Katana 750 S3 with 140,000km on the clock?

[Tubber]

   Hi, new old member, I had to sign up again as it's been a while. I had a Katana 750 S2 which I foolishly sold after Covid. I now have the chance to buy a Katana 750 S3. The only thing putting me off is the mileage which is 140,000km. I live in Thailand so the option of fitting another engine isn't possible. I haven't seen the bike yet, it will probably be another 3 weeks but should I disregard it based on mileage alone? I don't have any experience with the 16 valve GSX750E engine. Is 140,000km time for a complete stripdown, split the cases, check the bearings, fit new cam chain etc. Or if it runs ok, doesn't smoke, rattle etc should I just buy it and do a compression/leak-down test when I get home? I know this a kinda "How long is a piece of string" question but any advice would be greatly appreciated. I guess what I am asking is will the engine most likely be shagged at 140,000km. It looks nice so I'll try and attached a photo.

[wraith]

Welcome back 

The gsxr motors are pretty strong but 140km is getting high but it all comes down to how is the rest of the bike.

If when you see it you like it and it runs well, then if you buy it, do like you said with the checks but be prepared to have to replace parts and remember all theses bikes are getting old now and most need some sort of work 

[Tubber]

That's a good point. I wouldn't mind spending a bit on it if it needs it and the rest looks good.

[TonyGee]

if thats the bike now in the pic then i'd say its been looked after as it looks clean,  see how it runs and ask questions about its history. 

[Tubber]

It is the bike in the picture. He sent videos as well. Looks tidy and I am inclined to buy it. I haven't seen many around and not in that condition.

[Tubber]

He reckons all the plastics are good and the paint is original. May well have been very well looked after.

[Arttu]

I think it's good to keep in mind that it's a 40 year old bike. So the actual condition can be whatever regardless of the mileage. You can get an engine that is in worse condition after 20 000km than this one which has done 140 000km. It depends so much on maintenance, usage, luck and so on. Naturally 140 000 is a lot so for sure the engine won't be like a new even in the best case.

After all buying this old bike is always some kind gamble. You can try to judge the condition as well as you can and think if that aligns with the price. But you can't be completely sure what you will get and surprises can always come up. Smaller or bigger ones. If you want to awoid them it's better to look for newer bikes 

[Captain Chaos]

As with all aircooled Katanas: Buy now, think later.

[Tubber]

8 hours ago, Arttu said:

I think it's good to keep in mind that it's a 40 year old bike. So the actual condition can be whatever regardless of the mileage. You can get an engine that is in worse condition after 20 000km than this one which has done 140 000km. It depends so much on maintenance, usage, luck and so on. Naturally 140 000 is a lot so for sure the engine won't be like a new even in the best case.

After all buying this old bike is always some kind gamble. You can try to judge the condition as well as you can and think if that aligns with the price. But you can't be completely sure what you will get and surprises can always come up. Smaller or bigger ones. If you want to awoid them it's better to look for newer bikes 

I have a few other newer bikes so I don't mind taking a gamble on it . But I am also Scottish so I don't want to be making a hasty decision and throwing money away . 

[Tubber]

6 hours ago, Captain Chaos said:

As with all aircooled Katanas: Buy now, think later.

I think that may well be the best advice I will get 

[Captain Chaos]

Have you bought it yet?

[Tubber]

No. I am still at work. I might not be home for another 3 weeks now. It has been for sale for 4 months so hoping it will still be available when I get back, eventually.