As you age, “Is original design really the best?” GSX1100S oil change, maintenance, hazard switch replacement and more

Well, hello everyone!
I’ve been so busy with various communications and decisions that I haven’t had time to write blog posts.
I do have time, but I just don’t feel like sitting at the computer much…

I wonder what it is—as you get older, full stock bikes suddenly seem incredibly appealing.
Even people who own fully customized bikes often have a full stock one too.
I really feel it sometimes: bikes designed by designers are just beautiful.

It’s strange—when I was younger, I thought custom, custom, one-of-a-kind!
But in various ways, impractical aspects tend to creep in.
I’m realizing I need to think about balance in how I relate to my bikes.

So let’s move right along.

(Free motorcycle appraisal and sale with the rumored KatieX—this is the new way to sell!)

First, we’ll install an aftermarket hazard switch.


The position of the retaining pin is different from the stock one, so we need to drill new holes in the handlebar.
At first glance it looks like a Kawasaki stock part, but the material feel is quite different.

Maybe it’s a good time to be alive, for better or worse?

Installation is complete like this.
The width was really tight! I had to do a little bit of modification…

The voltmeter was also drawing from the switch, so I extended it a bit.

We’ll replace the clutch cable.

This was brought in along with the other work.
The owner said it would be OK to leave it as is if it wasn’t bad, but a new one is definitely more supple.

Replacing it at a time like this gives you peace of mind.

Drive chain adjustment and battery charging

We clean the drive chain thoroughly, then work the oil in by hand, stroking it to soak it deep into the links.
By stroking it by hand, you can feel any stiff links or surface wear transmitted to your hand.

It had stretched a bit, so we adjusted it.

The charger socket is exposed, which is very convenient.
SHORAI batteries really do have excellent durability.

We’ll replace the brake fluid.

I thought the rear was quite a bit dirtier than the front…
Looking more closely…

The diaphragm had already given up the ghost.
We keep these in stock all the time, so we’ll replace it with a new one.

Engine oil is Shell Advance Ultra 4T

We also wet-blasted the oil filter cover while we were at it.

It’s sucking secondary air from the intake manifold, so it needs to be replaced (*´ω`*).
I looked it up and found that Suzuki OEM supplies it too. The Unicorn Japan version is more reasonably priced.

株式会社ヒロチー商事 楽天市場店
¥5,245 (2026/09/21 03:35時点 | 楽天市場調べ)
株式会社ヒロチー商事 楽天市場店
¥5,245 (2026/09/21 03:35時点 | 楽天市場調べ)
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