Inherited a 2000 gs500 - it's been sitting for 10 years - restore or sell as is

[New2gs500]

My father passed away this past May and I've inherited his 2000 gs500.  The bike has been sitting outside covered for the past ten years.  As I understand it, the bike ran well when put away.  At this point it is complete though pretty dirty. 

I don't ride myself (more a classic Porsche man here) and will sell the bike at some point.  The question I have is: is it worth the time and effort to bring it back to riding condition (cleaned, seals replaced, lines replaced, tanked cleaned, engine inspected and brought back, brake lines bled, calipers inspected - cleaned, etc...). Or, should I try to sell it as is as a project for someone else or as a parts bike.   

I do believe it could be brought back and be a great bike for someone who has the passion, time and skill to work through it.

I would appreciate any thoughts you may have.

All the best... Oliver
     

[adidasguy]

It would help to know where you're located. There might be a member near you that could look at it and help you decide what to do.

[New2gs500]

Good point adidasguy.  The bike is in New York's Hudson Valley region, Putnam county.  It's sitting inside now away from the elements.  I will post a few pictures over the weekend.

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

Honestly because GS's are pretty cheap to begin with, and the resale isn't too great. It would be very easy to put in more than you would get out. If you don't plan to ride it I'd put it up for sale as is for around $1500 to $1700 and expect to get around $1000 to $1200.

[Big Rich]

First of all, sorry to hear about your Dad.

I say keep it and work on it yourself. Since you arent a rider, there's no rush to get anything done and the cost will have a minimal effect over the time frame. One of these days you may just want to ride the same bike that your father did, i think it should be cherished.

[tt_four]

At the very least I would at least clean out the carbs, check the tank, and put a new battery in it to see if you can get it running. Even if the brake fluid/lines need changes, some new pads and other random things like that need changed, I think it would be well worth your time to sell a bike that at least starts and runs. People can look at a bike and know what it takes to replace some worn parts, but buying a bike that doesn't run is always a gamble. If you're not picky about it just stick it on craigslist for $1000 how it is and give someone a deal on a project. If you know what you're doing though I'd spent a weekend taking care of the obvious things.

[New2gs500]

Thank you for the advice.  My dad never rode that specific bike.  His health was bad though his mind never accepted it.  He had an old GS 850G which we did ride together frequently.  It unfortunately st outside for over 15 years and rusted away.  The 500 was purchased and never titled or driven by him.

I'm now thinking I might keep it for a while, clean it up a bit and see if I can't get it running.   Tt four brings up a good point.  If it runs and just needs replacement parts, it will likely sell better.  At least there's the comfort in knowing it runs. 

Also, my old Porsche is pretty much done needing only very minor work at this point.  The bike could be a good winter project.   Along with the bike, I also inherited quite a few mechanics tools (dad was German born, raised and educated foreign car mechanic when foreign cars were, well... Foreign.  I grew up using those tools in his shop.  It would be good to use them to bring the bike back to life.

And you never know, after bringing it back, I might just get the urge to take a few riding classes and learn to ride it.  That is if my better half will let me.

Thanks for the advice.  I have a feeling I'll be back to this board frequently trying to figure things out and find parts.

I'll post a few pics on Saturday.


 

[Twism86]

So how many miles does it have? Must be low. Welcome to the forum.

[New2gs500]

Only 6500 miles from the previous owner.   I do think it would clean up well though there are a few bubbles on the tank.  Nothing a quality repaint can't cure.

[tt_four]

Hopefully the tank isnt so rusty that it's bubbling under the paint. good luck!