Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

Topic Approved.

You raised a correct point in your text, buddy.
It has become such a situation that the more a common biker saves for a superbike, the more expensive it gets, whether new or used. Even used bikes' owners are asking more money than what they spent on a new bike back in the days, as if it was an investment and not an automobile. Such is the situation today. And the government increases taxes a bit more than most of us can save. And the result is there are still many Sbk dreams not fulfilled.

But its truly happy to see a biker's dream come true. Congratulations for your Black Panther, buddy. Its really nice that your wife also played a role in your Gixxer's ownership. Rare but extremely appreciable indeed.

Take good care of it, and ride very very safely... Try perceiving the grip levels while accelerating hard. Be totally committed while riding it, and understand the machine well before opening her up fully.
Don't hurry up with anything. Of course, you know better, so all the best with your supermachine.

Do post more pics and videos...

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

Hey abhirajcb,
Congratulations on ur new acquisition, wishing u many a miles on the black panther.
Bike looks stunning, am sure u r enjoying every moment of ownership.
Ride safe my friend.

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

Congrats! Looks lovely. Do join us for the G2G meets/rides. Would love to have another Sbker with us.
Please upgrade to a better helmet though. And gear too.

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

[MENTION=15805]abhirajcb[/MENTION] Congrats for such a beautiful yet nimble superbike; its engineered to the T. BTW if you don't mind may I ask you a question?

Sent from my SGH-I747M

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

Samarath, I appreciate your devotion and time to almost every individual, in positing your thoughts, even more from the time you became a moderator. This is highly commendable.
Well said, the original owners indeed consider it as an investment seeking better returns.
Today further clocked another 140 kms on Odo, early morning ride and I had my wife with me, she instigated that 'the steed is indeed worth every single penny'. At one point I touched 220 kmph with her, not something as a'pat on back' but certainly a moment to live with atleast once.

The 'A Mode' is horrendous, unleashing its full 185+ bhp, one would not know when it may pop a wheelie.

One more pic from today's ride:



Thanks, I am indeed enjoying every second of it.

Sure, let me know, would want to join in with xbhp Superbikers. On the contrary, today found two riders in FZ600 and Ducati Diavel, it was a nice catch up.
Gear I will be upgrading to full armor suit soon. Helmet LS2 I will have it for sometime, later will upgrade.

Shoot it out Kingzeeshan, unless you are not keen on the moolah I shelled out to acquire it

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

[MENTION=15805]abhirajcb[/MENTION] Since I am a first time superbike rider and a beginner in the arena of SBK's what mode do you suggest I should ride my bike in when I buy it in India? Second question is really important Abhi my father is apprehensive whether he could buy an SBK or not because I belong to a middle class family and I need to know how much does a new bike cost because taking a bank loan in India is not an easy task + everything needs to be planned properly and its ok if you don't want to reveal approx price you have paid for this beauty.

Sent from my SGH-I747M

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

I think you should PM him your queries and that way, yu two would be able to discuss this in a better way.

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

If I may, then please consider the following points:

Buying an elephant is one thing and feeding/maintaining it is another!
Buy it if you can maintain it.

Second hand liter class bikes (well maintained) start right from 7L onwards. 10 days back, a Suzuki Bandit - 2010 model was sold for 7.5L overall (formalities included).
A CBR 1000RR would cost 10L, same lines for R1 and GSX and the likes. A Busa would fall in the +2/3L range.

(I'm talking about legal, well maintained/worshipped bikes). Not through a dealer. Also, these are BLR prices for bikes not more than 2-3 years old.

P.P.S - Since you say you're from a middle class family. I'm too and have been saving for that one bike for 2 years now. I don't want the 650's as a hint. As per my data gathered, there are NO free services on SBKs. Each service is 12-15k + at the minimum. This is because service intervals are high. (10k kms)

Tires (both included) cost 25+k, sprockets about 20+k, fairing/vehicle protection kits cost 8+k etc. So, as per me, I must earn enough to sustain my family along with my passion. Say you take a loan to buy one costing 8-9 odd lakhs, will you be able to ride and maintain it? If the answer is yes, comfortably; then please go ahead, else take your time.

Sorry for being so frank!

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Would you love rolling only with SBKers or will desi bikes do? What's your comfort level? [MENTION=54541]harish.krovvidi[/MENTION] you got a partner here mate!

