Discussion
Have had a hankering for one of these recently as they seem to be still "affordable" a good thing to ride, decent enough to look after and look a bit different to the current crop of sports bikes and in particular newer Suzukis, that can look a bit samey.
I am thinking an early 96 on carbs, nice nick, or a late 99 (or 200 registered) on injection, as the best options, considering I'll ride it and "collect" it too.
Things to watch out for? Worth a punt?
I think the build quality on the 2000 year Y models is far better and, I am sure it is a better bike, prices seem remarkably affordable for what are absolute minter low miles ones. But the SRAD looks far cooler IMHO and as the forerunner for the Suzuki sportsbikes since, have a certain place in sportsbike history.
Anyone know of any nice original or period modded bikes available, (no blue anodised bolts SVP!)
I am thinking an early 96 on carbs, nice nick, or a late 99 (or 200 registered) on injection, as the best options, considering I'll ride it and "collect" it too.
Things to watch out for? Worth a punt?
I think the build quality on the 2000 year Y models is far better and, I am sure it is a better bike, prices seem remarkably affordable for what are absolute minter low miles ones. But the SRAD looks far cooler IMHO and as the forerunner for the Suzuki sportsbikes since, have a certain place in sportsbike history.
Anyone know of any nice original or period modded bikes available, (no blue anodised bolts SVP!)
3DP said:
Carbs are a ball ache on old bikes and add nothing to the SRAD experience. My advice buy a 98 on FI model. Buy the best low mile one you can and sort suspension. Not a soulful bike but very capable for the era.
My thinking too. Although I know the tank mounted pumps etc can cause their own issues, (price, availability etc). A guy I know reckons he knows of a 10k miler 2000 registered one that can be had for sensible money. Red mind you..?
poo at Paul's said:
3DP said:
Carbs are a ball ache on old bikes and add nothing to the SRAD experience. My advice buy a 98 on FI model. Buy the best low mile one you can and sort suspension. Not a soulful bike but very capable for the era.
My thinking too. Although I know the tank mounted pumps etc can cause their own issues, (price, availability etc). A guy I know reckons he knows of a 10k miler 2000 registered one that can be had for sensible money. Red mind you..?
Suzuki Vintage parts scheme means it is a lot easier to run these than old Kawasakis, but near 20 year old carbs with worn needles and emulsion tubes, dodgy carb rubbers, knackered fuel taps etc and modern unleaded are just aggro you don't need unless fully committed. If a bike you want only comes in carbs then there is no choice then fine, but for a bike like the SRAD 750 that ran for 4 years with 2 years as carbs and 2 years as FI, it's a no brainer to grab the grab the FI, unless you want a 96 first model carbed bike in blue and white for potential future value in a few years. As with most bikes like this, it's just the collector value. a 94 916 is not a patch on a 2000 996 in either build quality or performance, but it's the 94 that is worth 50% more. If you just want to ride and enjoy the nostalgia and look, don't get hung up on the 'most desirable' version and get the best one. You'll not lose money either way.
Edited by 3DP on Wednesday 14th February 19:17
Jazoli said:
I owned one, it was fantastic and still capable of keeping up with modern stuff on the roads, cramped though, I remember the induction noise the most, they sound brilliant.
Mine was red
Another one I should have kept.
looked the same as mine that i feel like a dumbass for selling - W519pls where are you?Mine was red
Another one I should have kept.
I have a blue and white 99 model and I'm very glad it's fi rather than carbs. Mine done just over 16k miles and is in pretty good nick apart from a couple of scratches and slightly tatty wheels.
I love how analogue it feels and there's absolutely nothing on it that feels unnecessary. It was my first sportsbike and for better or worse it really eggs you on. I'd agree in many ways that they lack character but there's also a clincal sense of occasion to it if that makes any sense? Whenever I get it on it I know it was built to go fast and sell based on that rather than have any extra charm or functionality beyond that. For what they are they're cheap as chips too. I paid 2.5k for it with 12000 miles in very good condition and still feel like I overpaid by a fair margin!
I love how analogue it feels and there's absolutely nothing on it that feels unnecessary. It was my first sportsbike and for better or worse it really eggs you on. I'd agree in many ways that they lack character but there's also a clincal sense of occasion to it if that makes any sense? Whenever I get it on it I know it was built to go fast and sell based on that rather than have any extra charm or functionality beyond that. For what they are they're cheap as chips too. I paid 2.5k for it with 12000 miles in very good condition and still feel like I overpaid by a fair margin!
