Build it or sell it???

[Brian P. Miller]

Hi everyone, I've been absent from the site for quite a long time, just been too busy with college and my bike has been gathering dust.  MY QUESTION:

I have a mechanically stock GS and a huge pile of aftermarket parts I haven't had the time or skill level to put on, such as:

-Full Yosh pipe (2 broken exhaust bolts that I can't find anyone willing to fix have prevented it from being installed)

-GSXR SRAD front USD forks modified to bolt into a GS500, custom brackets to attach GS's gauges.

-GSXR front wheel, tire, and rotors for new front end

-GSXR front brakes and fender

-GSF400 bandit rear wheel to correctly fit 150 / 60 rear tire, supposedly has correct spacers to bolt right on.

-GSXR rear shock

-K&N pod air filters

-bigger jets

-Solo tail piece

I'm probably forgetting a few things but those are the basics, I am sure the parts are worth more than the bike itself.  The condition of the 1991 GS 500 they are for is that it has 11,000 miles, the fork seals are ruined, and the last time I rode it it idled kinda rough and I had trouble getting it past 6000 rpms.  Other than replacing the turn signals and mirrors with those from an SV 650 and integrating the rear turn signals into the tail lights, adding a targa tank bra, rear air dam, and front fairing, the bike is stock.  I am low on money and haven't had the time to assemble any of it, so I was wondering if any of you with a lot of experience dealing with motorcycle mechanics might have some idea of how much it would cost to put this thing together... it's my first bike, I've had it 2 1/2 years and all maintanence has been done by me.   I really think that with all of the mods I would have a great looking bike that could handle and stop really well, and go quick enough to keep me happy.  The problem is that right now it isn't even really ridable until I either perfprm all the mods or at least get it tuned up and fix the front suspension.  Any thoughts or opinions?  How much money is it all worth?   I want to either make it ridable or sell it all soon, I'm tired of seeing it sit there unused.  Thanks guys and happy riding.

[pantablo]

given your time circumstances I'd say sell parts and bike separately.

good to see you back, been a while. Too bad about the bike.

[JohNLA]

Have you tried an easy out bit on the broken bolts ? It works wonders Don't ask me how I know.

I would decide if you are going to ride it enough to justify keeping it.
If you keep it, put on all your goodies.
If you sell it you will be better off selling your aftermarket parts seperatlly. Remember to give JohNLA a good deal on your filters

[Adam R]

I agree with Pablo.  It will probably take a good bit of time to fit all of your modifications, and I would be wary of adding all those relatively expensive parts to a bike that doesn't run correctly.  If I were you I would decide whether or not I'd be more interested in working on a bike or riding it.  If you think about replacing the GS, I would recommend getting a 1987-1990 Honda Hurricane (CBR 600F).

[Rich500]

If you sell, I will take a bunch of pieces. Such as the fork, rear shock, and maybe a few more pieces.
Its  shame about the bike indeed.
But keep us posted!

[luke1645]

Have you tried an easy out bit on the broken bolts ? It works wonders Don't ask me how I know.

now its my turn to play resident smartass........how do you know?

[edited by moderator]

[Andrew F.]

It doesn't sounds like it needs much to get it up to snuff. Fork seals are easy enough to replace and fairly inexpensive and the rough running is probably attributted to dirty carbs. If you are going to let little things like that get you down, hang up your helmet. Motorcycling is a lifestyle and wrenching on it is part of life. Why not sell off all the extra parts and use the money to fix your bike, then at least you'd be riding.

[BigRedMonkeyButt]

A mechanic will charge you your left nut to install the stuff.

If you decide to sell the exhaust, let me know.  

[RoundBall]

I would make cool bike.  

Hmm....you have all parts to do it.

If you going  to sell parts  :mrgreen:

I will buy fork^s and solo seat  :mrgreen:

[RoundBall]

Also it is easy to put all this things together

[madhatter]

 too bad u not in uk would have had all of it off ya , dam dam dam  not thinking of having a holiday over here are ya.

[cozy]

Hey i was in the same boat last year. I am in college as well. I had a 78 gs550 that nickel and dimed me and oh, did i buy parts. I had no time to work on a bike as it turned out. Your gs is 13 years old now. Cut your losses. Sell your parts here first (it looks like you already have some takers) and put the bike on ebay when it warms up a little - you can probably squeeze out a grand. Use all proceeds for a newer bike that might tempt you to ride more.

When i did the same, i had almost enough to buy a GS that was newer and in much better shape (hell it was unridden).