HELP - what to look for when buying a 94 gs500

[benjohnson]

I found a 94 gs500 in the paper I am thinking of buying.  It has 19k miles on it and look to be in good condition from the pics.  I am going to look at it tomorrow.  What should I look for .  Is there anything that regularly goes wrong with these things?  Is the engine reliable after 20k?  Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ben

[scratch]

Welcome!

I've got over 31,000 miles on mine, and I think it'll go a lot longer.  Srinath has had over 45,000 on his.  And, I'm pretty sure GSJack has even more on two seperate GS's.
But, it depends on how well it was taken care of.

Check the tank for rust.
Check the swingarm for rust.
Check the brakes for rust (not common).
Check the chain for rust.
Check the rear sprocket teeth.
Check the color of the brake fluid in both resiviors (front brake master cylinder on the right handlebar has a sightglass; should be a clear yellow; brown is bad; the rear m/c is under the seat...check the battery for water while you're under there).

Ask the owner questions like:

When was the last time you changed the engine oil?

What kind of oil did you use?

When was the last valve adjustment done? (should be done every 4000 miles)

When was the last time you changed the fork oil? (should be every 2 years)

[benjohnson]

Thanks Man,
Actually, I just bought it last night  .  Its a 94 with 19k on it - $1200, how does that sound?  I think I may have to repaint it (its a ghey purple) but, it sounded pretty good last night.  Is the rattle sound from the bottom end of the engine normal.  It sounded like something was loose but when the owner took off oni it, it had plenty of power, no smoke and sounded decent.  anyways, thanks for they reply.  Im sure Ill have more Q's as I start repairing everything on it. peace and chicken grease dudes

[scratch]

Hey, don't knock the purple til you've had it a while...
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Expecially since you got it for $1200 (I got mine 3 yrs ago, with 8k mile for $2600)

Where's Pandy?  Purple bikes rule!

Don't know about the rattle, I have to hear it in person.

[Queso]

Welcome!

Check the color of the brake fluid in both resiviors (front brake master cylinder on the right handlebar has a sightglass; should be a clear yellow; brown is bad; the rear m/c is under the seat...check the battery for water while you're under there).

Umm... In the bike I just got, it looks kinda red... Mine is a 2000... Is it a different kind of brake fluid, or do I got some brake work to do? I need to get manuals for it (owner's and maintenance), cuz I'd like to get it 100% caught up on maintenance before I start riding it regularly.

Is there a comprehensive list of tools one needs to do all the work on their GS?

[scratch]

Red is in between yellow and brown.  Yeah, it probably needs to be changed.  Dot4 only.