Suzuki Impulse GSX 400

[batliwala]

@batliwala free to meet up? i'm organising an impulse meet just for general knowledge sharing.

 

we ride rare bikes so i think its important to just keep in touch in case any rider needs help.

hey sure, I am currently working night shifts will be free only on Thu/Fri/Sat's. Definitely will join in if I can available for the meet up. Cheers.

[CSV]

ok great.

 

i managed to get the mods move the thread to the proper section. hopefully we can have more active participation. regardless, the Impulse is still a rare bike on SG and alot of shops also not familiar with it.

 

I just got the suspension rebuilt at BikeLab. He's installing them now as I type. will update once i have it back.

 

opted to go for new linear springs up front. not sure how much better or worse it will handle. but the rear ones are shot to hell already. no gas, and super thick oil used......

[CSV]

tried the bike with rebuilt suspension.

 

all i can say is WOW. just WOW! can't believe i've been riding around with shitty suspension since taking it over.

 

the new suspension is so planted i have so much more confidence taking corners now, compared to last time when even gentle bends will start unsettling the rear.

 

expensive upgrade but well worth it.......

[CSV]

brought the bike to be groomed by Rudy.

 

he did a very good job. I have never been able to get the engine looking bright but Rudy was able to do that, giving the whole bike a fresh new look.

 

the 15 year old bike now looks like its 1-2 years old! nice.

 

had a nice leisure ride to Rifle Range road as well to take some nice photos.

 

[batliwala]

brought the bike to be groomed by Rudy.

 

he did a very good job. I have never been able to get the engine looking bright but Rudy was able to do that, giving the whole bike a fresh new look.

 

the 15 year old bike now looks like its 1-2 years old! nice.

 

had a nice leisure ride to Rifle Range road as well to take some nice photos.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]278818[/ATTACH]

 

 

wow!! that is bright and shining awesome looks cool. Great looks with a proper dressing and grooming. BTW, I was thinking of renewing my COE for another 5 years... as I think that is what I think it can last for and may not have any resale value in 5 year times and worth to scrap. What's your opinion? I am in 2 thoughts .... right side of my brain say's renew for 10 years dear this is such a cheap and reliable bike, and can last a lifetime for another 10yrs with proper grooming and maintaining. I can sell it along the way if I have any change of plans to another deserving owner even if it goes for a peanut price. Ha ha the left side of my brain says.... no resale value for this bike use it for another 5 years and then scrap it, and move on with a new bike. Let me know what you think and give me a honest reply. I wanted to go to LTA today, but now will wait for your answer on this. Cheers

[CSV]

i will renew 10 years.

 

simply because if i renew 10 years, and then halfway decide want to sell off, still have coe value. and if cannot find buyer, scrap also can get back COE remainder value.

 

if renew 5 years, no such thing.

 

but i understand your point of view, cause even with my condition, i dont think the bike can last pass its next coe renew date at 2018.

 

but renew 10 years better, at least you have option to sell even though it has lesser resale value, or scrap if really no buyer and get back remainder coe.

 

if renew 5 years, you only can scrap it once you reach the 5 years, no value if you sell with 5 year coe.

[batliwala]

i will renew 10 years.

 

simply because if i renew 10 years, and then halfway decide want to sell off, still have coe value. and if cannot find buyer, scrap also can get back COE remainder value.

 

if renew 5 years, no such thing.

 

but i understand your point of view, cause even with my condition, i dont think the bike can last pass its next coe renew date at 2018.

 

but renew 10 years better, at least you have option to sell even though it has lesser resale value, or scrap if really no buyer and get back remainder coe.

 

if renew 5 years, you only can scrap it once you reach the 5 years, no value if you sell with 5 year coe.

 

thanks buddy, now it sounds much sensible for me to renew the COE for 10 yrs. BTW, I got my rear tyre changed to BT45 as you had done on yours. I had the choice of both BT39 and BT45 at the bike shop in Yishun, but decided to go in for BT45 as it had more thread. I got rid of the earlier tyre was riddled with pin holes in the last 18 months. Next on plan is to renew COE 10 yrs + a new chain and sprocket. The BT45 cost me S$195 with workmanship. After the replacement of tyre and retensioning the chain engine is heating up... and gets worse with a pillion rider. My bike starts farting with a roaring sound and struggles to climb inclines. Looks like the chain is tensioned too tight....... will get it retensioned to proper play + change oil + air filter.Thanks for your inputs.

[CSV]

remember to take it easy for first 200km on new tyres. break them in gradually. no crazy stunts.

 

bt45 are good tyres. durable, good grip in wet and dry.

