Advice - GSX600F 1988

[90s]

Hi,
thinking of getting one of these and wondered if you had any pointers specific to getting it? Any known issues? Should a well maintained 20-yr old bike be reliable; any particualr things they are known for giving trouble with?

I am looking for a bike I can use as an everyday commuter and occaisionaly take 2-up on a Auckland - Otago tour.

What do you think?

Oh, and apart from thinking gixxers are cool price in a major issue - not a collector!

[James Deuce]

Can you knit?

[Edbear]

Ummm! Well, I love mine! Had it three years now and each time I think about upgrading it I just go for a good long ride, come back with a smile and an appreciation for just how well it goes!

Only done 40k and in good nick. Handles well, stops real quick, hits 210 quick-as with a bit more to come, (redline should equal 220), hardly noticed my wife on the back when we tikky-toured for 8hrs last trip, though she's not a big girl. Sounds great when on the gas, gets about 45mpg if cruising, cheap on tyres.

Now I'm comparing to my last bike of thirty years ago, a '73 T500, so may be a bit unfair as I've not ridden a modern bike, but the GSX-F is comfortable and fast with good handling and brakes - suits my skill level which does extend to getting my pegs down on occaision.

Not light these days at about 200kg and not overly powerful at about 80hp, but as I say, it depends what you're comparing it to and your own skill level.

Can recommend riding one, for sure!

PS. No reliability problems, the GSX motors are bulletproof! Have heard of hard chargers having to replace second gear but most likely due to abuse. Very cheap to own, really!

[90s]

erm ... no?

[James Deuce]

You'll need to be able to knit so you can make a cosy for your teapot! Boom tish!

But seriously, I had a 1999 GSX600 and it was brilliant.

With a bike that old though, you'll be wanting to make sure that the following has been done reasonably recently.

1. Wheel bearing and sprocket carrier bearing.
2. Cush rubbers
3. Steering head bearings
4. Swing arm bushes
5. Check chain and sprockets for wear - chain shouldn't have tight spots and sprockets shouldn't have hooked teeth.

It's oil/air cooled too, so you'll be wanting a decent service history.

Make sure the fairing fasteners are in good nick and check the frame for accident damage - you'll have to take the fairing off to look, but it is definitely worth doing. Look for dents, scrapes, rust, or obvious welds in places that shouldn't need welding. Make sure the oil cooler isn't just a bunch of flattened fins.

If everything is OK, then they are a fine buy. They are the equivalent of an anvil in the biking world. If they're good and looked after they'll do everything you ask, and they'll be fun while doing it.

[jazbug5]

Can't add much to what Jim2 has said, but I've had mine (91) for a couple of months now; don't know if it's exactly bullet-proof, but it does seem to be me-proof (so far)!

It's reliable and fun. I haven't ridden all that many different bikes so I haven't a lot to compare it with, but really... I have no complaints. I don't think you can go far wrong with one of these, providing it's been cared for.

[90s]

Hmm, I had a ride and am going to buy the bike subject to any last minute horrors I find. All seemed good. Head gasket had been done recently (with paperwork). Idling was a bit lumpy on choke but settled OK although low speed idle adjustment had a rubber tube attched to it so that you could turn it by hand. Any worries there?
My main concern before I part with the cash is high mileage - its about 90k, but only $2000.
What mileage are your bikes?

[Edbear]

Just basically what Jim2 said, really. May need a carb tune and new plugs, need to find someone who's good at synchronising carbs. Important to check oil level and condition and try to ascertain if it's had regular servicing.

Mine's only done 40,000k's and runs sweet. Previous owner was very fussy and had just spent $900 on fork seals, (upped to 10w oil), fairing repaint, recovered seat, new front tyre and a service. I paid $3,000 three years ago which was about $1,500 under the written valuation from the local dealer at the time. Should still be worth about what I paid I suppose. All I've done to it so far is a new rear tyre and a service. Needs new chain now though.

$2,000 is cheap but you'll probably find yourself spending some money on it.

[90s]

Hi,
Thanks for all the advice. I looked the bike over again and it seemed as good as you could expect for the age/price. No tears on the seats or fading so I guess that some of the owners have treated it well. Over the years it has been down on both sides, although as the fairings are only scuffed at the bottos and in OK nick nothing to hard I think.
Ride from Kuneu back along scenic drive end-to-end really good. So easy compared to on the RG150 (which is fun, because flicking through the gears is hard work but very entertaining). Not scarily powerful in any way but just great torque. Feels much more stable than the RG, both around bumps and corners, although a little less nimble.
Front brake is on a braided line but lever was little spongy although the brakes were OK but not stellar. Guess they might do with some bleeding.

So I guess that you can add me to the GSX600f club.

[blackkatana]

As long as the bike checks out OK and the price is right, being an older bike should not put you off. The older style of sport bike still has a lot of life and fun riding to offer.