Shopping for a GS

[Tayta_Mayne]

Hello, this is my first post. I am trying to find a good GS to start out on. There are two around me rite now that I am iterested in. One is a 1992 and the other a 1999. I dont want to spend alot as it is my first street bike. Ok so the 1992 has listed some recent maintenance. Here is what they say has been done, New oil pump in 2003, new battery in 2005, new chain and front sprocket in 2006.
Custom front fairing. Custom made LED gear selector indicator, and custom made and powdercoated muffler cover. What do you guys think? I dont know alot about bikes to be honest and Im really ready to hop on one of these. I thank you all for any future replies.

Oh I forgot new wheel bearings in 2003.

[coolboarder]

Welcome to the forum.

     The led and battery dont add much value to me. They do indicate that the owner rides his bike and cares for it though. Can you give any details on the 99. I learned on this forum that mileage means a lot. I personally would get a newer model, or keep looking.

[Tayta_Mayne]

Im sorry i forgot to list the mileage on the 92. It is 27524, but I have heard that this bike is pretty bomb proof and that if it is maintained that is a low number. The 99 I dont know a whole lot about. Here is some of what the seller has to say, "Well maintained but has some minor dings on it from previous owner. There are two modifications one being that i replaced the stock handle bars with lowered sport ones and the other with the rear fender/tire gaurd.". I just can get a way better deal on this 92, and it is owned by and older man which means it most likely was ridden responsibly. The 99 on the other hand is owned by a young guy, I mean i dont mean that is a bad thing just comparing the two. And the 99 has around 10,000 miles on it.

[Jarrett]

If you don't know anything about bikes, then google "used motorcycle evaluation" and use it.  It's for folks that don't know much, if anything about buying bikes.  If anyone on this boards lives near you, they might be able to take a look at the bikes with you.

[dgyver]

89-00 are basically the same. Lack of care of the GS is its worst enemy. They are common to rust if left outdoors. Check inside the gas tank for rust too. Regular valve adjustments are needed for optium performance. Something to ask the seller when the last adjustment was done.

I would look at both to get a comparison of their condition. It is a wise idea to take someone with motorcycle experience to get their opinion.

[Tayta_Mayne]

I'm going to try to get my buddy that rides to go with me. Is there anything with any years that I should look out for?

[manofthefield]

As dgyver said, 89-00 are pretty much the same; there are only a few minor differences and I don't think that makes one any worse than the other.  Basically there are no bad years. 

If I was given the choice between the two, my first reaction would be to lean towards the newer one, but from the descriptions you gave it sounds like the older one may have been cared for better, which as stated above is more important.  I guess I would second the suggestion to go look at both with your motorcycle inclined friend.  Just like a car or a house, don't buy the first one you go and look at (until you've had a chance to compare it to other options).  Good luck!

[Chuck]

Where are you located?  I have a 2001 that will be looking for a home this summer.

[scratch]

Welcome!

The older one sounds like it has been cared for, and is less $ (both, invested and/or lost).