 

your engine issue may not be just the chain alone. could be tuning out of sync. suggest you bring to shop to check or more affordable option is to look for @S750WP, he serviced my bike and did a very good job. charges are reasonable as well.

[batliwala]

remember to take it easy for first 200km on new tyres. break them in gradually. no crazy stunts.

 

bt45 are good tyres. durable, good grip in wet and dry.

 

your engine issue may not be just the chain alone. could be tuning out of sync. suggest you bring to shop to check or more affordable option is to look for @S750WP, he serviced my bike and did a very good job. charges are reasonable as well.

 

thank you CSV for your quick and intellegent reply. I will gradually break in the new tyres as suggested by you. I am trying to going easy as the bike seems to have lost it's earlier power. I could easily do 120-150kmph on my old michellin tyre when I wanted a fun ride for short stretches or to tease a fellow biker trying to chase me on a CB400. Lol, many of them used to give up and start to appreciate this powderful meek bike which they later identify as an GSX 400 impulse. Now, to hit 110kmph it has been a big struggle for the bike. I normally do 80-100kmph now as the bike seem to respond and sound better in this range. I had similar power struggle the bike went through in the past, but the problem was solved when I replaced the air filter. It cost me about 45 bucks then at KS motors about 18-20 months back. The filter is long due for a change, I will get it changed in the next few days.

 

Yeah, I will meet up with S750WP to get the bike tuned. I would love to get back the power and the mileage of 25-26 kmpl. Hope to catch up with you guys soon... cheers

[CSV]

yeah, air filter could be the reason as well..

 

my bike seems to behave the smoothest at 90-100km/h. is it same for you? i get 24km/l. usually after 220km, will need to switch to reserve.

 

I like to "play" with super 4s as well, cause alot of people think it is a cb400, until closer look. engine sounds different as well. super 4 sounds smoother, impulse more bassy.

 

it can go higher but the vibration will start coming in. personal top speed tested was at 170km/h and then the rev limiter cut in. spoiled my fun.

[batliwala]

yeah, air filter could be the reason as well..

 

my bike seems to behave the smoothest at 90-100km/h. is it same for you? i get 24km/l. usually after 220km, will need to switch to reserve.

 

I like to "play" with super 4s as well, cause alot of people think it is a cb400, until closer look. engine sounds different as well. super 4 sounds smoother, impulse more bassy.

 

it can go higher but the vibration will start coming in. personal top speed tested was at 170km/h and then the rev limiter cut in. spoiled my fun.

 

yes, CSV now I am getting aroung 200km for the till the it hits reserve now with the new tyre. I used to get 230 to 250 when the bike was well tuned and I used to normally run 90-100 kmph with 80% of time on expressway. It was well tuned by the Guan Hoe mechanic about 2 yrs back. You will know the bike is running at its best efficiency when there is a humming sound coming from the engine between 80-100 range. My RPM meter was conked up when I got this bike, I had no reference to the RPM but used to go by the ear like tuning a guitar.

 

I have never tried beyond 150kmph on this bike although I was still left with some more play on the throttle and that was with the new michellin tyre.

 

Will do a few things like flushing the coolant, get the engine oil and oil filter changed along with the air filter. The bike has derated badly after the tyre change, and the chain adjustment. I was earlier thinking the engine heating up due to lack of coolant, cooling fan not working, bike dragging on the brakes etc.. and they all seem to be fine. Will get checked by Guan Hoe again.. mostly the bike shop mechanic has messed up on something. cheers.

[CSV]

meter not bright anymore. will be changing the bulbs to LED types this weekend.

 

Suzuki Impulse uses T5 bulbs for both speedo and tachchometer. 2 each. after that, will change the idiot light cluster. gonna go to KS look for the new plastic covers.

[CSV]

changed new meters!

 

went to KS motor, asked uncle there if he's got anything for the meter. i got the bulbs and the meter cover. new old stock, probably more than 10 years since the box was damn dirty and was kept damn high out of reach.

 

went back, changed the meter and bulbs. was hoping to get leds but they dont fit in. now the meter area looks damn new and nice.

 

for info, the speedo and tachometer uses t5 bulbs. Leds do not fit because of some small difference in size. the idiot light cluster uses t10 bulbs. leds can fit here.

 

also bought emblem covers to stick on side of engine cases.

[w7_lee]

Hi CSV,

 

What's the meter cover? Is it for the speedo and tach meter? Mine is not clear too, especially in the night, could not see my speed well. Maybe need new bulbs too. Or my 'lao hua' getting worse. How much did they cost and did you DIY yourself.

