$2k for a 99 GS500E. Good Price?

[dawei213]

Ok, found someone else selling a yellow 1999 GS500E with 4.5k miles for $2000 OBO. He mentioned the bike has been garage kept and is in excellent mechanical condition. It  also has a couple of minor scratches.

I've emailed him the following questions:
Has the battery ever been changed?
When was the last time the carbs been cleaned?
You mentioned a few minor scratched? Where are they located at? Is it because it's been dropped before?
How much treads are left in the front/rear tires?
Are there any tools and/or manual included with the sale?
I'm assuming it starts up just fine?

Is there anything else I should ask? I'm thinking of asking to get it for $1800. Think it's a fair price? Hope to join the crowd soon 

[Egaeus]

If it has been well maintained and garage-kept, then that is a reasonable price.  However, 4.5k is a very low mileage.  That's worryingly low.  I'd make sure that it starts and runs very smoothly. Rebuilding the carb (replacing the o-rings, float bowl seals, and cleaning the jets/other openings) will cost you $50-100 (aftermarket kits cost less).  You almost definitely will have to replace the o-rings if you open it up.  Mine were all cracked and deformed.  Check the condition of the chain (specifically check for rust).  If it's rusty, expect to spend $125 for chain and sprockets.  Look for dry-rotting and wear on the tires.  New stock tires (BT45's) will run you ~200-250 installed.  Check for excessive rust.  That means it hasn't always been garage-kept.  A new battery will run about $35.  Minor scratches will cost a lot to fix if you want to fix them unless they can be buffed out.  Check the spark plugs.  Their condition will give you an indication of how well the bike was maintained.

[Queso]

I paid 2k for my 2000 with 11.5k miles, but maybe GS500's aren't as hard to come by where you are. I only asked one question before I bought mine, "does it run?" 

Hey Egaeus, where do I find one of these carb rebuild kits? And what size chain, sprocket, and tires should I get?

[Egaeus]

https://www.partsnmore.com/motorcycle-carb-rebuild-kits.php?make=suzuki&category=carb_kits  You'll need 2 kits

That doesn't include several parts that you'll probably need.  Looking at the parts fiche, you're getting part 14, 15, 17, 21, and 22 as well as the o-ring under the plastic piston guide, which isn't enumerated or shown in the fiche (i.e. not available as a part from the dealer unless you buy the entire carb body).  You'll also probably need two each of parts 46 and 34 as they will also probably be deteriorated and/or deformed. 

I bought the OEM sprockets, so you'll have to ask if you want something else.  All I know is that the front sprocket is 16T and it has a "shoulder" spacer and the rear sprocket is 39T.  The chain is a DID 520VS2 x 110LE.  It's a 520 o-ring chain with 110 links.  If you go aftermarket, stick with DID chains. 

According to many, you should stick with the stock size tires 110/70 front, 130/70 rear.  Popular tires available in these sizes are Metzeler (various), Bridgestone BT45 (the stock tire), Avon (forget which), and a favorite is Pirelli Sport Demons.  Check the FAQ for more tire information.  I'm sure you'll find the details I forgot in there.

[dawei213]

This is the guy's answer:

Here are some answers, hope they help!!! I am not hiding anything!!!! The bike is in excellent working condition!!!! Feel free to ask me anything u want about the bike.  I can meet you or you can come over and take a look, whichever you prefer!!!

> Has the battery ever been changed?

Yes, about a year to a year and a half ago I change the battery.  It has been trickle charged and is in excellent operating condition!

> When was the last time the carbs been cleaned?

I believe the carbs were cleaned when I bought it in 2001 from the dealer. I kept it running with fresh gas so no need to clean carbs thus far!!!!

> You mentioned a few minor scratched? Where are they located at? Is it because it's been dropped before?

The bike fell over from a stand still, never while moving!!! The scratch is on the handle bar. Also minor scratch, covered with original manufactures paint on the top of the tank.

>How much treads are left in the front/rear tires?         

The tires have less than 5,000 miles!!!!! Treads are good to go for a while!!!

