Another in the running for a new bike

[t-homo]

Luckily for me, my reason for looking for a new bike isn't the same as NtS's. I feel like I am ready to move up from the blast to something bigger. I am looking to spend 3500-4000 for a new bike. I would love to be able to get an 03 600rr or r6, but don't think I will be able to swing that kind of money unless I find a great deal. Right now the prime candidate is a 97 gsxr 750. My neighbor owned it, traded it to his friend for something, and his friend is too afraid to ride it, meaning it has been sitting for the last 8 months. His friend wants to learn to ride though, so I've talked to him some about trading my bike + some cash for his.

Current bike is a 02 buell blast with 2300 miles on it. Scratched up a little bit cuz it was a HD riding course bike for 3 years (explains the low miles.) It has brand new tires on it too.

Bike I am looking at is a 97 gsxr 750 with 35K miles. My neighbor said it will need a new back tire, small dent in the gas tank which can be covered by a tank bag, and some of the decals are starting to come up a little on the front. It has Yoshi exhaust and a yellow windscreen, with a yellow low beam. I don't think there is anything else done to it.

He doesn't know a ton about bikes, so I can convince him the prices are a little different than they really are. My guess is that I will be able to trade him bike bike + 6-7 hundred cash. Sound like a good deal to you guys? Anything I should know about that year/model of bike that you have had experience with?

[Lamnidae]

Doesn't sound like *too* bad of a deal at all.

So he doesn' tride it cause he's scared? Hrmm. Did he lay it down????


Being able to hook up that deal, get an upgrade, and let go of your old one all at the same time could make things pretty easy for you ,and you'd still have some $$$ left over to upgrade/get gear....

[t-homo]

Doesn't sound like *too* bad of a deal at all.

So he doesn' tride it cause he's scared? Hrmm. Did he lay it down????


Being able to hook up that deal, get an upgrade, and let go of your old one all at the same time could make things pretty easy for you ,and you'd still have some $$$ left over to upgrade/get gear....

No he didn't lay it down. He took off one day, and was too jerky with the throttle and never got out of first gear, ended up going up into someones yard and just hit the brakes and got it stopped. Called my neighbor to come pick it up. His son has ridden it some but not a ton, and hasn't laid it down either.

As far as gear, I am asking for a Teknic 1-piece suit for my b-day on may 22. and teknic gauntlets from my grandma that are only 35. I have JR meteor boots and a exo-400 helmet. I would probably do a little in upgrades, but not a ton for now.

[NONE_too_SOFT]

hell even if you drop a bike in grass its usually all okey dokey.... dont ask me how i know.

[Mrs. Colleen]

My husband rides a 97 GSXR 750. :dthumb: Scares the crap out of me! :willy: So much bigger than my bike. :willy:

hell even if you drop a bike in grass its usually all okey dokey.... dont ask me how i know.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[t-homo]

My husband rides a 97 GSXR 750. :dthumb: Scares the crap out of me! :willy: So much bigger than my bike. :willy:


How does he like it? Ever had any problems?

[PhiSig1071]

It's a good bike, with that many miles it's due a couple valve-checks, if you can get some reciepts for service that'd be a bonus. Also, I would take the bike to a shop and have them check it out, 11 years and 35k miles some things start to wear out. Also, first thing I do with a new bike is change the oil/fluids, you should too.

If I were you, and if you have the cash, I would give the motor and chassis a complete and very thorough tune-up, because 11 years is a long time, and 35k is a significant amount of miles. In this order of importance I would replace the brake fluid/pads on the front, motor tune-up (clean/synch carbs and new plugs), get the forks redone with new seals/oil, new steering head bearings, have the shock rebuilt, swingarm pivot bushings/bearings, and possibly some new wheel bearings too. If you have the extra cash I would recommend upgrading the suspension while you're at it, RaceTech makes very good re-valving kits for the GSXR about about $140 for the forks and $140 for the shock, and get a set of fork springs that are right for your weight.

I know it sounds like a lot, and it is, which is why I listed it in the order I would recommend doing it, but the difference in the feel and ride of the bike will be like night and day. If you do all that then the bike should ride like a brand new bike.

[Mrs. Colleen]

How does he like it? Ever had any problems?

He loves it. He has had his current one for 7 years and before that he had an identical one for 13 months...that one did not make it....

I do not think he has had any major issues with it. He does all the work on it himself...if he has the right tools. I doubt he will ever get rid of that bike. It is worth so much more to him than it will ever be to anyone else.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/AFIDrummerGirl/ButtonWillow%2011-6-2006/BW5.jpg

He is out working on my car right now but I will ask him if there is anything to watch for on that year bike when he get in. :beers:

[OTB]

To answer your question; I would do the above, as well as check two other things:

A. Compression test. No doubt you will have lost a bit, but what you are really looking for is the differential between cylinders; you don't want more than 10-12 psi difference between them. Any more than that and it indicates valve and/or ring issues.

