Should I buy this GS500E ?

[hehehemann]

I'm a starter rider and my local bike shop has a 1995 GS500E, 27000 miles for $1800, the bike looks in very good condition, no scratches or dents with a custom paint job. What do you think?
Thanks.

[Frost]

is the custom paint job 'better' than the orginal?...if not...then most likely its because of a crash or something to cover up

[96gs]

95 GS, 27000 miles, $1800. I would think that's pretty steep for that kind of mileage. Try to examine it and anything you find that's not good tell them. You might be able to get him down some.

[Kerry]

I agree - too steep!  I recently sold a '96 with 10,000 miles on it for $1500.  Not that you could get the same bike at that price from a dealer, but still....

MANY GS500s will never see the 27,000 mile mark.  I would keep looking unless they come down a few hundred dollars.

[hehehemann]

Frost - The paint job does look good, it's a blueish colour with a lighter shade pin strip design.

96gs - What do I look for exactly?

[ashman]

Dont buy from a dealer, they have a lot more costs to cover then a private party. Obviously, so they jack up the price. MY 93' w/ 10k cost 1500 in above average condition.

-ash

[BanannaMan]

Sounds high to me.

There are plenty of bikes in FLA...I'd look around for one with less mileage.

[vtlion]

There are an infinite number of things to check when buying a bike, so if you just want a list of things to check, you'll end up with a looong one.  when I go bike shopping (like I have any money anymore since my last one )...

I always bring along a small maglite to check the interior of the fuel tank for signs of rust.  If its a GS you can also get a limited look into the crank-case through the oil-fill/dipstick-cap, and if the guy really thinks you are a sale waiting to happen, maybe he'll let you pull the plugs and check those out, too.

Tires for wear and type.

Get under the seat and check battery and terminals for corrosion/age.

Rear sprocket and chain for wear and cleanliness.

any suspicious scratches or dings that look like they were caused by a lay-down at speed (striations along the length of the bike instead of just knicks or dings.

Oh yes, and make sure it has a HUUUUGE Fender for you to leave on and be sure to tell Pablo about it all the time  :nana:

My GS experience was alot like Ash's.  Got my 97 with 7800 on the clock for 1500 bucks last season.  But it was not purchased from a dealer, I lifted it from a kid who won an ebay auction on a CBR and was desparate to sell that day.  If you want a deal, you're gonna have to bide your time  

[GRU]

don't buy it....milage is way too high....look for something under 10 000 or around that milage....

[CasiUSA]

I agree. I got mine on Ebay for $1200 with 5K miles on it. It's worth the patience to look around first. I always find good deals on Ebay for GS's. You'll eventually luck out and find one in your area.

[96gs]

Frost - The paint job does look good, it's a blueish colour with a lighter shade pin strip design.

96gs - What do I look for exactly?

anything that you think shouldnt be there: scratchs dents etc.

[vtlion]

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Just found this link today... pretty extensive checklist/turorial for buying a used bike here.

[BanannaMan]

I always bring along a small maglite to check the interior of the fuel tank for signs of rust.

You mean there's a GS out there somewhere with 0 rust in the tank???  

[vtlion]

You mean there's a GS out there somewhere with 0 rust in the tank???

Are you kidding?!!! My GS is FLAWLESS!!!   Why just yesterday it crapped a pair of tiffany cufflinks  :nana:

[hehehemann]

I found another locally for sale.

asking $1600

1996 Suzuki GS500E  14505 Miles. New K&N Air & Oil filters,NKG Plugs,Front & Rear Brakes,Front & Rear Foot Pegs. An air box removal kit has been installed. Flush mount rear turn signals & front ones to match.It also has green neon lights installed under the engine and rear tire. It will soon need new tires . this bike is in over all really nice shape except for the paint on the front fender shown in the photo's and a small tear on the seat.This would make a great first bike .The oil was changed less than 100 miles ago

what do you think ?

[JohNLA]

2k miles a year sounds about perfect. Maybe t ry to hagle the price down a bit. Good Luck

[yamahonkawazuki]

vtlion wrote:

Are you kidding?!!! My GS is FLAWLESS!!! Why just yesterday it crapped a pair of tiffany cufflinks

, yeah, and mine was pissin' diamonds :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:    :dunno:

[dculberson]

For reference, I got my 1999 with around 8k miles for $2000.  I'm in Ohio, and it was in the fall, so bike prices were down a bit.  Florida doesn't see as much seasonal variation, I'm sure, but there should be more bikes there.

 27k miles is a lot for any bike, much less a little 500cc twin.  I'd look for something under 10k miles.  The price range is right for a good bike, just the miles are *too*high*.

 Oh - and on the dealer versus individual thing - you will pay more at a dealer but you can expect more.  Usually some kind of warranty, which will definitely come in handy.  Also support after the sale - they should work on it even post-warranty.  You do pay a premium for it, but sometimes it's worth it.  I didn't go to a dealer, though; I'm too cheap.

-David

[Casimir]

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Just found this link today... pretty extensive checklist/turorial for buying a used bike here.

Thanks, saved me a Google. I found that before I bought mine and found it to be a great reference. I think it deserves a permanent link somewhere.

[Casimir]

I found another locally for sale.

asking $1600

1996 Suzuki GS500E  ...  An air box removal kit has been installed. Flush mount rear turn signals & front ones to match. ... It will soon need new tires

Do you have smog/motorcycle inspections in your area? Make sure these mods will pass. Good new tires and installation aren't cheap, search on these forums for some prices. Figure $200 for the pair and $50-$150 to install depending on who does it in your area.

If you know someone who knows bikes, get them to go with you when you look at it. They will have a better idea of what is normal wear and tear and what is excessive.