Sold while this post was being edited, maybe to a reader ? Still worth a look… Donn
Regular readers might recognize the Disney cells and beige carpet before even clicking through to this listing, but this is one of this collector’s finer examples. Also one of the most legendary Gixxers, returning to the longer stroke engine and uber rare with just 500 examples worldwide.
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RK(RR) for sale on eBay
With its 40mm semi-flatslide “slingshot” Mikuni carburettors, the 748cc four was a nice upgrade from the H variant with 112 hp on tap. The alloy frame was compact thanks to the 1988 update, still air and oil cooled with a two stage oil pump. Fully adjustable 43mm forks and Full Floater monoshock are a gift and a challenge, requiring a studious wrench and some time to get right. Figure in some break time as well, since the high footpegs, low clip-ons and hard seat challenge the rider. In neighborhood of 450 lbs. ready to ride, it wasn’t super light, but was trim for the day.
Somehow wheeled onto the carpet after just over 1,000 miles, this RR is collector quality with original fairings and paint. The Yoshimura carbon muffler lets you know you didn’t just pass through a galactic wormhole. Its age shows only in the tank protector which has accumulated some dirt under one edge, otherwise it’s the time traveler. From the eBay auction:
GR79C with only 1,675 kilometers (1,041 miles). All fairings are 100% original OEM factory Suzuki. Bike is in mint as new condition. Museum collector quality! Almost flawless. Original mirrors show patina in the glass reflection. Light tiny surface scratches on the right side of the swing arm by the stand bolt. Clear tank protector installed and has a dirty edge. The rest of the bike is mint. Bike has been de-restricted. Comes with a Yoshimura full exhaust system and Ohlins fully adjustable rear shock. Original stock exhaust system and stock shock in new condition go with bike. Those parts were removed and replaced with the upgraded components when the bike was purchased new. (Original parts are worth thousands alone.) Bike shows no signs of rust or corrosion. Original owner said it was cherished and always stored indoors and never ridden in the rain. No signs of wear on the bike. Comes with two original keys and fresh tires. This bike looks like a bike should with only a thousand miles on the odometer. Looks like it was just rolled off the assembly line. Chassis and engine are spotless. Bike runs as good as it looks. Extremely well cared for.
It would be a stretch to consider this museum piece for an afternoon’s pleasure, but it could happen. Like jumping in a 30 year-old Porsche 964 Turbo, or V-Tailed Beech Bonanza, you’d want to take a short shakedown cruise, stop, look it over, then have a serious discussion with the mirror.
-donn
Super nice bike but sold for $28k Someone REALLY wanted it!!!!!
My own thoughts at this point are there are no “bargains” in this game. I “overpaid” for my RC30 7 years ago, and now the price I paid is a fraction of what they are currently going for. I stood by for years waiting for an RC45 to surface at “the right price”, and turned down a few, only to watch the price go up by $25,000 over that same time frame. With that idea in mind, I didn’t worry about price when I was bought my 72 mile OW01, I focused on condition and milage. And when the opportunity to buy a very clean RC45 came up two months ago, I didn’t try to negotiate the price much, I bought it. I now have 13 homologated bikes in my collection with two more on the way. At this point, saving money on what is otherwise “the right bike” doesn’t make sense, because the price isn’t going to get cheaper next year. This is just my opinion, but if the bike fits your collection criteria as far as milage and condition, get it. If you are negotiating with a seller and haggling price trying to save money on a homologated bike, there is someone waiting around the corner that is willing to pay more for it. I know not everyone agrees with me on this, this isn’t a cheap hobby, but if you want to put things in perspective, try collecting Porsches or muscle cars.
It’s the usual demographics-driven ‘investor’ types who are ruining the hobby for us less well-heeled enthusiasts.
Well said Damon.
As the old school saying goes, “if you snooze, you lose.” If you really want a rare bike the time to buy it is when you see it. Otherwise, you’ll soon discover that procrastinating is expensive.
You can never pay too much for the best.
The bike was never a winner out of the showroom. I saw one at Laguna Seca back in the late 90’s, but didn’t realize what it was.
As time went on, it seemed like a cool bike to buy. So, I bought one. It just sits in my garage. My 1990 750 actually rides a little better overall. My low skill level isn’t doing either bike any favors.
So, I guess the “collectors” are pushing the market up. History is just repeating itself. When guys make a little money and get older, they buy the stuff they thought was cool and couldn’t afford when they were broke. My thing is old Suzuki’s. My Grandpa had 3 Model T’s. My Dad is in to 60’s muscle cars.
Buy what you like if you can afford it.
I’m sure there are more differences, but this is what I have come up with.
89 GSXR RK
Fiberglass/plastic body
Aluminum tank
90 frame but added extra head bracing
Steeper rake
Triangle brace under top seat rail
Adjustable front brake lever
Angled side engine covers
GR79A-R713 Everywhere else
GR79B-R714 AustFrance Germ Sweden
GR79C-R715 Japan
Bump pad
Seat pad
Braced swing arm (10mm longer than 90)
Unique rear fender
Black upper triple
Black bar ends
Rear remote res on left side
40mm carbs
Curved oil cooler
Lower small oil cooler
310 mm solid front brake rotors(thicker)
Gold chain
43 mm forks (instead of 41)
Extra driven plate(5 clutch springs)- 1990has6
Magnesium valve and clutch cover
Crank rods strengthened
Stainless steel valves
Stronger valve springs
Taller gearing
13 lb. lighter than 90
$17280 dollars in 1990
108 hp versus 104 hp (std 1990)