newbie

[dread]

Hey everyone tomorrow I'm going to check out a Suzuki gs 500 2001 32k on the miles I've owned a ninja 250 before first question is can the gs cruise at 85 MPH comfortably? Or is that pushing it like on my ninja? Also another question is 32k a lot of miles on this bike it was supposedly well maintaied. I live in Floridian as well will I have overheating problems with the Florida heat beating on it? Lastly is this bike a good touring bike?
here's the ad for it off of Cl
http://sarasota.craigslist.org/mcy/3967306654.html
Thanks for any help guys I maybe a future Suzuki owner!

[Janx101]

85mph = roughly 130 kmh ... and i have rolled along the freeway occasionally at that speed... seems to handle it well.... the tach is sitting about 6300 rpm ??... IIRC .. which is kinda at the main start of the 'power' area of the motor... you wont be keeping up with the litre bikes in accell from that speed .. but the bike is happy enough ... you've still got a theoretical 4.5-5k rpm to go... so its really only midrange revs

[dread]

Thanks for the reply
What do you think the Suzuki I'm gonna go look at tomorrow? The ads on my first post

[Janx101]

looks reasonable for the price i guess! 

depends on how good it looks in the flesh ... if no major dramas spotted and it runs smoothly enough then you will have a good platform to work with ...

so long as he also has free and clear title then good to go eh!

no matter what bike you buy you will end up spending further $$ on it at some point soon.. any issues that you spot just mean you have to allow for the cost in your mental expenditure list/budget in the near future.

i'd be most skeptical about the free black helmet... i dont like 'other peoples helmets' .. unless they are real fresh and near new ....'selling because it doesnt fit as well as i thought' or 'won it as a prize and dont need it' .. kinda thing...

take the helmet by all means... just check it for chiggers!! 

[radodrill]

Almost 2 weeks ago I traded in a 2007 ninja 250 (88-07 are the same bike) on a 2009 GS500F.  I know the 250 would be running around 10500 RPM at 85 MPH; with the 500 stock I got it up to 95 MPH at 7500 RPM and it still had more to go (would probably top out around 120 MPH), yet the acceleration wasn't the best.  This week I set to rejetting the carbs and it has drastically improved the acceleration and performance; it is a lot quicker off the line.  Once I've finished tweaking the jetting, it'll be running like a true sport bike rather than cruiser-esque low-mid range performance.

[dread]

Hahah will do thanks man will over heating be a problem I should be worried about in the Floridian heat with this air cooled bike?
and is that a lot of miles for a gs?
And where can I buy the jets to rejet the bike and do you happen to have a tutorial on how to do it?

[radodrill]

Hahah will do thanks man will over heating be a problem I should be worried about in the Floridian heat with this air cooled bike?

Probably the only times where you might notice a bit of an effect is in stop-and-go traffic, but probably no issue during cruise as you've got a lot of air over the engine.  The faired version (which I have) has a larger oil cooler, but there isn't as much airflow as on a naked bike.

and is that a lot of miles for a gs?

That's an average of less than 3K miles per year.  I've seen bikes that old with more than twice as many miles on them.

And where can I buy the jets to rejet the bike and do you happen to have a tutorial on how to do it?

I bought the jets at my local dealer; they were about $4 each.  There are a number of online stores that sell jets and The Buddha sets up jet kits and sells them through the for sale section of the forums.
I got my baseline jet selections based on Rejetting page of the GStwins wiki, which also has a link to a rejetting pictorial.  I also just found a video on GS500 carb cleaning, which shows how to remove/clean the jets.

[ScottishBiker234]

stock gs500 can hit about 110-120 mph, 85 cruising is a piece of cake Ain't no replacement for displacement I say

[Dr.McNinja]

At that price I'd be EXTREMELY suspicious of some hidden underlying problem.

1. Is the engine okay? Have him take it to your mechanic and have the mechanic give it a once-over. Most will do this for free/for cheap.
2. Last time valves were adjusted?
3. What condition is all of the cabling/tubing in?
4. Brake conditions?
5. What is the $900 he spent on it? Does he have paperwork of important work like engine work at least being checked over by a shop you trust?


The whole "baby on the way" thing is a massive lie typically. No one, and I mean NO ONE would part with a well maintained GS500 at any year for under $1900.  You should approach this very carefully and grill this guy with tough questions until he either cracks or refuses to sell it to you. Generally "steals" like this absolutely rip-offs unless you're intending to buy this bike for parts/projects.

