Any common K5 GSX-R 1000 problems?

[chuan01]

I been looking at a few bikes to buy, and have pretty much narrowed it down to two bikes. either a 2007 R1, or a 2005-2008 GSX-R 1000.

I'm leaning towards the gixxer but i've read other forums online where people have had problems with the idle, or the engine just dying out, overheating or problems starting. Is this a common problem for the gixxer? or have these people bought bikes that were not well taken care of?

are there any other common problems that i should know about? any help would be greatly appreciated

also, if anyone knows any problems with the 2007 R1s, that would also be a huge help.

[Commander Keen]

K5/K6 Gixxers were allegedly really good at cheacking frames around the headstem when people dropped wheelies too hard.
There was a recall to add additional bracing to fix this problem: Suzuki
If it hasn't had the fix, don't buy it.

I don't know of any other common problems. They are by all accounts amazing bikes and the K5 was the benchmark that BMW developed the S1000RR against.

[carbon-rod]

After test riding a 2007 R1 I am verrry glad I bought my gixxer.... soooo much more low and mid range power... crashes well too

Never had any problems with mine K8 at all... its been great so far (done 16000k's in about 6 months of HARD riding)... I think the K7 had a frame issue but is all good with the K8.. would definately recommend one over an R1, I used to own a 2005 R1 and the 07 didn't feel much different.. cosmetically I think the R1 looks a bit better but the Gixxer is pretty good as well... the K7 and 8 have an upgraded headlight too I think which is a lot brighter according to a mate of mine (he has a K6) gear indicator on the gixx is great as well...

[chuan01]

so basically, if i go for a gixxer, better to go for k8 onwards? ive read that the k5 is more powerful than the newer models, cept maybe the 2011 model.

anyway i got one im planning to test ride, so hopefully can see if there are any issues. i will also ask abt whether the frame was fixed. thanks heaps guys!

[Shady7/8]

Lot's of owners have been known to suffer from a condition known as Coleoidea.
It can be life threatening, but in most cases it's more embarrassing then deadly. It has been known to be contagious, so be careful who you ride with and you should be safe.
Most cases can be treated with time and a few experiences that can be a little embarrassing or humiliating.

Good luck with choosing your bike.

[chuan01]

After test riding a 2007 R1 I am verrry glad I bought my gixxer.... soooo much more low and mid range power... crashes well too ..

is the difference between the two very noticeable? ive only test ridden the r1 and to me it seemed pretty fast and I hadn't even reached the power band yet ...

[carbon-rod]

Extremely noticable... When i went frommy old zx11 to the r1 i thought the same thing... But conparing the gixxer to the r1 the gixx blows it out the water... The r1 only gets good power around 7000 rpm and has nothing below 4.. i can clutch a wheelie from a stand still quite easily on the gixxer but the r1 you need to be going arpund 40 to get it to come up nicely

[Commander Keen]

It's also worth metioning that most bikes had to start complying with emissions regs around 2007 by adding catalytic converters or similar.

[lee]

The k5/k6's develop a clutch shudder/noise after a while. Apparently it's fine to leave as is, but it weirded me out and I fixed it. It requires a few parts from a later model gsxr clutch. There's a good writeup on gsxr.com, just punch k5 gsxr clutch issue into google and you can read all about it. The rear shock leaves a little to be desired, and would definitely benefit from an aftermarket unit.

Other than that, solid bike.

[boris67]

I've got a 2007 R1, with Leo Vince pipes and no cat. It goes like a cut snake and will piss all over a Gixxer thou...

Don't believe everything you read from one-eyed Suzuki riders. I've also heard that the 05 GSXR thousand was the one to buy, depends on your budget I guess.

[K1GxR]

I've got a 2007 R1, with Leo Vince pipes and no cat. It goes like a cut snake and will piss all over a Gixxer thou...

challenge accepted.

seriously though, ride it, find what you like.. and buy that

i had a shorter guy ride my K1, and a mate's 09 R1. he reckon the R1 was more comfortable even though the K1 had its height set lower and i thought the K1 was more friendly. Mate with his R1 reckons his is more comfortable.
whatever you read on paper and here is useless because everyone has their own skills and opinions.

[marras]

Had a k7, have a k8 now and had no issue's with any of the problems you have asked about. Carbon Rod is right with his comparison I found the exact same when I rode each bike back to back.