Had my first taste of the track this summer and have been looking around trying to find the right track bike. I have two prospects: 1) 2001 gsxr 600 with 4k miles 2) 2005 gsxr 600 with 8k miles on it Both bike are almost all track miles and have comparable condition, owners, and history. Both bikes are outside my skill set so my concern is more in reliability / longevity (and resale in 3-5yrs?) than subtle technical differences between the models... Anyone willing to give insight on which one they would prefer? much appreciated!
I like the lower mile bikes. But that being said there are some very key updates on the 04/05 model that make it lighter, handle better, brake better etc. Tough call, go for the one you feel most comfortable on and get the best deal on.
They're track bikes, forget about resale. Like JTRC51 points out, there are significant improvements in play. Unless the price differential is major, I'd give the nod to the better platform. Since you feel both bikes exceed your abilities (for now), could you see yourself having a higher level of confidence and comfort with a bike you know has advantages? I don't know about you, but comfort level with the bike makes my riding time (track or public road) far more enjoyable. I'd go with the 2005.
If the same price range, I'd be looking into the mechanical maintenance on each over mileage and year. Hell I've seen year old liter bikes that are absolutely trashed and not from track use. Assuming both are equal in maintenance, go with the newer one mainly due to parts availability. Searching the net for a part and waiting 4 months for it isn't fun.
Keep in mind the replacement (parts) cost. You can find nearly anything you need for the 01-03 on eBay for pennies on the dollar including full track body work. (All this is used or previously loved) But the cost for those same parts on a newer platform will cost more..... 01 is a carb. System when the 05 is EFI. In the long run....what will work better for you.
Nope 01 is FI. I used to own one.Owned an 04 750 as well. Many parts are interchangeable between the 01-03 and the 04-05 versions. The 01 I had was pretty bulletproof, no mechanical problems with the exception of a crash or 2. 04 750, unsure if they used the same gearbox as the 600, but I lost 6th gear in it. Know of someone else that has the same problem. Also do not know if the same throttle bodies are used between them. Servo that controls the secondary butterflies went bad, not fixable as far as I know. Had whole throttle body assembly replaced. YMMV
Yes 01 is FI not carb. And it's a GSXR.. no matter what year, parts are plentiful and inexpensive! Haha