Had a test ride on one in around 1998. Loved it. Was thinking about buying one but ended up with a 748 instead. A big accident on the 748 meant a 16 year absence from riding on the road but I always had a soft spot for the GSXR-750. Finally bought one (new) last summer.
I think the SRAD still looks great. Definitely worth a punt. I would have one if I weren't so mechanically challenged (anything beyond pumping the tyres and checking/lubing a bit much for me)
I think the SRAD still looks great. Definitely worth a punt. I would have one if I weren't so mechanically challenged (anything beyond pumping the tyres and checking/lubing a bit much for me)
jjones said:
Series on the 750 srad (vs zx7r) on 44 teeth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0c7jCBSRwA
Not watched any 44T last night, but caught up on the whole series. Brilliant.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0c7jCBSRwA
Krikkit said:
jjones said:
Series on the 750 srad (vs zx7r) on 44 teeth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0c7jCBSRwA
Not watched any 44T last night, but caught up on the whole series. Brilliant.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0c7jCBSRwA
Love the budget shoot out, it's my favourite thing they've done so far. For the record I'd take the gsxr over that bloody kawasaki all day, every day.
I had a WT 96 on carbs. Had a Stage 1 Dyno kit, race can, cast iron discs with Carbone Lorraine pads and dropped front sprocket 1. It was quick, good on road and track and hardly took any maintenance. Was prone to Carb Icing. Put loads of miles on it too, ended up giving it to my brother rather than let if go for peanuts, as we grew up on bikes together and since he got married, he'd not had chance to get back on a bike, it still puts a smile on his face each time he gets it out. Propper hooligan bike IMHO.
Update- Managed to pick up the SRAD but not been out on it til today, due weather etc.
This bike has been owned by last guy since 2002 and he has done less than 1k miles in that time!
Good points- Motor really sounds sweet and seems to ride / pull flawlessly, it is basically stock, ie on stock pipe etc, which helps, but I was surprised for 1999 injection how nice it is.
Panels etc are all pretty mint and original.
Tank's been painted, and it is not horrific, but not perfect by any means. I can get that sorted though.
Chain is in not great shape, well overlubed too! Quite rusty, so chain and sprockets are a priority!
Tyres- flip me!! Rear is a Dragon GTS (remember them!!>) and dated May 2001! It was new when the guy had the bike so has done less than 1k miles, but it is a mess, the centre area has feint lateral cracks running across it! Obviously going to be binned PDQ for something like PR 4s or maybe Metzler RRs? Riding on a 17 year old tyre certainly focusses the mind on speed and lines, I hardly dare lean it off vertical!
Front tyre is nearly new, ie dated Mar 13!! It's a Pirelli too, but not a GTS as they stopped making them longtime ago! So new tyres all round are first on list
6 pot Tokicos all seem ok, been refurbed I think as are gold not black. But lever felt good, brakes felt fine, has nice goodridge braided hoses, one finger use and seems fine.
Rear disc a bit dirty, but has started to clean up.
Suspension- feels remarkably good! I couldn't understand quite how it could be so decent, but I think it has been rebuilt / revalved at the front, and what I hadn't realised is it has a trick rear shock of unknown origin, with a remote gas canister tie wrapped up under the seat. It has a red spring on it, and is very trick with ride height adjustment, full set of clickers, loads of preload adjustment. Need to get it off to find out who's it is, it's not any of the obvious ones, ie ohlins, hagon, YSS, Hyperpro, Maxton or Nitron! But looks quality even if from 18 years ago!
Head stock may need tightening or maybe new bearings? The rubber washer over the top of it all is a bit perished.
Bike ran nice and cool, 75 degrees or so when rolling up to 100 in traffic, I did not get fan to kick in, but it is all full of coolant and none spilled out.
It's an ace riding position, perfect for a quick blast, not long days!! Quite compact and racey, quite old skool. Based on GP bike of the day remember!
Plan is tyres, chain and sprockets, I may have wheels done black not white, as whilst original and period, they are an arse to keep clean!
Few odds and ends of brackets and braces need repainting here and there, but in many respects it is pretty mint. Sort tank paint and that's it I think. Keep it pretty original, I am even tempted by the stock exhaust and can, makes it so smooth and really can hear the induction when you wind it up.
I do have an ohlins steering damper that will fit it and Harris top mount kit, which I think I will add, as the stock one is quite stiff and I think as a popular period accessory, it will be fine.
