School me on GSXR's

[Bad324]

I've been offered an 05 GSXR 750 for $3k. I know pretty much know nothing about Suzuki's so any help is appreciated:

It has 8500 miles, some light cosmetic damage to the upper fairing and brake lever. From the pic it looks like a tip over more than a wreck but will have to see for sure in person. Also has "k&n intake and yosh slip on pipe"

From what I've seen searching craigslist the last month or so, this is quite the deal for a 750 if it checks out, correct me if I'm wrong however please as I'm trying to decide between this and an 07 600RR with half the miles, mint condition and $1k more

[imprez55]

A mint 2007 600rr is a steal at $4K, especially at only 4250 miles. Either way you are getting a good deal. I just got an '07 gsxr 600 in a trade and its taking some getting used to for me. I still like my 2003 600rr a lot better as the gsxr just feels a little off to me, then again it has AM clip-ons and I still need to play around with some stuff to match it better to me. I am learning about them now as I go, so I can't give you much advice especially on the 750

[Mykill]

Well, its not a Honda so....get the Honda

Actually, thats good deal on either. I love the 07-08 Hondas but I would gladly take a 750. Supposedly they are the best of street power/performance and they nice as well.

[DoughnuT]

Both are good deals, assuming everything is legit on them. It is going to come down to preference on which you pick. I am a suzuki guy, and would take it over the RR, but both are good. I would mention, that the seat is going to be a little different, compared to the thinner one on the RR. Makes long rides a little more bearable.

The thing I would be looking at most, is what it would be used for. Both are good for the street. If any track time, the GSXR might have the advantage. If you are wanting to stunt, the RR is pretty good to go right to it.

Each has advantages over the other, so like said before, which feels better to you?

[Bad324]

this is my conundrum as I am admittedly bias towards Honda's. The goal is to use either for street and track as I'd like to get into that next year

Pros of the Honda: mint, half the miles, I'm more familiar with them.

Con is its more than I want to spend but its a smoking deal and its in Cinci. Thats not a terribly huge deal because I have plenty of friends down there that I could just make a weekend out of it

Pros of the GSXR: price is exactly what I wanted to spend, located 5 mins from my office, trying a "different" bike than I've had

Cons: not mint, but doesnt look BTS in the pics. I could say miles but really anything under 10k is fine by me. Not very familiar with them so it'd be a learning experience

[redkow97]

The suzuki is cheaper than the honda, but also uglier.

The suzuki probably has an extra 30hp on the honda, and only 15 lbs...

The honda is a known quantity (for you), the suzuki is a known quantity for tens of thousands of squids all over the USA.

I don't think you're going to find a problem with either bike. The '04/05 GSX-R's were big steps forward for Suzuki. Inverted forks, FI, radial mounted brake calipers. They did their redesign right.

I'd just check on the insurance difference, but honestly, slightly older model probably negates the increase in power/displacement.

[redkow97]

Posted before reading your intentions - why would you spend $1k more on a bike you intend to pull some track duty? "mint" is a liability at the track, not a desirable feature!

FYI - honda track plastics cost about $80-100 more than other models, because of the stupid tank covers.

If you want to track it, go w/ the suzuki. If you want to RACE it, stay away from 750's. competitive in fewer classes, and you WILL get embarrassed by more skilled riders on 600's

[imprez55]

If a pro is trying a different bike, then at least go check it out and see if you can test ride. If you are that interested in buying one or the other, you will know when you get on it whether or not its what you want

[natedogg624]

Posted before reading your intentions - why would you spend $1k more on a bike you intend to pull some track duty? "mint" is a liability at the track, not a desirable feature!

FYI - honda track plastics cost about $80-100 more than other models, because of the stupid tank covers.

If you want to track it, go w/ the suzuki. If you want to RACE it, stay away from 750's. competitive in fewer classes, and you WILL get embarrassed by more skilled riders on 600's

#winning

[Mykill]

I thought about it a little more. Get the Honda.

[Bad324]

this may be a dumb question, but which one would easier to work on and maintain? Granted anything major Pauly will get to deal with

Oh, and if anyone is in or near Cinci (specifically Milford) and wants to see if the Honda checks out for me that would be phenomenal

Edited November 1, 2011 by Bad324

[redkow97]

all modern bikes are shoe-horned into their frames, and require a computer to mess with the engine.

basic maintenance (tire changes, brake pads, oil changes, etc.) will be equally as annoying on all modern sportbikes.

I'd say it's a wash.

[jbot]

if you're serious about doing a few track days next year, get the cheaper bike. not that going to the track means automagically dropping the bike (unless you're me), but there is that chance, and better to drop it on imperfect plastics than minty ones. use that $1K difference to buy spares and porn and track days

[Squidy]

Like everybody else is saying, both are smoking deals! But I'd say go Honda, you'll have better luck selling a newer bike down the road then the older gsxr. Not to mention the 600 will be cheaper to insure then the 750.

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[Moto-Brian]

OK... Having dealt with both brands and both of these models and while biased towards Suzukis, I will explain below. The reason the "squids" like the Suzukis are because they are the most represented brand at the track these days and many prior. Yamaha is pushing to become the most represented as almost everybody racing is running an R6.

The fact is that the Honda is lower on power, has essentially the same design and will feel similar. The Honda may feel a bit smaller to you, but honestly, the GSXR is a great track weapon. It is also going to be a better street bike if desired because of the low end grunt and the overall feel.

As for working on them, they are both pretty easy. The Suzukis are easier to make track worthy and remove things as they are really designed more towards race than the Hondas are.

I can also tell you that a 750 is a better choice than a 600. The fact is that they are the same weight (within minimal pounds) have the same chassis geometry essentially and have more power. The problem is that most the fast guys are on 600s and if they were on 750s, they'd go faster. It's a fact.

