'08 Suzuki GSXR600

I love my pretty-well-sorted '84 VF500 w/ 28k miles (converted to gravity feed and J Daugherty's fuel valve mod, which helped a lot). But I have a chance to trade work for a wrecked but straight '08 GSXR w/ 14k miles. It actually was stolen so I'll need to replace the key/ignition (starts without a key now) and the rear cowl which appears pretty cheap based on my Craigslist lurking (a local guy is selling a complete set of plastics for $300 right now, he accidentally bought the wrong year plastics on ebay). Engine sounds fine, I rode it around a bit today and it's a great comfortable ride. Fairings are fine / untouched. Footpeg/mounts could be replaced but it's rideable and fine as-is. Rear brake needs to be re-hooked up, needs a license plate. Guy has salvage title in hand. My wife actually is FOR me getting the GSXR, because she hears how cold-blooded the Interceptor is and thinks it will strand me somewhere / isn't safe. I'm almost 40 and have been riding since 15, have had sportbikes before so I'm not worried about rider/experience issues (FZR600; CBR 929RR). I really can't decide if I should take this bike or not. If I do, I'll ride the Interceptor less -- which makes her more of a bear when it comes to hard starting, old gas, dirty carbs, etc. On the other hand, I'll ride the Interceptor less so she'll get less rust / winter riding / mileage. What do you think? My other option is to get paid cash for the job, and rest assured that cash would go to bills -- not something fun like a bike. In other words, if I don't buy this bike I'll ride the Interceptor into the ground and then get something else in a year or 20, who knows how long the VF will last? Should I take the GSXR or not?

 

If you can get the 2nd bike why not. The more the better.........

 

Sounds like a good project IF the frame is straight and forks aren't tweaked. Those bikes didn't have particularly robust frames in the interrest of saving weight. Your VF can take a rest, and you can step into the world of modern bike technology.

Put 500 or 1000 miles on the GSXR and you'll wonder why you'd want to ride the VF !

 

Because the VF is wicked awesome, squirrelman. And it sounds amazing. But seriously, thanks for the advice on the GSXR fork/frame. It felt and looked straight on the slow speed shakedown today, although the stock steering damper would take some getting used to for slow stuff. Slow steering feels like a Mack truck.