The GSF1200 went on sale in 1995.
That’s right—in 1990, bikes exceeding 750cc displacement, the so-called “over-750cc” category, became legal.
“Let’s go! Big bikes~” and domestic models started popping up left and right.
The market saw… a big naked bike boom? It really took off!
Honda came in with the glamorous CB1000SF on 18-inch wheels front and rear—called the BIG1.
Yamaha announced the XJR1200 based on the FJ (my first big bike was one too, though it was a wreck, of course).
Kawasaki entered with the manly air-cooled four-cylinder Zephyr 1100.
Suzuki, for some reason, was the only one…
Mono-suspension? Short wheelbase? Light weight? They announced the GSF1200 with those as selling points…
I think they should have released the Inazuma 1200 first.
I thought, “Suzuki’s being aggressive!” …and it probably sold quietly well.
I often think about it… motorcycle consumables have their factions, don’t they?
Engine oil, tires, chain, and so on. Some people prefer them because they like them, or because of the markup, or because they were helped by them long ago… it’s deep.
In these times, there’s nothing that’s extremely bad, but in the end it comes down to “preference and performance (value for money),” doesn’t it?
I prefer Daido because it runs smoothly from the moment it’s installed.
Of course, they’re the number-one OEM supplier.
Let’s skip the 4/100… We pressed the plates compared to other chains. We crimped the pins and we’re done.
Lately, steel is also being sold, so you have options.
Now let’s do some Deco-mainte.
The tires are Roadsmarts front and rear. Good manufacturing date.
Tire and wheel runout looks fine.
Checking disc thickness. The rear is getting close.
There’s still pad material left, so maybe next time or the time after that would be better.
Let’s clean the spots where your hand can’t reach too.
If you keep it clean, you might spot trouble before it happens.
You might notice it by wiping and touching. Paying attention to the details like this is what matters.
The axle shaft looks fine too.
I applied Guncoat to the small details.
I cleaned and lubricated the speedometer cable and gear.
It’s good to give the brake disc a wrench once in a while for peace of mind.
When you add restoration elements to routine maintenance, your bike will stay in great shape for a long time.
The hub damper was fine (Suzuki makes pretty durable stuff).
I cleaned and lubricated the chain puller too. It’s annoying when it’s stiff during chain adjustment, you know?
The calipers are pretty dusty. The rear is a bit stiff, so we might want to consider an OH down the road.
The pad pin area is dirty, so I’ll replace it.
I cleaned and degreased the brake disc too. Wow, there’s a ton of dust… I was kind of surprised.
I lifted the front to check steering operation and ventilate the fork.
I lubricated the stroke areas and applied rust preventative above.
That’s it for today.
