1986 Suzuki GSXR750 info needed.. [Archive]

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 14:31

Hey all,

I've done a search through Google.com and looked around the net etc, found good information but thought it would be a good idea to ask around here.

I've found a real good condition GSXR750...done 42,000kms or there-abouts...nice paint. New REGO and WOF...looks to be sweet. However being the age it is I'm wondering...should I stay clear of the bike?

I like the brutal look of the buldgeing fairings and the 80 superbike rear end...has more character than some (don't hate me) newer sports bikes.

Any info or web links that could help me would be great....I'm looking to pay just over $2700 for it. I've also looked around Trademe.co.nz and it seems to be an ok price to pay....

Thanks in advance!

nudemetalz

29th January 2007, 14:38

Have you looked at http://www.suzukicycles.org ?

Great site with lots of info.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 14:40

Thats a good site, even though the server has crashed. However I'm looking for more hands on info from NZ riders...like the ones that have had problems or the ones that have owned them for years and done the work on them, them selves.

Cheers nudemetalz

nudemetalz

29th January 2007, 15:08

This one here is looks good.

However, it's actually the first model, the distingushing feature being that the bottom of the fairing goes straight down, not bulges to a point towards the front wheel.
Also, these had a shorter swing-arm I think and were a little unstable at speed or over bumps.

Also, I would think soft compound 18” front tyres would be fairly limited nowadays.

However, from all of the people I know that have had them over the years, and I’ve ridden them to they’re great bikes, quite solid motors, being air/oil cooled.

NDMz

avgas

29th January 2007, 15:14

If you like the look - what about a second hand gs1200? they go for quite cheap now - and have the advantage of being 12 years newer

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 15:17

Yeah I remember being a pit crew member for a TQ midget speedway car. It had a GSXR750 in it. Buildproof engine really....considering the TQ would run the whole dirt track in 2nd gear as they are not to change gears. It was fast and didnt use any oil or never missed a beat which seems to be the way with Suzukis...how ever its the rest I'm thinking about also...as I would be keeping the bike for some 5+ odd years parts would be important and normal everyday running as it would be my transport (wife uses new car). Are they comfy for long rides (I will have to do a few 6 hour trips every year up north) and easy to ride around town.

Cheers guys and gals!

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 15:18

If you like the look - what about a second hand gs1200? they go for quite cheap now - and have the advantage of being 12 years newer

How cheap? $2700 cheap or $5000 cheap?...they also do look very retro..how ever the CC is quite large for a bike to use for every day transportation.

nudemetalz

29th January 2007, 15:26

Sorry, Kneescraper I meant to put a link in my previous talking ..
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-86206367.htm

I remember the 750's being not that comfortable around town, but probably no worse than any modern clip-on'd sports bike nowadays.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 15:29

Can't be any worse than a RGV250 that I rode everyday....that one looks....ok. After looking more into the older Gixxers I quite like the 1988 model alittle more. HAHAH but the 1986 model would be good because of its price!

Drunken Monkey

29th January 2007, 15:29

... Are they comfy for long rides (I will have to do a few 6 hour trips every year up north) and easy to ride around town.

The seating position is quite upright compared the later models, but the legs gets cramped as the distance between the seat and the pegs I think is actually smaller. The upright position helps take the load off your wrists.

The person who had my '86 before me basically only commuted between Meadowbank and town. I tended to ride it around 16 or Miranda-Kaiaua. It was sold on behalf by the bike shop to a courier, I think it had done over 50,000 when I moved it on, and it did another 30,000+ as a courier bike.

It was getting a bit tired before I sold it, I think the carbs needed rebuilding as well. Everyone seems to have problems with coils on them. Replacing the stock ones with dynacoils would usually resolve this.

The next gen (J-L) were definately better handling and power.

Depending on what you're used to riding, it should be fine.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 15:31

Yeah Im also looking at the next gen (1988 on) as they seem to be better bikes according to the write ups on the net!

This one is ok...bit rough and a bit over priced me thinks... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-85371938.htm

Gixxer 4 ever

29th January 2007, 15:50

I owned one of these. Wish I didn't sell it. It had 13 plus owners and was crashed many times. It was a reck when I got it, see pic, and I spent $3K on bits to get it back on the road. It was a magic bike. As above the engines are bullet proof. They do have a short swing arm but they handle great. I put a 86 swing arm on it in the end cos the 85 was damaged. I often ran mine out to 200kph plus and it was fine. It ran at 180 kmh like a dream. You could do massive wheel stands on them cos of the short swing arm.

