Going to test ride a GS500F soon

[Birdmove]

  I'm an old timer (55 years) and have ridden motorcycles for over 47 years now and own three:a 2007 Royal Enfiled 500 Bullet;a 2007 Yamaha XT225;and a 2006 HD XL883. The dealership I work at (an HD/Buell dealer) has a used GS500F they have had for quite some time now.Its one of the kind of silvery/black ones.I'm not sure of the year though, but I recall its a 2006 or 2007.Since I work at the dealership, I get a very nice employee discount on a used bike.Of course a dealer like s to take in a trade for the least possible money. I beleive they gave like $2000 for this bike, which means I might be able to get it for like $2200 or a little more.It would depend on if they had to repair anything on the bike when they took it in. I think pretty highly of the old GS500, as I bought a new 1980 GS450ST and, after I shimmed the needles, it was a great bike. Also, when my nephew asked me (after riding dirt bikes for years) what would be a good street bike for him to buy, I told him he might get a used GS500 Suzuki which he did, and he loves the bike. I've owned and ridden many motorcycles (including the Kawasaki EX500) and don't need a rocket bike. Any suggestions on issues I should check for? The bike looks straight. I read some years ago about an issue with a tapping or knocking noise due to camshaft end play.Would this show up on a typical short test ride? Anything else to check for?
    I'm looking forward to riding the GS as I haven't ridden one since I had my GS450ST a long time ago.

  Thanks, Jon

[ohgood]

the cam play shouldn't be an issue on that newer model. if it is, it's harmless. just some cam float.

more important is if it's had it's valve adjusted, oil changeed, and heads torqued. it'll be fine for 3-40,000 miles or until the carbs gum up (you're familiar with the carb stuff older bikes have, i see).

other than that, you konw the rest.

enjoy !