 

I'm thinking of removing the cover and cleaning it on the inside. Any idea how to dismantle it?

[CSV]

diy myself.

 

i changed the bulbs in speedo and tacho, as well as the meter below that shows neutral, turn signal etc.

 

you can look for me to help you do it, but its quite easy to do yourself.

 

let me know.

[w7_lee]

So how much did it cost for the indicator covers? Mine is gone too. I know which is neutral and which is turn indicator. The other 2 should be for oil and temp but dunno which is which.

[CSV]

36 bucks for the meter cluster covers. KS motors have them.

 

i will warn you first, it is a pain in the ass to replace since the headlight has to be taken off, then the speedo and rev meter. took me a good 2 hours to get it done, and cut my finer

 

i found a spider nest inside mine. LOL. and a lotta dust. but rather clean aside from that.

 

 

Just bring to a shop to change for you and replace all the bulbs at the same time. remember 4xT5 for the speedo and rev. 5xT10 for the meter cluster.

[S750WP]

I replaced the meter bulbs with led I got it from a forumer here. Get the super bright ones because the normal one after installing into the meter becomes very dim

[CSV]

mine after replacing is ok, brighter than before. but speedometer for some reason is only slightly better.

 

but changing the meter cover is the biggest change. looks new, very easy to tell neutral light is on, high beam etc etc in daytime.

[CSV]

rear brake master cyclinder is leaking brake fluid. explains why my rear brake fluid level has been dropping recently.

 

closer inspection seems to be leaking from the seals and not brake lines. gonna get new one and install with Ah Chong.

 

good thing i inspect my bike every week, keeps me up to date on the condition.

[CSV]

have replaced the rear brake master cyclinder.

 

bought new front brake piston kit at the same time, just because feel that front braking abit soft even with HEL lines.

 

not cheap for the rear. 145.....bloody hell. 28 for the piston kit.

 

Ah Chong has replaced it and made a mess. lucky i was fast to clean up with his water and rag, else my paint might kena.

 

braking from rear is much much stronger and firmer now. front is only slightly better.

[CSV]

quick update.

 

bike has reach 92,000 km. I believe it went 1 round already so 192,000 km for a 15 year old bike. pretty darn long mileage.

 

the upcoming 100,000km service will be a big hit to the wallet, comprehensive service. Engine internals and such. will be leaving it with Guan Hoe this time as they have the manual.

 

budgeting 400 bucks.

[w7_lee]

Wow CSV really investing into the bike. Yours might last another COE renewal, then it becomes a 'vintage'. I was at my carpark last night and a rider rode up and spoke to me about my Impulse. He's never seen it on the road before and was quite fascinated by it. CBs are too common.

 

When I got the bike 4 months back, had no intention of spending any money to do it up, as long as it serves its purpose with no big issue, I would be happy. Maybe I'm wrong.

[CSV]

it depends on your passion.

 

for some reason, the Impulse appeals to me alot. maybe because it's rare. maybe i use it as an opportunity to learn more things.

 

but the whole process of restoring the Impulse I have learnt alot....ALOT of things about bikes.

 

i have gotten alot of looks and questions about the bike as well. its part of the appeal of riding a rare forgotten bike of a time long ago. 1998. Also hope by restoring the bike, can show people not all old bikes are crap. some just need attention to stay relevant. Respect the bike, and it respects you.

 

If you're keen, we can arrange a meet up. does me no good to keep the knowledge to myself. sharing is caring!

Edited July 2, 2013 by CSV

[batliwala]

my bike is back in shape now.... after renewal of COE got the air filter, oil filter and engine oil changed. Engine overheating still seemed to be a problem. Got the bike shop in Yishun to change the flush out the coolant and replace with new. This time the bike mechanic was good and experienced, diagnosed the problem to be radiator cap and tuned the idling speed. Wow, the bike was back in shape. Smooth as before giving me 25 kmpl at speed of 100-120kmph.

Lol the bike was ready to tease the CB 400's on the road ha ha ha....

 

it depends on your passion.

 

for some reason, the Impulse appeals to me alot. maybe because it's rare. maybe i use it as an opportunity to learn more things.

 

but the whole process of restoring the Impulse I have learnt alot....ALOT of things about bikes.

 

i have gotten alot of looks and questions about the bike as well. its part of the appeal of riding a rare forgotten bike of a time long ago. 1998. Also hope by restoring the bike, can show people not all old bikes are crap. some just need attention to stay relevant. Respect the bike, and it respects you.

 

If you're keen, we can arrange a meet up. does me no good to keep the knowledge to myself. sharing is caring!