Looking to buy a GS as a racebike.

[Rhoades]

I will be in the market for a GS as a racebike in March. My main ?'s are as follows.
1- Would I be better off, less money in the long run, to buy one that has been raced before so its already set up or buy one that has not seen any track time and set it up myself.

2- If I were to buy one that has already been raced are there any other areas to be sure to inspect aside form the ones you normally check when buying a used bike?

I hope that made sense!! I will be home from Bosnia in March and would love to hit the track ASAP (need to get the CRA lic first but that wont be a problem).
Thanks for your help!
  Chris Rhoades

[Pam G]

Buying a bike already race prepped is usually cheaper & easier in the long run.

I can't at the moment think of any extra things on a race bike to check, except maybe check to see what items have been safety wired, make sure the steering damper isn't broken, things like that.  Usually any bolts that hold back fluid are safety wired, as well as exhaust header bolts & brake caliper mounting bolts.

Check the rules for the organization that you will run in & compare those to the bikes you look at.  It helps if you know for sure if the former owner has raced it in certain classes with such-and-such organization, or if you know another racer that can check the bike over for you.

You will probably want to stay away from a bike that has a total loss system, or one that has to be bump started.  It's much easier to get a bike with the normal starting system.

You will probably find a few GS500's for sale at www.wera.com.  Go to the bulletin board, then 'bikes for sale".

[can-can]

Hello there. I do not know much about the racing aspect of it all but if you are interested, I have a GS for sale in southwest Michigan.  I'm not sure how close we are but it is worth a thought. Good luck in your endevor. Get in touch with me if you would like more info on the bike.

[clkeith50]

I've got a 92 GS500e that I received as a parts bike (no title) that I didn't need. It's complete and running, but needs a little work, 9200 miles on it. I'm in Dallas. Let me know if you're interested.

Curby Keith
clkeith50@yahoo.com

[dgyver]

I agree...a race prepped bike is usually going to be much cheaper than setting one up yourself. Especially if this is your first race bike, it is good to learn from what other have done. There really isn't much different in buying a race bike than a street bike. The engines will have been run harder but the GS has a tough motor. When looking for a race bike, it's best to find a bike that has been running on the track recently. Make sure the VIN plate is intact and unaltered. If the bike has been crashed, check the straightness of the fork tubes. Don't worry about the condition of the tires since you will want fresh rubber anyway. Ask about any and all modification, especially inside the engine. Without rev limiters, the GS will float valves, not a real problem but valve damage could happen. If the forks have been tuned find out what weight rider they are set up for. It doesn't really matter how many (if any) titles or race won by a bike, it's the rider not the bike. Get some track days in to feel comfortable with the bike. You will impressed with its cornering speed.

[luke1645]

there is an 89 gs for sale at this site www.maverickmotorsports.com
it is in st paul. mn

[AK191]

Buying a race prepped bike is definately cheaper if you're just after a "basic, stock" GS racer to learn on.
If you're after serious racing, you will be spending lots of $$$ and replacing everything that was done to that basic racer anyways. If thats the case, you might as well start from scratch with a CHEAP (salvage title) street bike. At least you'll know the frame is straight and uncrashed.
My race bike has survived a couple of low sides and even though it appears straight, I will have it Computracked before it hits the track again.
I would suggest buying a stocker and doing it right the first time. Safety wire it, put on good tires and race it for a season totaly stock....Then deside on what needs to be done. Specially if this is your first race bike.