Problems. None that come to mind. I had problems getting bits for it. But it was a reck. It would be a great bike to own. They are raw with the power delivery and can have a bit of vibration. I think I went from a 140 to a 130 on the back tyre. It helped the handling.

$2700 is all it is worth. I would value it at $2200 but it is a classic and a bike worth having.

onearmedbandit

29th January 2007, 15:52

J and K model had more 'over-square' bore/stroke dimensions which were changed back to the F-H model style with the L onwards model. I have heard reports of the J and K models eating sparkplugs, some put it down to the vibrations caused by the stroke design. PM orangeback, he knows a bit about these models and just bought one recently as well.

[edit] I owned an F model years ago, blueprinted and balanced motor with oversized carbs on it. Fucking brilliant bike, used to blow my friends '86 model into the weeds. Shorter wheelbase was noticeable from his, yes the wheelstands were great. It did try to throw me over the bars at an indicated 250km/h once, luckily I managed to get back (and I mean luck, I was just a passenger during that experience!) on the seat before it tankslapped me into the next life. Apparently they are very tyre fussy, and that was the cause of the tank slapper. Changed the hoops and never had a problem again, and I used to flog the fuck out of it. Never missed a beat and used no oil. Like all other ex-owners of these bikes I wish I never sold it. Being in a drugged up state in hospital after losing the use of your arm can make you do stupid things. ie, agreeing to sell your bike.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 15:54

Wow that bike in the pic is rough as guts...got any pics of what it looked like after you spent the doe on it. Yeah they are awesome looking and sounding bikes..problem is Ive never meet any one that has owned one. But by the sounds of things they are a good bike to own.

How much would one want to pay for the following bike http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-86206367.htm

onearmedbandit

29th January 2007, 16:01

Link not working.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 16:03

Sorry ....... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-86206367.htm

Gixxer 4 ever

29th January 2007, 16:22

Probly worth the $3K. After market can. Thats the one you want?

Mine is the blue and white in the front and the red and black is the 86. This pic was taken up the east coast on a trip before I finished the bike. Like onearm I thrashed it to the red line a lot and it never gave up. It did eat plugs when thrashed but they are cheap. You will note the air vents are pointed forward. The next model they were pointing back. I saw that one on Trademe and was tempted.

I note the one on T/M has the 180 Speedo. Imported. The NZ new had 260? Speedo's. That right onearm?

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 16:31

The one on trademe isnt the one I'm looking at but I am interested in it. Might be worth a look!

Madness

29th January 2007, 16:34

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 16:57

I had a mint H model a few years back. I too wish I had never sold it.

2 things I would add.

I found the bike damn near impossible to maintain at 50km/hr. This ultimately helped me get to the point of trading it, thereby saving my licence. Secondly, the price of replacement brake rotors. Check the thickness of the discs, as replacement ones were going to cost me $1500 a few years ago. Aftermarket ones may be more readily available now, but it's a good thing to check if you want to avoid shelling out big bucks straight away.

They are a classic in every sense. I wish I could get my old one back.

In terms of power, Ive ridden my fathers XJR1300 and found that to be powerful but comfy power...what would the GSXR750 be in comparision? I wouldnt think it would have as much low down power as the XJR but is the power hard hitting or does it come on strong in higher revs etc?

This is all great info, cheers guys!

Madness

29th January 2007, 17:06

Open the throttle on a large 4 cylinder and it will wind up & gather speed in an efficient manner. open the throttle on a GSXR750 of this era & it's like kicking an angry bull in the nuts with bright red steel capped boots. They are a race bred bike and handle accordingly.

When riding my old one in a 50 zone, it was a case of constantly watching the speedo & being ever-conscious of the throttle postition. I now have an 1100 and it's like having cruise control that you can set an any speed you like, wether it be 30km/hr or 230km/hr.

I would love my old GSXR750H back but doubt I could live with it as my only bike like, just as I struggled with it in some areas (50k zones) before.

Take a test-ride.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 17:09

Take a test-ride

Only got learners mate :) Me naughty..but considering I am going for my restricted soon and will get my full one I'm past the waiting period I can't bring my self to spend $3-5k on a 250cc when I can get a 750cc for the same price. I have owned a CBR400rr and a RGV250 and also ridden a CBR900rr and XJR1300 so I know how important it is to be level headed when riding larger CC bikes..I love my life to much to kill it :)

onearmedbandit

29th January 2007, 17:22

I note the one on T/M has the 180 Speedo. Imported. The NZ new had 260? Speedo's. That right onearm?

Either 260 or 280, I siding towards 260 from memory.

Crazy Steve

29th January 2007, 17:24

I sold this for $1200 a year ago...

Sweet runner...New Rego and Wof..

