Will be buying an RF900. Advice from owners sought.

[Hans]

Hullo,

So I'm saving up for an RF900. Hope to have the cash together by April. Any advice from owners past or present? What to look out for, bad years, good years, typical problems etc. Also if you're thinking of selling yours around that time, put this somewhere in the back of your head and let me know, when you're ready. Cheers.

[ynot slow]

Nice bikes,bullet proof apparently the bottom end,all the ones I've seen have been good.
Was definately on my list when I was looking back in 05-06,but at the time were overpriced imho from dealers anyway,so hold value well from that point.
A few guys have posted their personal opinions on them here.
A mate had one and swore by it as good alrounder till he sold it,had it as new from 96 off hand,still regrets trading it at times he said.

Saw a nice one in Wanaka last March,had 55000miles and owner only had regular servicing done,but had had electrical problems for previous owner,which were fixed and fine.

[Mully]

Apparantly there are issues with leaving them out in the rain (water in the electrics somewhere) but mine doesn't do that.

Sometimes the guts of the mirrors rust out so they rattle, but that's a minor and easily fixed

Don't run Pirelli Diabos on it - I think Pilot Roads are the recommended rubber.

Fit and finish isn't great but is acceptable

Standard suspension is cheap - if you can get one with the suspenders already upgraded, that's probably the go.

Comfy and a great pillion bike.

Minor mods will get silly, scary horsepower out of them.

As I recall, there is sometimes a minor issue with slide jets on the carbs wearing.

I average about 6l/100km commuting (often with pillion)

Keep it maintained and they will go forever.

Seriously good bikes. Underrated by those who haven't had one. Plenty on here about them.

[Pussy]

Hullo,

So I'm saving up for an RF900. Hope to have the cash together by April. Any advice from owners past or present? What to look out for, bad years, good years, typical problems etc. Also if you're thinking of selling yours around that time, put this somewhere in the back of your head and let me know, when you're ready. Cheers.

cs363 on KB has a VERY good RF900 for sale now, Hans. Talk to him!

[Hans]

cs363 on KB has a VERY good RF900 for sale now, Hans. Talk to him!

Cheers. I'm aware of it, but I'm far from sure he'd want to wait till April or so until I have the cash together. I'm barely halfway there at the moment and as we all know anyone's situation can change for the worse very quickly in these times.

[slack rider]

Absolutely agree, they are great bikes. I have the 95 RF900 R. It has been great for the last 3+ years.
Has some of the common problems:
- The mirrors insides have rusted & rattle but hasnt bothered me enough to do anything about yet. Only consequence seems to be a bit of rusted water washes out when you ride in the rain.
- The seat on mine had ripped but I just bought a new one for it so thats good as new.
- The kill-switch on the right has never worked but passed all the wof's so never bothered me greatly. I recently had a bit of time infront of trademe so just bought a new twist grip with all the associated electronics to fix that one up.
Other than that these bikes can sound great with aftermarket pipes like mine has. They are big bikes & can do some damage to the fairings if they try to support their own weight... :P I searched for a while to find one that has spent its life upright as bikes should be & managed to keep it that way so far.
If you are serious about buying in April I might be keen to part with mine? I will be heading to America next year around May so would love to hang on to it until as close to then as possible? Was just planning to Trademe it around then.

[madmal64]

Riffer know his stuff on these things too!
Very under rated motorcycle. I owned one up until 2005. Loved it & rode everywhere on it. Had the alternator issue at 60,000 k but it known about so not a major. Great touring bike.

[Hans]

Absolutely agree, they are great bikes. I have the 95 RF900 R. It has been great for the last 3+ years.
Has some of the common problems:
- The mirrors insides have rusted & rattle but hasnt bothered me enough to do anything about yet. Only consequence seems to be a bit of rusted water washes out when you ride in the rain.
- The seat on mine had ripped but I just bought a new one for it so thats good as new.
- The kill-switch on the right has never worked but passed all the wof's so never bothered me greatly. I recently had a bit of time infront of trademe so just bought a new twist grip with all the associated electronics to fix that one up.
Other than that these bikes can sound great with aftermarket pipes like mine has. They are big bikes & can do some damage to the fairings if they try to support their own weight... :P I searched for a while to find one that has spent its life upright as bikes should be & managed to keep it that way so far.
If you are serious about buying in April I might be keen to part with mine? I will be heading to America next year around May so would love to hang on to it until as close to then as possible? Was just planning to Trademe it around then.

I may very well take you up on that. Thanks. I'll contact you when I can afford it, or you tell me before you put it on Tardme.

[ital916]

Get a blackbird :yes::wari:

[riffer]

Okay... here's something I've posted a few times


I paid $4750 for a 95 with 45,000 miles on the clock. four and a half years later it's now done 86,000 miles (141,000 kms).

I've found it to be pretty hard on front tyres - it tends to triangulate them, but its got a front-heavy bias so not unexpected. Avon Viper fronts don't last long but the grip is great. I recommend Avon Storm front and rear, however I've had success with Z6s as well and next week I'm putting some Conti Road Attacks on so I'll let y'all know how they work out.

