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New Member, New Rider, Picked up a '96 750

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  • #1

    New Member, New Rider, Picked up a '96 750

    Total newb here. New to the forum, new to Kats, and new to riding.

    I've wanted a bike since I rode a Honda Z50 when I was six. It's taken me 29 years, but on Tuesday I picked up my first bike ever!

    Here she is, my 1996 GSX750:

    http://imgur.com/a/QCI7L

    I had been looking on CL for something under $1500 and one day she popped up. 7,700 miles and in good condition. Ended up taking her home for $1K.

    I've put about 30 miles on her so far. Haven't noticed any major issues but I don't really have any experience on what to look for. Def needs a new rear tire so I have new rubber for front and back coming today and being put on this weekend.

    I checked the brake and clutch fluid, oil, clutch cable (is it supposed to hurt my hand and arm after riding for a while??), and chain.What else should I do or look for to the bike to make sure it's in optimal condition?

    Thanks to everyone that has contributed to this forum. The wealth of knowledge is amazing.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Welcome & congratulations!

    If it's running well, I'd leave the engine alone besides checking for oil leaks and changing the oil.

    You already noted tires...I'd inspect the chain & sprockets and clean/lube them and shake down the front end noting particularly the steering stem bearing feel. It should be smooth and not gritty or notchy from left to right.

    It's really a matter of close observation on what may need attention. Check the usual wear items and if you have the plastics off look for chaffed wires, loose components, leaks etc.

    Comment

    • #3
      Download the manual.

      Assume all and every maintenance checks and process has not been done. Do them.

      I'd suggest take off all the fairings, give the bike a once over. Look for loose/lost nuts/bolts/screws.

      While the fairings are off, take off the front sprocket cover. Clean that area. Disassemble the clutch actuator, and clean - regrease it really well. That will help a lot with the hand hurting for the clutch.

      Brake fluid is clear.... if not, replace it.

      Krey
      93 750 Kat



      Modified Swingarm, 5.5 GSXR Rear with 180/55 and 520 Chain, 750 to 600 Tail conversion, more to come. Long Term Project build thread http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96736

      "I've done this a thousand times before. What could possibly go wron.... Ooops!"

      Comment

      • #4
        RPM Increase with choke

        Originally posted by RobertTravis View Post
        Welcome & congratulations!
        It's really a matter of close observation on what may need attention. Check the usual wear items and if you have the plastics off look for chaffed wires, loose components, leaks etc.
        Thanks!

        When starting the bike cold with the choke fully open the RPMS start and 1.2-1.5K and then very quickly start increasing. It would quickly get to 4K if I let it but I've been gradually closing the choke as the bike warms up to keep it around the 2K range. Once the choke is fully closed bike idles around 1.2K.

        Does this seem normal?

        I also noticed slight smoke from the exhaust when just beginning to warm up then it goes away. Normal?

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by jshrnld View Post
          clutch cable (is it supposed to hurt my hand and arm after riding for a while??)
          Not sure what you do for physical activity, but it may be due to using muscles or a group of muscles that you are not used to using(add joke here)

          As Robert say's just do a general maintenance oil, oil filter, air filter, check for oil leaks, check front forks for leaks, give the brakes a good going over(pads, rotors, make sure the calipers are not seized), check brake fluid level(front and rear), I would change the spark plugs(you never know how old the ones in there are), I would put new chain and sprockets on. I am sure I have missed a few things but some one will chime in and add.

          Welcome to the Forum.

          Gear up and ride like everyone is out to kill you
          2002 750 Kat
          2013 Polaris 850 XP LE(wrecked)
          2002 Ski-Doo MXZ 800
          2002 Ski-Doo MXZ 800 X-package
          1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 670 H.O.
          2009 Kawasaki KX250F(SOLD)

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by jshrnld View Post
            Thanks!

            When starting the bike cold with the choke fully open the RPMS start and 1.2-1.5K and then very quickly start increasing. It would quickly get to 4K if I let it but I've been gradually closing the choke as the bike warms up to keep it around the 2K range. Once the choke is fully closed bike idles around 1.2K.

            Does this seem normal?

            I also noticed slight smoke from the exhaust when just beginning to warm up then it goes away. Normal?
            Working as intended...

            Krey
            93 750 Kat



            Modified Swingarm, 5.5 GSXR Rear with 180/55 and 520 Chain, 750 to 600 Tail conversion, more to come. Long Term Project build thread http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96736

            "I've done this a thousand times before. What could possibly go wron.... Ooops!"

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by jshrnld View Post
              Thanks!

              When starting the bike cold with the choke fully open the RPMS start and 1.2-1.5K and then very quickly start increasing. It would quickly get to 4K if I let it but I've been gradually closing the choke as the bike warms up to keep it around the 2K range. Once the choke is fully closed bike idles around 1.2K.

              Does this seem normal?

              I also noticed slight smoke from the exhaust when just beginning to warm up then it goes away. Normal?
              Starting the bike is normal, actually mine starts at around 600 to 800 rpm then climes, mine blows a slight bit of "smoke" when I first start her up, so I will say that is normal too.

              These are not not fuel injected, they have carbs and need to be warmed up before venturing out.
              2002 750 Kat
              2013 Polaris 850 XP LE(wrecked)
              2002 Ski-Doo MXZ 800
              2002 Ski-Doo MXZ 800 X-package
              1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 670 H.O.
              2009 Kawasaki KX250F(SOLD)

              Comment

              • #8
                Clutch Pull

                Originally posted by dano68 View Post
                Not sure what you do for physical activity, but it may be due to using muscles or a group of muscles that you are not used to using(add joke here)
                Sit at a desk all day, but those muscles should be fine...I'm married.

                The more I ride the less sore I am so maybe I just have weak forearms.

                I'm going to have to get some of those old school grip strengtheners or try and lubricate the cable.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by jshrnld View Post
                  I'm going to have to get some of those old school grip strengtheners or try and lubricate the cable.
                  Not to detract from the good idea to lube the cable... and inspect it for damage...

                  ... my experience has shown me that 9 times out of 10, hard to pull clutch is the almost always over looked actuator on the sprocket cover. Grease will "dry" out... congeal, what ever... eventually, it's not lubing, and the bearing balls inside are allowed to fall out of their cage when it's dried out. End result, tough to pull clutch.

                  Don't be skeered... it's an easy fix.

                  Krey
                  93 750 Kat



                  Modified Swingarm, 5.5 GSXR Rear with 180/55 and 520 Chain, 750 to 600 Tail conversion, more to come. Long Term Project build thread http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96736

                  "I've done this a thousand times before. What could possibly go wron.... Ooops!"

                  Comment

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