What might be the biggest problem?

Question

With a 1998 Suzuki GSXR 750 with almost 40,000 miles on it. What is probably the first thing i should have looked at? I really dont know a whole lot about motorcycles, just bought this as a first bike, and i know, it has a lot of miles. Nothing too crazy seems to wrong with it. It just seems like the engine is trying really hard sometimes and dont want to blow it out or anything.

Answer 1

Get it to a reputable bike mechanic (not necessarily a dealer) and have them give it a comprehensive service. They will be able check compression, valve timing and carby tune while giving it a general checkup. From there, you can act on any advice they can give on improving its performance.

Answer 2

Do what the other people said. 40,000 miles really isn't that much, you normally add 2 zero's to the amount of cc's to get the average of how many miles they will last. In your case 750 = 75,000.

Answer 3

Uhh Ask someone that works on them!

Answer 4

check the carburettors and tank for rust and have it dealt with accordingly, have a look on google for tank cleaning and im sure you'll find a c**p load of products and techniques of ridding yourself of the orange death,

good luck

Answer 5

if the oil has been changed on a regular basis , then its probably gonna be ok , does it make noise when its hot ?.........or first thing after you start it when its cold ??..... thats what I look for , a compression test will only tell you about the top end of the engine , what about the bearings  in the bottom end ???.... these could be rooted and you still might have good compression , what a lot of machinery , and expensive plant operators do if they are interested in buying a second hand machine , is they take an oil sample !! you can do this with your bike , and they will analyse the particals , and tell you whats wearing , its cheap to do this , and a very good guide to what might  wearing in your engine , you will get a report , and it explains  your  situation , kinda like a blood test !........

Answer 6

"trying too hard"? What are you trying to do? Is the bike designed to be ridden the way you ride? Lots of variables there. The bike sounds as if it MAY be the perfect first one. Like others have said, get a knowledgeable mechanic/rider to check it out for you. You may have friends that ride and would know what they're hearing or experiencing in it. Maybe get one to ride it a day or two and see if they experience anything out of the ordinary? Don't mess up a good bike by NOT checking it out for little things. Chances are it needs a few little things like tuning or something like that but ignoring that may cause a larger problem by NOT doing it.

Answer 7

Get a compression test done. That will tell you if the engine is good or not.

Good luck...

Answer 8

Absolutely get the valve clearances checked - and THEN a compression test.

Answer 9

Take it to a mechanic and have him look it over. Tell him you just bought it and tell him to have mercy on you.  Then ask him if it is running correctly, or if there are immediate problems, that you need to fix (for reasons of safety).  If it is all right then for the immediate future , ask him what you might need to do the keep it running for the mid-term. And finally ask what you need to make it a first class ride.

If you have a friend who is a professional, good, go and see him.  If not see if you can take Diogenes along.  Diogenes was the Greek supposedly carrying a lantern and searching the world for an Honest man.  (BY that I mean YOU MAY be scr*wed by a dishonest mechanic, but you have no choice, you already own the motorcycle.)

Ask him how he would classify it, safe/clean/well run in, or used up/worn out or okay but with a few problems, and how much would the problems take to fix. If he mentions the oil is dirty, or the air filter or sparks plugs need service those are not expensive IF YOU DO THEM PROPERLY.  If you doubt your ability, than be prepared to write a big check.  (Motorcycle service is expensive, and as bikes get bigger they figure that you will pay to keep it running.)