First GS500? What do you think?

[tt_four]

As far as the price, I would say no more than $1200-1300. As others have said, you can get some great deals on motorcycles right now, and a bike like that would go for $1500 or less in a normal market. Plus everyone on craigslist lists thing higher because they know people are going to make a lower offer.

I also was under the assumption that 1989 was the only rear that came with clipons. The fact that he rounded that up to the next decade makes me more curious about the paint job. Definitely go take a look at it, but don't rush, don't overpay, and don't feel bad about walking away, because there's plenty of motorcycles out there now to get yourself a great deal.

I'm also looking to get another bike next spring, so I'm counting on this economy to not turn around yet so I can still get a great deal!

[tt_four]

Actually, I just looked at the listing again and I see he wrote "firm" in the location, which I'm assuming refers to the price, as I've never heard of a place in NY named Firm. That makes me assume he's going to be difficult on the price, and is probably slightly delusional about selling a 20 year old used motorcycle.

[Victoria]

Wow thanks for all the great info!  I have not heard back from this person yet and that's bugging me.  I NOW have lots of questions about the possible reconditioning of the bike--If money was put into it to fix it up that's probably why the seller is so firm on the price. 
If and when I go  to check out the bike I am lucky to have a back yard neighbor who owned a few gstwins. He also races and trains people to race. 

[Victoria]

oops

[tt_four]

People always try to get more for money they put into a bike, especially for aftermarket parts, which is understandable. You put $1500 worth of shiny parts on a bike and you'd hope it would make the bike more valuable, but it's usually just the opposite. Stock bikes are usually worth more and the seller just has to eat the money they spent on it. The best option is to save all the stock parts so you can put them back on the bike to sell it, then sell the extra parts by themselves.

I'm weary of any used bike that has too many accessories, especially anything along the lines of a power commander. I'm not too picky about exhausts, but certain brands, like D&D just scream abused bike to me. Of course the obvious things like "the clutch slips in 1st/2nd gear", any sportbikes with an engine cage on them, or scratches/cracks on the back of the tail are bad news if you're looking for a bike in good condition.

Same goes for general upkeep. Bikes cost money to keep for a while, so you can't expect someone else to pay if you let the paint job/chrome go downhill when you're trying to sell it, that's just one more sign that the bike wasn't taken care of as well as one might like.

Instead of saying that you know 90's GSs didn't come in yellow, just ask if it's the original paint. He'll be more likely to lie about it if he thinks you don't know, and then you'll know he's up to something.

[JB848]

Hi Victoria, I think you have gotten good sound advice from everyone that posted. I would like to add though that not everyone is out to rip you off. From the looks of the bike the owner has added some extras that shows he was in to customizing the bike beyond it's stock form. Had the bike just been painted with no mods I would be very skiddish! That being said taking your friend with you is a must he will be able to see if there is any shanagins happening real fast just by talking to the seller.

Here is what this bike should look like original:


Vs the customized version:


I hope this helps.

[The Buddha]

89 clip on's.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Victoria]

The seller got back to me via e-mail and told me he lives in Swan Lake, NY,  200 miles in the wrong direction from me.  Oh well, back to the beginning.

[psyber_0ptix]

200 isn't that bad.. it would be a nice cruise home

[drewbytes]

You won't travel only 200 miles to buy a really top condition bike? That's crazy! It looks like a great bike to me, get out there and buy it.