What to look for when buying a GSX-R1000 K5
Not only did Suzuki build one of the most powerful and flexible engines when they developed the K5 powerplant, they also built one of the most reliable. Keep putting oil in, changing the filter at 11,000 miles, keep the motor stock, check valve clearances at 15,000 miles and, as long as someone hasn’t crunched the gearbox and worn the input selector fork (it’ll jump out of third or fourth gear under load), the motor will run and run.
All GSX-R1000 K5 and K6s had a safety inspection (not a full recall) for frame weld inspection following reports of cracking – a brace was added under the headstock.
But other than that, your main concern will be buying a K5 or K6 that hasn’t been subjected to the whim of fashion and bedecked in an array of dubious bolt-on tat. Most buyers are at the point where a stock bike is far more desirable (and valuable) than a GSX-R aftermarket Christmas tree.
Prices vary considerably, starting at £4000 for a scruffy K5 and rising to over £6000 for a clean, low mileage (around 10,000) example.