The lack of a fuel gauge is a pain - especially with a reserve that lasts a good 80-90 kms. I get 300kms before it hits reserve and the tank holds 21.5 litres from empty. A real nana might get 400 kms from a tank.

Big problems with the carbs around the 100,000 kms mark. Pay attention to the needle jets and the emulsion tubes they run in - its a problem with Mikuni downdraught carbies - friction as the jet needle slides and it wears the needles and emulsion tubes. I've replaced mine with the carbs from the 135HP MantaRay model, and run a K&N air filter, ignition advance and debaffled exhaust and it flies.

There's a known problem with the alternator cush drive - in some of the earlier models (94, 95) the drive for the alternator failed and they replaced a part to stop it snapping - unfortunately this part only lasts about 20,000 kms so needs to be checked often - and its a prick to get at too. See here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=57135&highlight=alternator) on this site for complete instructions on how to fix it.

Don't leave it lying around in the rain because it won't run on four cylinders afterwards. It's a problem with the water either getting into the coils or the low-tension leads just behind the headstock. My solution is to smear Vaseline into the low tension connections as they exit the wiring loom and as they enter the coils. My RF doesn't have any problems starting after sitting in the pouring rain all day. Others have had problems with the spark plug boots but not me, so I'm hesitant to say its an RF problem.

I've also noticed that as the miles get up you get a bit of problems with the electrics to the instrument panel. The wires run through the frame and a bit of chafing here can cause issues with the lights on the instrument panel not working - its an earthing problem - rewrap the wires and it should fix it.

The brakes are non-standard for a Suzuki (Nissin - normally found on Hondas) but they will take the Tokicos from the Hayabusa which apparently is a mod worth doing.

The whole bottom end (with the exception of the clutch) is straight out of the GSXR1100 so its bulletproof. Others overseas have commented on the hardening on 2nd gear going and causing problems but consensus of opinion seems to be that wheeliing the bike while preloading second ain't good for it.

The RF has a steel perimeter frame so in the unlikely event of a bent frame at least it is actually fixable, unlike an alloy frame.

Most RFs have about 125 at the crank, but you can get a lot, lot more. To meet American emission standards in the later models (S2 and later) they did the same trick as on the gixxers - look for the pink wire just under the battery on the gear lever side - more midrange power in 3rd gear if you undo it. You can drill and remount the digital pickup as they will easily take another 4 or 5 degrees of advance. Also, putting in the cams from the 92 GSXR750 will help liberate even more power. With these two mods and a rejet you could get 160HP.

Good for 265km/hr on a good day. Best kept secret in motorcycling..

Mine has just hit 141,000 and although cosmetically it could do with a bit of work, mechanically it's perfectly sound, if you ignore that seal on the front sprocket case that makes the chain a bit icky...

Here's some articles and poster (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=23993&highlight=rf900)s elsewhere on the site.

[Hans]

Thanks for the advice, very valuable stuff. I am beginning to have a frigging phobia about mikunis and needle jets. I am personally VERY aware of that particular issue. Do not want to go there again.

[cowpatz]

I bought an RF earlier this year and love it. I found the Pirelli Diablos fine for handling but they did seem to wear out quickly. I am running Pilot Road 2's now and love them. Great comfy bike and good for 2 up riding.
Good buying for the money.

[portokiwi]

I enjoyed my RF900, It wasnt as fast as my old ZXR but was great to ride and the misses said it was the best bike I have had so fat to be on the back off.
Very easy 2up.
Just sad I had to sell it.
Still looking for another bike at the moment..... Wedding comes first though.:crybaby:

[riffer]

Interesting what you say about the Diablos. I've gotten just under 11,000 kms out of the Diablo front on mine.

Contrast that with 7500 for an Avon Viper.

[cowpatz]

Actually the front was not too bad (surprising given the heavy front end) but the tyre triangulated more than anything. The rear wore out very quick.

[Mully]

Actually the front was not too bad (surprising given the heavy front end) but the tyre triangulated more than anything. The rear wore out very quick.

What pressure were you running on the Diablos?

You too Riffer?

[cowpatz]

36 front and 42 rear.

[Mully]

36 front and 42 rear.

I run less that that in the rear and it's the rear the tends to let go first.

Looking forward to wearing them out so I can put some Pilot Roads on it.

[F5 Dave]

Do a search on here, I'd had a couple of threads about the reserve light & tap (easy to change so less stupid range, just cut the pipe in half & resolder the sender an inch lower). They are typical 90s era Suzuki. Great value for the money but disposable. Stiffer springs both ends are a cheap improvement & there are a few other pointers.

[cowpatz]

I run less that that in the rear and it's the rear the tends to let go first.

Looking forward to wearing them out so I can put some Pilot Roads on it.

The wear pattern was Ok on the Diablos just went quickly towards the end. I am hoping for good things with the dual compound of the PR2's.

