Buying concerns for GS500E

[the-maestro]

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to the forum here and am looking at buying a 2000 GS500E in the next couple weeks.

This would be my first motorcycle so I am looking for something to learn on that will also have enough power to hit highway speeds easily, but not so much that I can't handle it. So far, everything about this bike seems like it would be perfect for my needs.
The one that I am looking at buying is a 2000 GS500 E with 2600 miles on it. The current owner said that he bought it from a guy who let it sit for about 2 years and it no longer ran. He cleaned the carbs and it fired right up. Says it runs and drives perfectly.

My question is, is their anything in particular about this model of bike that I should make sure to look for when I go to look at it? Additionally, are there any major concerns that I should have about the fact that it sat for this long? Lastly, its listed at $1800, is that a fair price on the nose or is there a reasonable figure below that in which I should aim for in negotiations.

Any help would be fantastic!! Thanks
Kyle M

[the-maestro]

I forgot to link the CL ad. Here it is
https://greenbay.craigslist.org/mcy/4899676202.html

[BrianRC]

This is a great bike to learn on! I have done many long trips on mine, longest day being just short of 500 miles and she does quite well, not a powerhouse by any measure and most modern 500s  would probably out run her but she shines on the twisty back roads.

There isn't much to look for on these bikes that is specific to the model, just the regular checks. Should be a list of them on here somewhere if you search for it.

Stuff like:
Chain and sprockets- are they worn? is the chain in good shape?
Leaks?
Don't expect the bike to start easily in the cold, they can be a bit cranky until they warm up.
As always don't let the owner "warm it up" for you as this can mask running issues. Blue smoke is always a bad sign if it does it continuously.
Check for bent, scraped and severely rusted up areas.
These bikes are so simple many problems are easy fixes. The pictures look clean and 2600 is really low miles so I hope it has had an oil change! (check it on the center stand)
Good luck and welcome to the club if you buy her!

[Iarn]

Ask the seller when the last time they changed the brake lines and the fuel lines, if it's been a while you'll have to replace those yourself or by a shop. It's an older year so if it hasn't been done, it certainly needs it. So consider that money you'll possibly be spending. Look for oil leaks or residue along the gaskets on the engine. It should be clean. Ask about any mods. Suspension, air filter... so forth. It's important to know if he's changed the suspension, especially if the seller is a heavier person. It could potentially be too stiff for you, or vice versa.

If you have any friends that also ride motorcycles or any mechanic friends, I'd try to get them to come with you to inspect the bike. Listen for any abnormal sounds, clanks, knocks.

$1800 for that bike is a steal, I bought a 2004 in worse condition and 5,500 miles on it in my area. That thing looks clean in the pictures.

[sledge]

Yeah yeah........tyres chains brakes history bent frame/wheels......all the usual stuff 

Then......get your meter out and check the reg/rect is working and charging the battery and take the sprocket cover off and look for wear on the output shaft splines.

Mileage means nothing unless the bikes condition and paper trail reflects it, you can change the clock and the odo` in about 5 minutes and knock 10/20/30k off the mileage.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Welded on Counter Shaft Sprockets...

[Alan_nc]

I wouldn't buy it unless I could ride it.  Let it warm up good...then run it through the gears.  If you don't feel confident in doing this take a friend who has been riding for awhile.

Does it accelerate smoothly
Can you shift gears easily
Any heavy vibration
Will it go in a straight line without a lot of handlebar pressure

Price is something that is more opinion than fact.  Poster above thought it was a great deal.  I paid $900.00 for an 02 which runs great and I really haven't had to do anything to.

[The_Paragon]

I forgot to link the CL ad. Here it is
https://greenbay.craigslist.org/mcy/4899676202.html

Funny, I was almost thinking of going to look at that bike this weekend when I'm in GB! but, I dont really want it that badly..

If the bike really only has 2600 miles, I think it would be a decent bike to pick up. Though on things like cycles, speedometer heads can be easily changed.

My concerns would be tires, if they're originals, they're too old. Yes, I am a tire Nazi, If its worn I dont ride it and if its old I dont ride it.. not worth the risk, tires arent that expensive.

The first thing I'd look for is signs of being wrecked, scraps scratches, repainted stuff. (Though my 500F was scraped up when I purchased it, it never affected anything)
2- Look for signs that theirs more than 2600 miles, like worn chain, sprockets, leaky fork seals, overall dirtyness.
3- Quiz the guy on oil changes, with low miles/year hopefully its been changed yearly, its possible that its never been changed.. see that its not low, etc.

I'd guess that a valve check hasnt been done, thats reccommended at every 4,000 or so miles.

If you ever have any question or need help with any work, feel free to hit me up. I live in Medford- North West of Wausau a little ways.

[MeeLee]

The chain and sprockets will be good, when it really has only 2600 miles on it.

I would just see if it fires up, brakes work, and tires aren't cracked.

[ShowBizWolf]

I'd say $1800 is a great price. My GS is the first bike I ever rode (besides a bicycle) and it was AWESOME to learn on. 3 years later it is still really fun to ride and work on... I ride every chance I get

Welcome to the forum and keep us posted!!!

[The_Paragon]

I'd say $1800 is a great price. My GS is the first bike I ever rode (besides a bicycle) and it was AWESOME to learn on. 3 years later it is still really fun to ride and work on... I ride every chance I get

Welcome to the forum and keep us posted!!!

That was also my opinion on the price.
Alan_nc might have gotten his for $900. And I bought an 06 F model for $2000,
But, if the bike really is in quite nice shape I'd say that 1800 isnt out of reach.. In my books, paying a little extra for a bike that has been well cared for is well worth the money. I actually once paid nearly $2000 for a 1986 Yamaha FZ600, really it was probably only worth $1200 or so but it was absolutely in beautiful condition. Even won a "Bike Night" favorite with it. I later sold it to a Yamaha collector.

I'd see if you could pick it for more like $1500, use the old, unsafe tires as leverage!

[Sonic242]

Just out of interest do you guys over the pond not get the vin plate like we do or is just missing from the bike?

[The_Paragon]

Vin Plate??

The Vin us usually stamped in the head tube or somewhere on the frame in the U.S.

As far as title goes and the mileage listed on the title, if the vehicle is over 10 years old its listed as "exempt".  <--- I should note that this is the case in WI. Not sure off other states.

[Snake2715]

The cables in the odometer pic look like they are worn from rubbing.. I am not sure how that would happen in only 2600 miles...

Also the speed/odometer plate looks weathered.. why would that happen in 2600 miles?

I am skeptical of the miles to be honest.

make sure the exhaust and engine is cold when you go to look and hear it start from cold. this way you get a good idea.. its never a good sign when you pull in and the bike is running already.

Good luck