[lilith]

Hey,

I have had a 01Fazer600 for 3 years now. I wanted a new bike last year but life's little (and not so little ) surprises keep interfering with my savings. I was hoping to get a new bike in a month or 2. Original goal was looking at an 02 onwards 600cc sports but not fixed on anything in particular just yet as it was all finances permitting etc.

A friend has offered me a deal on their bike - is a GSX-R 750 1999. I know it is a great deal for what I am getting as very well looked after and pretty much every after market extra going. The only thing needs attention are the breaks so I have not been able to test ride. If i am interested he will get this sorted for me ahead of time (he didn't actually have it on the market was just because I said i was looking).

My only concerns are that it is older than i wanted (but condition deals with that) and I am concerned about the size of the bike (not the cc I mean physical bulk/weight, which i guess is a somewhat connected to age). I am a girl but quite tall so height wise I when i sat on it i can flat foot it on an even surface. Even if I test ride it I am worried that it is going to be hard to judge its suitability fully as I have had the same bike since I started to learn so everything is going to feel a bit odd at first and any bike especially a different style bike will take a bit of getting used to whatever i get . Other than the Fazer the only other bike I have ever really tried before was a short ride on a friends Zx10r which I loved on the motorway but struggled with on the twisties. That one I know was too much bike for me/too big a jump up.

If anyone has any experience of the '99 GSX-R in relation to these issues i would appreciate it.

[Empty One]

Hi Lilith,

For me it depends on what you use the bike for, and do you have any plans to do new things, eg track days. The Fazer is a brilliant all-round bike with an upright riding position and some protection. Its easy to handle around town and can tour too - it does not look too bad with a topbox and tank bag. Long trips no problem. A really versatile machine.

A sportsbike is designed for riders who like to ride very fast and challenge their skill on the occasional track day. They can be a pain after a couple of hours on the road, especially on the wrists. They can also be difficult to manage around town - difficult steering and poor visibility. But, sometimes we just fall in love with the idea of a particular bike, and are prepared to make a lot of compromises in order to ride one.

The 1999 750 sounds like a good bike, but at that age things like headstock bearings, brakelines, forks, rear shock etc will be overdue for replacement if not already replaced. I have a 2001 GS500 and it takes a lot of effort to keep it (almost) rust free and looking well, the finish on Suzukis is not as good as the other 3 Jap brands.

IMHO a 600 is more than bike enough for 99% of sportsbike fans. If you really, really want a sportsbike I would look for an early 2000's GSXR600, CBR600RR or R6.

[lilith]

Thanks for the feedback,

Your suggestions are more in line with what I was originally looking for.

It is somewhat the case that I have always wanted a sports bike for years before I could ride (didn't really know a lot about them but was pillion on a lot so i think it is just what i had imagined as having a bike). I bought the Fazer based on the reasons you outlined (despite the fact I am not a big fan of the 01s look) and it has delivered and has been fantastic. Certainly it is great for the short commute into college and a couple of longer trips. But I am feeling the need for something more when i am out at the weekends. No track day plans (not there yet) I am just finding the riding experience a bit flat on the fazer. I grew into the Fazer (scared the hell out of me when i first got it!) so i don't mind a but of patience while i adjust or grow into another whatever it is.

I am not too worried on the current state of the GSXR - I have seen the condition re rust etc (pretty mint) and I am confident on what he has told me re replacement parts. I would get it checked over in any event so i know the story. Certainly something to consider though as I don't want any surprises if possible!

It isn't a case of being seduced by the extra cc - more that it is a financially good deal that is 'almost' what I wanted. That said you have pretty much echoed my own thoughts and concerns re age and cc - so given me more to reflect on.

Thanks for taking time to reply.

Empty One, on 25 November 2011 - 01:20 AM, said:

Hi Lilith,

For me it depends on what you use the bike for, and do you have any plans to do new things, eg track days. The Fazer is a brilliant all-round bike with an upright riding position and some protection. Its easy to handle around town and can tour too - it does not look too bad with a topbox and tank bag. Long trips no problem. A really versatile machine.

A sportsbike is designed for riders who like to ride very fast and challenge their skill on the occasional track day. They can be a pain after a couple of hours on the road, especially on the wrists. They can also be difficult to manage around town - difficult steering and poor visibility. But, sometimes we just fall in love with the idea of a particular bike, and are prepared to make a lot of compromises in order to ride one.

The 1999 750 sounds like a good bike, but at that age things like headstock bearings, brakelines, forks, rear shock etc will be overdue for replacement if not already replaced. I have a 2001 GS500 and it takes a lot of effort to keep it (almost) rust free and looking well, the finish on Suzukis is not as good as the other 3 Jap brands.

IMHO a 600 is more than bike enough for 99% of sportsbike fans. If you really, really want a sportsbike I would look for an early 2000's GSXR600, CBR600RR or R6.

[crispy]

lilith, on 25 November 2011 - 01:53 AM, said:

Thanks for the feedback,

Your suggestions are more in line with what I was originally looking for.

It is somewhat the case that I have always wanted a sports bike for years before I could ride (didn't really know a lot about them but was pillion on a lot so i think it is just what i had imagined as having a bike). I bought the Fazer based on the reasons you outlined (despite the fact I am not a big fan of the 01s look) and it has delivered and has been fantastic. Certainly it is great for the short commute into college and a couple of longer trips. But I am feeling the need for something more when i am out at the weekends. No track day plans (not there yet) I am just finding the riding experience a bit flat on the fazer. I grew into the Fazer (scared the hell out of me when i first got it!) so i don't mind a but of patience while i adjust or grow into another whatever it is.

