1987 Suzuki GSX-R

JS1GR75A9H2100719

Clear

This 1987 GSXR 750 is complete and unrestored. It's totally stock and in great condition. This machine is nearly the same today as it was when it left the factory almost 30 years ago. It looks great, and it may well be the best surviving example of the first generation GSXRs. I bought this bike new from Rice Cycle in Rapid City, South Dakota and rolled it out the door for $4399 in April 1988. I have owned it ever since. The Suzuki hasn’t been ridden regularly in a long time. In fact, it’s spent the last six years in my living room. As much as I like the bike, I really have no need for it, and I hate to just see him sit and gather dust. It's time he found a new home. The GSXR is truly stock and complete. Everything is there, and nothing is missing. All major items are intact, and all small ones are too. For example, all of the original stickers are still on the bike including the one warning you not to modify the aluminum alloy frame. The foam cushions for the fuel tank, the heat shields under the tank and behind the carburetors and all cable ties are still there. Even the paint dabs on the rear brake caliper bolts as well as on other fixings are still visible. There are only two modifications from as-delivered condition, and both could easily be undone. I installed an Ohlins shock absorber with a ride height adjuster to give a little extra cornering clearance. I bought the shock from Noleen Racing and still have the original box and installation instructions. I also have the original shock, so you could reinstall it if you wish. The only other mod was the addition of bungee hooks to the seat. They simply clamped on, so you could remove them too if you wanted. I have all of the other items that really complete a motorcycle but often go missing when it's time to sell. The tool kit is complete; the owner's manual is in good condition, and I have both keys. I have the original warranty card and a genuine factory service manual. In addition and unknown to many, a seat cowling for that mono posto look was included when you bought a GSXR. I have the cowling, all hardware and the installation instructions. I also have a pair of genuine Suzuki accessories for the machine, a tank bag and a tank bra, both in great condition. All of these things go with the bike. I’ll also include the rear wheel stand and black Kryptonite lock shown in the pictures with the sale. The overall condition of the bike is very good to excellent. There's minor corrosion on the brake pedal, gear-shift pedal and carburetor tops and on the heads of a small number of bolts. The upper fairing mounts have faded and lost paint. The gold paint on the brake calipers has worn thin, and there is some bare metal showing on the inside bottom part of the front calipers. The wheels have lost a little luster and have a dull spot or two here and there. In addition, there are the expected nicks and dings from everyday riding on the fork legs and exhaust pipe. All of the major pieces are in excellent shape. The fairing, side covers, tail piece and fuel tank look new. (The bike has always been kept indoors, often as I’ve said in my living room.) There are no cracks or dents in any of the pieces, and the paint hasn't faded at all on any of them. The seat has no tears and is still supple. Also, the exhaust pipe is in great shape with no rust at all. However, the lower section of the fairing has been scraped on both sides from spirited riding. The leading edge of the muffler and sides of the collector also show evidence of such fun as does the end of the right foot rest. I figure these scars only add to the machine's authenticity and appeal. The GSXR has never been crashed nor close to it except for one massive moment on the Angeles Forest Highway. I was returning to Los Angeles one summer night in 1989 when a suicidal coyote dashed from the edge of the road and ran up under the bike. What followed was a full lock tank slapper with both wheels off of the ground and me hanging on for dear life. I saved it, but there was plenty to repair afterward. Most of the fairing sections were replaced as were some odds and ends. Only genuine Suzuki parts were used to replace the damaged fairing pieces and other broken bits. The only damage I could not fix was to the left steering stop. It was broken off. Seeing this, I took the bike to the shop to have the frame checked for damage. Fortunately, there was none. Everything was and is straight and true. I just gave the bike a thorough going over, and he is sound. The brake pistons were semi-seized in all three calipers, so I rebuilt all of the brakes. Each caliper was dissembled and cleaned. The pistons were cleaned, and all seals were replaced. The hydraulic systems were completely flushed and refilled with DOT 5 brake fluid. Also, the diaphragm seal in each master cylinder was replaced. The carbs were removed and carefully cleaned, and several repairs were made (needle valve and float replaced on #1 and #3 carbs, two throttle return springs replaced and a loose jet needle properly secured). The fuel tank showed signs of rust at the front, bottom corners, so it was cleaned thoroughly and given the POR-15 treatment. In addition, six years ago, new Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires were fitted. They have less than 200 miles on them and are perfectly good for whatever type of riding you intend to do. Routine maintenance items were not overlooked. The oil and filter were just changed, and a new battery was just installed. The spark plugs and front brake pads (EBC) have less than 200 miles on them. Valve clearances were checked, and all were found to be within spec. The chain and sprockets were inspected, and even though they are the originals, they have many miles left in them. All that may be needed in the future if you intend to ride the bike much is a set of rear brake pads. The inside pad has about 20% of useable lining remaining. I also gave the GSXR a good cleaning though not an exhaustive detailing and a complete once over for any loose or missing nuts and bolts. He is nearly perfect. This bike rides flawlessly. The steering is still light and responsive; the brakes are still strong; the clutch and throttle still work smoothly, and the suspension is still well controlled. The bike also runs as well as it rides. The engine starts instantly and pulls strongly through all of the gears. In addition, the gearbox works perfectly, makes no unusual sounds and requires very little effort to change gears. The only fly in the ointment is the idle speed. It drifts on occasion. If I set the idle properly when the engine is cold, the bike will sometimes idle too fast when warm and vice versa. I’m not sure what causes the problem, but a good, long ride may cure it. Otherwise, the Suzuki performs as well today as it did more than 25 years ago, and it still looks great. Everything is as it should be with this machine. Nothing leaks; it doesn’t smoke or use oil, and everything works just like it should - lights, turn indicators, horn, gauges, locks (fork, seat and helmet) et. al. In addition, the bike has been titled in South Dakota since new, and I have the title in hand. The Suzuki was also registered in SD continually from the time I bought it until March, 2010. It is not currently registered. Many parts especially the big ones for the first generation GSXRs are no longer available or are very hard to find and very expensive. Restoring one of these would be very difficult. This bike is nearly exactly as it was when it left the factory almost 30 years ago. It's a survivor; it's in great shape; it's completely stock, and it comes with all the trimmings. Don't miss your chance to own it. I have described the bike accurately and honestly. To my knowledge, there are no defects or anything else wrong with the machine that hasn't been discussed. The bike is sold "as is" and "where is." There are no warranties expressed or implied. In addition, I’m more than happy to disclose my reserve. It’s a very reasonable $4400. I only sell and ship to buyers in the lower 48 states. International buyers and those from Alaska and Hawaii will be blocked from bidding. The buyer is responsible for all shipping and pickup arrangements and costs. I will assist shipping in ways that I can such as being available when needed and helping to load. A $200.00 nonrefundable deposit made via PayPal is due within 48 hours of auction close. The balance can be paid with a personal check or cashier's check. The check must clear before the bike can be picked up. If you would like to visit and have a closer look at the machine, send me an email with a phone number, and I will call you to schedule an appointment. Thank you for looking.