Picking up my first bike tomorrow. 2004 GS500F. Few questions

[Dache]

So excited! Waited until I was 27 to finally get one. This is the bike I'm picking up http://imgur.com/cxq0W

It's in great shape, always garaged, 4500 miles and tuned up for this summer already. About 80% left on tread an brakes. Getting it for $2400. Hope that's a good price

Anyways my questions -

Bringing someone who knows a few things with me but anything I should look for or hear for?

I'll be storin it in a garage (not heated) until April after my course. Anything I should do to it?

What maintenance is required yearly/how often to change stuff? Sorry of this has been answered I read the FAQ but didn't see anything.

Last but not least I'll be keeping it outdoors at my apartment in the summer in the shade, what is the best bike cover I can get?

Most of all thanks!!!

[Paulcet]

Yeah, mint condition - probably worth it.  Even with 80% tread, those are old tires so consider replacing them very soon.  Change oil every 3000 miles, lube chain every 600, check valves every 4000 miles unless you extend the clearance on the exhaust valves.  Might want to get proof that the valve clearance has already been done or just do it yourself so you know it was done.

[adidasguy]

Ignore that j_walker. He posts a lot of insane stuff. He has a bike which he probably messed up because he didn't know what he was doing and now takes his frustrations out on everybody. Just scan his other posts. He's a frustrated 17 year old.

You are getting  a good bike and price seems about right. The rest of us are here to help you with any questions you have.

I suggest a little fuel stabilizer because of the ethanol in our gas. If it is sitting until April, add some and fill up the tank.
You could NOT fill up the tank (add stabilizer anyway). When April comes, get a 3 gal gas can and put a few gallons of fresh gas in her. She'll run better after sutting so long. Gas degrades when it sits around for a few months.

[Dache]

Yeah, mint condition - probably worth it.  Even with 80% tread, those are old tires so consider replacing them very soon.  Change oil every 3000 miles, lube chain every 600, check valves every 4000 miles unless you extend the clearance on the exhaust valves.  Might want to get proof that the valve clearance has already been done or just do it yourself so you know it was done.

I'm not quite sure what having the valve clearance done means so I'll have to look into that. Is it something relatively cheap? I have no issues with learning and doing everything myself - in fact I enjoy it. Thanks for the advice

[Dache]

Ignore that j_walker. He posts a lot of insane stuff. He has a bike which he probably messed up because he didn't know what he was doing and now takes his frustrations out on everybody. Just scan his other posts. He's a frustrated 17 year old.

You are getting  a good bike and price seems about right. The rest of us are here to help you with any questions you have.

I suggest a little fuel stabilizer because of the ethanol in our gas. If it is sitting until April, add some and fill up the tank.
You could NOT fill up the tank (add stabilizer anyway). When April comes, get a 3 gal gas can and put a few gallons of fresh gas in her. She'll run better after sutting so long. Gas degrades when it sits around for a few months.

Thanks. I didn't quite understand his post as this bike has not been abused (friend of a friend). Will definitely put that stuff in it. Any suggestions for a weather proof cover for outside during the summer?

[Twisted]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum. The GS is a pretty bulletproof bike. As long as you have oil in her and do your valve checks she will be happy. As for bike covers I use just the regular ones you get from auto shops mainly due to the fact that someone can take an expensive one. The cheap ones do the job just fine.

For future reference on maintenance thr GSwiki is your friend -
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

Also probably the most important part of getting your bike is gear for yourself. Do you have a decent jacket, pants, boots, gloves and helmet?

[Tombstones81]

Here is the one I bought.
http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Large-Motorcycle-Cover-For-Sport-Standard

Never had a problem with it.

covers the entire bike and its seen rain and snow.
front and back on the bottom is elastic or whatever and grips nicely so you dont have to worry about it coming off easily from the wind.

[Worm]

Congrats! Looks just like my 2005! I paid $1800 for mine almost 2 years ago with 4800 miles on it. She needed a new battery and tires immediately though.