also been looking for an FZR1000 EXUP , but I ’ ve always liked the look of the GSX-R . I remember being in my 20s and not being able to afford one , so there was definitely a bit of nostalgia involved in the purchase – and they ’ re becoming collectible too , prices are well on the rise . “ This one was on TradeMe . It had been on my watch list for a while and I decided to put a bid in five minutes before it closed and , despite over 200 watchers , mine was the only bid ! At this point I had to go and explain to the Minster of Finance what had happened ... “ When I picked it up , it was only running on three cylinders – I think because it had been sat for a few years with stale fuel . I replaced the sparkplugs , put some fresh fuel in , and away she went ! I didn ’ t even have to strip and clean the carbs , it settled onto all four and is now running beautifully . “ Next , I stripped and detailed it all . I didn ’ t want to restore it , because it ’ s only original once – that ’ s something you can never get back . There ’ s some age-related patina in the paint , but I think it adds to the whole feel of the bike - I see it as something of a survivor from the 90s . I did change the exhausts though . I ’ ve still got the originals , but heavy and really quiet . These ones are Delkevic , which cost $ 600 landed from the UK , and they turned up within a week ! Really can ’ t complain at that . They ’ re great ; they sound much better than the standard exhausts , save a heap of weight and work well – the price is right too .” Back at Geoff ’ s place we sit chatting while the big oil-cooled motor quietly pings and tinkles while it cools down . I ask him what ’ re his future plans for the 90s beefcake ? “ I ’ m pretty happy with it – I just loving riding it . In fact , I probably ride this more than my other bikes now – it ’ s just so much fun and there ’ s lots of character . It has an old-school toughness about it , there ’ s a rawness that ’ s very cool and engaging – a real connection to the carburettors .” What tips would Geoff give to someone
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