Hi all,

As stated in title, I am new to this forum. I'm sort of a hobbyist, having worked on and rebuilt several old GS-series Suzuki's. I currently ride a GS1100E ('82). For kicks, I wanted to see what its like riding a bike that's a little "sportier" in build.

I've just received the opportunity to pick up an '88 ZX600. This should be a little lighter and a bit more "nimble" than mine and will also allow me the chance to see if I can get accustomed to the sportbike riding position.

The "Ninja" series is new to me and I'm asking for your advice on what to look for on this bike. Supposedly, it has NO mechanical issues whatsoever, and was just gone through by a Kawasaki dealer 3 months ago. I am not too concerned about the mechanical side of it and feel confident that I can pretty much do anything necessary (barring a major engine rebuild) to this bike considering my experience with the GS's.

What I can currently tell you is that cosmetically, it is almost like new. This was kind of important to me because I have no idea what the accessibility of parts for this model is like. If it's anything like my old Suzuki's, mechanical parts are still easy to obtain, but gas tanks, fairings, etc are becoming rarer by the minute. I believe the bike is stock with the exception of the exhaust. It has a 4-1 system on it.

Questions I have are:

1) What parts from other years are interchangeable with the '88 model?

2) Any inherent flaws with this model that I should be on the lookout for? Any quirks?

3) Any other advice which might be useful?

I am supposed to pick this bike up on Saturday. Any info you all can give me would be highly appreciated.

Bike in question is:




For kicks, my other bikes (the first two I sold to friends over the past 2 years):

 

It is a nice looking ride. The 4 into 1 exhaust explains the missing center stand.

I am not up on what parts change out with other years. My 88 750 used the same levers, clutch springs if I remember correctly.

 

The 1100E is a classic!
Welcome to the forums. I think you'll find less parts interchange between Kaws than you have with Suzuki's; particularly the older bikes. The ZX will steer a bit quicker and need to be revved a bit higher. You may want to bump out the rear tire width just a tick to help "fatten" the chassis feel.
I'd go through the suspension thoroughly to be safe. Otherwise, look for the usual suspects of mistreatment. Good luck!

 

Nice collection there. Welcome to the forums.

 

Nice GS. I used to ride a 78 around. Anyway I just bought a zx6 like the one your going to buy but am not sure myelf so if you find anything out before me let me know. Thanks.

 

Thanks for the welcome as well as for the advice.

I had posted the same question(s) on the ZX Forum yesterday morning and not a single reply. Guess them guys are just not as sociable as you all are.

I've been looking around ebay, Dennis Kirk, etc....just to see what parts are available for this bike. Seems like it is going to be a lot harder to get any necessary replacement parts (compared to the Suzuki's). Hopefully I won't need anything in the near future.

Again, thanks and let me know if anything else comes to mind.

 

I think anybody can keep a new bike looking and running great. With the difficulty of finding parts and the prices once you find them (!) I think it's much tougher to keep the older (even as late as 5 years old) looking nice and on the road. That's why forums like this one are so important; they can make a real difference for some of us with older bikes.

 

And some of us older guys with newer bikes.

 

Very nice looking Zuks Welcome

The problem with the Ninja line, especially in the 80's was that almost every model year, there were upgrades done. At the most,the longest they kept a specific model the same was 2 years.

Good luck, that is a nice looking Ninja.

 

Welcome to the KF Family!!!