Buying an old GSXR750 - reliability?

**MarkH** · 21st September 2008, 07:58

Just looking at cheap sports bikes on Trade Me and I see some '85, '86 & '87 GSXR750 bikes selling under $4K. Would these be relatively cheap to keep running? How reliable are these 22 year old gixxers?

I am thinking about a weekend ride here - I have only been back on 2 wheels for a month after almost 20 years break, but I am really enjoying being back on a bike. I kinda want to get something for a weekend fun machine, but am on a tight budget.

I have seen one that I could probably get for under $3K, but needs a re-vin & warrant. What sort of cost for that if the seller is correct that it can easily get the WoF?

**ajturbo** · 21st September 2008, 08:21

i was riding with a guy up your way, last weekend... he had a GSXR750.. 87 ( i think).. the oil cooled one, i KNOW that it gets and oil change once a YEAR, even if it doesn't need it!!

he rides this thing HARD MOST weekends... he has had it for 12 years...
this bike seams to still ok!!!... no smoke, it would be a good bike to get, and to restore it,

not much help for your question i suppose, all i'm saying is, THIS one, even though it was a "rat bike".. there was nothing wrong with it and it was not well looked after...

**FJRider** · 21st September 2008, 08:40

As long as they haven't done 3 million k's... and raced (on or off the track) they are would be ...usually... ok. Check the bits that hit the deck first and see if they're new. Often a good indicator of bin's.

**MSTRS:Me** · 21st September 2008, 08:40

A lot of these older gixxers have had the kid of remedial work done that old equipment needs. They are still fast, even by today's standards and if you get a good one, it will do you proud.
The thing to watch for is tyres are not always readily available for the outdated rim sizes.
And be aware that the prices for these bikes are on the increase.

**MVnut** · 21st September 2008, 09:05

Okay so they're still fast but also the suspension is now 20 odd years old and may need a bit of work. Very unlikely to find one that doesn't need something.

**Kickaha** · 21st September 2008, 09:26

Orangeback had a tidy one for sale
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=81804

**MarkH** · 21st September 2008, 10:48

Just looking at this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-176005376.htm

I'm thinking: new tyres, WoF, Reg, runs great - OK, it's a bit old and has a small split in the seat. But if I could own something like this for under $2.5K and look after it and have some fun on the weekends then it isn't too bad a deal is it?
I would have to spend some money on petrol + $300 for flight down and ferry back. But then again it would be fun to ride back to Auckland from Dunners.

If I did this I would probably boot the car out of the garage and put the scooter and the GSXR in its place (the car is worth less than either).
Would I be inviting trouble buying something this cheap or would it be a pretty decent buy for a cheap weekend ride?

**honda929** · 21st September 2008, 10:54

My mate brought a 86 just as a hack bike, looked in good condition ran well for about 3 months then threw a rod out.

**MarkH** · 21st September 2008, 11:12

Originally Posted by honda929

My mate brought a 86 just as a hack bike, looked in good condition ran well for about 3 months then threw a rod out.

I would like the 3 months of running well, but wouldn't be happy with a bike that needs expensive engine work to get going again. Does anyone know if this sort of problem is likely with a gixxer of this age?

**MarkH** · 21st September 2008, 11:28

What about this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-176967075.htm

It is close by, but I would have to fork out to get the WoF & Re-Vin done - anyone know what sort of cost for this?

**imdying** · 21st September 2008, 18:35

I'd definitely hit one... Needing new supension, bearings, tyres, and all the major service items is just something that you'd need to do and should be accepted. Say $4k to buy one, plus that again to bring it up to standard.

**gmh** · 21st September 2008, 18:56

Just my 2c worth, i rode one of these for about two years before i came to nz, had no problems with it at all. It was ridden at high speeds most of the time, and stood up well, i believe the engines are fairly bullet proof. I have seen both these bikes on TM, the red one looks a good buy, the yellow one has been for sale for a very long time - i considered it before i bought my bike, so thats at least 8 months. Good luck.

**FJRider** · 21st September 2008, 19:30

Originally Posted by gmh

Just my 2c worth, i rode one of these for about two years before i came to nz, had no problems with it at all. It was ridden at high speeds most of the time, and stood up well, i believe the engines are fairly bullet proof. I have seen both these bikes on TM, the red one looks a good buy

I believe the same... either buy one cheap, and be ready to spend more... or spend a bit more, and not...

**MarkH** · 21st September 2008, 20:32

To be honest I am not too sure if I can buy another bike at the moment, I will have to see how a couple of things pan out this week and I have some expenses in October to consider. I'll probably end up putting this idea on hold till next year. I wonder if it is worth buying in the middle of winter - I might get a better deal at that time of year.

But what I am getting from your replies here is that a cheap old gixxer might go OK without costing much or I could be in for some expensive servicing - it's a bit of a crap shoot with 20+ year old bikes. Maybe I should just win the lotto and buy a nice new bike (or, if it's the powerball then several new bikes).