Getting a Gs. Hopefully

[kumar988]

I have a  friend who's friend moved to florida and he is willing to sell his 2004 gs500 w/7000miles for $2000. I am really excited because seems like a kick ass deal considering people here with 99-00 want 3k for their bike. Similar one is going for $3500 so here is my question. This sounds almost too good to be true. I am going to go see it on wednesday and I was wondering what kind of problems I should be looking for. I will run the vin for a salvage title/theft etc, start it up, and check tires. Anything else I should be looking for? thanks for the help hopefully this is the one. I will post pics if I buy.

[salad]

here, read this: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

i found it extremely helpful.

[Egaeus]

If it's in good condition, it's a good deal.  However, I'm only asking $1800 for my 99.  Maybe I should up the price....

[Unnamed]

I assume he's giving you a good deal because you're a friend, because that is a very good deal. A couple things to ask/ check for-

How many miles/ number of oil changes? The oil and filter should be replaced every 4k miles.
How many miles/ chain cleanings? You should clean it every 600 miles, if less the chain might be more worn.
Check tire tread. If low, you might need to replace.

These are all pretty minor issues. More importantly,

Is there rust on the exhaust pipes or chain? I wouldn't expect any unless he had been taking poor care of it.
Does it start up quickly and easily? Does the bike stutter or bog when you rev it?
Make sure all the lights work.

Thats all I can think of now because I'm drunk. Listening to the engine revving is pretty important because the GS's carbs can get clogged somewhat easily and can also suffer from some minor performance issues. Since its a new bike I think it'll probably run fine, but take your time and look at everything.