I am not too worried on the current state of the GSXR - I have seen the condition re rust etc (pretty mint) and I am confident on what he has told me re replacement parts. I would get it checked over in any event so i know the story. Certainly something to consider though as I don't want any surprises if possible!

It isn't a case of being seduced by the extra cc - more that it is a financially good deal that is 'almost' what I wanted. That said you have pretty much echoed my own thoughts and concerns re age and cc - so given me more to reflect on.

Thanks for taking time to reply.

Sound more like a VFR750/VFR800 might tick your boxes, either way you could happily get a year of cheap motoring out of it as it sounds like your getting a good financial deal......

This post has been edited by crispy: 25 November 2011 - 01:31 PM

[whose-law-anyway]

If you want some more cc and better looks but are otherwise happy then why not the Fazer 1000. Suppose to be one of the best all round bikes ever. It is a big bike but the bars will help make it feel very managable.

I'm 5.8 and put aftermarket dogbones on my SV 1000N raising it about 3" i say and can only touch the ground with one foot at a time but it doesnt bother me.

The different style handle bars on the sports bikes will feel very strange untill you get use to it and turns some people right off before they can get use to it.

There are varing degrees of comprimise with clip ons from sporty bikes (SV 1000S) to full on sport bikes (GSXR750) which will be the most extreme.

[lilith]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the thoughts and advice

I had considered going for a larger cc fazer but really wanted a non-fazer related bike - no problem with them but since this was my first bike I want to try something a bit different.

I have given up breaking my heart over this decision - I am going to just go with it ride within my ability and see how it goes. ... can always change again if we don't get on.

Thanks again.

[Slow Poke]

best of luck with the new motor ,,, not wanting to take this too much off topic but has anybody got any experiance with the k4/k5 750 as id be interested on feedback from them ?

[Tazzzie]

had a 97 giXXXer 750. Savage bike. I still miss it terribly, and every bike I have had since has been truly played second fiddle to it.

Yeah its a thirsty brute, pretty uncomfortable on long rides, not very nimble either.

BUT, those looks, that power (which has gotten me into and out of trouble in equal measure).
Standing at something like (a reasonably fit 5'10" male), no issues moving it about forwards or backwards....

Best wishes with your choice.

[Larry]

Tazzzie, on 27 November 2011 - 09:58 PM, said:

had a 97 giXXXer 750. Savage bike. I still miss it terribly, and every bike I have had since has been truly played second fiddle to it.

They are a savage bike, especially in the right hands.




The only thing that lets some of them down is the callipers, the 6 pots are terrible, terrible brakes, the 4 pots work far better.

[lilith]

Cool so I am now reassured about the bike itself and both excited and respectfully intimidated by its 'savageness' thanks for that. Can't guarantee that I qualify as the 'right hands' though - sure I will give it a try!

I am around about the same height as you Tazzzie which is reassuring - as getting stuck on a camber while trying to paddle my bike backwards is an embarrassment I have had and would rather not repeat too regularly

Larry, on 27 November 2011 - 10:06 PM, said:

They are a savage bike, especially in the right hands.




The only thing that lets some of them down is the callipers, the 6 pots are terrible, terrible brakes, the 4 pots work far better.

Thanks for the thoughts on brakes. Will have a look at this situation!

[Tazzzie]

Larry, on 27 November 2011 - 10:06 PM, said:

They are a savage bike, especially in the right hands.

Hey, that boy doesnt have hands. Them fcuking things are sholvels

Lilith, its a great bike. If you go for it, its has its issues, but its a great bike..,

[lilith]

Thanks again for the advice guys . I decided to go for it and picked her up this evening - absolutely delighted and can't wait to take her for a spin tomorrow.

Lilith

[somedayisnow]

Wondering if you got out for your maiden spin today?

Twas a mite windy so could've been a bit risky?

Anyway, congrats and hope you enjoy getting to know your new partner!

[lilith]

somedayisnow, on 13 December 2011 - 01:05 AM, said:

Wondering if you got out for your maiden spin today?

Twas a mite windy so could've been a bit risky?

Anyway, congrats and hope you enjoy getting to know your new partner!

Hey - Thanks. Yes got out for a bit on Saturday. I think I fell in love . Have not been out since due to weather - I normally would happily go out in it but just taking it easy while I get to know her!

[corkdragon]

congrats on the new bike

[Empty One]

Congratulations on the new bike, its a great feeling when you take the plunge and have your first spin. Here's to an early Spring!

This post has been edited by Empty One: 13 December 2011 - 05:55 PM

[lilith]

Thanks for the well wishes ...

Here are some pics - had to get someone to take them for me so not greatest quality but better than none!

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[Snoopy]

Very nice - Best of luck with it

[Tazzzie]

lilith, on 14 December 2011 - 12:49 PM, said:

Here are some pics - had to get someone to take them for me so not greatest quality but better than none!

Snoopy, on 14 December 2011 - 06:45 PM, said:

Very nice - Best of luck with it

Gotta agree with snoopy there, it looks lovely. Very clean. Congrats !

[fabio]

Looks very very clean! Nice!