Rust on a new GS

[mark61]

I have had my brand new GS500 for one week and have now had the opportunity to have a good close look at it, Its a 2011 model build date of 2010.
I am a little shocked and worried at just how much corrosion (white powder type) there is on the engine and how much is hidden is corners under the fuel tank on the frame etc.
My questions are: Is this the norm for these bikes and what should I do about it.
I was excited, but now a little dissappointed.
Any suggestions welcomed.
Cheers Mark

[slipperymongoose]

Take it back to the dealer and kindly ask wtf?

[Big Rich]

Where are you located Mark? Certain climates will have an effect on rust.

And are there any nicks in the paint to expose bare steel? 

[mark61]

I am in Queensland, I only brought it home last week! And yes I would expect rust to form sooner rather than later, But I havent even had the opportunity to proof it in any way yet.
I would post some pics If I knew how too

[Big Rich]

Do you have a photobucket account? If not, it's free.

I've never had the pleasure of being anywhere near your area - but I'm sure some other members here are.

[mark61]

It is a beautiful area, but can be a bit humid.
I will check the photobucket idea Thanks

[mark61]

Thanks for the tip Big Rich
Heres a link to some shots.

[Big Rich]

It takes forever for me to scroll thru an album on my phone. So I can't comment on any pics. But if you copy and paste the "IMG " code, they will show up here.

[mister]

Mark,

First, welcome to GSTwins from another QLDer. There are a few of us in the Brissy/GCoast area. Where abouts in QLD are you?

Ok. First, GS500s are known for Some rust in some places. Although what you have is a Little concerning. So, take it back to the dealer and ask about it. And don't let them tell you it is Normal, it is NOT. If they are adamant it is Normal, cease arguing with them and call Suzuki on 1800 777 088 or 03 9931 0500. Be aware there is no actual Motorcycle Division as such. So whomever you speak to will most likely take a message and need to get back to you. But at least you start an actual verbal dialog with a real human in head office.

The apparent corrosion is not much of an issue per se, except for looks on a new bike. The rust, while they will most likely NOT take your bike back and repaint it, nor exchange it for another, can be dealt with by you with some lanolin spray. The wheel will be the largest concern and it Should be replaced.

But take it back to the dealer you got it for first with a Please Explain. ASK them to put whatever they reckon in writing - you need this to show you had an issue right at the beginning of ownership Should you need to make a Warranty Claim later.

Michael

[mark61]

Hi Michael,
I am on the Sunshine coast near Mt Coolum, Thanks for the welcome and your advice.
I have emailed the Dealer and Suzuki Aust asking for a response from them I gave them the link to the photos also.
I emailed as I wont be able to get to them this week due to work commitments.

Thanks again for your advice.

Photos removed by Mark61

[mister]

Do pop into the Aussie section here and say "hi".

Also, get yourself some chain lube. Your chain looks like it could do with some. 

And do get yourself some lanolin spray anyway. Whenever I see any kind of rust spot I spray it. It won't necessarily convert the rust but it puts a sticky oily layer over the top which helps keep the air out and prevent further rust. 

Michael

[adidasguy]

Looks like parked outside for a while. There's rust in places that shouldn't get wet even if ridden in the rain.
Weird 

[Paulcet]

Weren't some large areas of Australia under water a couple summers ago?  Jan. 2011?   

[mister]

Weren't some large areas of Australia under water a couple summers ago?  Jan. 2011?   

Not where this bike came from.

All stock comes out of Melbourne. 1,800km (1100 miles) from where this bike was bought. All stock leaves Melbourne on an As Needed basis. The Suzuki Dealers who may have been effected by the floods had removed all their stock from their stores beforehand. Only one bike store went under, that was a Honda dealership and even they had cleared out everything prior.

In short, no this is Not a flood effected bike.

Michael

[slipperymongoose]

Wow that rust is bad I would defiantly take it back

[Paulcet]

Wow, good information there MR.  Not that I could use it, but very good info in this case!

[adidasguy]

Looking at the top of the shock mount...
That hardly ever gets wet. There are drip spots in that dust on top of the support bracket. The inside of the access hole has rust. I've never seen rust there even on old frames. That looks more serious than a little surface rust. Looks like it has penetrated into the steel.

Its as if the bike WAS in water or got really muddy. Then someone pressure washed the bazingas out of it. Water got where it never gets and lots of the paint was damaged so it no longer protected the steel. I have an old 1989 frame with less rust.

Take it back as fast as you can (figuratively speaking - ride safe!)

[adidasguy]

PS: Your rust isn't reddish like normal rust. You've got yellow and greenish colors in there. Pitting, too. That does not look like any normal rust I've ever seen on a bike. Yes - take off the timing cover and see what's in there. It never has corrosion. If it does - the bike has been somewhere it never should have been.


FYI: Here are photos of (I think) the same places as your photos on a 2006 GS500 that was kept outside. The rust you see is surface rust. It can be buffed off. It doesn't penetrate into the frame.

Your rust has a very bad appearance - like something corrosive. Salt water spray from the ocean? harsh chemicals doing a power washing? (Never power wash a bike: the force of the water and soap will get water into the bearings and wash away the grease.)

To repeat: here is a 6 year old bike that was kept outside in Seattle rainy weather.

[twinrat]

hi mark take the ignition cover off and have a look in side cover for corrosion ,that will definitly tell you if this bike has been in the drink.Im looking at my 2009 which is parked a 100 meters from the sea every day even when the spray comes off the sea and it is still in better condition than your bike and has only been washed 3 times since 2009 and does 350 to 400 km per week even if it rains .

[Twisted]

Hi Michael,
I am on the Sunshine coast near Mt Coolum,

Welcome Mark. I lived in Coolum myself for 15 years. Very nice place. I am guessing you purchased the bike from Sunstate Motorcycles at Maroochydore? That is where my GS originated from too. Do as mister said and don't let them tell you it is normal. It looks like it was either sitting on the floor or outside the yard for a while. Even salt air takes awhile to rust stuff that bad. Be prepared for it to get worse as the salt air will make stuff corrode. Try the lanolin or fish oil trick. Do you keep it garaged? If not buy a cover for it.