a "what to look for" list for newbies

[grayghost]

there is such a wealth of info here  wouldn't it be worthwhile to make a list of "what to look for" for newbies who are looking at used GS500 out there. i know the "cam crawl knock" would have sure thrown me for a loop if i had heard it when i looked at my 97. i know most of the typical "watch out for" stuff has probably been listed in individual posts, but a comprehensive list ( maybe even for printing out when a one of us "green" ones goes out looking) would sure be a help in avoiding problems down the line.
many thanks to all who have given me input on my bike since coming here-lot's of good folks here!!

[joshr08]

i think the list is a good idea.  alot of time the biggest thing to remember in my opion and its just that my opion.  mods dont increase the value for the most part what one person does is for there taste and wont appeal to the next person the way it does to the person doing the work.  so for the most part you have to look at this.  is the bike mechanicly sound?  can i drive this bike home right now without having to put money into it other then plates and insurance?  does it look like someone used a chainsaw, vise grips and 10lbs of wire to add something or "fix" something?  And last of all if i have to put money into it am i willing to put that money into it for the price the person is asking for it? And always remember you may really want a bike but you have to ask yourself the question.  if it doesnt run or needs work. can i fix it for less then i can buy another one if i look a bit more and spend a bit more money up front?

[ohgood]

do they have repair records, or a manual, how dirty is it ?

oil change history ?
brake hisstory ?replace brake with whatever and then add history. it all matters.

how's the:

chain
brake pads
alignment adjusters
chain
sprockets
clutch
tires
wheels
forks
fork seals
levers
handle bars (straight?)
headlight signals, brake light dash
battery lines
over flow lines
engine sound
startup sounds
START IT COLD AND SEE IF IT SMOKES
compression
spark plugs ? (they'll tell allot about current condition of things)
air filter
gas lines
muffler
gas tank petcock / frame petcock (leaking ?)
engine case (oil spots ?)
drain plug (stripped?)
VALVE ADJUSTMENT HISTORY
seat lock
key function
looks ? (if you care)
wheel weights ?


tons of stuff to check. tons of stuff to fix. tons of miles left hopefully for you to enjoy