Tell Me About: GSXR600 SRADs (the one with the big rear)

[deadwolf]

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20%20A/Suzuki%20GSXR600%2097%20.jpg

I've been pondering about my next big bike and one of these pops up in the local equivalent of eBay every once in a while. I've had a read through all the previous threads I can find about this bike on BCF, but seeing as there aren't many recent threads, I thought I'd make a new one to get newer opinions and answers to some of my own questions.

1. Is there any inherent crappiness that will make a high mileage SRAD destroy itself despite proper maintenance throughout it's life?

2. Does the bike feel top heavy, or is the centre of gravity low? Does it need a lot of conscious effort to hustle through corners?

3. What's the turning circle like? Is it maneuverable in heavy traffic or a whale that can only filter in straight lines?

4. Does that massive tail unit actually contain any storage space? Especially with the single seat cowl fitted? I know sportbikes aren't made to be practical but that thing is absolutely huge.

5. How does the powerband behave? i.e. rides like a 'normal bike' under 6k but unleashes the beast above 10k, or needs to be revved to 5k to even move from a stop.

Thanks
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Motorsapien Art

[Fowlersrs]

Firstly get the 750, it's the better bike. Just sold mine with 40k on the clock and still purred like a kitten so you have no worries if it's been treated right.

Handling, well it's an old bike now, still rides great but don't expect it to fall into a corner like a modern lightweight 600, I never had any problems with it though.

Seat storage, yes the hump has plenty of room underneath, I always kept my tax disc, and full set of waterproofs in there no problems.

Turning circle I had no dramas with, u just gotta bear in mind there not light compared to modern bikes. As for rev ranges, u can ride it sensibly but there hooligans above 10k, if your brave enough to unleash the top end beast. Of course I'm referring to the 750, never had a 600 but I can't imagine them being massively different.

Front brakes can be shit if not looked after, there strength is in there price if u ask me. I paid £1350 for mine and it was a tidy 97 750, sold it almost a year later for £1400... All there depreciation is done with, so buy with your head and you won't loose a penny other than on tyres and maintenance of course!!

[DSK]

Do it. I have the 750 but the 600 is similar. The 600 doesn't have some of the 750's toys like usd's, adjustability etc and the motor needs working harder. I tried both before I bought one.

Handling wise I find them a joy, you will never reach their limit on the road. They seem to be sensitive to good tyres. Old tyres make them a bit of a pig.
They are fairly comfy for distance riding and the seat hump can store a lot.

They are a bit of a marmite bike because of the looks but I think they look gorgeous, sound lovely and ride well. I plan on keeping mine a long time.

Quality wise, its a suzuki so will showits age more than a Honda. One that's lived outside will show its. Bolts and fasteners will show it as will somw paint finishes especially on the forks.

Timing chain tensioners go bad and make them rattle but its an easy and cheap fix. Front brakes can seize but easy to fix and keep on top of.
Check 1st and 2nd gear by accelerating and letting go of throttle to see if it jumps out of gear.
Check for smoke as its an old bike and 'the hooligans choice'.

Other than that ride and enjoy. And you will enjoy it.

Stu

Other than that regular oil changes and servicing and she'll be good.
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Current Bike - 1990 CBR600 FL Benetton edition.

[sulphur]

I want one. That's all I can tell you. When my DAS is done, I want one. Or if a k2 comes up cheap I'll have that.

[woo]

get a k1-k3 model instead if you can afford it!
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Elen sila lummen omentielvo!

[dragstaar]

I've got the 600, and it was my first sportsbike, and I initially didn't like just how aggressive the seating position was, but I got used to it very quickly.

It used to make me ache like a bitch, but I persisted because I'd always wanted a sports bike.

I filter through London rush hour every day, and it is surprisingly nimble for such a big bike, and it is very heavy. It takes some getting used to, and I wouldn't advise trying to nip it around like a go-kart straight away. Once you are confident with the throttle response, clutch, and brakes, you can literally tell it to go where you want it to go.

Turning circle can be tighter, but its not an articulated lorry, so it is still very nimble. Its a teensy bit sluggish in the early rev range, but that's in comparison to when it hit 7-8k, you see a noticeable kick as it shoots off.

