Approximate Value Of My Bike?

[BlindFaith429]

So last summer, I purchased a used GS500 from my uncle to learn to ride on. I bought a new battery for it, as the stock one was dead. I am almost 100% positive it is a 2000 GS500 E. I will verify tonight.

Got it running, as it had sat for a couple years, but it has some minor issues running. If you leave the choke on, it runs fine. When you turn the choke off completely, the bike dies. We can get it to about 1/4 choke before it dies. Makes me think the carbs need to be cleaned. I don't think the gas was drained and letting it sit played hell on the carbs.

The bike itself is in pretty good shape. It was dropped once, but nothing was damaged, just a couple scuffs. And miles on it are really low, about 6,XXX ish.

I also came across a slightly used (but mint condition) Corbin seat, the 2-person one, not the solo, and I purchased that.

I am going to be listing it in the spring, come riding season, so I have 2 questions.

1.) Is it worth investigating the carb issue? Will this hurt the value significantly?
2.) What is the approximate value of this bike?

Thanks!

[lucas]

Your location is a large factor in estimating the value of a vehicle.

[BlindFaith429]

Your location is a large factor in estimating the value of a vehicle.

Central Connecticut.

Also, if I recall correctly, my uncle had put a jet kit in the carbs. He said he did the more aggressive one than stock, but didn't go too much because he said the higher ones needed a tuned pipe to run well.

Color is black with the silver frame.

[Big Rich]

If you don't do ALL the maintenance on a bike, somebody that spots it will start deducting from the asking price. From your description, I'd say the bike is pretty well neglected and wouldn't offer more than $1000 for it.

[BlindFaith429]

If you don't do ALL the maintenance on a bike, somebody that spots it will start deducting from the asking price. From your description, I'd say the bike is pretty well neglected and wouldn't offer more than $1000 for it.

I wouldn't say the bike was "neglected" per say. My uncle kept up on all of the maintenance prior to being put away. The reason it sat for a few years was that he was going through a divorce.

[Big Rich]

I'm not trying to rub you the wrong way, just being honest. So please don't take it that way.

So we can all pretty much agree that the carbs need cleaned. When were the valves done last? How old are the tires (there's a date code on them)?  When were the brake lines changed last? Same goes with the fuel lines and vacuum lines..... And what all is scuffed from it being dropped?

Let's face it, there are always GS500's around so they don't generally demand a premium. Getting a good price is easier if the bike is in tip top shape. If you're listing it in the spring, you should have some time to work on it. My advice? Start a build thread here on the forum and take plenty of pictures. That way you can tell the seller "you can see everything I did online."

[BlindFaith429]

I'm not trying to rub you the wrong way, just being honest. So please don't take it that way.

So we can all pretty much agree that the carbs need cleaned. When were the valves done last? How old are the tires (there's a date code on them)?  When were the brake lines changed last? Same goes with the fuel lines and vacuum lines..... And what all is scuffed from it being dropped?

Let's face it, there are always GS500's around so they don't generally demand a premium. Getting a good price is easier if the bike is in tip top shape. If you're listing it in the spring, you should have some time to work on it. My advice? Start a build thread here on the forum and take plenty of pictures. That way you can tell the seller "you can see everything I did online."

No worries, just clarifying that it wasn't totally neglected.

If I recall correctly, the tires are new, valves were adjusted, and the shocks were rebuilt as well. I don't think the brake lines, fuel lines, or vacuum lines were replaced (will have to check with my uncle).

As for the drop, there is a small mark on the frame (about the size of a quarter or so), but was touched up with paint. Also, the bar-end on that side got a little damaged. I was thinking about replacing them prior to selling so they look nice.

I also talked to my dad last night, and he agrees that we should rebuild the carbs. Since I will not be listing until spring, I have a little time to clean it up and get it running right.

There are 2 GS500's like mine listed on CraigsList right now in my area. An '89 that's been hacked up with 31k on it, that the seller is asking $1,000 OBO. There is also a clean '04 with the full front fearing, with 11k on it, and he is asking $2,600 and claims it has "many new parts".

I appreciate your input Big Rich, please don't think I got offended. This is one reason I posted, was to figure out what I should do prior to listing so I can get the most for the bike.

I will post some pics this weekend of the bike.

EDIT: I do have a Clymer manual already for the bike as well.

[lucas]

Jeez... I misread your post and thought that your dad said not to clean the carbs.  Reading comprehension...  I typed out a big rant on the risks associated with buying a sick motorcycle before I realized my mistake.

I'm glad you are deciding to fix it up.  If you are new to motorcycles then this will be a good education for you in addition improving the value of your sale.