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GSXR1000 L3 Engine Problems

10K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  El Tel  
#1 ·
Hi,
After 3 years as a Ducati 848 rider and the endless problems that came with it, the GSXR was a breath of fresh air in both performance and reliability.
No monthly visits to the mechanic, just the regular services. The bike rides like a dream in comparison to the 848. In the 2 years I've had it, the only problem I had was a grip coming loose and causing a bar end to fall off mid ride.

A few days ago I noticed some oil on the lower left fork and also some strange clicking noises coming from lower right engine side.

The dealer's mechanic said the seals on the fork need replacing. Ok, no biggie but the engine seems to need 3 shims replacing and they're not even sure they're causing the clicking sounds.

As I'm not the most mechanically-minded person around can someone give me some info re. the seriousness of the problems.

And are these problems usual for a 2 year-old GSXR with 27k km on the clock?
Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
Hi,
After 3 years as a Ducati 848 rider and the endless problems that came with it, the GSXR was a breath of fresh air in both performance and reliability.
No monthly visits to the mechanic, just the regular services. The bike rides like a dream in comparison to the 848. In the 2 years I've had it, the only problem I had was a grip coming loose and causing a bar end to fall off mid ride.



A few days ago I noticed some oil on the lower left fork and also some strange clicking noises coming from lower right engine side.

The dealer's mechanic said the seals on the fork need replacing. Ok, no biggie but the engine seems to need 3 shims replacing and they're not even sure they're causing the clicking sounds.

As I'm not the most mechanically-minded person around can someone give me some info re. the seriousness of the problems.

And are these problems usual for a 2 year-old GSXR with 27k km on the clock?
Thanks
From what I've read in several manuals on the 600/750/1000 14,000 miles in generally Suzukis total maintenance check up. You are at around 16,000 miles so it's possible a couple shims have worn down. Especially if racing the engine and even hitting over said Rpms before the manual says. I know My manual on my k7 says I shouldn't rev over 10,000 Rpms for the first 1,000 miles. Engine chatter could be from the valves no doubt.

are you the first owner?
 
#3 ·
Yeah, bought the bike new.

Most riding is touring, very fast highway, high speed curves and some twisties. I don't think I exceeded the break in rev limit as I was careful.

According to the mechanic, the parts needed are minor- dust seals, clutch cover gasket....

But at least the 848 waited 3 years before the problems started. LOL!
 
#4 · (Edited)
Eh, my Gsxr has been through hell and still I don't have any minor problems. Just had some ecu trouble that I fixed for next to nothing. I personally think it's just the 1000s that has issues cuz my 600 is pretty solid for being 9 years old
 
#5 ·
Very very very rare that the valves are out of spec in the first check. Id say 9 out of 10 times they are not out of spec on a street ridden GSXR till at least the 3rd check. Im over 30k on my K5 and still in spec last check, I was also over 20k miles before my fork seals leaked (I dont wheelie much, but I do sometimes).

Its not the "1000s having issues", SMH. You just seem to have an unlucky streak compared to anything Ive ever seen or read.
 
#6 ·
I mean it's not like you have the grand honcho of all gsxrs or anything. Those K5s are incredible. I'm sure it's just some quirk with the newer 1000s.

Either way, that manual will help you more than any half ass mechanic will, and these guys on here are pretty awesome at troubleshooting
 
#7 ·
I've never owned a Ducati but sometimes lust over their beautiful designs. At the track, they just sound so sweet going down the straight.

I did get a chance to ride my friend's 2014 848 and I'll have to say I was ambivalent.

Most riders know when they ride a different bike and come back with a smile and they know they want one. I found the 848 just OK.

To address your questions;

All fork seals leak eventually. Maybe a bit of dirt got in there. It is a really good practice to service the forks every few years anyway as the oil deteriorates and thins.

I would doubt the ticking sound is the valves. Generally, the gap actually gets smaller on these engines as the valves wear into the seats. It is unusual to have so many (or any) needing adjustment at those miles. Maybe it was a slow day at the shop.

Isn't your bike pretty much at the three year mark?
 
#9 ·
Seals were sorted quite easily. And new shims seem to have solved the engine noise.

But after the weekend's ride to Buriram for the WSBK I experienced a strange situation. But maybe not do strange after searching this forum.

I was riding with a Hayabusa, Panigale & S1000RR so the speeds were quite high.

My bike bottomed out at 10k revs and 220kph. This is in 6th gear with the throttle fully open. Naturally, the other bikes pulled away. WTF!!?? I was not happy.

The forum says it could be secondary injectors or sidestand sensor.
Taking the bike back to the dealers tomorrow. Any relevant advice is also welcome.
 
#10 ·
I would go more towards the fuel filters being clogged (there are two) or low fuel pressure.

Can describe what it did when it stopped accelerating? Smooth, rough, bucking?