I'm extremely suspicious (also the tank looks real ratty and I'd worry about rust).

[radodrill]

No one, and I mean NO ONE would part with a well maintained GS500 at any year for under $1900.

For the 2001 GS500:
NADA: Average Retail $1460 - Low Retail: $1110
Kelly Blue Book: Retail $1560 - Trade $1010

So he's asking a bit less than the trade-in value. 

That said, when purchasing private party it's always best to as as many questions about it's history/service and preferably have a mechanic inspect it.

[Dr.McNinja]

No one, and I mean NO ONE would part with a well maintained GS500 at any year for under $1900.

For the 2001 GS500:
NADA: Average Retail $1460 - Low Retail: $1110
Kelly Blue Book: Retail $1560 - Trade $1010

So he's asking a bit less than the trade-in value. 

That said, when purchasing private party it's always best to as as many questions about it's history/service and preferably have a mechanic inspect it.

You make a point, but he could reasonably charge (and should be expected to charge) $1500+ bucks if the bike is "well maintained". If the bike is "well maintained" I'd be suspicious he'd not be charging that. At the same rate you will almost never get a bike at KBB on CL. You will never get a good bike a few hundred above KBB on CL. People who use KBB as a negotiating tool always make me laugh (not targeting you). I'm not suggesting "buying their memories" (paying $2k+ for this bike would be too expensive) but use your head. A more realistic example - a 2006 CBR600RR has a "trade-in" value of $3405. Call the private party $3205 for sake of argument. I can tell you from experience you will not find one worth having short of $4200.

This is why I'm suspicious. You will never get a well maintained bike for under/near KBB. Ever. Especially if the person is smart and is trying to make a profit on the bike sale (like they should). If this guy wants to sell it for trade in why not take it to a dealer/junkyard and get cash? Cheaper and faster. It sounds like he's trying to pump and dump a lemon on some new rider.

I'm sure anyone who has ever bought/sold on craigslist knows what I'm talking about.

Without hassling with a mechanic I'd offer the guy $700 if the bike is in junk condition and part it out. You'll make a decent profit and be able to buy a GS500 in better condition. If you're dead set on it, evaluate the condition. Use it as a project bike.

[DrtRydr23]

At the same rate you will almost never get a bike at KBB on CL. You will never get a good bike a few hundred above KBB on CL. People who use KBB as a negotiating tool always make me laugh (not targeting you). I'm not suggesting "buying their memories" (paying $2k+ for this bike would be too expensive) but use your head.

This is why I'm suspicious. You will never get a well maintained bike for under/near KBB. Ever. Especially if the person is smart and is trying to make a profit on the bike sale (like they should). If this guy wants to sell it for trade in why not take it to a dealer/junkyard and get cash? Cheaper and faster. It sounds like he's trying to pump and dump a lemon on some new rider.

I'm sure anyone who has ever bought/sold on craigslist knows what I'm talking about.

I've bought 3 motorcycles from craigslist, and all were below KBB price, but fairly close to it as they were all in good condition.  I'm not sure what you are getting at here.  KBB and NADA are both good bargaining tools when negotiating sale price.

As far as this particular bike...it looks like it has been down on the right side (no bar end, missing emblem from the engine casing, broken brake lever, aftermarket bars while the turn signals and exhaust all appear stock), the front brake rotor is rusty which usually means its been sitting for a bit, and the paint job looks suspect (though its hard to tell from the pics due to the shadows and wide angle.  The fact that he is asking below trade-in price likely means that he knows there is something off with the bike either mechanically or visually.

Check it over good, test ride it, and get some history about it.  You can take it to a mechanic if you want, but they likely won't do much but start and ride it.  Then they'll make educated guesses about possible problems.  The seller is giving himself some leeway in regards to some maintenance items (chain, brakes, cables, tires, etc) by having a low starting price, but don't let engine/trans maintenance items go.  They can cause expensive repercussions if neglected.

[Dr.McNinja]

At the same rate you will almost never get a bike at KBB on CL. You will never get a good bike a few hundred above KBB on CL. People who use KBB as a negotiating tool always make me laugh (not targeting you). I'm not suggesting "buying their memories" (paying $2k+ for this bike would be too expensive) but use your head.

