is this worth it for $750? 96 gs500e

[z315]

found this on CL. What do you guys think? I talked him down to about 750 dollars but it's about 2 hours away.

Under 10k miles. Since I bought it only put a couple hundred miles on it. I got new tires and carb overhaul. I can provide those receipts. I got new levers, cleaned the tank and k&n, new mirrors, fuel pump/valve, fuel lines and I have a tach cable and brakes. It will need a battery. Engine and electronics work well. It's not the prettiest thing, been dropped before but it's sound and would make a good commuter or first bike. I'd ride it every day but my parents are making me sell it so it's sat In their shed for a while. The tank looks empty so it should start with fresh fuel. Obviously might want a tune up but it will ride away.

It's registered until this month or next so no backfees.

Thank you very much!

[ryott52]

That's a big maybe... He doesn't seem to know if it runs or not on account of the dead battery and no fuel. It may be worth taking a look at, check and see if he'll let you jump start or push start it. If so then look it over, looking for all the things one usually looks for with a used bike.

[jacob_ns]

It's got a K&N intake and no mention of a rejet so factor in rejetting and your time into the cost. Also, the inside of the tank could be trashed from sitting without fuel for an extended period.

[ryott52]

It's got a K&N intake and no mention of a rejet so factor in rejetting and your time into the cost. Also, the inside of the tank could be trashed from sitting without fuel for an extended period.

Good point. Bottom line is there's really no way to be sure without looking at it. You could be getting a great deal, or you could be wasting $50 in gas getting there and back.

[z315]

More beginner questions...

How would I be able to tell if the tank is thrashed? Just stick a flashlight through the gas port and look for rust?

Thank you very much for your inputs.

[ryott52]

The parts for rejetting aren't too expensive, but if you plan on having a shop do it they'll probably charge you a couple hours for labor. If you want more info on carbs you may want to get in touch with Buddha, he knows his stuff and can help you with getting the right jets. As for the tank, look over the outside and the inside for rust, cracks, pinholes, etc. Fill it up all the way and tilt the bike left and right to make sure there are no holes high on the sides.

[starwalt]

If Condition is King and Mileage is Queen, then Price is the Prince.
When I was keeping stats on ebay prices, the avg sale price for any 96 was over $1300.

You just will need to decide what your time is worth, your skill level at repairs, and how much you depend on the bike to keep running.

[jon619]

This is in Norcal, right? Was it a green bike? I would bring some fuel and jump start the bike. Ride it around and see how it rides. I would not buy it without a short test ride.

[z315]

This is an video of the bike in question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR_HSR6LOjo

[SecretAgent]

Great Guide I found...Simple and easy to navigate.

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike-content.html