What do you think my bike is worth?

[AlexT]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2004 GS500F which overheated (as some of you may have read about in my other thread) and burned an exhaust valve. I am debating whether to fix it or sell it now and I was hoping you guys could help me make a decision. I took it to a bike shop today and although he was pretty busy today, he might be able to do a leakdown test for me next week and give me an idea of what repair costs will be. If they are astronomical, I'll probably just cut my losses and sell the bike to someone who can fix it up. I am just quite confused as to how much I should expect for it.

The details:

It's a 2004 GS500F with around 17k miles located in NYC. The biggest issue is that the bike is running on one cylinder due to a burnt exhaust valve in the other cylinder. The bike still runs. It has been dropped in the past so there are scratches on the engine cover, muffler and damage to the fairings. However, the previous owner had them repaired and repainted so you can only see where the repair patches are from the inside. For what it's worth, the bike has a decently new battery, new chain, new rear brakes, and just had its oil and filter changed. Other than the valve of course, the bike is in good shape mechanically and cosmetically.

What do you guys think it's worth? I haven't made up my mind to fix it or sell it yet but with more information, I'll be able to make a better decision when the time comes.

Thanks.

[sledge]

What will a leakdown test achieve?

The head has to come off and be visually inspected, until this happens no one can say exactly what the nature of the damage is and what the repair will involve 

Valve, valve guide, valve seat....maybe the head itself has cracked. Until its looked at its all speculation.

The easiest way out of this is to source and fit a used head.

[AlexT]

Yep, agreed. I'm sure the leakdown test will tell us what we already know but I think this is more for his peace of mind. He won't start any work without doing some sort of diagnostic on his own, which is understandable. Another shop told me the same thing. I'm guessing he's going to do the test, give me some quote to do the work, take off the head to see what's going on, and we'll see if it's just a head problem or if I'm completely out of luck.

[gti5notrkt]

If I were I the market I would say an 04 with 17k in perfect condition would be 1800-2000. Subtract $300 for the fact it's been dropped and repaired and another $600 to fix the engine and the value of the bike is in the $900-1000 range as it sits.

My 0.02c

Jon

[rasusto]

If I were I the market I would say an 04 with 17k in perfect condition would be 1800-2000. Subtract $300 for the fact it's been dropped and repaired and another $600 to fix the engine and the value of the bike is in the $900-1000 range as it sits.

I wouldn't even pay that much. Maybe like $500 but it really depends on how bad the engine is and what it would cost to repair it.