beardo

Something I noticed while doing research. The US bikes don't have lower frame rail motor mounts. What is the explanation there?

Excellent info. Much appreciated. Definitely something to keep in mind and areas to be closely scrutinized.

Admittedly, I am a waffler when it comes to bolt-on versus machine work. I'm not opposed to either. Been down those roads plenty. But I waffle until I get fed up with myself! LOL

Yeah, at that point, I figured pods would be the way to go anyhow. The airbox is small, the opening is even smaller. Ya gotta think that's all due to getting the old motors to pass emissions (air/noise) regulations. Yep, when I did the valves, all new Suzuki gaskets went in. No fucking around there.

So, I confirmed, for my bike anyhow, no wheelie wire. Wasn't really expecting to see one. Anyhow, looking into the DOT heads, a question popped up in my mind. Would I need the matching cam caps from that head? I seem to recall something about never mixing up caps, but that little thread of information in my brain is from many, many years ago. So who knows. Anything else to look out for concerning the DOT heads?

Really?? I wouldn't have thought anything motor related between oil and water would work. Running gear, sure. This gets better and better.

Excellent!! I would rather have a 'yes, but' answer than an emphatic no! lol

Oh, by the way, might as well mention this, suspension and brake upgrades are on the 'not to do' list. Reason? If I, by some miracle, come across a roller, slab or sling, then the motor will go in that. Making suspension/brakes a moot point. Which brings me to another silly question. Will an 1100 exhaust work on a Bandit? Not concerned about making mounts.

But it wasn't an extra header that he included! Lol

Ironically enough, the original owner included an extra brand new (I presume take-off) stock muffler and mid-pipe he bought from the dealer he got the bike from when new. I asked him why he wasted the money on it. He said in case the original one fell apart. The thing weighs a ton! Falling apart?? LOL As it is, all this information seems like a good starting point. I appreciate the shared knowledge.

Just to clarify, I'm not necessarily out to chase power. I've just never built an inline four before. There's really no reason to. It's just something to do, I suppose. And I'm sure, like many others here, I have other machines at my disposal. This isn't my only bike. It just so happens to be a basically clean, original bike. I guess the last two years have made me restless...

How the hell did I miss that one??? Yikes! Thanks for the heads up.

I am definitely aware of Dale Walker. A lot of what he offers, seems to be just bolt-on goodies, for otherwise stock bikes, for obvious reasons. What I wonder is, say if I get his exhaust, would it play nice with a more in-depth set-up down the road, say a big bore and ported head. This would be an example of what I want to avoid. If his parts are only good up to a certain point, then I would want to skip that.

That's good information. So being that you are in UK, I guess I'll find out this afternoon if the US bikes got that wire set-up also.

I'll have a look when I get home from work today, for giggles. What parts are you from? Just wondering if that is a regional thing.

And that would be the plan. Just getting a full system.

First I'm reading about an ignition retard wire for the K-Bandit. Link?

Well, I have plenty of time. I live in the Pittsburgh, Pa region of the US, which means snow in winter, and sometimes a good bit of it, so if there is a point when I have to take the bike off the road, it will be during that time. This all feels like cramming for a test. Taking in as much information as possible. I didn't realize the interchangability that Suzuki had/has. Even between the light/middle/heavyweight bikes. That's what is impressive to me. Flame me all you want, but I spent ten long, agonizing years in the world of Harley's. Lot's of parts interchange with those bikes, as well. No turbos. No NOS. But a big bore and porting, I'm not opposed to. I'm also not opposed to carb swaps, exhaust swaps obviously. I just want to avoid buying twice, as in, exhaust, carbs, intake, etc. It's interesting that the donor aspect is brought up, because I looked for a project, or roller GSXR for a long time. It must be my area, or the fact that I refuse to sign up to that Facebook, that limits me.

So, after a long time in searching, I FINALLY found an oil-cooled 1100 motor-ed Suzuki. Not really the one I wanted, an '03 Bandit, but it I did get it from the original owner, only has 18K miles, and for a relatively low price of $1,200. Other than some bar risers, and a longer up brake hose, bone stock. As in, the mixture screw plugs weren't even pulled out yet....and those were off the bike when I bought it. He even gave me another new muffler and mid-pipe. Anyhow, other than some much needed maintenance (valves were never done??) the bike runs fine. It stops and goes round a bend. It's a bike. Being that I financially started out cheap, I think I may want to spend some bucks for some more poke. I commute to work, 40 miles the shortest one way, and ride on the weekends. The bikes needs to be reliable. Won't be going to a track. Being that you all have been breathing these machines for so long, I want to know what would a natural progression be, without having to make the missteps. Learn from others before me. I can do all the tech work myself, short of machining. Thoughts?