How many miles is a gs500 good for?

[Jackstand Johnny]

I'm not familiar with the life of a motorcycle engine. Cars I'm pretty good with but bikes...not at all. How long do gs500's usually run for before they start "falling apart" on the rider? Is 50,000 miles out of the question? 100,000 miles?

[bucks1605]

I think gsjack has logged quite a few miles on his gs's, maybe he can chime in with the exact numbers. Of course if you don't take care of the motor it won't last long at all. But if you keep on top of oil changes, valve adjustments, ect. I know 50,000 is easily obtainable.

[quiktaco]

I've got almost 44,000 miles and it's running better than ever.  It's even been dropped once (by the previous owner, and at a stand still).  Just did a valve adjustment, and it's as smooth as can be.  I think GSJack has got over 100k on one of his gs's...that or 80k, can't remember.  But as long as you keep these bikes oiled, then they run for a very long time.

[bucks1605]

I think GSJack has got over 100k on one of his gs's...that or 80k, can't remember.

That's what I was thinking, I just couldn't remember which.

[jp]

My dad (gsJack) put 80,000 onhis 97 before he gave it to me last year. I put another 8,000 miles on it before I put in another engine. The bike was burning about a quart of oil between oil changes when I got it. It was starting to burn about a quart every 800-1000 miles when I got the new engine. The oil consumption was worse the more freeway driving I did. The exhaust valves were down to the smallest shim, with one measuring less than .03mm clearance. I would be willing to put that engine back in a bike with a new head and fresh pistons & rings. With the new engine in, along with Progressive fork springs, and a Katana 600 shock, I figure the bike is good for another 80,000 miles. I currently have 92,000 miles on it, and am leaving Sunday for 4 days/1400 miles from Cleveland Oh to Greenville SC.

[The Buddha]

Mine was at 1 quart in 300 miles or less ~45-48K. I think commute is harder on them than highway like GSJack did. Mine was a commute only special till I sold it. 8K to 48K as a commuter, wrecked several times. etc etc.
Cool.
Buddha.

[cd]

9 miles, quick sell me your bike for a dollar before it explodes. ill safely dispose of it.

[510]

I'd be interested to know how the average GS' lifespan compares to a more "modern" EFI bike like the SV or the FZ6. I would think that the late models would be manufactured with better tolerances.

[bucks1605]

9 miles, quick sell me your bike for a dollar before it explodes. ill safely dispose of it.

[gregos]

as long as the engine is serviced at time, with good oil , and doest bruttaly used , you can ride alot!

ive seen gs with 250K km on the clock , my first gs (91) was with 170K km .

stupid/unexpirienced rider can blow engine after 20 miles or less.

check compression & preasure leak before you buy ' it will give you best indication about the engine.

good luck

[GSRider]

Mine is currently at 72,000km/45000 miles, and is using 2 quarts in between oil changes, but has always gone through a substantial amount. Still strong, minor oil leaks not with standing.

[Jackstand Johnny]

Theres a fellow on this forum willing to sell me his 89 for $800. It has I believe about 45,000 miles on it. He says it leaks oil around the seals, but thats the only problem minus some pitting around the top of the fork. It isn't stock with a Katana rear spring, progressive fork, and -1 sprocket. Its got fairly new parts on it as well. What do you guys think?

[Jay_wolf]

Well who is it ? then we might have read about issues , or stuff that has been resolved , \


sounds like a great deal to me ,

[rhenter]

I have 46,000 plus on mine and still running strong.   

[Jackstand Johnny]

Lol, that's strange, the guy who is selling the bike I might be buying has the same miles on his. 

[fred]

My 1994 has over 83,000 on it and is still running strong with the stock motor. It doesn't consume oil or anything like that. I don't see why I couldn't roll the odometer over a few years from now...