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For a bit of background, last year I bought a '88 GSX600F that turned out to be a serious lemon. It was my first bike and I really didn't know any better. It has 33,000 hard miles: infrequent oil changes, plugs fouled, clutch worn, tires shot, fiberglass cracked at mounting points, seat cracked, etcetera. With new oil, filters, and a clutch adjustment it runs pretty good. I've gotten a little experience on it, but I still want an upgrade before I have to put a chain and tires on it...
I've really got my heart set on a 1100F, but they aren't easy to find. I've looked at a couple that weren't buyable and really only have found one I've considered buying and it's a bargain, but it's a '88 model with about 24,000 miles (but well maintained I believe, frequent oil changes with Suzuki oil for example, new plugs, new battery etcetera).
Now, according to SuzukiCycles.org there was some major revisisons after the '88 model year for the 1100F, does anyone know how significant these are? Can someone really put them into perspective for me? The website says that the '89 and later 1100's sported larger carbs, a reinforced rear frame section, a rear shock reservoir, different front shocks, rubber engine mounts (to reduce vibrations), and a longer swingarm/wheelbase. Are these differences enough for me to pass on this bike? I feel like if these were problems only on one model year I shouldn't pull the trigger on that lone model so fast...
Is there anything I should do or check with this suspension if I buy the bike? I've read that at least the rear suspension is adjustable and it can benefit from stiffening up, is this true? I'm about 6'3" and about 200 lbs so should I worry about tweaking the suspension? Is there any modifications I could make to alleviate these problems (vibration problems as well)? I'd appreciate anything you could mention that I should check before I buy it, especially something relative to the 1100 model, but I'll take any "used bike" advice in general. I've really only rode two bikes in my life so I don't really know what to look for in suspension "problems" when test driving a bike, anything on this subject would really help as well.
Thanks,
Travis
I've really got my heart set on a 1100F, but they aren't easy to find. I've looked at a couple that weren't buyable and really only have found one I've considered buying and it's a bargain, but it's a '88 model with about 24,000 miles (but well maintained I believe, frequent oil changes with Suzuki oil for example, new plugs, new battery etcetera).
Now, according to SuzukiCycles.org there was some major revisisons after the '88 model year for the 1100F, does anyone know how significant these are? Can someone really put them into perspective for me? The website says that the '89 and later 1100's sported larger carbs, a reinforced rear frame section, a rear shock reservoir, different front shocks, rubber engine mounts (to reduce vibrations), and a longer swingarm/wheelbase. Are these differences enough for me to pass on this bike? I feel like if these were problems only on one model year I shouldn't pull the trigger on that lone model so fast...
Is there anything I should do or check with this suspension if I buy the bike? I've read that at least the rear suspension is adjustable and it can benefit from stiffening up, is this true? I'm about 6'3" and about 200 lbs so should I worry about tweaking the suspension? Is there any modifications I could make to alleviate these problems (vibration problems as well)? I'd appreciate anything you could mention that I should check before I buy it, especially something relative to the 1100 model, but I'll take any "used bike" advice in general. I've really only rode two bikes in my life so I don't really know what to look for in suspension "problems" when test driving a bike, anything on this subject would really help as well.
Thanks,
Travis
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