Welcome to the forum.

There are a number of SRAD fans here, but I've not had one.

You sound like the perfect guy to get this bike as the carbs would be the biggest deal. Everything else sounds like routine maintenance.

The big question for me would be what does the inside of the fuel tank look like?

Of course the price is the other big question. There are a lot of fans of these bikes but I don't think they have much collector value. They are just nice old bikes.

 

I can’t comment on the in’s & outs of what to look for on an SRAD. I only ever rode one, never did any work on one. I agree though, fuel tank condition inside is where I’d start.

Then I’d look to see what kind of overall condition the bike is in. If clean and in generally good condition it’s probably a reasonable buy. Depending of course on what the asking price is.

If it looks abused or neglected in a major way, I’d walk away and look for something else. A mishmash of body work….for sure walk away. Unless the price is so low you can’t say no.

 

Thanks for the comments. Here are some pics of the bike.

 

Look at that big fat sexy bum.

Welcome Sir. It looks like a clean bike and in decent shape. Yeah, the carbs are gonna need a full strip and clean. A small guitar string is helpful to run through the passages if you can find one.

As others said, the inside of the tank is a big consideration. If it is full of rust and debris it will plug up your nice clean carbs quick & you get to pull them and do it again. Also, I noticed the aftermarket turn signals. I'd have a look at the wirning harness to see if it is in reasonable shape or if it has been cut up. Were splices done properly or is stuff twisted together with electrical tape.

I am not sure but I think that is the original OEM muffler - nice touch in my book if it is.

 

Look at that big fat sexy bum.

Welcome Sir. It looks like a clean bike and in decent shape. Yeah, the carbs are gonna need a full strip and clean. A small guitar string is helpful to run through the passages if you can find one.

As others said, the inside of the tank is a big consideration. If it is full of rust and debris it will plug up your nice clean carbs quick & you get to pull them and do it again. Also, I noticed the aftermarket turn signals. I'd have a look at the wirning harness to see if it is in reasonable shape or if it has been cut up. Were splices done properly or is stuff twisted together with electrical tape.

I am not sure but I think that is the original OEM muffler - nice touch in my book if it is.

Thanks for those kind words. Yes the bkes does look clean, although I haven't seen it yet. As you and others have said, I will check the tank inners - good call. I'm not too worried about the electrical connections for the turn signals, I can always redo them if they are not right. Yes that is the original muffler. The only other aftermarket part, according to the owner, are the rear sets.

 

I've had a '97 Srad 750 for a short while before going to my K5 1000.

All I have to add is:
In 98 the 750 went to Fuel Injection. Unless there is some kind of nostalgia factor for you.
I'd go for an FI bike. That's my 2 cents.

 

In 98 the 750 went to Fuel Injection. Unless there is some kind of nostalgia factor for you.
I'd go for an FI bike.

Agreed. But I haven't found a 98 that I would consider buying.

 

Hold on. You are a Canuck! Happy Canada Day. What part of the frozen Tundra are you from? Is this a Canadian model bike? Investigate the VIN number and find out. My '89 1100 is a Canadian model and came with different carbs than the US model.

 

Hi Tinsnips. I am from Campbell River, on Vancouver Island. Happy Canada Day to you as well. I assume this is a Canadian bike, but I don't know. The bike is out of town and I haven't seen it yet. But I will make note of the VIN when I do see it. There's another reason I want to check the VIN. Perhaps I am wrong but I don't think the 96 SRAD 750 came in red/black color scheme until 1997. I think the 96 was only offered in blue/white and gold/black in this part of the world. Maybe someone can confirm or correct me.

 

Perhaps I am wrong but I don't think the 96 SRAD 750 came in red/black color scheme until 1997. I think the 96 was only offered in blue/white and gold/black in this part of the world. Maybe someone can confirm or correct me.

I think you are correct as it was the same here. I don’t remember so well now what the color options were for those years. I do remember the 97 came in additional color options tho

 

As long as you have the patience to get a set of carbs dialed in correctly, they are they way to go. Very good looking bike. As John said, the old Suzuki's aren't ranked very high on the collector market. But that is GREAT for those of us who love them. Prices are decent, and will stay that way.
Once you get your hands on her, if you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask away. There are still a couple of us old schoolers around that still know the old carb bikes (and in fact prefer them)...

 

As long as you have the patience to get a set of carbs dialed in correctly, they are they way to go. Very good looking bike. As John said, the old Suzuki's aren't ranked very high on the collector market. But that is GREAT for those of us who love them. Prices are decent, and will stay that way.
Once you get your hands on her, if you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask away. There are still a couple of us old schoolers around that still know the old carb bikes (and in fact prefer them)...

Thanks Spyder. I just purchased the bike today and brought it home tonight. The bike is quite clean for its age. Clearly the bike has been down on the right side as the front right fairing is scuffed up. But no cracks on any fairings, so not too bad. I ran the bike and it ran surprizing well considering that it hadn't run for 8 years, and no fuel stablilizer was used when it was stored. I reved the bike to 3000, 5000, 7000, and 9000 rpm and it sounded good. I only ran the bike at low speed in a back alley as it is not licenced. Enough to run through the gears, not any more than that. Overall, it looks like a solid bike - time will tell.

I'll surely reach out to the forum with questions as I start to work on the bike. I do have an immediate question on decals and badging, but I'll start a new post for that. Glad to be part of the Gixxer community!

 

Great news, congratulations!

 

TIRES ! ! ! Don't get silly with those antiquated tires on it.

 

TIRES ! ! ! Don't get silly with those antiquated tires on it.

Agreed.

 

If it sat for 8 years before he sold it, it is likely that the tires are at LEAST that old. To confirm, you can check the date code on them. While you are down the checking that out, have a really good close look at the chain & sprockets. Likely due to be changed as well. Buying a bike this old ALWAYS needs maintenance items brought up to date. Congrats on the find ! ! !

 

Congrats on the new to you bike!!