[Stone_Duck]

I bought my 95 RF last year for $4900 with 68000km, First bike for 15years & am still more than happy with it. The carbs on mine were out of wack, I followed the advice from a KB post(cheers to who ever that was) and got the floats heights & mixture sorted, all running sweet, fuel economy went from about 15 to 17km/l overnight.
They come standard with 170 rears would recommend going to 180/55 as they run out of rear tyre before the pegs are down.
(Metzler M1 front 36psi & Z6 rear 42psi.)
Other common problems that I have heard of but not experienced is the drive coupling to the alternator wearing out & cam chains needed at approx. 50k.
Go for it fantastic bikes.

[Dadpole]

The only thing I found on the ones I have ridden was the height of the footpegs. They seemed far too high for me (6 ft) but that is probably just a personal thing. Other than that, I rate them as an excellent all-round bike.

[Hans]

Ok. Change of plan. Just got a new job. Holiday pay coming my way. Have contacted cs363. Hope he gets in touch, cause it looks like I'll be ready to buy much sooner.

[blossomsowner]

I also recommend these bikes. Mine is a 98. Am running pilot road on the rear and a pilot power on the front. Only done 15000 miles. May consider selling. contact me if you want.
Good luck with your search.

[Pussy]

Ok. Change of plan. Just got a new job. Holiday pay coming my way. Have contacted cs363. Hope he gets in touch, cause it looks like I'll be ready to buy much sooner.

You'll be getting a good bike if you manage to get that one, Hans! :niceone:

[scroter]

I agree with pretty much everything written here, extremely underrated bike, very easy to ride and lots fo fun. They look a bit ugly from the rear though. i was told not to underestimate them before I got mine but i still did. you will love it. I ran diablo's on mine for a while but they are just too expensive as they wear out to fast, only got about 4000k's out of rear cant remember the front. I now fit shinko's to it. I cant fault them, Im not riding the bejesus out of them as its just a road bike for me and i have a perfectly good race bike for thrashing. Having said that I have done track days on it and it goes great apart from ground clearance. The only thing I didnt like was the seat, it looks really comfortable but it just aint, so i got a corbin for it and i couldnt be happier.

[slack rider]

Ok. Change of plan. Just got a new job. Holiday pay coming my way. Have contacted cs363. Hope he gets in touch, cause it looks like I'll be ready to buy much sooner.

If you have no luck with cs363 I will be coming down to Wellington Tuesday for the protest ride. Could be persuaded to sell mine earlier? Otherwise I will be down your way monthly so could stop in & see if you like the bike?

[Hans]

If you have no luck with cs363 I will be coming down to Wellington Tuesday for the protest ride. Could be persuaded to sell mine earlier? Otherwise I will be down your way monthly so could stop in & see if you like the bike?

thanks, will keep this in mind.

[cowpatz]

I agree with pretty much everything written here, extremely underrated bike, very easy to ride and lots fo fun. They look a bit ugly from the rear though. i was told not to underestimate them before I got mine but i still did. you will love it. I ran diablo's on mine for a while but they are just too expensive as they wear out to fast, only got about 4000k's out of rear cant remember the front. I now fit shinko's to it. I cant fault them, Im not riding the bejesus out of them as its just a road bike for me and i have a perfectly good race bike for thrashing. Having said that I have done track days on it and it goes great apart from ground clearance. The only thing I didnt like was the seat, it looks really comfortable but it just aint, so i got a corbin for it and i couldnt be happier.

Do you have any pics of the Corbin seat on your RF?...just curious as to how it looks?

[nunesvaz]

Really great bikes and like everyone here has said VERY underrated have a 1995 with 89thou km on the clock and is my daily ride come run or shine.
Cant say I have had any of the electrical problems with rain and it lives in Taranaki which tends to be damn wet.

recommend you add this to your bookmarks and sign up as a member

www.rfownersclub.co.uk

great online forum, all RF owners and very helpful and friendly. I think riffer is a member too?

Will be in Welly tomorrow on the protest ride.

Best of luck finding a RF great bikes sure you will love them.

Jim.

[vifferman]

The only thing I didnt like was the seat, it looks really comfortable but it just aint, so i got a corbin for it and i couldnt be happier.
Yeah, you could. A 'Rider' seat would be better. From what I've heard/read, Corbin's workmanship isn't the best, whereas MacDonalds have got a most excellent reputation.

[Hans]

Managed to swap shifts-will be there too.

[cowpatz]

Yeah well my podgy arse got a bit sore on the domain protest ride (no twisties to slide around on the seat) so I might have to look at these 2 options a little closer. $500 plus Gst for a vinyl seat seems a bit steep. Are they really that much more comfortable?

[scroter]

Do you have any pics of the Corbin seat on your RF?...just curious as to how it looks?

no pics sorry, mrs taken the camera to fleetwood mac, when she gets back maybe. it looks better than the original to me, scalloped so you fit nicely. really comfortable. the seating position is a little bit lower from the scalloping but theres less sliding forward into the tank and the mrs can see a bit more.
Oh and no more sore arse ever.

[scroter]

Yeah, you could. A 'Rider' seat would be better. From what I've heard/read, Corbin's workmanship isn't the best, whereas MacDonalds have got a most excellent reputation.

the corbin was cheaper and mcdonalds were quite new back then so didnt really know the outcome would be. where as corbin was quite well known and my opinion the workmanship is great.