Hi everyone,

Just like to say first of all Awsome Site!!
also that I am a newbi as far as bikes go,
I want to buy a 97-99 GSX-R 600
Is there anything I should lookout for that these bikes are known to
have problems with? Or problem areas from abuse? etc?

I am a 210lbs guy, 5'10" tall, do you think a 600cc bike is too small for me?
Keep in mind also that this will be my first bike, so insurance costs etc are all a factor here.
Thanks alot in advance, and Im happy to be part of this awsome site!
Thanks,

Raven

Things to look for are maintance wear items. Check to see if the tires are in good condition, chain wear(you can take a tape measure and check the stretch...measure the number of link vs. length...but i'm not sure I what the spec is for the 600 I think it's something like 21 link is stretched if it's more than 12 1/2 inches but someone should know that). CHECK THE FORK SEALS...to make sure they aren't leaking...sit on the bike and press the front suspension down and up a few times and see if the seals are leaking oil. Listen to the engine that it's reving easy and not blurping. Ask for maintance records if they have any. If they will let you take off the fairings to see if you see any leaking on the engine case or oil lines. There are more things so more people will help you good look and good choice with a 600...a 210 rider for a first bike it's a good decision http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Welcome. I am the same height and weight as you. My 97 600 is what I started out on. No regrets. It has plenty of power, just respect it.


Dustyn

Get yourself a 750 my man......I did and so did many of my friends as our first bikes. My other friends with 600's love their bikes, but are all looking for other bikes, bigger bikes, after their first seasons. They all want to step it up....and so do I now. I am selling my 750 and putting a down payment on a new 03 1000. Get whatever you find yourself comfortable on.

one other thing I'd like to add. Check for any collision induced damage to the steering head area... especially the nub on the very front of the frame between the triple clamps... make sure that's not been hammered on. Reason is the bike was probably tossed. This could mean the frame is tweaked possibly too, which can have a major adverse effect on alignments, and handling prowess. Chains are something to be looked at as a cost replacement anyways. Same goes with the sprockets. You change them as you need to. I'd just look at the peanuts of the chain to see if they're binding instead of being flat and aligned. This will tell you that the person takes care of lubing the chain... which could mean the person actually cares about the little things and you may not have to worry about it. Take that as literally as you like though. I'd ride the bike always. Make sure the shifts are smooth in transition to see if the gear dogs are not beat up from abuse, etc. Take the bike in for a professional inspection though. I can't emphasize that enough really. It will give you an unbiased opinion and you'll know what they think might be wrong with it. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks for the info everyone...
Im going to go with a 600cc rocket...
You guys RULE!!! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif