Bike Newbie Initial Checklist

[_oxygen_]

Is there a guide somewhere where I can read on what to check and get a good idea of what condition various parts of my bike are in. I just picked up a '94 GS500 w/ 20,000 miles for $1200. It's my first bike ever and I'm at a loss as to what critical components I should check out. besides various fluid levels. You you guys recommend I take the carbs apart and clean them? I'm eager to learn and eager to make sure it runs for quite some time to come.

Oxygen

[blue05twin]

You can get a claymer or haynes manual that will guide you through all the wrenching.

Is the bike running fine?  Starting up? 

For a check list hmm
Check oil
tire pressure
break fluid
all your lights are working ( headlight, tail light, front and rear turn signals.)
chain tension
is the chain lubed
rust in gas tank ( if there is then you probally need to clean the carbs)
broken fork seals
remaining life of break pads
condition of tires ( is the rubber old and cracking? )


hard to really say without actually seeing the bike but those are the things I would check first.

GL and welcome to the madhouse

forgot check out this link http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500

[scratch]

Welcome!

I wouldn't just clean the carbs if the bike runs fine (but how would you know if you don't have anything to compare it to).

Just changing fluids is a great start towards learning about your bike's innards.

Fork oil (have to take the forks off)
Front brake fluid (don't do it without the front wheel on)
Engine oil (and filter, be careful not to overtighten the acorn nuts)
Rear brake fluid (same as front)
Cable lube
And, chain lube
Grease for the pivots, too, and bearings (steering head and swingarm)

There's a link running around here somewhere about what to look for, and we strongly suggest getting the manual from the Amazon link on the main page.

[_oxygen_]

You can get a claymer or haynes manual that will guide you through all the wrenching.

Done.

Is the bike running fine?  Starting up? 

For a check list hmm
Check oil
tire pressure
break fluid
all your lights are working ( headlight, tail light, front and rear turn signals.)
chain tension
is the chain lubed
rust in gas tank ( if there is then you probally need to clean the carbs)
broken fork seals
remaining life of break pads
condition of tires ( is the rubber old and cracking? )

Oh yeah I've ridden it about 15 miles today.
I checked those things and things see to be OK. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something i was missing.

hard to really say without actually seeing the bike but those are the things I would check first.

GL and welcome to the madhouse

forgot check out this link http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500

Right. Thanks..
Oxygen

[_oxygen_]

Thanks scratch, I was thinking about changing out the oil but it looks fine.
I don't know for sure it's running really good or not. it seems to idle fine. I did most of my riding today around the residential streets in my neighborhood. I did take it out on a major road and took it up to 50 for a short stint. I don know that the previous owner said she never got it above 50, and it's been collecting dust since April.

Thanks Again.