1989 GS500... is it worth buying? (pic included)

[echelon3]

1989 GS500e...

There is a dent on the gas tank and looks like it needs a new seat... but it starts fine and is for $1200

This will be my first bike, so I'm a bit nervous about buying a bike this old.

[echelon3]

If the tank needed replacing, how difficult would that be?

[Dizzledan]

Tank is the same for all years 1989 up to 2000. Literally 2 bolts on either side, slide it down, and lift up to access the hoses.  Easy peasy.

Now, onto the price. A bike in that condition I would want to have checked out professionally before buying. Chances are some parts came from newer models when they were worn out, but theres no real way of knowing unless the owner keeps meticulous records, judging by the way they take care of the bike, I doubt that.

I would offer no higher than 650 +/- based on miles.

The bike is missing the rear fairing (just google gs500) and all of the electrics are exposed. Unless you get it checked out professionally I would pass on this and get a better/newer model with a service history.

[echelon3]

Thanks Dizzledan. I'm disappointed in the news but I appreciate your help!

[piresito]

Tank is the same for all years 1989 up to 2000. Literally 2 bolts on either side, slide it down, and lift up to access the hoses.  Easy peasy.

Now, onto the price. A bike in that condition I would want to have checked out professionally before buying. Chances are some parts came from newer models when they were worn out, but theres no real way of knowing unless the owner keeps meticulous records, judging by the way they take care of the bike, I doubt that.

I would offer no higher than 650 +/- based on miles.

The bike is missing the rear fairing (just google gs500) and all of the electrics are exposed. Unless you get it checked out professionally I would pass on this and get a better/newer model with a service history.

+1, it's really a bike I would pass if not getting it dirt cheap. I'm talkng on experience...

[codajastal]

I would really pass on that one unless you can get it for less than half of the asking price. What country are you in?
Oh and dont worry about the age thing. My GS's are an 89 and 90 models and both run perfectly but look 10 times better than that POS?
I paid $600AU for my 90 model and all I had to buy was a chain for rego. $1200 is far too much for that.

[DoD#i]

Age is not nearly so much of an issue as overpriced and trashed.

One of the reasons I got the GS is that it was still being made, and even if they have (I think they have) stopped, there's a good 20+ year run of the things, so parts availability is great and will be for a long time to come. My 30 year old weird turbo bike that was only made for 3 years and never in much volume is much worse to find parts for.

There will be others. For a first bike, dented/scratched and priced accordingly is usually fine. You'll drop it. Dress like you'll drop it, because it will happen, sooner or later. If the bike is not creampuff-pristine-showrom-shiny it's less painful when you put your first scratch onto it. If your butt is wearing denim that will be painful no matter what the bike looks like.

[codajastal]

One of the reasons I got the GS is that it was still being made, and even if they have (I think they have) stopped,

They still make them. You can buy the 2012 model here in Australia

[echelon3]

I'm in the eastern US... it seems like the new ones are not currently sold in the US. Even with a price drop I turned it down. As you have all stated, it's condition was a concern. I'm drooling over the model shown on the Australia site...

[codajastal]

Yes they are rather nice But remember little has changed over the years

[DoD#i]

Any stock 1990-2002? will be basically similar. I forget whcih year they stopped selling the E in the US. The tank got bigger and the seat and rear plastics changed slightly 1999/2000 or 2000/2001 - after that you have (perhaps with a paintjob) exactly what you are drooling over.

You can E-ify an F, but if you want an E it's generally cheaper to find one in nicer shape than the one you were looking at and buy it (or find one cheaper with trashed/scraped paint but no major issues, ride it for a while, and then paint it how you want it.)  But, sometimes an F with trashed plastic plus some E parts (mostly the headlight bucket) is the cheaper way to go and will be a newer bike under it all (not that I'm so hepped up about newer bikes, if you look below...)