I have a titanium header and an Akra carbon can that are pretty mint, just need a link pipe making up, but i am tempted to keep it stock?
For the moola, (less than 2k in it so far) I'm well chuffed with it. I reckon with new tyres, chain etc, tank painted, it will be about 2500, and be quite rare, really very tidy indeed and a nice thing to ride.
This bike has been owned by last guy since 2002 and he has done less than 1k miles in that time!
Good points- Motor really sounds sweet and seems to ride / pull flawlessly, it is basically stock, ie on stock pipe etc, which helps, but I was surprised for 1999 injection how nice it is.
Panels etc are all pretty mint and original.
Tank's been painted, and it is not horrific, but not perfect by any means. I can get that sorted though.
Chain is in not great shape, well overlubed too! Quite rusty, so chain and sprockets are a priority!
Tyres- flip me!! Rear is a Dragon GTS (remember them!!>) and dated May 2001! It was new when the guy had the bike so has done less than 1k miles, but it is a mess, the centre area has feint lateral cracks running across it! Obviously going to be binned PDQ for something like PR 4s or maybe Metzler RRs? Riding on a 17 year old tyre certainly focusses the mind on speed and lines, I hardly dare lean it off vertical!
Front tyre is nearly new, ie dated Mar 13!! It's a Pirelli too, but not a GTS as they stopped making them longtime ago! So new tyres all round are first on list
6 pot Tokicos all seem ok, been refurbed I think as are gold not black. But lever felt good, brakes felt fine, has nice goodridge braided hoses, one finger use and seems fine.
Rear disc a bit dirty, but has started to clean up.
Suspension- feels remarkably good! I couldn't understand quite how it could be so decent, but I think it has been rebuilt / revalved at the front, and what I hadn't realised is it has a trick rear shock of unknown origin, with a remote gas canister tie wrapped up under the seat. It has a red spring on it, and is very trick with ride height adjustment, full set of clickers, loads of preload adjustment. Need to get it off to find out who's it is, it's not any of the obvious ones, ie ohlins, hagon, YSS, Hyperpro, Maxton or Nitron! But looks quality even if from 18 years ago!
Head stock may need tightening or maybe new bearings? The rubber washer over the top of it all is a bit perished.
Bike ran nice and cool, 75 degrees or so when rolling up to 100 in traffic, I did not get fan to kick in, but it is all full of coolant and none spilled out.
It's an ace riding position, perfect for a quick blast, not long days!! Quite compact and racey, quite old skool. Based on GP bike of the day remember!
Plan is tyres, chain and sprockets, I may have wheels done black not white, as whilst original and period, they are an arse to keep clean!
Few odds and ends of brackets and braces need repainting here and there, but in many respects it is pretty mint. Sort tank paint and that's it I think. Keep it pretty original, I am even tempted by the stock exhaust and can, makes it so smooth and really can hear the induction when you wind it up.
I do have an ohlins steering damper that will fit it and Harris top mount kit, which I think I will add, as the stock one is quite stiff and I think as a popular period accessory, it will be fine.
I have a titanium header and an Akra carbon can that are pretty mint, just need a link pipe making up, but i am tempted to keep it stock?
For the moola, (less than 2k in it so far) I'm well chuffed with it. I reckon with new tyres, chain etc, tank painted, it will be about 2500, and be quite rare, really very tidy indeed and a nice thing to ride.
I have m7rrs on mine and as I'm sure you know they're ace. Also -1 +2 gearing and an accosato mc which really did make a difference to the brakes. Glad to hear you're enjoying it and looking forward to reading more of your thoughts.
Mines got a slight leak at the headers which will need sorting for summer, need to think about my options with that.
Mines got a slight leak at the headers which will need sorting for summer, need to think about my options with that.
neutral 3 said:
Paul, have you a photo or two of the rear shock ?
I do, but I have found it last night after a few hours on google! It is a Proflex race shock. Certainly back in the late 90's when this bike was about, I know Proflex were really rated by the racing fraternity and our race team guys used them on the Triumph's and Milles in the one make championships. Well, Proflex rebuilt versions of the stock.
But they appear quite rare nowadays.
Ok, it sounded like a Tech 2000 unit. My 98 R1 was fitted with one circa 2000. It needs a service now, but i am impressed, a really good unit. I dont have a hand book or any info on this unit. Sadly, the guy who made it ? / had it made ? and supplied it ( James i believe, passed away a few years ago )
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