RIP.... after 101,400 miles of loyal service

[applecrew]

Sadly, I parked "Little Susie" at the house this morning. After 101,400 miles, she has finally worn out. The end came after a short illness: two weeks ago the oil pressure light started flickering at idle when hot. I changed the oil and went to 15W-40. The oil pressure light at hot idle did not go away. A slight, intermittent rattling at idle began shortly afterwards. This morning, on my way to work, the rattling became more frequent and no longer just at idle. I was only 5 miles from home so I turned around and parked her at the house. Diagnosis: counterbalance shaft bearings are shot. I finally was able to identify the noise as coming from the front of the motor at the bottom.

I'm not sad - what can you say after over 100,000 miles of loyal, drama-free service? I've certainly more than got my money's worth out of her!

First off, hats off to everyone here for their great advice and collected wisdom!
Secondly, congratulations to Suzuki for building a workhorse of a bike! I really had NO major issues (other than poor jetting for winter riding).

So, it's time to move on...

I have my eye on a Tiger 1050 - need something better suited for long commutes: my commute is going from 70 miles to 100 miles daily. I also look forward to more relaxed ergos, a little more 'ooomph', and more electrical power!

Three cheers for the GS500, one of the best all-around bikes you can get your hands on!
I wish you all the best and MANY worry-free miles of riding!

[The Buddha]

It wasn't something you could have prevented if you had caught it earlier. They don't sell the crank rod or CB bearings in oversize. You could have caught it at the first sign of trouble and still not be any better off.
Now since you didn't throw a rod or ruin something by having a loud and spectacular failure - you figure you could find a machinist and get the CB and crank turned and get bearings from a different vehicle.
Anyway its probably not cost effective.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Big Rich]

Cheers to Suzuki!

How does the rest of the bike look? I'd be tempted to find another 500 motor or maybe even fit a GR650 motor if the rest of the bike could handle it. Then again, it's one thing if an engine goes, quite another if the frame does....

Apple, if you post the bike up on Craigslist, can you link the ad? It would be awesome to see an ad that said "GS500F for sale w/ 100,000 miles. Engine quit working for some reason...."

[applecrew]

Cheers to Suzuki!

How does the rest of the bike look? I'd be tempted to find another 500 motor or maybe even fit a GR650 motor if the rest of the bike could handle it. Then again, it's one thing if an engine goes, quite another if the frame does....

Apple, if you post the bike up on Craigslist, can you link the ad? It would be awesome to see an ad that said "GS500F for sale w/ 100,000 miles. Engine quit working for some reason...."

LOL.... Can't see spending $1000 for a used motor. It's not like this is a rare or valuable collector item.
I love the idea for the Craigslist add! May put her up as a parts bike. Frame is intact, seat spotless, and with over 10,000 gallons of fuel run through her, the tank IS rust-free!

[Bluesmudge]

Yeah, you might as well. There are plenty of good parts that can go to keeping other GS's on the road. They aren't making them anymore after all.

100,000 is a lot of miles for an engine as simple as the Gs's. Good work! Even when you get the Tiger, I bet you will still find a home at this forum.

[yamahonkawazuki]

heck i got rid of my last gs almost 7 or 8 years ago. im still part of this nuthaus. that amt of miles is quite impressive. i believe gsjack and the buddha belong to this exclusive club as well

[gsJack]

My 02 GS500 was parked a year ago.  I took a couple rides last August after my 82nd  birthday and haven't ridden since.  Worked on it early last year to find and fix a loud knock that turned out to be a loose starter clutch.  It still had 140 psi in both cylinders and was in good running order after repaired.  I started it up and ran it for a while this spring and was tempted to head down the driveway but didn't.  So my 100k mile 02 GS is still ready to go and in better shape than I am, doubt I will be riding again but I still have a GS and walk past it daily on my way to the car.

[applecrew]

My 02 GS500 was parked a year ago.  I took a couple rides last August after my 82nd  birthday and haven't ridden since.  Worked on it early last year to find and fix a loud knock that turned out to be a loose starter clutch.  It still had 140 psi in both cylinders and was in good running order after repaired.  I started it up and ran it for a while this spring and was tempted to head down the driveway but didn't.  So my 100k mile 02 GS is still ready to go and in better shape than I am, doubt I will be riding again but I still have a GS and walk past it daily on my way to the car.

Well done, Jack!

Three cheers for the GS, one damn fine bike that surprises everyone who has owned one!

[Slack]

Sounds like Susie had a great life. Did you get her new? what year is she?

[applecrew]

Sounds like Susie had a great life. Did you get her new? what year is she?

I bought her brand new on May 31, 2008. She's a 2007. Bought her as a blow-out special, and frankly, the wisest money I have ever spent on transportation!

My favorite riding with her was on a lot of the winding country roads we have here in SE PA. She really loved to turn and was a great handling bike - one of her best attributes! Made the commute home fun - I almost never rode the same way two days in a row, so it always felt fresh!

She had a good life!