Martin Labonte had an ’89 GSXR750. Nice enough bike, but, to Martin, as with many of us, there’s no replacement for displacement and an 1100 swap is a somewhat popular engine for the smaller Gixxer. He found one, but it didn’t work out, a “bad deal” he tells me, so he kept looking. The GSX1400 never made it here to the States, but it has quite a following across the pond, and Martin kept thinking the big inline four would be perfect for his soon to be former 750, besides, he didn’t see any 750 to 1400 swaps riding around and being unique was a plus, so the project began.

He immediately found the 1400 oilpan was too wide for the framerails so he had to modify the frame, which meant he needed an aluminum welding certification so the bike could pass the German TÜV. He took a welding course to increase his skills and he was ready to get to work. He welded up an aluminum seat, an airbox that looks just like the original, oil cooler covers and a 60mm triple clamp.

In the back, he installed a single sided swingarm from a VFR750 plus a Triumph drive and 6×17 inch Triumph wheel. With a new header and DynoJet Power Commander, the big four puts out 125 horsepower and 92 foot pounds of torque.

The swap looks clean and well done and Martin shouldn’t have to worry about seeing another one like it. The extra grunt should make for an interesting riding experience, too. Another great example of, “if they don’t sell what you want, head for the shop.” Very nice work, Martin!