Author Topic: Anyone know much about the early GSXRs or the CBR 600 F2/3 (Read 4370 times)

DarkRider · « **on:** November 13, 2007, 03:52:12 PM »

Just as the title asks. I would like to know a bit more info about the early GSXR 750s. Im considering picking one up come spring if my taxes happen to agree with me. Doesnt mean im abandoning my current fleet just reorganizing if anything. The GPz may be up for sale to make space for the Gixxer. But thats about the only major change. I want to have something that i can use for a daily rider and allow myself the freedom of being able to take my time in building Project Reaper. I would also like to do some more work to Project Shadow but since its my daily rider right now kinda difficult to do so unless i do it during the winter. (MReck i may be talking to you about heads on the VF as well if you can do them). The newest im looking at for bikes is 98 since that seems to be where the affordable ones end at this time. so that leaves me most of the early Gixxers and the CBR 600 F2, F3. F4.

Any opionons are welcome..

ofreen · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2007, 04:16:34 PM »

When you wrote early GSX-R750, I thought 1985-1987. Then you wrote 1998, and I thought, gad, I'm getting to be a geezer.

Killer Canary · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2007, 05:25:35 PM »

Outlaw, I've owned a '93 CBR F2 since 2000. That summer I put 18,000 kms on it. I bought it at 22,000 kms and a few seasons later it had 65,000 kms on it. only maintenance( besides accessories!) have been valve shimming, oil changes, cam chain tensioner every 6000 kms and a couple rear skins every summer. I have stock parts for it if you end up getting one.I waited 12 years to get a crotch rocket and this one was worth the wait. Now with the Fireblade and the vintage bikes she doesn't get the attention she deserves.

DarkRider · « **Reply #3 on:** November 14, 2007, 05:46:49 AM »

Should have clarified with the years. I ment the newest age wise is about a 98 since thats typically the newest the bikes get with the budget im setting for this. I have been drawn to the early 85-90 Gixxers as well. Im mostly setting a budget of $2500-3000 for a newer bike so that limits me to anything older then 98 as said.

What are your plans with that F2 Killer C?

ofreen · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2007, 07:59:28 AM »

If you can find a good one, the first generation GSX-R750s are good bikes, with no real major issues. The power on the 750 was OK, but weighted toward the top. The trouble is, most were flogged and abused and thrown down the road a long time ago. Good ones are out there, but getting hard to find. I preferred the 1100, so I bought one. It had better power, a beefier frame, and better suspension.

The next generations added power and weight. They had to change because the original frames weren't up to racing power levels. The 1100s really got porky. The 750s remained peaky and the oil cooled motor went thru stages where Suzook shortened the stroke, then thought better of it and went back. But any of the air/oil cooled engines are strong and reliable. I always considered the build quality of the GSX-Rs up there with anything Honda was doing. I put almost 20,000 miles on my 1100 with no problems before I sold it.

heffay · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2007, 08:52:04 AM »

i never had a gixxer but, a 94 f2 i did... very fun, very punchy, would easily wheelie at the drop of a clutch. mine had been wrecked and was primer grey when i bought it. once i got the plastic off to paint it i noticed the oil pan was broken all the way across thru the middle and was jb welded back into one piece.

i really did like that bike but, w/ all the tickets i had when i was younger i was paying almost 2 grand a year on insurance and could no longer afford to keep it. yay for driving responsibility as you get older and getting all the tickets off the record! i bought it in 96 for 3k so i would think a non pristine one these days could be had for cheap.

if i had my choice of that era... i'd go w/ the honda 900rr, i particularly like the 93 and 94.

here's a before and after of my f2

DarkRider · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2007, 06:49:07 AM »

Ofreen and Heffay..Can either of you remember how the riding position was like on your bikes? What i mean by that is are either one fairly comfortable to ride when sitting in a more upright riding position or do you have to be crouched most of the time?

heffay · « **Reply #7 on:** November 15, 2007, 07:12:54 AM »

ya know... i don't remember being really bent over on the f2. my 92 zx7r i have now is a much more aggressive position. although, my memory of the subject could be diluted considering it was over 10 years ago and i had a body fresh out of high school.

the rr i recommended is also a fairly severe riding angle... very hard on the wrists

all you gotta do though is ride them fast enough and voila... the wind supports your torso and high spirits keep you from even thinking about it

ofreen · « **Reply #8 on:** November 15, 2007, 07:54:25 AM »

The GSX-Rs have their clip-ons below the tripleclamp and the pegs are high, so the riding position is very sporting. I had some 400-500 mile days on my 1100. I am fairly spry so it never bothered my knees, but after a few hours it would get to my neck. Never noticed it in the corners or on the gas, though.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #9 on:** November 18, 2007, 07:18:15 PM »

For GSXR 750's, keep to the oil cooled years. The ideal models are 90-92, 38mm carbs and the best flowing heads. Plus they had the longer stroke. There's a lot of power to be tapped out of these motors too. 125hp at the rear wheel is average with a yoshi pipe, filters and jet kit. The other bonus for me is the frame, the motor is really easy to work on. Plus, if you get bored with the power you can bolt in any 1100cc oiler motor.

