Complete And Returned Home
August 9, 2023
It’s always exciting to see a project come to a conclusion. Recently, we were extra excited to see one of our own vehicles finish its
1984 suzuki gsx400
More Progress
July 12, 2023
More progress has been made on the restoration of our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T. The switch has just arrived and is very flat across the
Almost There
June 23, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T is almost at the end of its restoration journey. Although there is still some work to be done, as you
Almost Up And Running
June 14, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T has continued its restoration progress. The headlamp bracket and the rear lights still need to be sorted and all of
Frame And Engine Progress
May 23, 2023
More progress has been made on our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T. The original guard was used instead of a hugger, as the arm was too
GSX 400T Progress
May 11, 2023
We have recently received an update on the progress of our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T. The frame and smaller parts of the bike are being
Getting Some Sun
April 5, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T was able to enjoy some time in the sun recently. After being in the workshop of JAL Restorations for a
New Shocks For Our Suzuki
March 22, 2023
The new shocks for our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T have finally arrived! To make them fit as they need to, a new upper mount will
Progress Images
March 7, 2023
After the recent progress update that we received from JAL Restorations about our 1984 Suzuki GSX400, we have now received some images of the bike
GSX400 Progress
February 21, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX400 has been with JAL Restorations for a little while now as they work on bringing this classic bike back to life.
Complete And Returned Home
August 9, 2023
It’s always exciting to see a project come to a conclusion. Recently, we were extra excited to see one of our own vehicles finish its restoration journey and return home to its owner – Bridge Classic Cars Managing Director, Craig’s motorbike.
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T is complete and, as you can see from the photos below, it’s looking incredible.
There’s no doubt that Craig will enjoy his bike and we look forward to seeing it out and about.
More Progress
July 12, 2023
More progress has been made on the restoration of our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T. The switch has just arrived and is very flat across the top. The speedo pops up 20mm and has a convex glass so you don’t have to be over it to read it with a fully digital display.
All of the controls are now sorted and a combined digital speedo and tachometer and rear light have been fitted, so just wiring to go.
The clutch issue is now solved, thanks to lots of mucking about with the sprocket and lift mechanism. The clutch lifter, when operating, moves toward the drive sprocket, with a 10mm offset sprocket and HD 520 chain they met at 1/4 lift.
Another lift mechanism has been sourced from a later model, which sits more flush on the inner case and gives 4mm extra lift, then another 3mm off the back of the sprocket and turned chain link to the inside and all is now fine with more than enough clearance at full lift.
Almost There
June 23, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T is almost at the end of its restoration journey.
Although there is still some work to be done, as you can see from the photos below, it’s looking good already.
Almost Up And Running
June 14, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T has continued its restoration progress.
The headlamp bracket and the rear lights still need to be sorted and all of the electrics are currently being positioned out of sight.
The tank will be fitted soon. Once this is fitted, it can then be decided where the electrics will go. The tank has been lowered so space is more limited. The bike will also be rewired with a new harness as this will be more time effective than trying to make the existing wiring fit.
A KTM ignition switch that fits the top yoke should be able to be re-purposed so the positions include lights ‘on’. This means that just the starter button, horn button, and dip and main will be on the bars. The bike should be complete in around 10 days, although the exhaust still needs to be fitted up.
The footrests have been positioned 5-6″ further back so, when riding, you can stretch over the bike to get a more comfortable position. The only mechanical work left to do is the exhaust and fit the bodywork, and then the wiring will be finished before the bike gets up and running.
Frame And Engine Progress
May 23, 2023
More progress has been made on our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T. The original guard was used instead of a hugger, as the arm was too narrow for this. Before deciding on a guard, huggers from Honda, Yamaha, and Aprillia were tried but they were all designed for cast alloy swing arms meaning they were too wide to be trimmed to fit.
Rear and lower stays have been added to the ally guard and the frame is now being prepped for powder coating.
Stainless allens and flanged bolts have been fitted ready for the engine to be installed. The bolts were taper headed to help improve the finished look of the bike and the new oil filter was fitted too.
GSX 400T Progress
May 11, 2023
We have recently received an update on the progress of our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T.
The frame and smaller parts of the bike are being prepped to be powder coated in satin black. The rear loop has been shortened and it now sits under the seat. The rear guard will likely not be used so a hugger may be sourced and modified instead.
Another modification has been made to the swing arm to catch the calliper torque motion on a peg rather than an arm. This will clean up the back end before more brackets are removed to continue the restoration process.
Getting Some Sun
April 5, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T was able to enjoy some time in the sun recently. After being in the workshop of JAL Restorations for a while, it has finally been able to be photographed outside in the sunshine!
It’s always exciting to get updates on this special project and we love seeing the bike outside and moving closer to being back out on the road again at some point in the future.
New Shocks For Our Suzuki
March 22, 2023
The new shocks for our 1984 Suzuki GSX 400T have finally arrived!
To make them fit as they need to, a new upper mount will need to be made on the drive side. The stub to the collar on the frame will need grinding off so it can be drilled out and a new one welded in. On the other side of the bike, a spacer and dome note should be all that is needed.
Progress Images
March 7, 2023
After the recent progress update that we received from JAL Restorations about our 1984 Suzuki GSX400, we have now received some images of the bike too.
As this is a custom project, the classic motorcycle will continue to change its appearance and transform into the bike that Bridge Classic Cars Director, Craig is looking to build.
GSX400 Progress
February 21, 2023
Our 1984 Suzuki GSX400 has been with JAL Restorations for a little while now as they work on bringing this classic bike back to life.
While there have been several challenges and obstacles that have come up during the restoration/modification of the classic Suzuki twin, some positive steps in the right direction have been made too. Because of the custom nature of this particular GSX, the swing-arm has been modified and fitted to the bike. This was a lengthy process but, fortunately, the old rollers and bobbins were able to be reused.
9mm had to be removed from each side of the mounting cross-member and a countershaft to hold the bearing bobbins and spacer was required. Custom shims were then fitted on either side to act as grease retainers to make sure that the changes made to the swing-arm and the cross-member work together.
Shocks are currently being sourced now that the swing-arm and cross-member are installed and a seat is also needed. Once the seat has been found, the hoop length can be accurate or a custom build may be required. However, the rear hoop has been modified and is ready to fit.
There’s still a way to go before our 1984 Suzuki GSX400 will be finished but progress continues to be made towards its new future and that is an exciting thing to think about.
