Deleted.

Got my answers!

 

"whatever amount of time" ? Once you get it up and running, will he then take the bike back and ride it? Or not until you're ready to give it back? Is he transferring the title to you?

1. Registration fees aren't that bad. About $50-100/yr, so maybe $400. If the bike is being "sold" to you, then you'll have to pay taxes on it.

2. If the bike hasn't been running for four years, then you'll need to take the carbs out and clean them. Check for rust in the gas tank. Unless the bike has been properly stored, which I highly doubt. For sure the tires and any other consumables will need to be changed (brake pads, brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, etc etc).

3. Leave the cosmetic stuff alone for now (unless it hinders the bike's rideability). You'll be spending enough money getting it running.

I would say, it's not worth it. You could spend a grip of money, and in the end the bike would be worth less than the money you put into it. If your friend is assuming he'll get the bike back eventually, then he should be paying for some of the restoration costs. But money between friends is an ugly road you don't want to take.

If you still want to get the bike, don't forget about insurance and gear. There are too many stories and pictures of people with no (or not enough) gear and/or insurance.

 

He really lost interest in bikes, which I'm sure will come back eventually, but as of now, the bike would be staying with me till I'm ready to give it back. The title will be under his name. Me spending money on his bike isn't an issue at all, since I was always thinking about buying a used bike, I would've been spending 3-4K on something decent. This way, I'm helping a friend out as well, and at the same time, getting something I want out of the whole deal that way I can wait till I'm better at riding and then buy something newer.

Exactly how much am I looking at spending in terms of just getting the maintainence upto date?

Keep in mind I'll be doing most of the labor myself (except for tires ofcourse). I have somewhat good mechanical skills working on cars etc so I figure I could do the same for the bike.

Any other inputs?

 

a graet bike to start out on. I personally dont like the katanas, but such a sweet name for a bike.

 

msg edwin - i believe he has a katana 1000 or something.

 

Without inspecting the bike, I can't really say what needs to be done and what doesn't. Best case scenario, you only need to clean the carbs, change tires, oil filter, and brake pads, all the fluids (coolant, engine oil, hydro clutch if so equipped) and check the battery (most probably completely drained).

With just that, you'll be looking to spend about $300 (tires - $200, pads - $50, fluids - $50). Maybe throw in another $50 for miscellaneous, like carb cleaner, something to wash the bike, etc etc. So if that's all that needs to be done (in terms of maintenance/repair), go for it.

Good luck with the bike! I'm personally not a fan of Can-o-tunas. But, they're like the girl not picked for homecoming queen - not ugly, but if you treat her right, you can ride the **** out of her.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bagarbilla &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">He really lost interest in bikes, which I'm sure will come back eventually, but as of now, the bike would be staying with me till I'm ready to give it back. The title will be under his name. Me spending money on his bike isn't an issue at all, since I was always thinking about buying a used bike, I would've been spending 3-4K on something decent. This way, I'm helping a friend out as well, and at the same time, getting something I want out of the whole deal that way I can wait till I'm better at riding and then buy something newer.

Exactly how much am I looking at spending in terms of just getting the maintainence upto date?

Keep in mind I'll be doing most of the labor myself (except for tires ofcourse). I have somewhat good mechanical skills working on cars etc so I figure I could do the same for the bike.

Any other inputs?</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">But, they're like the girl not picked for homecoming queen - not ugly, but if you treat her right, you can ride the **** out of her.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

ROFL! that **** had me busting out in tears

anyways.. on a side note, i was considering getting a katana 600 at first but then i rode one and did not like it at all. instead i got myself a 97 cbr f3 for $2800 and im still loving it.

 

definitely clean the bowls on the carbs and clean out the gas tank. more than likely it was stored with gas in the carbs and tank. i doubt he ran it with the petcock on the off position and let it run out of gas.

tires well.... was it kept outside? indoors? just inspect the hell out of them. new they will run around 300 for a set mounted and balanced.

it all depends on how your buddy stored the bike

 

The GSX600 is tough as old nails and has an old engine that is very understressed. I think they are screw and locknuts on the valves, but can't be sure. Change the oil and flush it maybe. New air filter, new coolant, clean the carbs and check the rubbers. At the same time fit an inline fuel filter and look inside the tank as they have a habit of rusting. Also the frames are something rotten for corrosion. Check the head bearing and definatelty the rear shock linkages and swigarm bearings which have a habit of seizing on period Suzukis. It is worth paying for a carb balance on them as well as this will make them idle and pickup int he midrange much sweeter. All in all they are pretty good, not ligtening fast or very light but they will cope with lots of miles.

 

Katana= ugliest bike

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by s2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Katana= ugliest bike</TD></TR></TABLE>
Perhaps you are thinking of the Hayabusa?

 

busa is ugly too, but its got power to back it up, but katana is just ugly

DONT TAKE THIS TO HEART, THIS IS NOT A FACT just an OPINION

 

i wouldnt put any money in to a bike that wasn't mine, especially a katana, i owned one for less than a grand and i still think it was too much. it was a good starter but i sold it the first offer i got.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

Looks of the bike is subjective. For me, it doesn't look bad considering the fact that it looks like a fairly new bike (shape) compared to something I would've gotten for let's say $2000 (89-96) bike.

How long do the tires on bikes normally last? The bike was stored in the garage all this time, would I still need to replace the tires even if it still has good tread left?

What should I do if the gas tank is rusted from the inside? Is there a way to get it cleaned out?

I hope there are some "how to's" available online so I can clean out the carbs as well.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bagarbilla &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the responses guys.

What should I do if the gas tank is rusted from the inside? Is there a way to get it
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Kreem Seemed to work well, don't know how "extensive" my rust was though compared to your's.

Remember to use an old chain or bolts to get all the loose sh*t out first.

http://www.motorhelmets.com/ht...m.htm

Then fit an inline fuel filter, always easier to change a filter than to have to clean carbs.

 

The tires are probably rock hard, even if the bike was stored in a garage for four years. I'd recommend changing the tires.

 

katanas are chick bikes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by niccuhles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">katanas are chick bikes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

*sigh*