DarkRider · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2007, 02:15:25 AM »

Ah yes...the good ole 7/11 hybrid.

cb(r) · « **Reply #11 on:** November 28, 2007, 05:59:14 AM »

the f2 was less aggressive riding position than the gixxer. you can not really go wrong with either. I am 5'5" so I am not cramp on any of these bikes. I believe in the early 90's they were the two highest selling bikes so part are probably available. that is what I would stick to.
I was always partiall to the f2 over the 750 because everyone in my area had the 750. stay away from the the gixxer 600 in the early models. they were great handling but if memory serves me right they had engine probs. I believe they punched a 400cc instead of detuning a 750. a little fragile?

good luck with the hunt.

my78k · « **Reply #12 on:** November 28, 2007, 06:11:28 AM »

I have a 98 F3 and love it...very comfortable and quick yet very forgiving too. Plastics aint cheap if you need them but they can be fitted with other models i.e. f2 and even F4 with some modding. Check out www.cbrforum.com they have a decent forum although nowhere near as frequented as a round here. They also have a classified section but the F3's usually aren't too bad to find. Ususal Hondas...bullet proof engines but can have R/R problems. Almost all have clutch basket vibration noises but are mechanically fine.

Dennis

DarkRider · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2007, 06:55:50 AM »

The one major factor im looking at is having a riding position simular to that of my VF...From the sounds of it i would be better off with the CBR because of which. Im also now considering the early CBR Hurricanes as well since im finding the odd one that is in decent shape but is going for less then a grand in price. The R/R thing i think is an issue all the way across the board with the hondas...i have read of many VFRs from the same generation as the F2 CBRs having R/R probs too.

my78k · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2007, 07:18:06 AM »

Too bad you didn't live a little further east (well alot further east!) I would have said we could go for a ride and you could take out the F3 to check out the comfort...It is likely more aggressive than your VFR but I still find it comfortable all day long.

Dennis

heffay · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2007, 07:47:32 AM »

rest and relaxation problems?

my78k · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2007, 07:59:17 AM »

yeah exactly Heff...I don't get enough rest and relaxation time from the wife and kids to ride!!!

Dennis

DarkRider · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2007, 09:23:18 AM »

Quote from: my78k on November 28, 2007, 07:59:17 AM

yeah exactly Heff...I don't get enough rest and relaxation time from the wife and kids to ride!!!

Dennis

Thought that was the reason most of us ride? To get Rest and Relaxation? lol

Chris

DarkRider · « **Reply #18 on:** November 25, 2008, 04:29:09 PM »

I know this topic is about a year old but ...once again im looking at the older CBRs and GSXRs since it didnt pan out this year in terms of getting one...i have had a chance to sit on both a CBR F2 and an F4i and i can say i didnt mind either one of them. Chances are now that i know what the riding position is like i might even be able to take a chance with the GSXR. I have been looking at the 1100s since they are the ones that are falling within budget unlike the 750s this time. So those of you who have had the 1100 do you have any imput to add?

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #19 on:** November 25, 2008, 05:08:16 PM »

Only been on one for a few seconds but it was a nice ride

Sam.

void909 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 25, 2008, 05:12:53 PM »

I have a 95 cbr. I havent had any problems. I wouldnt trade it for the world. Never rode a gsxr but a guy down the road has an early model and I just think its ugly as sin. Just my 2 cents.

heffay · « **Reply #21 on:** November 25, 2008, 05:18:20 PM »

i'm gonna rechime in just like you did

...

i would love to try one of the old gixxer 1100s... such a nasty, gnarly bike for its day!
so, buy one and get back to me on the characteristics you like and dislike.

DarkRider · « **Reply #22 on:** November 25, 2008, 05:29:53 PM »

Lol...figured you would have to say something Heffay. And ironicly...its those traits you mentioned are exactly whats drawing me to them!! I have a line on a couple of them..an 88 and an 91. Not going to ask about the 91 till im sure the owner of the 88 will not hold it for me till i get back from my work trip. I had emailed him asking him to do so. Because im about 90% certian im gonna take it and worry about getting used to riding it in the spring...like say..learning how to control the beast on the Dragon?

heffay · « **Reply #23 on:** November 25, 2008, 06:28:14 PM »

you know... before one of my GI buddies came back from bosnia, he sent a chunk-o-change for a new ducati 748, we worked out the paperwork and i babysat for a while.

i have no qualms if you find one on denver/boulder craigslist.

my78k · « **Reply #24 on:** November 26, 2008, 06:24:53 AM »

Darkrider, have you priced out insurance yet?

I know in Ontario even though it is much older it would cost a small fortune to insure. That is a large part of why I went with the CBR. Ofcourse, even the CBR being 10 years old and only a 600 I pay about $800 a year (was paying $1200 but I moved my cars over to save a few bucks more).

I know it's not the only reason to buy a particular bike but if it gets cost prohibitive and cuts into project money or whatever...not to mention the 600 still has more balls than I do! Especially with our 50km/h over law!!

Dennis

DarkRider · « **Reply #25 on:** November 26, 2008, 03:57:17 PM »

Yea i have priced out insurance...both the 1100 and the CBR are just a lil more a month then the Interceptor...Nothing outlandish really..The 1100 is about $20 more then the Interceptor and the CBR would be $30 more. But given i only insure my bikes 3 months at a time to cover riding season im not that concerned.

my78k · « **Reply #26 on:** November 27, 2008, 07:26:47 AM »

Man I wish we could still do that....we have to take a full years worth of coverage!

azuredesign · « **Reply #27 on:** November 28, 2008, 03:50:17 AM »

I have a 94 1100. You're welcome to PM me if I can help.
Although its probably been mentioned, I like these sites as well.
http://www.gixxer.com/forums
http://oldskoolsuzuki.info/

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Author Topic: Anyone know much about the early GSXRs or the CBR 600 F2/3 (Read 4370 times)