ShankroidBeast Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 Tonight I am looking at a 1989 Suzuki GSXR750 with the usual intake/jetting/exhaust and possible brake upgrades. I realize that by today's standards it's a bit heavier than a modern sport bike (429lb DRY weight and 112hp) with as much and maybe less power than a modern 600. But it's old school and I like it.My question is with the right (modest) upgrades and tires would it make a good track bike?I have been riding off and on since I was 16. I have never own a sport bike, only standards and one cruiser. I have 0 track experience, but would love to go out and have fun on the track and improve my skills. A bike like the one I'm looking at is inexpensive and laying it down won't break my heart.I am willing to invest in a good school at Mid-Ohio as well. I just don't want to show up with a bike and be laughed at. My only competition is myself and if a 600 zooms past me I couldn't care less.Any input you would have good or bad would be appricated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 I'm confused. Do you want a track bike that you can also ride on the street OR a street bike that you can also ride on the track a bit?Any 'sport' bike is track capable. Hell, the GSX-R750 was the bike to beat when it was new. Modern bikes will be able to run circles around it, but that's not really the point, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShankroidBeast Posted February 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 (edited) I'm confused. Do you want a track bike that you can also ride on the street OR a street bike that you can also ride on the track a bit?Any 'sport' bike is track capable. Hell, the GSX-R750 was the bike to beat when it was new. Modern bikes will be able to run circles around it, but that's not really the point, right?Don't worry I'm confused as well....LOLI saw this bike on CL and if it checks out may be an "impulse" buy, but the thing is all black and covered with airbrushed skulls (which is SO me), so I have to at least check it out. I think it would be optimal to have two bikes. My main street bike will still be be a SV1000S, FZ1, or a VFR800. This would be a bike night or track bike mainly. Edited February 4, 2010 by ShankroidBeast I'm a dumbass and don't even proof read my own crap :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 you can find pure track whores CHEAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboy1011 Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 i love cheap whores Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RC51 John Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 Mmmmm, whoresand bacon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTM Brian Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 Boy this thread got off topic in a hurry. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RC51 John Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 If it's in good condition get it.I wish I could afford a track bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 The bike would do fine, the concern you should look at is repair. Being a track bike theres a very good possibility its gonna get laid down here and there and its gonna be a little harder and time consuming to find parts to fix it. And its a givin that nobody at the track will have the parts on hand to get you back on the track so your day will be shot . With a newer more popular model you stand a good chance of finding the parts needed to get rolling again right there at the track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Punk Posted February 4, 2010 Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 The bike would do fine, the concern you should look at is repair. Being a track bike theres a very good possibility its gonna get laid down here and there and its gonna be a little harder and time consuming to find parts to fix it. And its a givin that nobody at the track will have the parts on hand to get you back on the track so your day will be shot . With a newer more popular model you stand a good chance of finding the parts needed to get rolling again right there at the track.Word Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vw151 Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 unless you are getting it really really cheap or free I would say you'd be better off getting something more modern and common. 1. The bike technology will be better and make the bike easier to ride fast, and 2. you'll be able to find parts easier. You can find pretty complete track bikes on the wera forum for around $2500 that are 10 to 15 years newer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShankroidBeast Posted February 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 I got to check out the bike this afternoon. This is the ad herehttp://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/1581954989.htmlIt was in good shape for a 21 year old bike. It ran rough until off the choke and warmed up, it was about 38 degrees out so understandable. It pulled VERY hard all the way to 11k and that’s all the nerve I could muster on gritty roads. Fast as hell for sure, I sported wood. Good manners on the road, brakes seemed solid. It will need new tires, and rear shock. The skull paint job looks great but has signs of wear with little nicks and scratches as to be expected. It is listed as 2.5k and he said he will sell it for 2.3k.It’s not the bike for me, but I live close and the guy is very nice. I would be willing to take high resolution pics of the bike for forum members if they are interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 not worth 2500 bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShankroidBeast Posted February 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 No doubt. When he said his bottom line was 2300 I knew I wasn't going to even try negotiating. I'd pay 1600 tops. Some kid will have an orgasm when he gets his first taste at speed and buy it.I'd rather pay more and get an F4i. Less weight, better suspension, better riding position (good lord that bike was uncomfortable, my heels were 2" from my ass), better brakes, etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that dude Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 no, you need a 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheech Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 2500 for a '89 gix 750? No effing way. Custom paint was on the current owner, as far as I'm concerned it's been repainted, so that changes the price from 1200 to 1500 (given the paint condition). You will find much better for 2500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShankroidBeast Posted February 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 I agree. I was worried that a 600 would be to slow (I read WAY to much crap on the internet obviously) and that bike had a hp/weight ratio LESS than a "modern" 600 and it was faster than a cat on carpet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightRider Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 I got to check out the bike this afternoon. This is the ad herehttp://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/1581954989.htmlIt was in good shape for a 21 year old bike. It ran rough until off the choke and warmed up, it was about 38 degrees out so understandable. It pulled VERY hard all the way to 11k and that’s all the nerve I could muster on gritty roads. Fast as hell for sure, I sported wood. Good manners on the road, brakes seemed solid. It will need new tires, and rear shock. The skull paint job looks great but has signs of wear with little nicks and scratches as to be expected. It is listed as 2.5k and he said he will sell it for 2.3k.It’s not the bike for me, but I live close and the guy is very nice. I would be willing to take high resolution pics of the bike for forum members if they are interested.lol. I live in Lancaster...and have not seen that yet. Did you take it down 33? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShankroidBeast Posted February 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 lol. I live in Lancaster...and have not seen that yet. Did you take it down 33?No I was behind the Honda dealer on the business route. Wish the roads were a little better. Would have like to to taken it all the way to the redline. but I was being careful and respectful the guys equipment. It was fun and the guy was really nice. I do love the look and you don't see many of those around anymore, but to be honest I'm sick of carburetors. I want fuel injection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubguy85 Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 My dad is going to sell his 929rr track bike ina couple weeks... A tad more than 2500, but not much... Its a SWEET deal...ALready track prepped and ready... Clean title and all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serpentracer Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 (edited) I'd feel like a crook trying to get 2700 for my 03 R6 with new race plastics, a new headlight and a fresh $600 paint job. that guy is on crack. Edited February 14, 2010 by serpentracer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.