The fat arse is mis-leading. there is surprisingly little space in there for what it looks like. the seat cowl isn't hollow, so you cant put anything in that bit. In the actual arse end of the bike, the side fat is exactly that, you cant put anything. So really, you have about an A4 sized tray, which is quite deep so you can keep bits and bobs in there, but you're not going to get your shopping in. Plenty of space for a good lock and chain or a set of waterproofs. Mine currently has the alarm unit, the manufacturers toolkit and random crap in there.

The only thing that I have found, is that you do end up ragging it everywhere once you're confident with it, which means you churn through oil. Might just be mine though.

Also, insurance-wise, its a surprise. My insurance is cheaper for this than it is for an SV650s.

[kerr]

I find mine to cope pretty well on the twisty's, as said the front brake is fairly poor.
Mine has 48k on the clock and the only issues iv had is electrics really, previous owner rode it in all weather's.

Im 6 foot and find the peg's to be a touch too high for my liking, my knees are on my chin.

Also town riding can be a pain as it tends to chug a bit and your constantly changing gear, the 750 is the same iv been told.

All in all a decent bike, if pretty fugly, wouldn't pay more than a grand for one though.
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aprilia 125 Af1 Futura >> Suzuki gsxr 600 srad >> J1 zx6r >> cbr 600rr >> Speed Triple

[DSK]

Fugly? Fugly?! Its one of the prettiest bikes made in my opinion.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so they say.
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Current Bike - 1990 CBR600 FL Benetton edition.

[DSK]

Fugly? Fugly?! Its one of the prettiest bikes made in my opinion.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so they say.
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Current Bike - 1990 CBR600 FL Benetton edition.

[j00pY]

Fantastic looking bike. But then I also like big rears on women too

I think I'm after a slightly more modern k4/k5 750 as soon as I get a garage to keep it in. But, these older bikes are great to look at as well.

[Wull]

As above I'd save up a bit more and get yourself an early K model 600.

Lighter,faster,better handling and better looking.......obviously personal preference as I know a few who prefer the look of the SRAD but its a proper marmite bike as you either like the look of it,or you don't.
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"Scooters are for men who want to ride motorcycles but prefer to feel the wind on their vaginas"

[kerr]

[Musketeer]

It looks fat
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Current Bike: Yamaha XSR900 Previous bikes: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja, Aprilia RS125 2-stroke

[binge]

Could put up with how ugly they are if they weren't so slow.

[Snorty]

I've got an SRAD 750 and I love it.

I find the handling to be more than adequate - I have supreme confidence in the bike.

It doesn't feel too heavy unless it gets past a certain point and you get it stuck on your leg!

Turning circle is bad, but you're not buying a sportsbike for it's turning circle.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t1.0-9/1959889_10203301605169471_1709473017_n.jpg

I like the looks!
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4

[DSK]

[sulphur]

[kerr]

[binge]

[Snorty]

My mate has a K1 600 which is pretty damn quick.
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4

[binge]

The K1 would be, it's a totally different generation of bike.


K1 1000 is one of my favorite bikes.

[TUG]

[deadwolf]

Thanks for all the replies so far

I've looked at all manner of bikes and for some reason this bike always sticks in my head. Definitely like the look. Guess it's a clear indicator that

https://www.quickmeme.com/img/38/385d4841d8c601f4f3e8e612faded0f64d2113a81f9230a4c915c3a84c295a83.jpg

And what is up with sportbikes nowadays, with their tiny, almost vestigial seat units? It's like

https://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/True+that.+I+like+big+butts+and+i+cannot+lie_4afca4_3925531.jpg

Not to mention that the manufacturers then proceed to fuck it all up with a license plate holder the size and length of a shovel.

Neways, the bike will be likely be doing mostly long distance stuff, some touring, and maybe commuting three days out of a week. I tend to base my comparisons on my old CB500 and the 600 SRAD seems similar in terms of weight. Wonder how they'd differ in handling.
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Motorsapien Art

[binge]

The white and blue SRAD was always a bike I wanted when I was 16/17.
But then I found out what a TLR1000 looked like, and instantly found the SRAD ugly.

Kinda like when you see a Focus ST for the first time, then an RS pulls up along side it.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Reminds me of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quKrOCRH5Us
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