The axle ground at an angle, so the threads on the back are fine. Maybe 50-60% has damage and for only a small portion of that the threads are totally gone. It's a good point about getting it off on a trip. I'll be close to home for the rest of the winter so it won't be a concern for awhile, but once it's spring I'll take care of it. The problem with trying to re-use them is that I'd take gamble not having a new axle and nut on hand in case either one gets too messed up taking it apart to re-use. And if I've got it on hand already I might as well replace them

Final verdict is that the handlebar is bent slightly. Adjusting the bars back down made them feel better, but the slide (right) side is still off. I can barely see it by looking closely from a few feet back and can more feel it. Not sure if a replacement will be necessary, obviously the whole once metal is bent it's weaker thing applies but it's real minor.

All in all I'm impressed with how well Suzuki made the bike. It wasn't the worst wreck, but still a decent slide and she held together great. Even the stock saddle bags didn't totally give it up! And if anyone doesn't like the plastic along the tank... I found the use for it now as it protected the tank very well.

Washington! Eastside Seattle area. Moved from Minnesota recently so there was no way I was going to stop riding during the "winter" here.

The 1000 bars have a rubber mount with a bolt through it. That bolt often bends or twists in the rubber. Check that before buying new bars. Odds are they do need replacing but that's a really common problem.

Sounds like a good excuse to buy some fatbars! If that's not your thing, don't worry about the bars too much. If they are not kinked then they are still plenty strong.


Well your a little far away from me or Id help you fix up that axle. (I'm about 1700 miles due south lol)
My sister lives in Seattle and I have visited a couple times. What a gorgeous area to ride! Enjoy it!

The Olympic peninsula and Cascade loop beckon. They are number one and two on your list. Axle, number three.

Then, come on up north to BC and do the Duffy Lake loop with me and whoever wants to come along. It's something, especially if you're from Minnesota.

Yeah that's a bit far! It is gorgeous and so close to the mountains. Basically my dream area to ride in.

Ha! Been out to the Olympics and plan to do a full loop this summer and have the Cascade loop on the list as well as getting out to Vancouver island at some point. The only issue is there are way too many roads along the way on each of those to explore. Guess I'll have to do each one a few times...
I'll hit you up for that Duffy Lake trip for sure!

In case anyone finds this thread with a similar issue, this is what the axle nut looked like when I finally got around to replacing it and the axle. Definitely wouldn't want to be doing that on the side of the road! Axle nut was definitely shot so it was good I had one on hand.

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