B. I would replace the cam chain and tensioner on that motor, as flailing cam chains were about the only problems ever found on high-milage examples of those bikes and you really don't know the level of care it has received.

I would also have the current owner start the bike cold, with you standing off to the side/rear, and watch the exhaust. A blue puff on cold startup indicates oil is leaking down into the cylinder(s) while the bike sits. This is indicative of worn valve guides. Those are about the only things to watch for outside of the norm.

[OneSickPsycho]

Damnit OTB, you ARE the man.

[t-homo]

It's a good bike, with that many miles it's due a couple valve-checks, if you can get some reciepts for service that'd be a bonus. Also, I would take the bike to a shop and have them check it out, 11 years and 35k miles some things start to wear out. Also, first thing I do with a new bike is change the oil/fluids, you should too.

If I were you, and if you have the cash, I would give the motor and chassis a complete and very thorough tune-up, because 11 years is a long time, and 35k is a significant amount of miles. In this order of importance I would replace the brake fluid/pads on the front, motor tune-up (clean/synch carbs and new plugs), get the forks redone with new seals/oil, new steering head bearings, have the shock rebuilt, swingarm pivot bushings/bearings, and possibly some new wheel bearings too. If you have the extra cash I would recommend upgrading the suspension while you're at it, RaceTech makes very good re-valving kits for the GSXR about about $140 for the forks and $140 for the shock, and get a set of fork springs that are right for your weight.

I know it sounds like a lot, and it is, which is why I listed it in the order I would recommend doing it, but the difference in the feel and ride of the bike will be like night and day. If you do all that then the bike should ride like a brand new bike.

To answer your question; I would do the above, as well as check two other things:

A. Compression test. No doubt you will have lost a bit, but what you are really looking for is the differential between cylinders; you don't want more than 10-12 psi difference between them. Any more than that and it indicates valve and/or ring issues.

B. I would replace the cam chain and tensioner on that motor, as flailing cam chains were about the only problems ever found on high-milage examples of those bikes and you really don't know the level of care it has received.

I would also have the current owner start the bike cold, with you standing off to the side/rear, and watch the exhaust. A blue puff on cold startup indicates oil is leaking down into the cylinder(s) while the bike sits. This is indicative of worn valve guides. Those are about the only things to watch for outside of the norm.

Thanks a ton guys. Without you I would be completely lost.

[PhiSig1071]

To answer your question; I would do the above, as well as check two other things:

A. Compression test. No doubt you will have lost a bit, but what you are really looking for is the differential between cylinders; you don't want more than 10-12 psi difference between them. Any more than that and it indicates valve and/or ring issues.

B. I would replace the cam chain and tensioner on that motor, as flailing cam chains were about the only problems ever found on high-milage examples of those bikes and you really don't know the level of care it has received.

I would also have the current owner start the bike cold, with you standing off to the side/rear, and watch the exhaust. A blue puff on cold startup indicates oil is leaking down into the cylinder(s) while the bike sits. This is indicative of worn valve guides. Those are about the only things to watch for outside of the norm.

I agree completely, I would add those to the list. The motor stuff is obviously more important than anything else. I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, ride the bike before that and then again after it and the difference will astound you. It'll be worth every penny, and then some.

[t-homo]

I agree completely, I would add those to the list. The motor stuff is obviously more important than anything else. I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, ride the bike before that and then again after it and the difference will astound you. It'll be worth every penny, and then some.

I doubt I will be able to get it all done at once. But hopefully over the summer I will make enough to get it all done piece by piece.

[PhiSig1071]

I doubt I will be able to get it all done at once. But hopefully over the summer I will make enough to get it all done piece by piece.

Outstanding, if the bike isn't burning oil and has good compression I see no reason why you can't double those miles with proper maintainence and care. Another thought, if you are like the rest of us and eventually get addicted to track, that GSXR will make an excellent track-hack when you can afford a nicer street bike.

One thing, try to do things in together, ie new fork stuff and steering head bearings, or rebuilt shock and swingarm bushings.

Another thing that will make an improvement on the bike (possibly) and might be free (if you have a torque wrench). Go in and check all the motor mount bolts. Then torque them to spec. After time they'll come loose, they can actually stretch too, which can cause undue vibrations and effect the handling of the bike (remember, it's a stressed frame, the motor is part of the frame). If you find some that are badly out of torque spec and have never been touched (there will be a paint mark on the bolt and on the frame for reference, it'll look like a paint drip spot) then you can think about replacing them.

