Noob question... buying a dropped GS500f

[Johnny5]

Need opinions... At what price is it worth it to buy (or is it ever) a GS500f that's been dumped?  There is a couple on Fleabay that have frame issues, is it woth it to look at something like that?  I'd love to pick up a '04-'06... and make it naked.  Is it worth it to look at those with possibly damaged frames?  This ones at $1200 w/o one bid... what price is in the ball park for a machine like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-SUZUKI-GS500F-EZ-FIX-PROJECT-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ270040052452QQihZ017QQcategoryZ133177QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks,

Johnny

[dgyver]

Generally the frame is pretty tough. Unless it was in a major front end impact, they are rarely trashed. That right side passenger peg/exhaust mount subframe damage is typical of a right side down. Can be easily fixed with a little welding. I have a couple that I have fixed without any major issues. I would not pay more than $1500 for a bike in that condition like in that link. There is always more damage found once it is taken apart.

[Johnny5]

Generally the frame is pretty tough. Unless it was in a major front end impact, they are rarely trashed. That right side passenger peg/exhaust mount subframe damage is typical of a right side down. Can be easily fixed with a little welding. I have a couple that I have fixed without any major issues. I would not pay more than $1500 for a bike in that condition like in that link. There is always more damage found once it is taken apart.

Thanks much for the reply... this is what worries me most "There is always more damage found once it is taken apart."  I'm not much of a wrencher either so I'd have to have someone do most of the work.  I'd love to have a yellow '04 naked though, for a good price.

[ducati_nolan]

That one dosen't look too bad, bars are cheap and it's easy to have the subframe welded. The subframe dosen't effect the alignment or anything, but you better have it welded right so your passenger dosen't fall off.  The only thing is that it's hard to tell by the pictures alone. I wouldn't buy something like that without going to inspect it, and have a mechanically inclined bike savy friend or a mechanic check it out.

The listing says that it's sold as is, so if there's more dammage you can be screwed. Check it out in person before bidding, if you can't check it out, pass it up for the next one.

It actually looks pretty good with only the top and bottom fairing pieces, and the main side piece missing.

[Johnny5]

Thanks guys.  That makes sense, only If I find one local and I can make sure to bring someone with me to help look it over.