Looking at a bike: what do you think of this prob

calispec · April 11, 2006, 05:29:48 AM

I'm looking at a gs500 is my first bike the owner had the engine rebuilt but told mme about this problem with the bike:

"The problem is that it needs some tune up work. It starts, runs, and revs just fine. I rode it for a couple miles yesterday. It must need some carb work, however because after a couple miles it starts to lidle slow and it won't rev."

then said this in another message:

"Also, I talked to a couple mechanics on another message board I frequent. They think it needs a valve adjustment. I'll find out more but a valve adjustment cost like $40 or you can do it yourself. You just have to take the valve cover off and measure the gap between the cam and the shim on top of the valve bucket and pull out the old shim with a valve tool and slide the proper shim in place."

Other than being WAY off on the price of a vavle adjustment, does that sound right? does that sound like the effect an un-adjusted vavle would have? If not waht do you think it might be?

Thanks in advance

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 05:41:09 AM

That does sound like the stereotypical 'needs valve adjustment' and that may be all it needs.

Personally, I wouldn't trust it. If thats all it needs, why doesn't he do it himself before selling it? A bike with a rebuilt engine is going to cause you problems. You don't know anything about the engine rebuild, who did it, what quality of craftsmanship was put into it, etc. While it might save you money now to get a bike with a few problems, you could wind up dumping more money then its worth to get it working right. IMHO, you would probably be better off paying a little more for a bike that already runs well.

Otherwise, tell him you'll pay a little more for the bike if he has the valves adjusted and that fixes the problem.

calispec · April 11, 2006, 07:56:25 AM

Quote from: LimaXray on April 11, 2006, 05:41:09 AM
That does sound like the stereotypical 'needs valve adjustment' and that may be all it needs.

Personally, I wouldn't trust it. If thats all it needs, why doesn't he do it himself before selling it? A bike with a rebuilt engine is going to cause you problems. You don't know anything about the engine rebuild, who did it, what quality of craftsmanship was put into it, etc. While it might save you money now to get a bike with a few problems, you could wind up dumping more money then its worth to get it working right. IMHO, you would probably be better off paying a little more for a bike that already runs well.

Otherwise, tell him you'll pay a little more for the bike if he has the valves adjusted and that fixes the problem.

the rebuild was done by a shop in the area (i've asked and he has all reciepts) and according to the seller this included " New rod, piston, hone, valve job, carbs cleaned, new head"

?

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 08:09:01 AM

It's really up to you if you want to take the chance. If it appears everything was done properly maybe it will be alright. It does sound like tight valve tolerances, and if you are comfortable with a wrench, you could fix it yourself. How many miles has it been since the rebuild? Having the valves adjusted is part of the break in maintnence, it may just be do.

JamesG · April 11, 2006, 08:37:50 AM

What year, mileage, and what is the asking price?

If the price is right it might be worth the chance/work in getting it sorted out...

3imo · April 11, 2006, 09:15:51 AM

JamesG is on the money.

You'll get no real help in the form of yes or no here, not really anyway.
depends on you, how confident are you about tearing into an engine? how confident are you about the shop who did the work?

If twer me for the right price I'd jump on it. do the valve adjust and carb rebuild, and see. But, I know I'd be done in a day or two.

Depends on you.

buy a manual roll up yer sleeves and have at it. this bike is a dream to wrench on. experienced or not.
IMO o'course.

3imo · April 11, 2006, 09:17:15 AM

Quote from: LimaXray on April 11, 2006, 08:09:01 AM
It's really up to you if you want to take the chance. If it appears everything was done properly maybe it will be alright. It does sound like tight valve tolerances, and if you are comfortable with a wrench, you could fix it yourself. How many miles has it been since the rebuild? Having the valves adjusted is part of the break in maintnence, it may just be do.

Quote from: JamesG on April 11, 2006, 08:37:50 AM
What year, mileage, and what is the asking price?

If the price is right it might be worth the chance/work in getting it sorted out...

answer these questions and we may be able to help ya.

calispec · April 11, 2006, 11:19:27 AM

it's a 1989, and the asking price is $900, i don't know on the mileage since the rebuild.

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 11:23:03 AM

offer him a little less in its current condition and a little more if he got it running right

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 11:24:17 AM

the kbb good condition trade in value is 875 btw

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 11:31:00 AM

and the dealer retail is 1375, just to give you an idea of what its worth... If it's just the valves, 900 isn't bad, but you don't know for sure that's all it is. I'd say low ball him, see what he'll take

idk why i didnt put this on one post...

Alphamazing · April 11, 2006, 11:32:40 AM

Quote from: LimaXray on April 11, 2006, 11:31:00 AM
idk why i didnt put this on one post...

You can click "Modify" to edit your posts. It's right next to the "Quote" button.

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 11:36:22 AM

didnt even think about that... it's ok, I'll just be a post whore

3imo · April 11, 2006, 11:43:45 AM

Quote from: calispec on April 11, 2006, 11:19:27 AM
it's a 1989, and the asking price is $900, i don't know on the mileage since the rebuild.

If you have the money and the confidence/determination. I'd say go for it. but lowball him abit.

I'd pay $1k for an 89' in good running condition. I've heard of them going fo $2k.
Lowball him abit.
buy it. we'll help ya get her running

pantablo · April 11, 2006, 12:23:02 PM

if the valves were done with the engine rebuild it shouldnt need another one...skip over this one and keep looking.

3imo · April 11, 2006, 12:36:06 PM

onsecond thought I'd take Pablo's advise over mine.

O'course I could use the bike for a rat bike project.........

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 12:38:20 PM

Quote from: pantablo on April 11, 2006, 12:23:02 PM
if the valves were done with the engine rebuild it shouldnt need another one...skip over this one and keep looking.

An engine rebuild is the same as getting a new bike with a new engine when it comes to break in... it will need the valve tolerances checked and shimed as part of its break in maintenance. He should find out how many miles are on this engine, and if the guy ever had this done. It is possible the current owner never had this maintenance done and that is the only cause of this problem.

He shoud be careful tho, there are bastards out there that will gladly stick you with a lemon. If he could get the bike cheap enough it may be worth it

LimaXray · April 11, 2006, 12:40:00 PM

he also needs to take into account a rebuilt engine is never as good as a factory fresh engine

3imo · April 11, 2006, 12:44:58 PM

Quote from: 3imo on April 11, 2006, 09:15:51 AM
You'll get no real help in the form of yes or no here, not really anyway.
depends on you, how confident are you about tearing into an engine? how confident are you about the shop who did the work?

It's on you, DUDE

scratch · April 11, 2006, 01:01:16 PM

Is this bike in Kansas City?

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Looking at a bike: what do you think of this prob