Endurance Racer Spirit: SUZUKI GS1200SS Custom by Iida Racing Factory

Iida Racing Factory's GS1200SS

The GS1200SS, with its single seat style and round dual headlights, has the feel of an endurance racer from the early '80s. This GS1200SS custom, with five-spoke GALE SPEED TYPE-GP1S wheels and SUNSTAR Neo-Classic discs + NISSIN 4-piston calipers on the front, further reinforces that endurance racer feel. According to the owner, the concept was “race-inspired while retaining the classic look,” which has been duly fulfilled as mentioned above. Additionally, he mentions that since he's a bit on the shorter side, “weight reduction and ease of handling were also taken into consideration,” and this was achieved with the above mentioned forged aluminum wheels, a lower seat setting, and ABM handlebars with a wide range of adjustability.

Weight reduction is also included in one other concept for this bike, the "Ska-tune" style, which can be seen in various parts such as the carburetor power filter, removal of the air cleaner box, and the fender eliminator (the battery and other parts were also relocated). The exhaust change was also done to reduce weight.

Before the GS1200SS, the owner had ridden a GSF750 as his first big bike and was attracted by the torque feel of the oil-cooled engine. He then came across the GS1200SS and decided to get one because it was a liter-class bike with a good power feel and good looks. While he is skilled enough to overhaul the front forks himself, he takes the bike to a professional when necessary, and he has a long relationship with this particular professional, Mr. Iida of Iida Racing Factory (who is also the owner of a fully customized GS1200SS). It is understandable, then, that his ideas are all perfectly reflected in the finished product, and he has nothing to worry about. Furthermore, by consulting with Mr. Iida when selecting parts, he is able to avoid copying the specifications or coloring of other customs.

One characteristic point of this bike is the additional oil cooler installed inside the front cowl, since the owner always pays close attention to oil temperature. In the future, he is planning to further enhance the specifications with the installation of an undercowl, a new rear master cylinder, and updates to the electrical system. We hope to be able to check this bike out again at that time.

Handle

The stem is an Iida Racing Factory original for upright forks, the handlebars are ABM Multiclip φ43, and the left and right master cylinders are NISSIN radial. A YOSHIMURA PRO-GRESS meter, to keep track of oil temperature, is added to the stock gauges.

Bodyworks

The front and rear cowls are stock with a Magical Racing headlight cover and Magical Racing Racer Replica Mirrors with Type 5 heads. An additional oil cooler is also placed inside the front cowl to stabilize oil temperature.

A stock accessory seat cover has been added to the stock seat cowl. Only the rider's seat is used; the upholstery has been modified and the interior changed to make the seat thinner to accommodate the owner's prefered position.

A thin pad is applied to the top and rear side of the tank to prevent scratches. Underneath it, a thicker pad is added to stabilize the rider's body. It is quite effective in holding the body in place and making it easier to maneuver.

Engine

A T-REV internal pressure control valve, an oil catch tank made by Iida Racing Factory, and a GOLDMEDAL Slash Guard (engine guard) have been added to the 1156cc oil-cooled engine. The steps are made by WR'S.

Intake & Exhaust

The carburetor is a stock CVR32 with DNA filters, set up to match the NOJIMA exhaust pipe and NITRO RACING silencer.

Chassis

The outer tubes of the stock φ43mm front forks have been finished with GUN-KOTE. The front brakes use NISSIN 4-piston calipers and SUNSTAR Neo-Classic discs, which enhance the classic look.

The rear brakes are composed of a stock GS1200SS caliper + SUNSTAR Premium Racing disc. The stock aluminum swingarm along with the gray, black and gold Nitron R1 rear shock also add to the bike's classic look.

The wheels are forged aluminum GALE SPEED TYPE-GP1S in 3.50-17/5.50-17 sizes. The drive chain was converted to an RK 520XXW.

Gallery

Specifications

Original Source of this Article

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