out on the town this morning. What a hoot! Really, just tons of smiles.

The tachometer reads just fine. Maybe it woke up? At any rate, thanks for the replies folks.

Did I say this thing is a hoot? It truly is.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I have some spare parts in good workable condition. When I get a free minute and get off this thing I'll post in the For Sale thread.

 

[SVSooke]

Yeah I love them to.Just look like a gorilla humping a football on a 400

 

[Runeight]

Yeah I love them to.Just look like a gorilla humping a football on a 400

Just right for a trip to Starbucks. Actually it's the right size for the type and time I have to ride anymore. Hard pressed to ever sell it not that I could get out what I have in it. No worries, smiles are worth more.

Waiting for the fuel gauge to move. Not sure it's fully functional yet. If not I'll buy one and replace down the road. Could be sender, could be gauge.

 

[Runeight]

Clear the confusion.

Clear the confusion.

OK forum guru's. What or when or why do I see two different side cover variations?

My 82 just states GS400E.

 

[Guest]

I don't know exactly what you are referring to, but Canadian GSX 400s just had GS400 as a model name. In Europe, the same bike said GSX; probably the Canadian importer didn't want to add any more letters.

 

[Runeight]

You nailed it John. I'm ordering up some side cover decals and when I bought mine it said GS. I have seen pictures of GSX thus wanted to order the correct set.

You never know what the previous owner did.

Thank you Sir.

 

[Fjbj40]

Europe is GSX, North America is just GS.

GSX means 4 valve cylinders in Europe, anything prior to the 4 valve was just GS even in Europe, however the X never made it to NA market even though they became 4 valves in 81.

My understanding anyways

 

[Runeight]

Europe is GSX, North America is just GS.

GSX means 4 valve cylinders in Europe, anything prior to the 4 valve was just GS even in Europe, however the X never made it to NA market even though they became 4 valves in 81.

My understanding anyways

Thanks for the reply. I have a GSX but side cover decal just states GS.

 

[Fjbj40]

look at this deal! European model to boot! Just over $200 US


http://www.kijiji.ca/v-street-cruis...ct/1262759230?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[Sandy]

Sweet deal and just across the harbour from you. Are those a set of Marzocchi shocks I see?