I helped a friend revive an old Yamaha XS11, and this was all stuff we did, and I couldn't believe the difference.

[t-homo]

Very first thing is going to be new tires. He said the back is going to need to be replaced this summer, but it has dunlops now, so I am going to put pilot powers or corsa 3s on both as soon as i can.

[PhiSig1071]

Both are excellent tires!

Good Luck with the purchase! You will be happy with that bike. I love my GSXR, bought new and now with about 25k miles.

[t-homo]

I just hope the deal goes through as easily as it seems that it will. The only downfall is that right now I am 2 hours away from home. Another 9 days before I will be back.

I might just talk to my neighbor and trust him on it. He has been riding for a long time and raced supermoto up until last year.

Either that or a trusted friend who has been riding for 5 years now.

[Mrs. Colleen]

Mrs. Colleen's husband here... As long as this particular bike hasn't been thrashed (a lot of them have by now) it should make an excellent and reliable bike, especially for trackdays. Obviously, check for all the normal things you would look for with any used bike purchase. There's really only one thing to look out for:

Cam chain tensioner. They are notorious for failing. If the bike doesn't already have one, buy a manual adjuster from APE for like $65 and you won't have to worry about it. It's well worth the small price to pay to avoid a potential disaster.



I've had my bike for 7 years and have 32,000 miles on it now, and it's never given me any real problem, but here's a few more pointers:

The mounting tabs on the ram air tubes are easy to break from tightening the bolt too tight. I've broken a tab on each bike, but it will be fine without it.

A lot of people have problems with the neutral light. Mine works fine at first, but will stop coming on when it's hot. I've never actually tried to fix it though. Just know that it's common and is nothing to worry about.

The front tab that holds the airbox to the frame will probably not be lined up. On both my gixxers I had the bolt rip its way through the tab. This will also cause the air inlets to not sit flush with the passageways in the frame. It's fairly common and not an issue.

Definitely check the valve clearances. It's easy to check, but a PITA to adjust because you have to change the shims under the buckets, instead of turning an adjuster screw. But fortunately, it is common for them to stay in spec. I did my last check around 28k, they were all within spec and have never been adjusted.

A fairly common issue is trouble starting the bike when it's hot. One of the causes is the starter motor going bad. Even if you don't have problems, I would recommend removing the starter (it's really easy) opening it up, and just cleaning out all the dust that has come off the brushes. Get a multimeter and check all the plates for continuity too.

Another cause of difficult starting is improperly tuned carbs. One of the most difficult things to deal with is a used bike where you have no idea what the previous owner did to the carbs, but something is not right. If the bike's carbs have never been touched, you're in good shape. If the fuel mixture screws are exposed (some versions of the bike came with plugs over them) verify that they are set correctly. And definitely sync the throttle plates, they will probably be a bit out.

If you just have exhaust, a jet kit is not necessary. But you may decide to go that route for some more power. It definitely makes a difference. I have full exhaust and a K&N filter, so I added a jet kit, as recommended by Yosh. I have the Dynojet kit. I did all that 2 weeks after I got the bike and have been very happy with it, but I have heard that the Factory Pro kit is better.

You mentioned it has different headlight bulbs. If the wattage is much higher than the stock 50/55W, you run the risk of overheating one of the connectors. If you remove the lower left fairing, you'll find a large yellow connector. I can't remember which wire goes to the headlight, but that's where it would overheat. I just bypassed that connector for that one wire and used a larger single connector.

Of course you'll want a service manual. I have the Clymer and would highly recommend it. I've had a factory Honda manual, and for cars a Haynes, Chilton, and factory Chevy. The Clymer is the best one I've ever had.

The rectifier is a common failure. I've never had an issue with mine, but if you've got strange electrical/charging problems, start looking there.

Fuel pump gasket. This was a recalled item due to leaking and has probably already been replaced with the new 2-piece gasket. If you ever find some fuel leaking down the frame while the bike is sitting, that's probably the culprit.

:beers:

[t-homo]

Thanks a ton man. That was pretty much everything I was looking for as far as common problems go.

[t-homo]

So that deal fell through because the guy says he wants to just sit on the bike now instead of sell it. Doesn't really make sense, but shit happens.

Here is the bike I am going to look at tomorrow.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/667544815.html

I know its a huge jump up but I think I am mature enough to handle it. Said that he is trying to sell it quick because he wants to get a cruiser as soon as possible. Runs great, only a few scratches.

[Lamnidae]

So that deal fell through because the guy says he wants to just sit on the bike now instead of sell it. Doesn't really make sense, but shit happens.

