PROJECT CORNER RIAN COLLINS' SUZUKI GSX-R400

Welcome to our project-themed paradise. A place where readers like you take a few snaps, tell a few tales, and get to show us what they've been grafting away at in their garages. This month, we take a look at a cracking GSX-R400 that Rian Collins rebuilt following an argument with a holly bush.

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Why this bike?

I bought this bike for my A2 licence when I turned 19. I recently found some new employment and thought the best thing to do with it is buy a little sportsbike! I had put some money down and financed the rest... £4250 got me a beautiful 1991 GSX-R400 (GK76a). I chose this bike specifically because there is not much in the market segment for me, because of the restrictions on bike choice and my personal preference of the vintage/retro race bikes of the 1990s. You may be thinking this is not a project, and you'd be correct as of early 2024... unfortunately, my recently gained motorbike experience drifted off a sharpish corner and met a lovely little holly bush aboard my new stead. Henceforth, the decision came to decide what I'd do... bin it and start again next year, or open up my wallet (of lint) and fix it? With the slowly declining number of GSXR400s within the UK (currently standing at 24 on the road), I think I owed it to the dwindling number to help keep her on the road. So, the build began.

What's the end goal?

The end goal was to return the bike to its former glory and get some laps around the Midlands by the year after. This task would consist of new forks, front wheel, triple clamps, clip-ons, discs, pads, brake lines, tyres, and bearings. I would also have to fix/replace the fairings, radiator, and tank. Ambitious, but doable.

How long has it been since you started? And how's it going?

I had the accident in July 2024 and finished the rebuild back in March/April 2025. Roughly eight months later, and I had a bike that was in better condition than when I bought it.