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.

[Tubber]

This has all gone a bit wrong. I was talking to the guy on Facebook Marketplace and now I have been banned??? Been trying for the last week to get unbanned but that prick Zuckerberg is really starting to annoy me.

[Supa]

Hey Tubber, at 140ks buy it ride it hard for anther 10 to 20,000 ks then decide. If its been taken care of it will not let you down in those extra Ks.

These motors are good. Despite what you think 140ks treated right is gunna give you lots of Ks and fun. Ride it enjoy it and just build it later. even 20,000ks in a year means youve got an easy year of riding, probably a lot more. 

If your just a casual fun rider then youve got lots of riding in that motor. BUY BUY BUY.

[Supa]

Besides  if my memory is correct( im old enuf for Alsiemers!!) The GSX engines were recomended for a head overhaul by suzuki at 100,000Ks so 140 if running good is fine unless you want 200,000 Ks with out a spanner, thats alot then. Besides this bike looks like its been loved, forget the Ks and just ride it.

[SteveXFR]

With anything of this age, you have no ide of the real mileage, whether it's got the original engine, when it last had a rebuild or what's happened with it. 

If it runs nicely, it's mechanically quiet, no smoke, rides well and generally seems ok then I'd ignore the mileage.