Battered- '89 GSXR11 J

[Mr Cerbera]

Hi Guys,

Never posted on here before
BUT
I'm in a quandary.

I have owned my Bike for 32 years.
When there was just the 2 of us, I rode her relentlessly (at least 65K)

Since I took delivery of my TVR, however, she has stood motionless in the Garage.

I would like to put her back on the road
BUT
Am worried about what state the internals of the motor will be.

Do you think it's better to restore of sell as one lump or as parts ?

All opinions appreciated

PJ

[bimsb6]

Drain fuel , change oil and filter and try it ?

[jjones]

If it has been over 5 years think I would also pull the plugs and spray some fogging oil in there and spin her over for 10 seconds then pop the plugs back in as well as doing the above

[trickywoo]

In your position I would restore it. That obviously means having the skill, time and / or money.

We have no idea from what you’ve said what condition it’s in.

If you have to sell it you’ll get more as a whole bike than parts. The Suzuki heritage program is great for older bikes and I’m guessing yours will be included in that. If so there won’t be much in parts that have done 65k miles already.

Any pics?

[ssray]

I wouldn't worry about the internals too much, I'd be more worried about the rubber bits, fuel and oil lines, carb bits(at least it's old fuel not modern stuff) as said plugs out , squirt of oil in there, turn over ,drain carbs and see if it runs, failing that if I ask the Mrs nicely she may allow me to offer£50 it would be all of my pocket money for the year though

[SAS Tom]

I would restore if possible. Plenty of parts still being produced so should be hard to get going.

[bluezedd]

I'd vote a getting it running/semi-restoration.

I wouldn't bother restoring it to the point where it's in 1989 brand new cosmetic condition, but get it to a condition where it's running ok and everything has been checked and sorted.

After you get it there you can decide what you're doing with it.

Sounds like it's been sitting for 16 years judging by your username and when you joined pistonheads.

[Speed addicted]

You’ve had it 32 years, parts are still available and the engine internals are likely to be fine.

Why on earth would you sell it now?

[Mr Tidy]

I'd definitely want to bring it back to life, even if I had only owned it 5 years!

Even if you don't end up keeping it iconic Japanese bikes fetch good money these days, and a GSXR11 is a bit special.

[I am alright Jack]

Surely depends on your ability to do it and how good or bad the condition of the bike is.

If you have the ability to do it yourself you'll only have the price of parts.

If you pay someone to do it, it could easily become more expensive than the bike is worth.

Some pictures would help people give advice.

Edit. Here's one that's seen better days going for 1500. I can only imagine yours is in better condition.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115068132962?hash=item1...

Edited by I am alright Jack on Wednesday 3rd November 08:55

[graham22]

J model of the 1100, definitely worth getting back on the road, best of the original model.

[Waynester]

Another vote to keep & get running.. you’ve had 32 years, but it’s now that interest in these bikes is increasing. Follow the advice ^ & see what happens
Any pictures of current state?

[S2r]

I'll be wrecked, I'll take it off your hands for £100 and a broken x-box, doing you a favour m8, init... when can I collect ?

If it's fairly clean, I personally wouldn't restore it, I'd be tempted to do more of an oily rag resto to show that it's been used (unless you street fightered it back in the day)