[Unicorn GSX1200S] Refreshing the suspension on the oil-cooled Katana. Proceeding with both “Swingarm Overhaul” and “Rear Caliper Overhaul” simultaneously

Unicorn JAPAN-made GSX1200S
has received a lot of requests from all the way in Izu.
With plenty of time available, I’d like to proceed with the work at a steady pace.

Something seemed off, so I decided to remove the swingarm…

As usual, it’s rusted brown.
However, there are signs it’s been removed before. The OEM thread lock is so strong that you notice it right away.

There’s a significant crack…
I’m pretty sure I had a stock standard swingarm somewhere, let me look for it.
If I can’t find it, I’ll check Yahoo Auctions.

While it’s not impossible to weld and repair,
there’s a high chance the fit will become imprecise, so I only do it as a last resort.

Perfect timing—
the other day, a guy with a GSX1200S that had 260,000 km (or so?) left behind a pivot shaft, so I’ll use that.
Trash saves the Earth…or so I hope.
I’m giving it a second life.

The rear caliper pistons won’t budge

With the caliper removed,if the pistons don’t push back smoothly, it’s time for an overhaul
Dust seals and oil seals often swell, and seal grooves corrode, causing poor movement.

No amount of massaging will restore rubber, and corrosion won’t disappear on its own.
An overhaul is the only way to save time and work efficiently (*´ω｀*)

I polish the seal grooves with a Nakanishi rotary brush, then wet blast them.

With wet blasting, everything gets clean in no time, but “proper preparation” is key.
Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and you need to use the wet blaster carefully to keep the chamber and water as clean as possible.

For some reason, this oil-cooled Katana’s foot peg position is a bit off.
The rod is slightly short.

I tried ordering just the rod, but…

Wow! It costs 1,300 yen? That’s lunch money!
So anyway,
someone’s old Inazuma 1200 rear master cylinder was found in the scrap pile, so I’ll just use the rod from that.
Giving trash a second life.

It feels like we’ve done a lot of work, but…

Today I only handled the planning and parts ordering, then temporarily secured it to stand on its own.
For now, we’re putting it on hold.