Hey guys

[matt]

I'm new to the whole bike scene, but after riding for the first time the other day I am sure this is what I was born to do. Anyway, I put $2000 down on a 93 gsxr600 two days ago, and finally got around to asking myself if it was the best choice. Hopefully you guys can give me some advice. Here is what I know:

-93 gixer600
-20,000 miles
-never dumped (supposedly, but it looks great so I won't argue)
-2,800 dollars
-some recent maintenance (cleaned/synced carbs, oil change, newer brakes, new plugs)

Here's a picture if that helps, and thanks for any input, I'm supposed to finish buying it on tuesday (1/20/04).

[The Chad]

I'm going to start off by saying welcome to the site, there are a lot of people with a lot of years of expierance and words of wisdom that really should be listened to. now for part two,just about everyone here will tell you that you probably should have started with something a little more mello. New riders drop their first bike once fairly consistantly. I'm not saying that you are going to drop it, but there is a fairly good chance that you aren't totally use to how easy it is to get off ballance. Good for you for getting into the bike world.

[Uncle Bob]

I agree with Chad, not my choice as a first bike. I guess you're asking about price, seems reasonable but not great however, if you aren't tied into this deal I might reconsider.

Crotch rockets are not known to be owned by little old ladies who ride them to church on sunday. 11 year old bike that as probably run hard for most of it's life is likely to need major repairs eventually ( sooner than later ).

Whatever you do, take MSF and save some money for gear.

Welcome to the site.

[matt]

Thanks for the replies guys, I appreciate it =)

So, assuming I can't get out of this deal (it's pretty unlikely considering we both signed a contract, and he really wants it sold) can anybody give me any tips or pointers that may help me out. I've already signed up for the weekend class that I've heard can be really helpful, and I'm also saving money for an armored jacket, helmet, and gloves. Other than that I'm pretty clueless. The guy who onwned it before me said it was his first bike also, and said it was good to him, so hopefuly I won't lay it down either.

I was also wondering about performance, will this bike be one I can keep for a while after I become a better rider? Or will it seem too anchient for me to have any fun on in the summers to come? I really don't know the history of the gsxr, so if anyone knows if this is a good bike, please let me hear your opinion.

[Uncle Bob]

Great bike, should be easy to find parts for it. Will keep you satisfied for a long time. Really more bike than anybody really needs to ride on the streets.

Still plenty of bikes from the 80's and late seventies around but you should try and find a service manual because unless you're rich you're going to have to become your own mechanic ( great way to learn about bikes ).

[matt]

Now you're one step ahead of me, I was just about to ask where to find something similar to a haynes/chilton manual but for bikes. I have a degree in auto repair, and know my way around a car pretty well, but I really don't have a clue about bikes. What kind of maintenace needs to be performed on a regular basis, and more importantly what should I do as soon as I get that/or another bike?

I'm assuming they are very similar to a small I4 engine in a car, as far as maintenance goes.

[pitbull76]

Originally Posted by matt

Now you're one step ahead of me, I was just about to ask where to find something similar to a haynes/chilton manual but for bikes. I have a degree in auto repair, and know my way around a car pretty well, but I really don't have a clue about bikes. What kind of maintenace needs to be performed on a regular basis, and more importantly what should I do as soon as I get that/or another bike?

I'm assuming they are very similar to a small I4 engine in a car, as far as maintenance goes.

Some differences that I can think of off the top of my head:

periodic valve adjustments will be required

the battery may not be sealed (might need to add water from time to time)

Multiple carbs, so they may need to be sychronized occasionally

Fork oil should be changed every couple years

Spark plugs don't tend to last as long as they do in cars

Chains need to be cleaned and oiled every 1000-2000 miles (and replaced when worn)

The service or owner's manual should detail the specifics.

Enjoy your bike!

[Jonathan]

Good info for all.

[matt]

Yes, thanks much guys.

[matt]

Well, I ended up buying the bike, and I think in the long run it was a good decision. Only problem is now I have to sit here looking at the title, and a picture of the new bike, and a weather report that says -30 degrees.
Yay.

[87gsxrnut]

weather report that says -30 degrees

Good. That will give you some time to give the bike a good once over, and to get used to her on some shorter rides. It will also give you some time to do some wrenching on her, and learn about her.

Hey, what's wrong with an old GSX-R? They can still run it up in the tight stuff!



Heh, heh

- Nut

[Jonathan]

Is that bike an 87? If so, that is in great shape! (The bike, lol).

[Uncle Bob]

Now, is that anyway for a grown man to dress ?