OK! Decided to go for it...

[pslamp32]

...I'm picken up my '94 GS tomorrow. I'm excited since I've been on a Rebel for the last 6 months. Lookin' forward to a 'little' more performance. Can anyone guide me to what I should have the shop do first. The bike has 12,000 miles. Gonna have it tuned up and the oil changed of course. Anything else to look for at this mileage in your expert opinions. I'd like to take care of alot of preventative stuff asap. Thanks! Lookin' forward to sharing my experiences with all of you!

[Larry]

Congrats on the bike.  You will enjoy it!  Do you have any info on when the valves were last adjusted?  Can you ask the prior owner?  Might be due at this mileage.

[raylarrabee]

I got my '92 at 12,000 miles.  It needed a new chain to pass MD inspection.  Valve adjustment, carb cleaning (especially if it's been sitting) and new tires are also possibilities, depending on what the previous owner did.

Also, with any used vehicle, I recommend changing the oil and filter, no matter what.  It's cheap, and you cannot rely on the previous owner's assertions about what preventive maintanance he/she did.

[pslamp32]

...and he says he's only put a new spring on the front suspension and put new gaskets on the bottom of the engine. How do I test the valves and is this something that needs immediate attention (eg. major longterm damage). Sorry I'm a motorcycle noob.

[pandy]

WooHoo!! Congrats & welcome! If you can get the service records, you can compare them to the maintenance guide here on GSTwin.

pandy  

[pslamp32]

you can compare them to the maintenance guide here on GSTwin.

pandy  

Where can I find the guide? Thanks!

[Bluebellylint]

the biggest improvement when I bought my used bike was the tires check them and if they look old or squared off do a search on this site for tires that fit your new bike

Congratulations!

p.s. Post some pics

[starwalt]

Greetings to another carolina GSer! You've come to the right place.  

Are you planning on doing your own wrenching on this?

+1 on the previous replies, but did the previous owner say why the gaskets were replaced?  About the "spring on the frontend"...could he had changed the fork springs to progressive springs? This is a much desired mod for those seeking a more stiffer front end (less compression).

[pslamp32]

Love to start doin' my own wrenching but kinda intimidated to do it without help from someone experienced. I'm very mechanically inclined once given proper direction. Anyone in the area I'd love to get together for riding and wrenching!

 I'm pretty sure he said he changed the fork springs. Said something about the stock ones were kinda weak.

[raylarrabee]

with a clymer manual and some basic handiness, anybody can fix these bikes.   The valve adjustment is more to keep the bike running at peak performance, rather than to prevent terrible harm.  Too tight or too loose valves will cause all sorts of "bike runs like poo" problems.  It;s something that can wait, provided that the bike starts and runs.

There is a "sticky" thread at the top of the general page where you can sign up to borrow one of 2 vavle adjustment kits that some of the moderators put together.  Kerry did an instructional video for it, and both kits include the special tools you will need to do the adjustment.  Very easy to do.

I had very little experience working on vehicles, and NO experience working on bikes, and I have had zero problems that the combination of a manual and these boards couldn't fix.

[pandy]

I've just started a little wrenching on mine (with a LOT of help from my boyfriend)!  This weekend, we'll be tackling a valve adjustment. I hope I don't  break a nail!      

Here's the maintenance schedule:

http://www.gstwin.com/maintenance_info.htm

Also, the manual's a great tool; I've been reading it when I want to fall asleep at night!     j/k

Start wrenching! Go over every inch of her!    

pandy  

[pslamp32]

Wow! Awesome. Thanks. I'm so excited to start riding the GS (pickin' it up tomorrow) and this site seems great. Lots of great people that offer to help the new noob! Thanks so much!

[raylarrabee]

fix only what's necessary now.  Ride, ride, ride, and then fix the other stuff after the riding season is over.

[pslamp32]

GREAT advice!

[Larry]

What shape are the tires in?  Last two digits on the DOT code will tell you the year manufactured.  Be careful if older than 5 years.  Rubber tends to harden over time.  Traction is your friend!!

[pslamp32]

I'll check it out when I get the bike tomorrow. Thanks! Keep the great advice coming. Remember I'm a serious noob.

[pandy]

The GS is a VERY forgiving bike (lucky for me  :lol: )!!

Enjoy the heck out of it!!!!!!!!  

pandy  :mrgreen:

[97gs500e]

don't get a GS
you'll be bored with it in two weeks
get a bigger bike like a sv650

[aaronstj]

Nah, 650's way to small.

Get a litre bike, at least.
:lol:

[pantablo]

Go over every inch of her!

pandy  

...Anything else to look for at this mileage ...

like the others have said-chain (and sprockets-they get replaced together), tires and have them check the brake fluid. That could need replacing too. Check the brake pads too. That pretty much covers the consumables.

Sounds like you got the progressive springs-GOOD. Thats the first and most important change to the bike.

Congrats!
pablo-