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

Foremostly as the very common saying goes "With power, comes more responsibility". It is always recommended that an individual must graduate in stages, not necessary but the best preventive measure, need to know what has been your past/current ride(s).

PM your number, if required I will call you to help you better

Q 1: Recommended mode is City Mode, Mode C in Gixxer, which cuts of the power throughout its RPM Range, however it still upholds enough power to pop up a wheelie. Your hands should be very nimble on the throttle

Q 2: I also belong to an upper middle class family, we are some niche chunk who are driven by passion to own and live with such dream of our's. Remember that these are high end premium bikes, and hence as 'Divya Sharan' mentioned, the maintenace, spares costs, service costs stand high.
In Bangalore, a new GSX-R1000 Standard costs around 18.8 lakhs on-road while LE around 19.4 lakhs. This is the last week quote as I visited Aerolex Motors to re-confirm on my bike's service history

10L for a CBR1000RR! which year model? seems I paid a lot more for my GSX-R1000 . Since I also acquired it directly from the 1st owner.

Yes, there are no free Services for SBKs (as far as I also know, confirmed in case of Gixxer)
Even if service Intervals are high, the 'No. of days' clause require service irrespective of kms clocked in Odo. For instance GSXR-1000 has 4 routined services in its 1st year.

Nothing as such, I am all in for any league of riders, all stand equal. However I mentioned that, since it would balance machine viz machine

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

[MENTION=15805]abhirajcb[/MENTION] bro right now I am in canada and not in India:banghead:.

You can contact me on facebook.com/ar.78655 .

Sent from my SGH-I747M

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

CBR1000RR 08 Import with Full Duty Paid 8-9 Lac
CBR India Billing 09 onwards is min of 10L plus.

GIXER have a better resale value due to Suzuki's unmatched service network and fast supply of spares. you pay for the spare up front and it will be there with 1-2 weeks no longer.

Modes - A,B,C are there to reduce the BHP but you can instead use the rev limiter option to enjoy the violent acceleration of A mode (My Hayabusa term)but avoid wheelie pooping.

If you see your self as a responsible adult with at least 25k to 30k KM riding on a decent bike like a pulsar 180 or a Karizma then you can go in for a Liter class bike directly. again i stating RESPONSIBLE ADULT.

I myself have been riding a P180 2002, P180 2004, P180 2006 models 18-20K km each of the bikes prior to moving to cars in late 2006. I have purchased a Gen2 Hayabusa which is funded partially via a personal loan in mid 2012.


Operating cost for a typical SBK (Suzuki's)

Point 1)
10K KM Tire changes - 23K (Maxxis 6029- Ration 1 front to 2 rear), 28K Donlop Sports max(1 front to 2 rear) to 36K (Michelin Pilot Road 3 ration 1 front to 2 rear). Bridgestone BT Last 6 to8k KM () ration ( 1 front to 3 rear).

Michelin Pilot Road 3 (do not confuse this with PR 2 or Pilot power series) are the best i have seen the rear last for 12k KM on a busa in Mumbai.
If your a person who clocks a lot of KM in touring then Maxxis is the best.

Tire size 120/70 ZR17 and 190 or 200/50 ZR17 these tires will fit Fireblade, GSXR 1k Hayabusa, VFR and R1 just to state a few.

Point 2)
Insurance will cost between 15k to 50K based on the invoice value, 0 depreciation and bumper to bumper types of cover etc.
The IDV valuation range for me was 7.5 lac to 9.5 lac and i chose the lower last year due to budgetary constraints but planning to up it in 2014

Point 3)
Service the bike

Fully Synth Oil 4 Liters * INR 900
Labour 1 to 2 K for the service
Approximately 6 to 9 thousand (for hayabusa)

Service intervals as per the workshop manual are 6k miles but i India Suzuki has limited it to 5k KM due to the less km we put on the bike in India and heat conditions.

So to beat this issue I use 20W-50 oil as its recommended per the service manual for hotter regions. Before the Engine oil argument starts please see the below snapshot from the Hayabusa service manual.


Clutch needs replacing at 28-35 K km.
1) OEM Clutch is about 35K INR
2) Non OEM - Kevlar, Carbon or Composite 40K
3) Non OEM - OEM and Carbon composite racing series 25-30K (Yanashinki). I have this on my bike as I was planning to turbo charge it and needs better clutch plates.