BUT, the truth is that they are close and I can attest that a fast guy or "squid" as they seemingly are called, can wax you on an EX500 if you were on a 1000. The deal lies in the rider vs the bike. So, fast rider on the 750 and the same fast rider on the 600 and you'll see faster lap times on the 750...

So, here's where I tell you why I am biased. I think Suzuki is a better machine when we talk track. Street? I don't really think in those terms as it ends up being more a comfort, preference for color, size, etc that come into play. Track bikes aren't comfortable, they aren't softer to run over bridge seams and not be harsh, they aren't quiet so you don't have to wear ear plugs when riding, etc. They are tools to be used in an environment that they were designed for. Battle.

The Suzuki has more "squids" at the track days, at the races, etc. The idea that there are more people running them lends itself to be easier to get info about issues, info about setup, info as to what to do with the bike if it is fighting you, etc. There is also an abundance of parts available online and at the track should you need them if you had an issue, etc.

In the end, you are going to get everyone from riders that have only had Hondas or Suzukis to veterans that have more seat time on more bikes than a magazine editor and all the while, it doesn't mean shit. It's up to YOU and what YOU want and what YOU expect to get. Don't let the concern over faster guys worry you. Always someone faster and it doesn't matter what they are on.

Don't listen to the minimal class structure. Most guys run no more than 4 races a weekend and the bike fits at minimal, 4 classes.

Don't worry about what is going to be easier to sell, either as both bikes are pretty fair on price.

In the end, tell us what you want to do and understand that street use is going to be a toss up, but more low end grunt and more power can be an asset on the street. At the track, the 750 is going to have an edge and really, vs the Honda, it is going to be easier to ride quickly. BUT, understand that it is like a big dirt bike vs a smaller cc dirt bike. The bigger bike allows you to be lazy and probably not be as aggressive and stiull go quickly. A smaller bike asks you to step up in speed and ability to go as fast.

I think that in this case, they are so close, it is really up to you... I prefer the zook, but I am partial to the 05 750:

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[wantahertzdonut]

Don't put it on the track unless you can afford to push it off a cliff.

While I think the Honda would be a better bike, the Suzuki is also an incredible machine and you can put the money you save toward at least 4 trackdays.

[Bad324]

awesome, that is a lot of great info! Realistically, I can't see myself racing anytime soon if at all. Then again when I started riding I didn't ever see myself going to track days but with more experience and slightly better skills I want to start track days to learn, be a better rider and have an overall good experience.

With my VFR, I absolutely have loved the low end power as it helps mask the blatant inexperience and pitfalls I have in cornering so that is a major plus then with the 750. The more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards the GSXR as I don't think it would be difficult at all to be able to come out at least even if I end up finding I don't like it and would prefer a Honda. We shall see when I'm able to give it a look over this week sometime

[Simplysix]

I always thought the 600rr felt smaller and more cramped. Might want to ride both and see for yourself especially since you are switching from a more comfortable vfr.

Just my 2¢

[gen3flygirl]

Go for the gsxr !!

[Bad324]

I always thought the 600rr felt smaller and more cramped. Might want to ride both and see for yourself especially since you are switching from a more comfortable vfr.

Just my 2¢

I'll be keeping the VFR for most of my street rides regardless, just adding a 2nd bike once again

Go for the gsxr !!

at least I know I have someone to sell it to if I don't like it

[ohdaho]

If its a wash and youre not to worried about re-sale opportunities...go with the cheaper bike and use the extra money for more track days next season.

[redkow97]

I can also tell you that a 750 is a better choice than a 600. The fact is that they are the same weight (within minimal pounds) have the same chassis geometry essentially and have more power. The problem is that most the fast guys are on 600s and if they were on 750s, they'd go faster. It's a fact.

I agree that most EXPERIENCED track riders would go faster on a 750 than a 600, but for someone just getting into trackdays, i'm less convinced.

This is in no way a criticism of the bike, but an extra 30hp makes it easier to highside (still very possibly on a 600), and adds a few mph on the straights. The faster you get going, the more speed you have to deal with if you miss a brake marker or something.

It's a great deal on this particular 750, so I'd strongly consider it, but usually the rule of thumb is to start with the least amount of horsepower your ego will allow.

[Moto-Brian]

I agree that most EXPERIENCED track riders would go faster on a 750 than a 600, but for someone just getting into trackdays, i'm less convinced.

This is in no way a criticism of the bike, but an extra 30hp makes it easier to highside (still very possibly on a 600), and adds a few mph on the straights. The faster you get going, the more speed you have to deal with if you miss a brake marker or something.

It's a great deal on this particular 750, so I'd strongly consider it, but usually the rule of thumb is to start with the least amount of horsepower your ego will allow.

Yi=ou are right, but the blanket statement isn't accurate and what I was contradicting. Basically, current crop 600s are more than what most riders can really handle if not well experienced...

[shadyone]

Id go with the GSXR i love the 750s. I cant stand the seating position on the cbrs. and the seat just plain sucks. Plus the Honda could go from mint to slightly rashed in a matter of seconds. Id save the extra G for a track day.

[DoughnuT]

As far as insuring goes, it isn't to bad on bigger bikes. 25 with a good record, and I pay 125 a month for full coverage for BOTH of mine.

Everyone is stating good reasons for both bikes. Best bet is to go and see which one you like best. Only your decisions matter in the end on this one. We can say pro/cons all day long. It will help, but you may find different from what people say.

Check both bikes, or at least have people you trust check them out. Make a decision, and let us know what you decide.

Personally, I think you would like the GSXR better. With what you seem to like in the VFR, leans towards it in my opinion anyways.