Gud tyres and chain etc...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24239&d=1137588460

Crazy Steve.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 17:29

Thats hot Steve, how did she ride...? Brutal power? Thats so cheap, had it done crazy high KM's?

Gixxer 4 ever

29th January 2007, 19:27

I sold this for $1200 a year ago...

Sweet runner...New Rego and Wof..
Crazy Steve.

Sold mine for $1800.00 It was ready for paint. Everything else was done. It had my soul in it. The person who purchased it asked me a few times to sell it to him. He was a painter and was going to finish the job. The deal was.You finish and you can have it for 18 hundy. But you must call me when you want to sell it and give me a shot at it. I talked to him from time to time and he loved the old girl.
I went to his place last year with Speight_Bud with a mind to buying it back for him but he sold it on T/M 6 or so weeks earlier. I have not spoken to him since. No I don't need counselling................thank you very much...............oh the pain I still dream of the build and the soul and the time and ...............oh fuck look what you have done................................ Just buy the bloody bike and never sell it or you to will cry on the Key Board when you tell the story.......................

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 19:37

Hahahahahah...wheres Dr Phil when you need him.

Drew

29th January 2007, 19:44

BUY IT!!!! These bikes in decent nick are gettin real hard to find, and were the turning point for modern sports bikes. They still haul arse, and do good wheelies:yes:

Timber020

29th January 2007, 19:51

I still have my 86 GSXR750, and I had a streetfighter made from the same model. Fantastic bikes, although I now have something thats alot newer and faster, its been tough to motivate myself to sell it...someone tempt me please!

The great thing is that these bikes are mechanically bombproof and any shortcomings can be sorted by putting on other bits. The brakes and forks arent that hot so I hoofed an RF900 front on. RF900 wheel or CBR600 wheels give you better tire options. I rode wellington to tauranga more comfortably on my GSXR than on my RF900 with a corban seat.

Love the slabsides, worth getting, classic bike that will put a smile on your dial every time.

kneescraper

29th January 2007, 20:45

Wow....what an awesome response. All I have to do is convince the wife that I need it :) She seems to think a 250cc will do the trick :dodge:.
Thanks so much for all the advice and info...99% has been positive. Shows how on to it Suzuki was! and still is!

kro

30th January 2007, 05:43

That trademe one looks like a re-paint to me. The lettering looks non-stock. I might be wrong, but like a lot of you, I owned one back in the day, and I'm so damn sure the lettering style was different to that.

Great bike to own, if you see a good one, snap it up.

kneescraper

30th January 2007, 20:55

It does look repainted but that doesnt matter! I wanna get a 1988 now :) Oh well I'll keep looking.

Crazy Steve

30th January 2007, 20:59

It does look repainted but that doesnt matter! I wanna get a 1988 now :) Oh well I'll keep looking.

The 88's rock dude..

Huge wheel stands..

Huge stoppies..

Still do 250kph..

Gud all round bikes...

And cheap...Don't pay any more than $2000 for one but..

Crazy Steve...

kneescraper

30th January 2007, 21:02

Dam it Steve, your making me want one more...im looking through bikepics are them. The blue and white ones are so hot! Now to find one......can any one help me out..?

kneescraper

30th January 2007, 21:03

A lil teaser

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/767705/

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/742281/

Crazy Steve

30th January 2007, 21:18

Don't think you will find one ever that Clean...

Maybe you should also look 10years ahead at the 97-98 GSXR750..

They are far better bikes and just as cheap...From Memory one of the best bikes ive ever ridden was the GSXR750T 1997-1998..

Those do the same stoppies and wheelstands...but are just better all round...and not that more money..

Crazy Steve.

kneescraper

31st January 2007, 11:26

Yeah I was dreaming about owning a Gixxer of that condition. I might look into a few later models.

Cheers for the help guys!

Gixxer 4 ever

31st January 2007, 12:52

Yeah I was dreaming about owning a Gixxer of that condition. I might look into a few later models.

Cheers for the help guys!

I went from the 85 to a 96 and then a 99. Current bike. The 85 is a very raw version of the 96. The 96 is a nice bike but the 99 with it's fuel injection is just sweet.

I stick with the 750 cos it has all the power I need and can handle. Da wife and I travel two up with a pack and yes I have to us the gear box a bit but it has plenty of power and a comfy pillion seat. And a shit load of fun one up.

The late 89 to 95 gixxers got way to heavy and are pigs. Ok pigs but nothing like the great bikes the 85 and 95 "v" on are.

Pleased I missed that part of the development. Ride them if you are going to the late 89 or pre 95"v" models. The "v" is the modle not reference to the cylinder configuration.