Chain, Front and Rear Sprocket at 25-30K KM (DO NOT use VORTEX as they mostly aluminium sprockets and will wear out in 10-13K KM)
1) OEM chain - 35K (Front 18 and rear 43 Teeth, 530 Pitch 112/114 Link)
2) DID chain - 30K (Front 18 and rear 43 Teeth, 530 Pitch 112/114 Link)
3) VOLAR chain & JT Sprockets - 20-25K (Front 18 and rear 43 Teeth, 530 Pitch 112/114 Link)

Please note that all above options are stainless steel manufactured with aerospace grade steel. Again stay away from Vortex unless its a steel sprocket set. I made a big mistake to lighten the bike i replaced OEM with Vortex and donated my OEM to a friend. After 12k KM on the bike my Vortex sprockets are about to die.

Front and rear wheel bearings at 20K Km
1) OEM - 3K per bearing. the best part is that the OEM bearing have a SFK marking and sizing written on them for most imported bike. just carry it to an SKF dealer and most probably you will find the same bearing sold as a SGP (Suzuki Guniune part) for 600 bucks a bearing.

Radiator Flush every 2 years or 20K Km
Oil Cooler Flush every 2 years or 20K KM (Hayabusa specific)

Based on the above you can now calculate the average you need to keep aside for servicing/ managing your bike. if your hands on and have a fully equipped tool set with a torque wrench then you will save anywhere between 5-10k in maintaining your bike over a 15K km period.

if your in Bangalore and want to service manual of your bike just search the forum i have posted many else PM me.


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[QUOTE=abhirajcb;1026099
Nothing as such, I am all in for any league of riders, all stand equal. However I mentioned that, since it would balance machine viz machine[/QUOTE]

my suggestion is to ride with different groups you get more responsible, ride longer you get more time to ride faster and more stretch to try and explore your skills. doing short weekend rides just doesn't cut it for me. in 12 months i clocked 4k in city and 10k on highway. This is my bikes 3rd set of tires and we have hit the 20k mark as of 19th Dec.

After the much needed TLC Big BlueBird(my hayabusa) and I will be hitting the road again mostly by the 26th Jan i should be free spirit again.

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

heartiest congratulations abhiraj

just to make you feel better - the yamaha R1 and MT01 when launched were priced at Rs. 10.5 Lacs each. The fire blade at the time of launch was for 11.5 (if my memory serves me right), the Busa was for 12 and Gixxer was for 12.75 lacs - making it the most expensive jap to be retailed in the country (this was june 2010 though). add to it the taxes (RTO & insurance - roughly about 10-15%) made it in the 14ish range. then came the tax hike (twice) - and the falling rupee (still falling ?!?!).

so basically the sellers who are selling their bikes on the expensive side - they are just trying not to incur a major loss where as the buyer still gets the bike at least 4-5 lacs cheaper than a new one (saving of about 25% roughly) - not saying it's justified - not saying they are wrong either. (you would be surprised what kind of crazy offers are given by the wannabe bikers to the SBK owners - at times they are pure insulting)
since most of us here belong to a middle class family - losing a few lacs hurts. so if the bike is well maintained - a seller has all the rights to ask for whatever price he wants for his ride - whether it sells at that price point or not.
i honestly feel that the newbie "dealers" who have come up by a dozen in every city are the ones that are to be blamed. they inflate the price of the bike on every stage. for all one knows - for a sale of single bike, there might be 4-5 "dealers" involved in the deal. each one keeping a big fat margin (not commission or brokerage - but margin) quotes the price to another dealer. result? the original seller gets maybe 80% of the price the bike has been sold for.
last month one of the dealers approached me for selling a bike which had barely done 800 kms (though a 2011 model) for about 12.5 lacs. where as the truth was that the bike was sold by the owner to a dealer for 9.5 lacs just a day before. imagine?!?

but looks like i have gone way too off topic!!

lemme congratulate you again for the beauty you have got ( the place panther )

ride safe

p.s: just a suggestion - you need to upgrade your gear ASAP

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

congrats on the purchase.....she looks like a killer wahle in black paint scheme
i too hope to buy a sbk one day

have fun filled miles on your black panther

Re: Unassailable Psyche: Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1

Wooffff! Need a breather.. that is a helluva info!

Thanks, and well said with some good pointers. I guess you own a CBR600RR and 848 Evo, Right?.. Have silently read your threads long back.
'Gear', I guess everyone is here to batter me . Well full armor suit will be in soon

You will own one, I dreamt of it right from my childhood and owned it finally. You will too!