Here is the bike I am going to look at tomorrow.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/667544815.html

I know its a huge jump up but I think I am mature enough to handle it. Said that he is trying to sell it quick because he wants to get a cruiser as soon as possible. Runs great, only a few scratches.

be careful and treat her easy to begin w/. Slow and easy movements.... moving up to the liter is a BIG step, as you said.... Lotsa power w/o a powerband...

[OneSickPsycho]

be careful and treat her easy to begin w/. Slow and easy movements.... moving up to the liter is a BIG step, as you said.... Lotsa power w/o a powerband...

Plus it's got headwork, full exhaust, and the proper jet kit... be careful.

[Lamnidae]

Plus it's got headwork, full exhaust, and the proper jet kit... be careful.

Good catch OSP...


Yeah.. zackly what OSP said. Be careful.

[t-homo]

Just got off of the phone with him again. Miles are high. Like 40K. I am planning on going through all of the same steps with it as I would have with the 97 750 with similar miles. Honestly, I plan on riding my next bike till it dies, so resale is not an issue for me with the miles going to be high. I've talked to two of my close friends who both ride and they said to be careful, but that I am smart enough to handle it. I've talked to my dad about having the 1000cc and he is ok with it.

[Audiomechanic]

If you have a cool head and think with logic, you'll be fine. I jumped from a '94 Kat-o-tuna 600 to a '06 GSXR-1000. Bout as big a jump as you can get right there. I handled it fine because I respected it and honestly, it scared the hell out of me because I knew what it could do but I wasn't sure what I could do. This is where track days would have come in REAL handy but the money never materialized for that, unfortunately.

Keep a cool head on it. Liters are animals of a different breed. They'll toss you right off of them if they don't like you.

[OneSickPsycho]

Just got off of the phone with him again. Miles are high. Like 40K. I am planning on going through all of the same steps with it as I would have with the 97 750 with similar miles. Honestly, I plan on riding my next bike till it dies, so resale is not an issue for me with the miles going to be high. I've talked to two of my close friends who both ride and they said to be careful, but that I am smart enough to handle it. I've talked to my dad about having the 1000cc and he is ok with it.

Now here's something else I caught... "newer paint"... Meaning, 'at some point crashed'... Combine that with the engine work and the high miles... Talk to the guy and feel him out for info (ie. why new paint, etc), but my gut feeling is keep looking...

This is more of the ad I'd be responding to... low miles and the guy seems forthright...
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/669308580.html

Might be worth a look...
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/669308580.html

Maybe outside your price range, but you could recoup some of the cost by selling the included gear...
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/668379464.html

I've always liked these Gix's, but the miles are high...
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/667626766.html

Come over to the v-twin side... rebuilt forks prolly mean whoolies, new switches could mean neglect or electrical issues (run!)... TLS' are notorious for frame cracks around where the rotory shock mounts... It's got great tires!
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/667711954.html

Stay in the family...
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/667404595.html

Again, there's something to be said with someone who's upfront with the description... Plus it's HOT...
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/667156342.html

Get it titled and be a fucking Hooligan!
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/666765491.html

[t-homo]

I'm not going to be able to go over 4000. I'll probably check with the top one tomorrow. It wasn't up earlier when I called this guy.

[OneSickPsycho]

I'm not going to be able to go over 4000. I'll probably check with the top one tomorrow. It wasn't up earlier when I called this guy.

That Gix 6 and the TLS would be top of my list... just cause I love those bikes... I bet that guy with the TLS would take 4k...

[t-homo]

I think I want a full fairing bike for my next one. Gix will get a call.

[t-homo]

On a side note, selling my bike seems to look pretty good. I posted it on the St.L craigslist at 8:30 and have had 1 phone call and 2 emails already.

[PhiSig1071]

OK, one thing I forgot to mention, R1's have welded subframes. That means that one moderately bad wreck and it's totaled. Loop a wheelie (I know, none of us EVER do anything that irresponsible :whistle:) and it's likewise totaled.

TLS' are more fun then a room full of hookers and a gallon zip-loc of X, but almost as likely to get you in trouble. (If you go with that one MAKE SURE it has a steering dampener on it! Headshake from HELL!)

Oh, and I accidentally nutted in my pants when I saw the Husqvarna. Georgeous and clean, and CHEAP! That would be somewhat similar to what you're used too (big ass single) and 'tards are a blast.

[Lamnidae]

TLS' are more fun then a room full of hookers and a gallon zip-loc of X, but almost as likely to get you in trouble.

.... Singature worthy. :dthumb:

[PhiSig1071]

.... Singature worthy. :dthumb:

w00t!

Awesome!

[t-homo]

.... Singature worthy. :dthumb:

I call it. He said it to me. :lol:

[PhiSig1071]

I call it. He said it to me. :lol:

:lol: