A week of GSXR, KTM, Buell & FOS for mono motorcycles,Chichester.
It’s been very much a week of Suzuki GSXR’s this week at mono motorcycles & vehicle security. In amongst the varying Suzuki job cards, we have Buell’s, KTM’s, Harley Davidson customs, Quads, Triumphs & Honda’s. There are never two weeks the same at mono motorcycles & vehicle security.
The Master & the Apprentice. John Surtees when he met Valentino Rossi at FOS 2015.
We started the week with a Fixi WSBK style Suzuki GSXR 1000. The GSXR has an issue whereby the throttle plateaued at 9000rpm, making it feel like a 600cc. Another motorcycle mechanic had already replaced several mechanical components in an attempt to rectify the issue. Therefore, the decision was made to bring the GSXR to mono motorcycles & vehicle security for a TEXA diagnostic. The GSXR was road tested prior to diagnosis, to ensure Daniel Morris -Master Technician was physically aware of the issues.
We started the week with a Fixi WSBK style Suzuki GSXR 1000.
The TEXA diagnostics identified two old fault codes in the Fixi GSXR, which were subsequently cleared. However, this was not identified as the final issue.
A plethora of different stories abound about the reasons for the plateau, stemming from ‘it’s a French import restricted to 100bhp’ to ‘could it be the plugs? (which have been changed)’
Daniel Morris has subsequently collaborated with other technical teams & the considerations continue. It could be coils, it could be the catalytic converter is blocked, etc. However, without further diagnosis, the GSXR remains at a 9000rpm plateau. The story continues.
The TEXA diagnostics identified two old fault codes in the Fixi GSXR, which were cleared.
Our second Suzuki GSXR KS 600, was originally booked in for fork seal replacements, full service & potentially a quickshifter. Fork seal replacements is usually a straightforward job. However, with one fork leg nut undone, the other wouldn’t budge. No matter how much weight was applied, or by using an air gun, the nut was stuck solid. Therefore, upon advising the customer, he decided to try & find a second hand set of forks. A few days later, a second hand set was procured & earlier this week the new forks were dropped in. As was the original task, the fork seals & oil was replaced.
Our second Suzuki GSXR KS 600, was originally booked in for fork seal replacements, full service & potentially a quickshifter.
It is always better to replace fork seals if there is any doubt to their age. Even the smallest amount of debris caught inside, or the smallest tear, can lead to the stanchions being scratched, causing a substantial leak. Fork seals leaking has a safety implication & is an MOT failure, as any seasoned motorcyclist will know. Therefore, keeping these in tip top condition is essential to safe motorcycling.
The GSXR K5 600 also had a HM Quickshifter fitted. These are a great addition, for those who want a smoother shift at speed. Of course, in the lower rev range they are not so effective, creating a clunky movement through the gears. However, the transformation really begins at about 8000rpm on a four cylinder motorcycle.
It is always better to replace fork seals if there is any doubt to their age.
The third Suzuki GSXR 1000 LO we had in the workshop was booked in for a full service & SAT NAV fitting. As part of the mono motorcycles & vehicle security full or major service option, we now run every motorcycle (dependant on the year of manufacture) through a TEXA disgnostic. The GSXR had been really well maintained & therefore was returned to the customer with no advisories.
The third Suzuki GSXR 1000 LO we had in the workshop was booked in for a full service & SAT NAV fitting.
As part of the mono motorcycles & vehicle security full or major service option, we now run every motorcycle (dependant on the year of manufacture) through a TEXA disgnostic
In addition to our heavy Suzuki week, on Monday evening, we had a moment straight out of ‘Easy Rider’. Daniel & Katy were packing up, when we heard the dulcet tones of two Harley Davidson engines. Two custom Harley’s pulled up outside the workshop & one of the riders introduced himself as ‘Harley’!
The long fork Harley’s gear selector assembly had dropped a bolt. The two riders had been trying to fix this on the Funtington road, noticed there was an industrial estate & took a chance. A quick nut & bolt later & the Harley’s sped off into the sunset.
In addition to our heavy Suzuki week, on Monday evening, we had a moment straight out of Easy Rider.
Two custom Harley’s pulled up outside the workshop & one of the riders introduced himself as ‘Harley’!
On Tuesday we welcomed a KTM 1290 Superduke to the workshop for some mapping & wiring updates. The KTM owner has made some considerable additions to the machine including a full Akrapovic system for maximum performance.
On Tuesday we welcomed a KTM 1290 Superduke to the workshop for some mapping & wiring updates.
Daniel & Katy attended The Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday 12th July. Despite attending on the first day, there was still a vast attendance, albeit a little quieter. FOS delivered a great show in swathes. From the latest technologies, the supreme speed up the hill & the classic lines of the vehicles of yesteryear; The Goodwood Festival of Speed was another triumph.
One of the most fascinating motorcycle innovations we witnessed, was the Yamaha AI MOTOBOT 2.0; a fully autonomous motorcycle-riding robot . The very latest AI technologies allow the autonomous motorcycle robot to ride at high speed on the Yamaha YZF-R1M, the same kind of motorbike that Valentino Rossi rides.
One of the most fascinating motorcycle innovations we witnessed, was the Yamaha AI MOTOBOT 2.0; a fully autonomous motorcycle-riding robot .
In September 2017, the team managed to get the robot to achieve 200km/h (124 mph) on the race track (Thunderhill Raceway in California’s Sacramento Valley) However, under test, the MOTOBOT 2.0 still fell short of Valentino Rossi’s lap time, by a full 30 seconds.
Technologies drive modern motoring, from the innovations of the NIO Supercar, the worlds fastest electric car, to the TT Zero motorcycles; technology is being harnessed & adapted to make safer, faster & environmentally more sensitive vehicles.
There of course were some of the late & the great motorcycle rider’s bikes at FOS. The iconic ‘No7’ of Barry Sheane’s Suzuki race bike still stirs up nostalgic memories. It was great to see Peter Hickman’s Smiths BMW at FOS still with the TT bugs intact. A moment of reflection when we noted the ‘Dan Kneen’ sticker on the front mudguard.
We found John McGuiness’s Norton V4 RR in the pits & Dan Linfoot’s BSB Honda on the Honda stand. It never ceases to stir such great feelings of pride & awe in these machines & the riders who have ridden & who continue to ride them.
The iconic ‘No7’ of Barry Sheane’s Suzuki race bike still stirs up nostalgic memories.
It was great to see Peter Hickman’s Smiths BMW at FOS still with the TT bugs intact. A moment of reflection when we noted the ‘Dan Kneen’ sticker on the front mudguard.
Dougie Lampkin,12 times FIM World Trials Champion entertained the crowds with his astounding skills.
Daniel Morris showing his knee down skills in the Michelin display.
Daniel & Katy have returned to the workshop today, Friday 13th to continue our packed diary. The Buell engine has been dropped from the Ulysses, to enable the 4 damaged studs to be drilled out & re-tapped. The extreme measures are due to the physical body work of a Buell, meaning access to the cylinder head can only happen, with the engine dropped. With the final stud removed, these will be re-tapped & the exhaust refitted. In addition, the side stand threads need re-tapping.
The Buell engine has been dropped from the Ulysses, to enable the 4 damaged studs to be drilled out & re-tapped.
mono motorcycles & vehicle security were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of William Dunlop on Saturday 7th July. William died after a crash at a race meeting in the Republic of Ireland. mono motorcycles & vehicle security send our deepest condolences & sympathies to the Dunlop family.
mono motorcycles & vehicle security were deeply saddened to hear of the death of William Dunlop Saturday 7th July.
Our next breakfast club is on Sunday 22nd July from 8.30am – 11.30am. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast to start your journey, or fancy popping in for ‘Pit-stop!’, we look forward to welcoming you to mono motorcycles & vehicle security on Sunday 22nd July.
Our next breakfast club is on Sunday 22nd July from 8.30am – 11.30am.
For all your motorcycling needs contact Daniel or Katy on T: 01243 576212 / 07899 654446 E: info@monomotorcycles.co.uk or contact us through our contact page.