>> your opinion?

[moon_raker]

Howdie all. Ive been coming to this site some time now, but never joined the forum because I never really had a question....but I kinda do now.
Let me first say that I love this forum! Ive read some really good advice in here.

So anyway, Ive been a fan of the GS's from back in the day. I used to have a Bandit 400 in 92...it was my first and only bike though, and I stopped riding two ears after I bought it....I sorta got spooked one to many times I guess. (not my riding, just idiot drivers)

Well Ive been looking to get back into it, and I want a GS500.

Im wanting to somewhat customize it...some fabrication etc...a prodject/track bike that I can ride on the street.
Sorta like d-days GS?


Anyway, Finally heres the question. I found a GS for pretty cheap...it has atleast 20k miles....looks to be in decent shape. But the engine is shot. Its probably going to need to be replaced all together. But I think it would be a good build bike for me non-the-less. Ive been reading this forum long enough to get an idea of what I should spend on a decent running GS, but I dont remember reading anywhere what one like this might, or should cost me?

So my question is...what would one look to pay for a GS500 that in all likelyhood will need a new engine? With over 20k miles on the frame, forks etc..

THANKS YALL.   

[skoebl]

Probably not mroe than a couple hundred dollars (maximum). Some people on here got their GS's in running condition for less than 1,000 bucks.

[moon_raker]

Couple a hundred huh? Yea, thats what I was thinking. I think the price is $600 though...
Part of me says I should just wait, save some money and look for one with low miles in great running condition.
But the other part tells me to start with a kruddy bike so I dont feel guilty about tearing it a-part and doing "my thing" to it.

Thanks for the reply!

[TadMC]

x

[Egaeus]

honestly this time

Man, you been dringking nagin?  I mean hvae yuo ben drinking agin?  I mean, I have been dringking gin.   

There you go, I just posted drunk.  Now you won't feel so bad. 

[pantablo]

should be a few hundred like was stated above. I wouldnt pay more than $400. Offer $300 and see where they go with it, its not like a project gs bike is in high demand. Most people looking for a gs want it in good working order to learn riding.

[hmmmnz]

id look on ebay to see how much an engine is and work out the cost of it plus the bike to get an overall cost, then see if its worth it,
bear in mind the guy who had it must of been really really hard on it to stuff the engine at 20000 miles.
ive got 30000 on mine and i expect to get another 30k out of it.
so look at the bushes the suspension ect,
if you get it and a new engine you'll love it, its not terribly powerful but what it lacks it makes up for in character and support from other gs riders

[KYGS500E]

2 questions for you:

1.  Where are you located?  I'd love to help with a project like this... i've completely rebuilt my old gs and its been fun (yet expensive).

2.  Are you willing to track down all the problems and spend a nice amount of time rebuilding.  In reality this could take months.  Not sure where you live but if it takes too long you could miss out on this riding season.  Lets say this:

You bought the bike for 300 bucks
You got a new motor shipped off ebay for 550 (head and crankcase)
You needed random parts to rebuild the carbs (75 bucks or more)
You needed to repaint (300 bucks)
New tires (200 bucks plus install)
New pads and rotors and at least  a brake bleed (75-100 bucks)
Parts you just dont think of but will wind up needing (100-200 bucks)

Total: 1600-1725 (and that could be high but its at least all inclusive)

I bought my 99 a few weeks back in perfect condition with 4K on it for 1500 and most could get it for less (I suck at haggling).  If you really want to make it work or see a used motor for a good price.... hey man go for it.... i'd love to help if you're close (doubt you are though) but othewide you can pick up a running gs for  around 1000-1400 in great condition.  Heck... my old bike should be running in another few weeks and I'll sell it for 1000 (92 gs w/22k).

If you go the project rout it'll be fun and you'll learn EVERYTHING (Which is very usefull down the road)!!!  But just be prepared it can be VERY expensive and doesn't allways get you a cheaper bike.

P.S. - If you're married... save the "you've been in the garage too long" fight and just buy a running one.  My wife curses the day I bought my old project gs.  Just a little forewarning.

[Noltz]

I second the "no project bike" opinion if you're iching to get back into riding.  You'll save NOTHING by rebuilding it yourself.  Oddly enough, right now all the GS500 bikes around my area (between Hamilton and Toronto, ON.) are rediculously expensive.   You can buy 'em in the US for $1200 all day long, in GRC. 

Save your pennys and buy one read to go.

[skoebl]

It seems like down here they are all pretty expensive too. I got mine with 22,000 miles for 1700 
Yet I keep hearing of people getting newer ones with fewer miles for cheaper....Oh well, I'm glad I got what I got...No regrets!

[moon_raker]

Thanks for all the feed back guys. Im not needing something I can ride right now, not quiet iching just yet....I just want something to work on and mess around with. Im not really sure what Im going to do really...I know Im going to wanna strip it down...powder coat the frame and wheels and possibley do some fab work on it. I want a mean looking machine, sorta a cross between a street fighter, sport bike, and cafer racer....I like naked bikes where I can see some frame! Thats why I dig the GS's. Plus its not a ji-boon-dis bike, I can still flick it around some.....

KYGS500E- I live in Georgia, but probably not for to much longer...as soon as Im done with school, Ill probably move up north somewhere. Breaking down the cost of building something is helpful...and yup, I am married....SHE'LL JUST HAVE DEAL!!!! (shed kill me if she heard me say that)

Im not sure the bike has been riden too hard, it looks to be in pretty good shape, but you know how that goes....the owner said that the engine began messing up after he had a freind "tune it up"....good job! The engine makes a weird noise but it does crank and run...and is ridable..

Im not sure what to do...?

Thanks again guys for all your feedback!

[moon_raker]

I did end up getting this bike! CHEAP. Its awesome....I love it. Im really looking forward to customizing it...
Thanks to everyone for their input...

[joedude]

Just found this on eBay...


Thought you might be interested in an ENGINE for your project beast!

[RVertigo]

It would be easier to fix a running GS that looks like crap...  Rather than fixing a good looking GS that will never run.