Another Newb here, with a used bike ?

[scootr9718]

I recently finished the MSF course, and I'm looking at several GS500s for sale in the area. One is a 98 with modified suspension (front progressive forks, rear GSXR spring), one is a 97 with V&H exhaust and rejetted. Most other things on the bikes are comparable, 97 is 2200, 98 is 2400 asking...I think the 98 is on the board actually.
I am 6'1" 180. I am also pretty mechanically inclined.
SO-my question is, should I lean toward a bike that has the upgraded suspension, or the upgraded breathing? Thanks in advance, and I look forward to more postings once I get a bike!  

[perfdrug]

i'd go suspension personally. congrats on choosing an awesome bike  

[Zarathustra]

well, in my opinion, go for the 97.  a v&h will run you a lot more than a suspension upgrade will.  you'd be saving money.  plus, while it's also cheap, upgrading suspension is almost as easy as chopping a fender off.

[sparky8844]

id go with the one with the exhaust and rejet..suspension upgrade is cheap..i did mine for about 80 bucks..thats front and rear and its easy to do

[scootr9718]

Thanks for all the great advice guys....I didn't know the cost difference for the exhaust, so that helps me choose!

[Shadowhawk]

If you can, take them both for a ride, and find the one that best fits you.  I ride a retired drag bike(Srinath can verify its shape) with aftermarket exhaust, rejetting, and stock suspension.  I'm getting ready to rebuild the forks, and have a different rear shock on order.  These are both to get the maint. up to date and make the bike better fit me.  With the engine mods it had when I bought it(I haven't touched the carbs or exhaust), it pulls great(granted, it hangs up sometime below 3k rpm), and gets me from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC regularly.  I'd say go for the bike with the motor mods.  Suspension is relatively cheap to work on.

JMHO

Don
Shadowhawk

[pantablo]

Welcome to the board...another LA local!

Yep, I had the progressives and gsxr on my 2001 and it made a WORLD of difference but you'll only be into the parts for something like $100-$150 tops. My site has an easy way to swap the fork springs too-easily doable by you if you are even remotely mechanically inclined.

The V&H is a highly sought after exhaust (only brand currently making a full system new for the gs any more) and will set you back $300.

I'd suggest the bike with exhaust but factor in that you WILL be spending the money on the suspension upgrades either way...it really is a necessity, particularly the front. Ride the bike though to make sure the jetting has been done well and the bike rides smoothly through the entire rev range.

Also check them both for rust in the tank-a common occurence in these bikes.

[The Buddha]

I'd take the suspension upgraded one, cos I like to jet it myself... Besides, if they both have good fork seals (no oil rings around the forks) the progressive equipped one will possibly have new fork seals. BTW when you are doing a valve adjustment, you have done 75% of the work needed for the re jet... so IMHO easier to jet somehting. And those GSXR shocks are gettign hard to find and $$$ these days. Full V&H... you can do fine with a slip on.
Cool.
Srinath.

[dgyver]

Based on that if the bikes are equal on mileage & condition.
Here is the way I see it:

97 @ $2200 + $200 for suspension = $2400

98 @ $2400 + $300 for exhaust = $2700

With $300 you can get some good gear, which you MUST have anyway.

[The Buddha]

OK 200 for the suspension is high I'll say $150, and a 97 will be worth just a shade less than a 98 in street value... so for 350 less you might have a bike that's worth say 200 less. But the exhaust mods aren't absolutely neccesary. Stock pipe may be ok till you learn well, and also a slip on will be cheaper and just as good.
Cool.
Srinath.