This is why I'm suspicious. You will never get a well maintained bike for under/near KBB. Ever. Especially if the person is smart and is trying to make a profit on the bike sale (like they should). If this guy wants to sell it for trade in why not take it to a dealer/junkyard and get cash? Cheaper and faster. It sounds like he's trying to pump and dump a lemon on some new rider.

I'm sure anyone who has ever bought/sold on craigslist knows what I'm talking about.

I've bought 3 motorcycles from craigslist, and all were below KBB price, but fairly close to it as they were all in good condition.  I'm not sure what you are getting at here.  KBB and NADA are both good bargaining tools when negotiating sale price.

You've gotten lucky. I know people who've bought them at that price, but never anyone who's sold them at that price. You'd have to be stupid to let your bike go for that cheap. It's worth more in parts.

You've also validated my point. He obviously knows something is off about his bike and is trying to dump it.

Good eye on the missing bar end and broken lever. I didn't even see those. I thought the cover was actually ground off. It looks like you can see right into it. Going back over it it also looks like it's been down on the left side. The clutch lever seems like it's bent forward a ways. I see how you saw it now. The second picture is really telling. It also has a non-matching front fender and a rattlecan paint job.

[DrtRydr23]

People who use KBB as a negotiating tool always make me laugh (not targeting you). I'm not suggesting "buying their memories" (paying $2k+ for this bike would be too expensive) but use your head. A more realistic example - a 2006 CBR600RR has a "trade-in" value of $3405. Call the private party $3205 for sake of argument. I can tell you from experience you will not find one worth having short of $4200.

I'm not trying to single you out here, but in your example; KBB suggested retail for a 2006 CBR600RR is $4950.  Granted that is the "dealer" price and is quoted for a vehicle in excellent condition, but still a viable price point to start negotiations.  The buyer can look at the retail price and talk the seller down based on the vehicle's condition.  The seller can know that their bottom dollar price will have to be higher than $3405, otherwise they might as well trade it in at the dealer, plus they can have their starting price above the KBB retail price to limit home much "talking down" will effect their profit.

I just feel like estimated values from places like KBB and NADA give everyone a level playing field and are good for getting the best deal for everyone involved in the transaction.

[DrtRydr23]

At the same rate you will almost never get a bike at KBB on CL. You will never get a good bike a few hundred above KBB on CL. People who use KBB as a negotiating tool always make me laugh (not targeting you). I'm not suggesting "buying their memories" (paying $2k+ for this bike would be too expensive) but use your head.

This is why I'm suspicious. You will never get a well maintained bike for under/near KBB. Ever. Especially if the person is smart and is trying to make a profit on the bike sale (like they should). If this guy wants to sell it for trade in why not take it to a dealer/junkyard and get cash? Cheaper and faster. It sounds like he's trying to pump and dump a lemon on some new rider.

I'm sure anyone who has ever bought/sold on craigslist knows what I'm talking about.

I've bought 3 motorcycles from craigslist, and all were below KBB price, but fairly close to it as they were all in good condition.  I'm not sure what you are getting at here.  KBB and NADA are both good bargaining tools when negotiating sale price.

You've gotten lucky. I know people who've bought them at that price, but never anyone who's sold them at that price. You'd have to be stupid to let your bike go for that cheap. It's worth more in parts.

You've also validated my point. He obviously knows something is off about his bike and is trying to dump it.

Good eye on the missing bar end and broken lever. I didn't even see those. I thought the cover was actually ground off. It looks like you can see right into it. Going back over it it also looks like it's been down on the left side. The clutch lever seems like it's bent forward a ways. I see how you saw it now. The second picture is really telling. It also has a non-matching front fender and a rattlecan paint job.

That hole under in the cover is OEM.  There is no oil in that little round cover that is on the outside of the engine casing.  The emblem just covers the hole.  Also, my 97 GS came with a "curled" stock clutch lever I think.  I eventually replaced it because I thought it was dumb.  I didn't notice the front fender, but it looks kind of blue with some flake, whereas the rest of the bike looks grey or flat black.  Good eye.

[radodrill]

Yeah Book values are very useful to get a sense of what a fair price range would be.  I wouldn't pay retail on a private party transaction (could just go to a dealer), but would anticipate the seller asking more than the trade-in value as they want more than what a dealer will pay and have to advertise it etc. themselves.

I do agree that often people who post a sob story in their ad are trying to hide something.  That and under $1K does seem a bit low and thus warrants extra caution; especially with the items DrtRydr23 spotted.

