Buying a GS, what to look for?

[GSamIInsane]

My first Post.

I am new to motorcycles, but not to mechanics.  I have an older sports car that I work on.

I think I want one of these, I may have been bitten by the GS bug.  I have not been on a motorcycle for 30+ years, and before that just dirt bikes.

What do I look for? Beside the basic, smoke at start up, and making sure the horn and lights work.

I will bring my multimeter to check if the battery is getting charged, and my compression tester, what compression numbers am I looking for?  140 or better?  I have little experience with twins, mechanical ones that is...

I will look at the chain and sprockets and observe them for wear.

I will look for pesky leaks.

I will check the tires for wear.

I will look at the header and muffler.

I will check the wishbone at the rear wheel as I heard that part can rust out.

I will check the forks, and look for oil.

I know the seat has the black electric tape treatment, I sort of don't like that look, and would be looking for a new seat.

I can't check the transmission, because I can't drive it yet.  That I will have to take the sellers word, unfortunately, but will see, may be a calculated risk.

Any input is appreciated, such as, "welcome to the insantity"

M

[The Buddha]

The seat cover on the 89-00 is a simple sheet of vinyl. 01+ has seams in it.
The transmission - easy to check, have the seller ride it and follow him/her in a car with the window down.
Cool.
Buddha.

[ShowBizWolf]

Welcome to the site!! Sounds like you've got all the right things on your list to check.

Hope you are soon the proud new owner of a GS and ya let us know the details 

[GSamIInsane]

YES!

Thank you both for your advice!

This bike wins no beauty contests, but I like it.  Will keep you updated.

Still would like to know the compression numbers, I will look it up in a manual

M

[EdChen]

I think you've got just about all of it. Don't forget to check the tank for rust.

Just like buying a car, you't not buying the vehicle, you're buying the seller. Good to see how well they've kept up on maintenance, ask about oil changes, ask about brake pad replacement, ask about valve clearance checks. Ask why they're selling it. Look for chewed up bolts (get a set of JIS screw drivers if you don't have them already).

I think one of the best features of the GS500 (and with a lot of older bikes) is the simplicity, especially if you're getting a naked model. You can pretty much see every part.

[EdChen]

I don't have the manual here with me at work, but found this:

here: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13082.0

[gsJack]

Checked mine last year and had 140 psi in both cylinders with 100k miles on the clock.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=67148.0

[sledge]

What to look for?.....negligence from P/Os  and all the usual GS5 faults

A reg/rect that isn't working
Worn output shaft splines and welded on sprockets
Blanking plugs missing from carbs...an indication that someone has been ****ing about with them!
Sheared off header bolts
Leaks around the oil filter cover and mismatched nuts holding it on.
bent wheel rims and uneven tyre wear.
Play in the suspension linkage and headstock bearings
Wheel bearings
leaking base gasket
Leaking forks and worn fork bushes
Oil misting around the engine breather
Worn brake discs
cracked and stiff hoses
Dirty brake fluid
VIN plates and frame/engine numbers that have been disturbed
Oil dripping from the muffler drain hole.
Documentation that supports (or contradicts) what the seller claims

You could check the clocks and look for signs of the odometer being tampered with but any seller with half a clue will swap the whole thing if they want to reduce the mileage

[GSamIInsane]

This bike did not do it for me.

It was okay, or appeared to be, but it had some superficial rust on the frame.  I didn't like it.

So I will keep looking, I have my sights set on a couple others for sale, including a one owner 1981 GS400 which is in pristine shape, I know it is not in the same style as the GS500, but I kind of like it, and was happy with the one owner scenario.

M

[Big Rich]

Hmmm... not to discourage you, but the older the bike, generally the more maintenance it needs to get up to speed. An 81 Suzuki can have many wiring problems, faulty petcock, old rubber brake lines, etc..

Not saying a slightly rusty GS500 is better than a GS450 in decent shape, just want you to be aware more problems can come up on older bikes.

[GSamIInsane]

Oh, I know.  You are looking at the owner of a 1977 targa italian mid-engine car.  And I do all the work myself.

I am conflicted tho with this, because although the GS400 appears to be in stellar condition, I like the look of the GS500 more.  I am also looking at a year 2000 GS500 along side the 1981.  Have not made up my mind yet, or seen the bikes in person

Cheers,
M

[metatron]

Fiat x19? or Alpha?

[GSamIInsane]

Fiat X19...

Ok so I saw a different bike, and really liked it.  It had fewer owners in its history only 3 and I know it sounds bad, but I like this, the guy did nothing to the bike besides frequent oil changes in 6 years.  No tool marks on the fasteners, no leaks...atleast I can be sure it is all original and no one has monkeyed with it.

The current owner said it is hard to start, but there was no tune up done in 6 years!!!!  I am convinced that is okay.

One question I have tho, he said he didnt feel confident with the bike on long range trips.  He felt once the bike hit 80kph, the bike has a vibration, that makes him feel less confident.  He said it has always been like that since he got it.

Do you think this vibration could be normal?  What is your experience after having the bike for a long time.  Is something wrong with the bike? 

M

[EdChen]

It may or may not be normal, but getting up to 80kph and cruising at that speed should be no issue. It might be as simple as worn tires or low tire pressure. It might even be the owner's own fears. 80kph is only 49mph, I hit that on my GS all the time. I've gone on trips and cruised at about 75 with no major fears.

If you like the owner and the bike, maybe pick a couple issues with the bike and further talk him down in price. It's possible there's actually something wrong causing the vibration.

[GSamIInsane]

I have made an offer conditional upon a favorable test drive.  Which I have a friend who will do that.

I wanted black on black frame, but I got blue on silver frame, which is the only thing I can complain about.

Nothing was done to the bike other than tire changes, chain lube, and oil changes.  When you look at the engine, nothing has touched the fasteners, not one tool mark on the carbs, nothing.  It is like it left the factory.

I am happy about this actually, it means all the monkeying has been left to me.  LOL.  The bike is as original as it could be.  If I have to do a brake service, carb service, new chain and sproket, valve adjust etc, atleast I know it is me who is doing it, and for the first time.  I like that.  Far better than someone else bashing the bike up with a hammer and big ugly screw driver.

I am very excited.  Minor detail, I need to get a motorcycle license.

M