> Yes there any tools and/or manual included with the sale?

Yes, I have the originals owners manual and the original tools located under the seat that came with the bike!!!!

> I'm assuming it starts up just fine?

Yes,  Runs like  a champ!!!! Starts up like brand new!!!

Oh Egaeus, thanks for the response. I'll probably definitely take a look at the bike before I buy it. The scratches I'm not too concern about. Just the running condition of the bike. Since this will be my first bike, I'd rather learn to ride the bike first, then learn the maintenance part later. This bike also sounds like a good bike to do modifications and DIYs as well. 

[Egaeus]

Oh Egaeus, thanks for the response. I'll probably definitely take a look at the bike before I buy it. The scratches I'm not too concern about. Just the running condition of the bike. Since this will be my first bike, I'd rather learn to ride the bike first, then learn the maintenance part later. This bike also sounds like a good bike to do modifications and DIYs as well. 

You definitely want a bike you can ride.  I'm still working on making mine acceptable.  Mandres had to do a rebuild.  You don't want a questionable bike.

[Queso]

This bike also sounds like a good bike to do modifications and DIYs as well. 

That's one of the reasons I got a GS500 (that and it's a 500cc Suzuki  )


Egaeus, thanks for the links! Does the Haynes manual cover the carbs better than the Clymers? I'm not looking to do any performance stuff, I'd rather optimize gas mileage, so I'll stick with all the stock sizes for tires, chains, and sprockets.

[Egaeus]

From what I've seen (a couple of scanned pages and a few quotes), the Haynes manual is much better in the carb area. 

If you *really* want to optimize gas mileage, you could try a 17T front sprocket.  It will reduce your acceleration, but increase your gas mileage.  Be sure that your carbs are clean and balanced, or fuel economy will suffer.

[Queso]

I think I'll stick with stock sporcket size. I'd like the extra mileage, but I want the performance to balance out, as well. So can I just go to any bike store and ask for those size sprockets and chains and get the right kind? Or is there anything special I should ask for? Can anybody recommend a good bike parts shop in the OC area? The only shops I know of are Parts Unlimited and Cycle Parts West off beach, or Cycle Gear in Fullerton.

[RVertigo]

I can still get 52 with a 15T...  I think that's a worthwhile mod...

I think I would only do a 17T if I was trying to set a land-speed record. 

[dawei213]

ok, i went  to look at the bike. The tires are pretty dry rotted.  It's the original with 4.5k miles on it. It needs to be replaced. How much of a deduction do you think I can  ask for?

[Egaeus]

The NADA retail book value for the motorcycle is $1,375 (low retail) to $1,805 (average retail).  the KBB retail value is $2085 and trade-in is $1390.  Given that it is otherwise in good working order then like I said, new stock tires will cost around $250 installed from your local stealer. 

Use this info to decide on an offer.  If he doesn't like it, find another bike.

[dawei213]

Whoa, I didn't even think to check the NADA site. Well, I was thinking of purchasing the tires online and get them installed at a local shop. Hopefully it will run me less than $200.

I actually was able to get the price knocked down to $1900 for him to trailer it to me. There are a few rusted parts on a few nuts, bolts, metal parts, but none on the frame, air cooler, engine, exhaust, etc. The only thing I can think of is that the oil needs to be changed, the chain has never been changed and neither has the battery. Not sure when was the last time a value adjustment was done (if needed). With all this for a 99, is it worth $1900 then? Or you guys feel there will be other bikes out there priced just as well?

[KYGS500E]

I got mine with bad tires for 1550... it had 4800 on it and run awesome.... integrated tail lights and a buel blast fairing... oh and a inline fuel filter... talk um down some.... tires are expensive

[dawei213]

I got mine with bad tires for 1550... it had 4800 on it and run awesome.... integrated tail lights and a buel blast fairing... oh and a inline fuel filter... talk um down some.... tires are expensive

Really? That's awesome. I don't know how much lower can he go but I guess I have nothing to lose. Yeah I'm seeing a lot of the 99's go for around $1800 but with new tires, chain, battery, etc etc. Thanks for your input.