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New member/ potential bike ?

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  • #1

    New member/ potential bike ?

    Hey guys. Ive been a lurker here for a couple of weeks and finally registered. I currently have no bike or license (but im planning on taking the MSF course shortly) but i am shopping around for a bike. I saw this on ebay and i wanted to know what you guys think.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-Suzuki-GSX600F_W0QQitemZ4628826938QQcategoryZ50028QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


    I talked to the owner and he told me that maintanance-wise he has kept with the oil changes and lubing the chain but thats was pretty much it. The reason im worried is just the bikes mileage. I could go see the bike in person if possible.

    So, what do you guys think ?
    Tags: None
  • #2
    i like it nice looking bike cant reaally say how much its worth but im sure some one else will soon

    Comment

    • #3
      At 24k miles, you'd be looking at a new chain and cogs, new brakepads and probably a brake overhaul (with stainless steel brake lines, this could be pricey). Both shocks could be blown and might need to be rebuilt or replaced. Same goes for the carbs. The valve timing should be adjusted and most the hoses replaced. You're probably looking $1,500 at the dealership or about $750 in parts if you do your own service. I'd say a 1997 in mint "original" condition, with all paperwork and receipts for service, would be worth about $3,000. So, my maximum bid on this particular bike would be about $1,700 to $2,100 depending on how much of the service I could preform myself and how much I liked the color.

      Also, if the ad said 50% tire wear left, figure on closer to 25%. (So new tires in 6 months time.)

      Comment

      • #4
        i might be wrong, but at that mileage couldn't a second gear problem be something to watch out for?




        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by Cale_Kat
          At 24k miles, you'd be looking at a new chain and cogs, new brakepads and probably a brake overhaul (with stainless steel brake lines, this could be pricey). Both shocks could be blown and might need to be rebuilt or replaced. Same goes for the carbs. The valve timing should be adjusted and most the hoses replaced. You're probably looking $1,500 at the dealership or about $750 in parts if you do your own service. I'd say a 1997 in mint "original" condition, with all paperwork and receipts for service, would be worth about $3,000. So, my maximum bid on this particular bike would be about $1,700 to $2,100 depending on how much of the service I could preform myself and how much I liked the color.

          Also, if the ad said 50% tire wear left, figure on closer to 25%. (So new tires in 6 months time.)
          ugh...well thats sounds abit too much for a beginner like me = \. I am mechanially inclined but i have never worked on a motorcycle before. Mostly on my 240sx 8).

          It really sucks here in AZ because nobody sells their bikes! either they are overpriced or they are wrecked.

          Also a quick question, Should i take the MSF right before i buy a motorcycle or should I just get it done and over with ? If i take it now it might be months before i find a good deal....

          Comment

          • #6
            Don't limit yourself by not taking the MSF as soon as possible. Nothing is gained by waiting.

            Comment

            • #7
              Everytime i see that bike im tempted to buy it and fix it up . He offered me 2100 to buy the bike.

              Is everything that Cale_Kat mentioned pretty much what will be needed ? Can it all be pretty much done on your own ? How much would the dealership charge to adjust the valving timing and rebuilting the carbs ? Thats seems to be the toughest to me. Couldn't i just put some seafoam in the fuel tank and call it a day?

              I think i would be up for working on a motorcycle with a FSM at hand.

              When it comes to checking out the bike what should i be concentrating for ? Like how should i check the shocks ? Should i check for firmness like on a car ?

              Im gunna follow the checklist on the motorcycle-journal's forums...
              http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6378


              but anything in particular i should worry about ?

              Comment

              • #8
                Figure 75$/hr or so for the mechanic.
                You might want to take the bike to a mechanic and get an estimate on the repair cost (what you should do on a used car) before making the purchase. That would give you a much better idea on what needs to be done.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by JamesS
                  Figure 75$/hr or so for the mechanic.
                  You might want to take the bike to a mechanic and get an estimate on the repair cost (what you should do on a used car) before making the purchase. That would give you a much better idea on what needs to be done.
                  It's also a good tool to bargain with!!!!!!!!
                  here's some southerly advice that may come in handy down the road a piece... Next time you are too drunk to drive, walk to the nearest pizza shop and place a delivery order. When they go to deliver it, catch a ride home with them.
                  http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h311/dragkota98/

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    dragkota,

                    I just did a search of Craigslist in Phoenix.

                    Here are some of the listings:

                    1999 Suzuki Katana 600 - $3200

                    1996 Suzuki katana - $2600 (He's been listing for over a month and he's dropped his price $400. Says all the maintenance is up to date.)

                    2003 Suzuki Katana 750 - $4900

                    1997 SUZUKI GSX KATANA 750cc - $3100

                    Try starting your search here, http://phoenix.craigslist.org/mcy/

                    Good luck. I bought the bike before the MSF class but that's because that's when the good deal on this bike became available. You shouldn't feel any pressure to buy before the MSF. Unless you have a permit, there's no advantage to owning a bike before you're licensed.

                    Cale

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Cale_Kat
                      ...The valve timing should be adjusted...
                      You mean valve lash, right?

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Cale_Kat
                        dragkota,

                        I just did a search of Craigslist in Phoenix.

                        Here are some of the listings:

                        1999 Suzuki Katana 600 - $3200

                        1996 Suzuki katana - $2600 (He's been listing for over a month and he's dropped his price $400. Says all the maintenance is up to date.)

                        2003 Suzuki Katana 750 - $4900

                        1997 SUZUKI GSX KATANA 750cc - $3100

                        Try starting your search here, http://phoenix.craigslist.org/mcy/

                        Good luck. I bought the bike before the MSF class but that's because that's when the good deal on this bike became available. You shouldn't feel any pressure to buy before the MSF. Unless you have a permit, there's no advantage to owning a bike before you're licensed.

                        Cale
                        Good call on that 1996. I remember seeing it before but disregarding it. I was (well still want) aiming for a 1998+ bike because the body style looks better but i think i can settle with the older style. Plus its more $$$ which i cant afford since im planning on getting good gear as well! screw idiots who ride without a helmet and sandals!

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          OK well the bike i posted earlier sold. I found another bike that this guy is selling. Its a 2000 Katana for 2500! He says he dropped it once and the underfairing is cracked but not that bad. He has a yoshi pipe and he has rejetted the carb. 15k miles as well. Im going to go check it out sunday... ill keep ya posted to see how it looks.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            The side posted looks real nice..Its been dropped ,though he said not bad...If you can, check inside the fairing for any frame damage.If your able to ride it take your hands off the bars at 40 or 50MPH.If it goes staight with no leaning or swerving then its safe to say the frame is not bent.The reserve was not met what does he want for it?

                            Comment

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