Considering a GS500 - 2005

GregB · October 15, 2008, 07:40:12 AM

I'm looking at a GS500 as my first bike. I've found a few here and there but only one sure seller. He's got an '05 GS500. Its been 'dropped' a few times and has scratches on both sides of the bike. Body panels gone. Good size dent with sharp scrape in rear rim. And I think the fork is twisted; the handlebars have to be turned to the side to get the bike going straight. If I let go of the bars for a moment the bike pulls to one side. I'd be pretty confident attempting to straighten them, but I don't know if the forks are actually bent. Also the tank is dented on both sides. $1800. I'm perfectly willing to spend 3K on a bike with no issues, so should I jump on a bike that may have problems or avoid it?

spc · October 15, 2008, 08:03:41 AM

Make it 3500 and I've got a Duc 750 that'd be a great bike for you.

hotrodstu77 · October 15, 2008, 08:06:01 AM

avoid it and buy the duc, only thing with ducs is they can be a pain to work on and parts can be costly. its ok to buy a bike with some erros but that bike sounds royally fcukedd

spc · October 15, 2008, 08:08:56 AM

Duc's aren't that bad, the valve train is just completely f%$king different from anything your average Suz dealer has ever seen. The timing belts are about 1k old and I've got another brand new set for 3 years down the line when it needs it again. Every 8k you want to check the valves. Checking is simple, adjusting you might want to take it to a shop for.

hotrodstu77 · October 15, 2008, 08:20:53 AM

ya the dismo is a wierd set up. i would buy a duc if i had the chance. got any pics?

GregB · October 15, 2008, 08:50:16 AM

How old? And where are you located? How aggressive a bike is the it? Wise choice for a first bike?

Roadstergal · October 15, 2008, 08:50:46 AM

He's high for asking that much (especially if he hasn't had the frame and forks checked for damage - and I'm assuming it's a salvage title?).

You can find a nice clean nekkid for that price.

GregB · October 15, 2008, 08:51:49 AM

Guy says the title is in his name. And he rode it meet me. I think its his commuter.

Roadstergal · October 15, 2008, 08:56:56 AM

Quote from: GregB on October 15, 2008, 08:51:49 AMGuy says the title is in his name.

That doesn't mean it's a clean title.

The crashes that dented the tank and messed up the bodywork and rear wheel could have hurt the forks and/or the frame. It's clearly been abused, and you can get a GS500 that hasn't been abused for as much as he's asking.

GregB · October 15, 2008, 09:00:37 AM

Alrighty, I think I'll walk away from this one. There are a couple sellers who haven't gotten back to me, may be they will maybe not. I was also thinking of a SV650 if I couldn't find a GS. Same bike my dad has that I used to learn on.

hotrodstu77 · October 15, 2008, 01:57:32 PM

good choice

theUBS · October 15, 2008, 02:04:16 PM

$1800?!!!

I'm certain there's a much better deal out there for you!

Good luck and happy hunting!

GregB · October 20, 2008, 04:59:51 AM

Looked at another. Its a 2007, 1300mi, $3000, two owners. It been lowered, and hasn't been taken care of, it seems. Battery dead, chain rusty, right blinker mount broken from falling over. Where could I get a stock link set to raise it back up? Cost?

I'd like to jumpstart it or borrow the battery from my dad's bike so I can test ride this one.

I may be looking at a 2004 SV650 this week as well.

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Considering a GS500 - 2005