Some of you will remember the original build project that was lost to the ether; the Z650/1100 Bonneville hybrid.
She's carried me the length and breadth of England and Wales, crossed to Western Ireland on multiple occasions (those Atlantic winds and twisty coastal roads are unforgettable), and even made a spring break down to Spain for a particularly memorable adventure last year.
The bike has proven itself time and again: characterful and always puts a smile on my face with that deep four-cylinder shove and light-footed handling.
But as the years stack up, the reality of parts availability starts to creep in. Some of the refurbishment items I relied on back then, the 82mm pistons and cylinder block for example, have become obsolete.
Rather than wait for something critical to fail on a remote B-road in Wales, I decided it was time for a Midlife Update.
The goal isn't a full redesign; it's preservation with sensible upgrades, replacing wear items, addressing any age-related fatigue, improving details that have revealed themselves over thousands of miles, and ensuring the bike stays enjoyable and dependable for another decade or more.
Right now, she's in bits on the bench, engine out, frame stripped, tank off, wiring loom laid out, giving me the perfect opportunity to document the assembly process step by step, and reflect on the original concept that drove the whole project back in 2009–2010.
The Midlife Update: What's Happening Now
The philosophy remains unchanged: keep the soul of the original W1400 …classic style, effortless torque, light-footed handling, real-road usability, but refresh it thoughtfully so parts scarcity doesn't become a barrier. No radical changes; just careful maintenance and subtle improvements where time and miles have shown the way.
I'll document the rebuild here as it progresses with photos of the specific parts replaced or upgraded, any surprises and lessons learned, and reflections on what has stood the test of time. I hope you find it interesting and if anyone remembers the original build posts or has followed along over the years, I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions as we go.
She's coming back together stronger and ready for the next chapter; more miles, more adventures, and hopefully fewer worries about obsolete bits.
The W1400 was always meant to be ridden, not preserved in a garage, and this midlife update will keep her on the road where she belongs.