Suzuki RF900 opinions/thoughts please

[Fisty]

Just been offerd a 1998 rf900 in red with 8000 miles on the clock for £600.

Its got suzuki service history upto 7000 miles, but needs new tyres and mot.

Are they any good?
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[chris-red]

I like them, my mate has one and payed about double that for the same year and more milage I think.

They are very quick and I think look cool, Spray the vents on it black it is a big improvement IMO.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[G]

Give it a good check over; if it won't need anything else for MOT, then seems like a pretty good price for a nice comfy bike that'll happily do distance comfortably if needed.

[Fisty]

Right, just been to look at it. To pass an Mot it needs:-
Both tyres (£200ish) , right hand stanction replacing as it is badly pitted (£god only knows), Fork seals (pennies) possibly rear wheel bearings and a good service.

I can afford to buy it and put new tyres on it but thats about it at the mo if i do get it, its going to spend the rest of the year sat on my drive while my house is sorted.

Rah decisions. Suzuki RF900 or washing machine ??
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[bish777]

wheel bearings are 15 quid a pair and the stanchion is 70 quid for a pattern one.
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GSXR1100J

[G]

Do you know that £15 is for this model? Was £70 for my r6 for three as I couldn't find any pattern ones at the time .

Should be able to get part worn tyres for a lot less than £200 - from around £50, I expect.

Definitely worth having a look around for what is else is available that looks to be good value.

Oh and look on your local freecycle group for a washing machine .

[McGee]

Watch the around the rear shock/swingarm prone to rusting.

Also check the suspension a lot of the shocks are shite now My RF600r with a passenger would bottom out over bumps.

Apart from that they are quick bikes for their size/weight, also sound awesome even stock. The riding position is different though its like your legs are in the sport position and your arms are stretched out across the tank

I liked my 600r built like a tank, got hit head on at over 30 and the bastard started back up and road home only damage was the front top fairing and a fork slightly twisted.

Pretty shitty on gas my GSXR gets better mpg, I hate to think what the 900 makes.

Any who good bike to abuse
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◙◙► K6 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 1000 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► 96 RF600r ◄◙◙
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Its pronounced Jixxer!

[Blau Zedong]

I'd give £600 quid without even seeing it as long as it ran.
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18:54:48 Rob Fzs: jews don't give away stuff for free

18:54:59 Rob Fzs: unless its their clothes/ hair/ golden teeth

[ryder_bandit]

[rumppole]

I had an RF900R until a month ago when I traded it in for my new Daytona.

Great bikes. Pulls like a steam train in any gear. Capable of 160mph+ as stock and with a few tweaks can hit 175mph or near.

Handles relatively well for a heavy bike and the engines are bullet proof.

If you know how to ride its more than capable of scratching with and can keep up with most 600 supersports and even some litre bikes.

Brakes can feel a little spongy so its recommended that you make the change to braided hoses and change the brake fluid regularly. Despite them not being the greatest of brakes they can drag the bike to a stop pretty quickly.

The looks are odd and the bike never sold in vast numbers due to it being released in 1994 shortly after the Fireblade, which took the crowning glory. It performes in a very similar way to the Blade of the same year though.

Fuel Hoses split after a few years so check them annualy.

The good bits are:- It goes like the clappers. It has an engine that really is faultless, albeit a little noisy (normal for the RF). Many parts are interchangable with the Bandit 1200. It handles very well for a heavy bike. It sounds lovely with an aftermarket can. Its relatively cheap to maintain, especially if serviced at home. It has an iconic following. An RF in good condition will draw lots of attention at bike meets. Very comfortable for touring.

Bad bits:- Brakes are not the best, but perform adequately. Difficult to get hold of replacement fairings. An ugly arse end. Hit the brakes at night and the rear lights burn the retinas from anyone within 100yds of the back end of the bike. Poor dipped headlight but the full beam makes up for this (alternatives are available).

If I had to own one again it certainly wouldn't upset me.

Go for it, you'll enjoy the purchase. Its a superbike at the cost of a scooter.

Hope this helps make your decision an easier one.

Steve
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Sermo datur cunctis; animi sapientia paucis.

[sickpup]