I too have bought below trade-in value and made out well.  The 2007 Ninja 250 was advertized around the trade value and when I contacted the seller she said she was going on vacation and offered to sell it for $300 less if I got it the next day.  I rode it almost a yr, put on new tires, and got all my money back when I traded it in on my GS500F.

[DrtRydr23]

I've bought 3 motorcycles from craigslist, and all were below KBB price, but fairly close to it as they were all in good condition.  I'm not sure what you are getting at here.  KBB and NADA are both good bargaining tools when negotiating sale price.

Let me clarify, I bought 3 bikes below the KBB retail price, not the trade-in price.  I agree that you'll rarely get a bike on craigslist at or below KBB TRADE-IN price.  However, I don't mind paying close to the retail if the bike is in good condition and well maintained.  You still save on dealer fees etc,  plus dealers rarely have used bikes that you are looking for on hand anyways.

[Dr.McNinja]

At the same rate you will almost never get a bike at KBB on CL. You will never get a good bike a few hundred above KBB on CL. People who use KBB as a negotiating tool always make me laugh (not targeting you). I'm not suggesting "buying their memories" (paying $2k+ for this bike would be too expensive) but use your head.

This is why I'm suspicious. You will never get a well maintained bike for under/near KBB. Ever. Especially if the person is smart and is trying to make a profit on the bike sale (like they should). If this guy wants to sell it for trade in why not take it to a dealer/junkyard and get cash? Cheaper and faster. It sounds like he's trying to pump and dump a lemon on some new rider.

I'm sure anyone who has ever bought/sold on craigslist knows what I'm talking about.

I've bought 3 motorcycles from craigslist, and all were below KBB price, but fairly close to it as they were all in good condition.  I'm not sure what you are getting at here.  KBB and NADA are both good bargaining tools when negotiating sale price.

You've gotten lucky. I know people who've bought them at that price, but never anyone who's sold them at that price. You'd have to be stupid to let your bike go for that cheap. It's worth more in parts.

You've also validated my point. He obviously knows something is off about his bike and is trying to dump it.

Good eye on the missing bar end and broken lever. I didn't even see those. I thought the cover was actually ground off. It looks like you can see right into it. Going back over it it also looks like it's been down on the left side. The clutch lever seems like it's bent forward a ways. I see how you saw it now. The second picture is really telling. It also has a non-matching front fender and a rattlecan paint job.

That hole under in the cover is OEM.  There is no oil in that little round cover that is on the outside of the engine casing.  The emblem just covers the hole.  Also, my 97 GS came with a "curled" stock clutch lever I think.  I eventually replaced it because I thought it was dumb.  I didn't notice the front fender, but it looks kind of blue with some flake, whereas the rest of the bike looks grey or flat black.  Good eye.

Whats the point of a curled clutch lever? Only time I've seen them bent like that is when the bike goes down.

http://www.partsnmore.com/images/parts/480/08-0446.jpg

That's how mine looks (06 GS500F) and this is from a 199x GS500E. I'm thinking based on that his clutch lever is bent way too far forward to be "normal".

[DrtRydr23]

Whats the point of a curled clutch lever? Only time I've seen them bent like that is when the bike goes down.

http://www.partsnmore.com/images/parts/480/08-0446.jpg

That's how mine looks (06 GS500F) and this is from a 199x GS500E. I'm thinking based on that his clutch lever is bent way too far forward to be "normal".

Yeah, I don't know.  I kind of figure that the levers would break off rather than bend in that manner (such is my experience anyway).  When I bought my '97 used, it had been down on the left side and my clutch lever looked very similar to the one in the ad.  It was most likely bent, but I think (this has been over 10 years ago now) that someone in a shop told me that the OEM lever was curled somewhat.  I am probably wrong about that.

[007brendan]

A more realistic example - a 2006 CBR600RR has a "trade-in" value of $3405. Call the private party $3205 for sake of argument. I can tell you from experience you will not find one worth having short of $4200.

I've actually found KBB to be pretty accurate.
You have it backwards.  Trade in is $3405, that's the low value.  You don't go lower for a private sale.  Retail is $4905, that's the high value (low mileage, mint condition, from a dealer).

http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/honda/cbr600rr/2006-honda-cbr600rr/suggestedretailvalue/

I regularly see GS's -- decent condition 10-15k miles -- sit on craigslist for months at $1500.  32k is a lot of miles and there's plenty of low mileage GS's for sale to force the price down on high mileage ones.