[Phibir]

Hi All :hello:,

As stated in my first post I have just bought my first proper bike a (1998 - GSXR 600). I’m new to the whole motorcycle scene, so have a couple of questions that you might be able to answer for me with regard my bike (they will sound silly to you but like I said, I’m new to bikes).


1. How many gears does my 98-GSXR 600 have?

The web research that I have done says six but I’m not sure as I have only ridden it a couple of times and it doesn’t seem like I’m accessing any more than 4 or 5. Also, is neutral classed as a gear when referring to this subject? I have been paying more attention to the road at the moment rather than the bike, till I get used to it more anyway.


2. At how many RPM’s should I be changing gear at? I’m currently changing between 3000 – 3500, is this right?

I understand that when riding at excessive speed then the RPM’s will be much higher but I’m referring to standard speed limit riding.


3. The guy I bought the bike from said that the bike is air cooled but thought I would double check with you guys, just in case I should be adding water?



4. The oil in the little window of the bike is black and seems very runny. I thought that it should be a yellow/treacle type colour and texture. Do I need to do an oil change? And if so, how do I go about doing this? Is there a step-by-step guide online that I can follow that explains how to do it and how much oil I will need?


Answers to the above questions would be much appreciated from anyone who has time to reply.

Apologies once again for the questions being so noobish for you guys to answer.

Thanks

Phibir :bike:

 

[JohnPaul]

1. 6 gears

2. depends on how you ride

3. liquid cooled

4. change the oil as per the service manual

more spec info here: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_gsx-r_600_1998.php

service manual: http://rapidshare.com/files/105495452/SuzukiGSXR600_96-00.pdf

 

[Mister Tee]

Oil normally looks black within a couple hundred miles of riding. If it did look like fresh oil, it had just been changed.

But yes, there are many aspects of maintaining your bike that can't be covered in a few short posts. There are links to the service manual in the Tech FAQ sections, and you should have an owner's manual. Buy one or both cheap on Ebay if you need to. Both will step you through the normal maintenance requirements for your bike and the inspections you will need to perform.

 

[Phibir]

:thumbup: Thanks guys,

Your advice is much appreciated; thanks also for the link to the service manual JohnPaulGixxer, I think 99.9% of my questions are answered in there.

Some of those service procedures look quite daunting to a newbie like me, but I’d prefer to have a go at them myself and learn rather than take it to be serviced at a garage.

Cheers

Phibir :bike:

 

[flyin low]

Welcome to the site and the ADDICTION! Good luck with your bike you came to the right place to learn about riding and your bike!:thumbup:

 

[gixxer32404]

Hi All :hello:,

As stated in my first post I have just bought my first proper bike a (1998 - GSXR 600). I’m new to the whole motorcycle scene, so have a couple of questions that you might be able to answer for me with regard my bike (they will sound silly to you but like I said, I’m new to bikes).


1. How many gears does my 98-GSXR 600 have? 1 down 5 up (nuetral between 1st and 2nd

The web research that I have done says six but I’m not sure as I have only ridden it a couple of times and it doesn’t seem like I’m accessing any more than 4 or 5. Also, is neutral classed as a gear when referring to this subject? I have been paying more attention to the road at the moment rather than the bike, till I get used to it more anyway.


2. At how many RPM’s should I be changing gear at? I’m currently changing between 3000 – 3500, is this right?

I understand that when riding at excessive speed then the RPM’s will be much higher but I’m referring to standard speed limit riding.

I'd go more towards 4 or 5 grand

3. The guy I bought the bike from said that the bike is air cooled but thought I would double check with you guys, just in case I should be adding water?


radiator coolant and DISTILLED WATER (NOT TAP WATER)

4. The oil in the little window of the bike is black and seems very runny. I thought that it should be a yellow/treacle type colour and texture. Do I need to do an oil change? And if so, how do I go about doing this? Is there a step-by-step guide online that I can follow that explains how to do it and how much oil I will need?

iF YOU ARE NEW YOU SHOULD PROBABLY GET AN EXPERIENCED RIDER TO HELP AND SHOW YOU HOW, OR TAKE TO A SHOP. PROBABLY WHEN IN DOUBT GET IT CHANGED .
lUBE CHAIN LIKE EVERY 600 MILES i BELIEVE WITH AN ORING SAFE LUBE NOT WD40

Answers to the above questions would be much appreciated from anyone who has time to reply.

Apologies once again for the questions being so noobish for you guys to answer.

Thanks

Phibir :bike:

..................... SEE ABOVE REPLIES.............(IN YOUR QUOTES)