Encountered a hater...I was surprised by their reaction

[ski_rush]

There was a dealer that had a GSX750 that caught my eye, so I called. The salesman said they take trades. Even though I know that trading a bike in will result in the worst value for it, I entertained his notion. I told him what I had... He actually laughed out loud and said, "no, we wouldn't want that".

I thought it was a little rude and made me feel pretty small. I guess I didn't realize that there was such a strong negative sentiment out there about this bike... It surprised me 

[sledge]

What?
You are surprised a professional bike dealer, someone who understands the market and knows how to make money doesn't want to put his capital and resources into a bike that is essentially 27 years old but dates back even further, that the competition left behind 25 years ago, that has no mainstream appeal, was taken off the market several years ago and offers nothing in terms of value?

Really?

I must have shifted about 50-60 of them over the years but I gave up selling them 5-6 years ago because no one wanted them anymore and it was becoming increasingly difficult to turn a profit on one.

Why struggle to make 100 on  GS5 when you can make 300+ on a SV or a bandit in half the time?

I have said it many times, the GS5 has had its day. Sure there are many in here who sing its praises and maintain it was and still is the best thing ever to come out of Japan but where does their experience start and finish?....like it or not your dealer is in the real world and he has spelt it out for you.

[ski_rush]

What?
You are surprised a professional bike dealer, someone who understands the market and knows how to make money doesn't want to put his capital and resources into a bike that is essentially 27 years old but dates back even further, that the competition left behind 25 years ago, that has no mainstream appeal, was taken off the market several years ago and offers nothing in terms of value?

Really?

I must have shifted about 50-60 of them over the years but I gave up selling them 5-6 years ago because no one wanted them anymore and it was becoming increasingly difficult to turn a profit on one.

Why struggle to make 100 on  GS5 when you can make 300+ on a SV or a bandit in half the time?

I have said it many times, the GS5 has had its day. Sure there are many in here who sing its praises and maintain it was and still is the best thing ever to come out of Japan but where does their experience start and finish?....like it or not your dealer is in the real world and he has spelt it out for you.

Why are you a member of a forum for a bike that you hate so much?!

[qcbaker]

Why are you a member of a forum for a bike that you hate so much?!

Good question.

Anyway, re: the dealer: I don't think it has anything really to do with the bike's merits,  per se, but everything to do with the bike's monetary value. It's not that surprising that dealer might not want to accept a trade in for a bike they might have a hard time turning a profit on. Factoring in the credit they give you for the bike, time/effort to get it into their inventory and do any necessary work to get it to a "resellable" state, then time to actually sell the bike, they're probably losing money on it. For a dealer, it might not be worth it to buy a bike that isn't "in-demand" and isn't really worth much more than $2K.

However, that doesn't mean the GS500 isn't a competent bike or that you should feel bad for owning one.

[rscottlow]

Why are you a member of a forum for a bike that you hate so much?!

Good question.

Anyway, re: the dealer: I don't think it has anything really to do with the bike's merits,  per se, but everything to do with the bike's monetary value. It's not that surprising that dealer might not want to accept a trade in for a bike they might have a hard time turning a profit on. Factoring in the credit they give you for the bike, time/effort to get it into their inventory and do any necessary work to get it to a "resellable" state, then time to actually sell the bike, they're probably losing money on it. For a dealer, it might not be worth it to buy a bike that isn't "in-demand" and isn't really worth much more than $2K.

However, that doesn't mean the GS500 isn't a competent bike or that you should feel bad for owning one.

I don't think it really warrants that type of reaction. Something to the effect of, "sorry, but I don't think we'd be able to come to an agreeable trade-in value for your bike, but maybe try throwing it up on craigslist and see what kind of response you get. In the meantime, why don't you come in, check this thing out, and maybe take it for a test ride?" To me that just sounds like a better way to sell a motorcycle. Maybe he just doesn't want a new customer...

[qcbaker]

I don't think it really warrants that type of reaction. Something to the effect of, "sorry, but I don't think we'd be able to come to an agreeable trade-in value for your bike, but maybe try throwing it up on craigslist and see what kind of response you get. In the meantime, why don't you come in, check this thing out, and maybe take it for a test ride?" To me that just sounds like a better way to sell a motorcycle. Maybe he just doesn't want a new customer...

Sh*tty salesman, for sure. He should have been more polite if he wanted your business. I was just saying that I kind of get why they wouldn't want the bike.

[ski_rush]

Ya, it was definitely in the way he said it too. He said it as though the bike repulsed him. I found it a little "strong" of a reaction. Yes, I understand that the bike might not have the best value and I see the point there. I agree that there was probably a more civil way of delivering his message.

I mean...if I told him that I was trading in that China turd that I had, then I'd understand a little more....long story short, I got off the phone and I won't be going there (he's out of state anyway).

[mr72]

Like with many things, this is another example of how liking motorcycles does not qualify you to be a motorcycle salesman. This is true for nearly any industry. Just because you like a thing doesn't mean you will be successful going into business around that thing.

Move on to another dealer.

And sell your bike on CL. It's not worth enough to make a trade worthwhile for most dealers. Avoid getting offended by removing the tool others can easily use to offend you. Sell the bike, get cash in hand, then go buy what you want. Dealer will love you. Or save a truckload of money and buy from a private seller.

[SirHansford]

  They were still making them and they are still popular in some parts of the world as of 2016.  They just don't bring them to the US anymore for whatever reason. Sure, the 500 is old technologically but there's a reason that it has been around for well over 2 decades. It was and is a solid bike.  Are there better choices out there? Maybe,  but dollar for dollar,  these bikes are a very solid motorcycle for an entry to mid level experienced rider,  smaller framed folks, your daily commuter, or an enthusiast.  I would agree that the dealer probably scoffed due to their market value,  but that doesn't really take away from what makes them such good little bikes.  I knew full well going in that I wouldn't turn a profit if i sold mine but I also knew that I'd easily get back at or close to what I bought it for when I sell it (granted I didn't wreck it lol).  Mine's 10 years old and fires up first click of the start button every time.  Looks great and is a joy to ride. Don't sweat the haters.  I agree with the other person who said if you are wanting to step up a size,  don't trade to a dealer, go through craigslist or similar.  I put mine on craigslist once when I thought I might like to step up and had like 20  local inquiries in under a week and a half with many willing to pay my price. I was just experimenting to see and was toying with the idea of getting a cruiser,  but in the end I decided  to keep it.  Good luck in whatever you're doing.  

[J_Walker]

I see both sides of this. dealer clearly did not want to make a sale that day. GS500 is at least 500 dollars in scrap value, so even if the dealer gave you 500 bucks for it, they could turn an sell it to a scrap yard.

both of the closest motorcycle dealers to me, all the sales men drive cars to work. Mind you I live in Florida... one of the best states to ride year around. some actually do own bikes.. most of them are hardcore weekend warriors or brand biased.. obviously that's an issue when someone comes in looking for say a KTM. and they try to push a DRZ because ITS SOO MUCH BETTER I OWN LIKE 9 OF THEM HURDUR. it gets annoying, especially if you're selling BOTH and the person who walks through the door basically gets told their wrong, and all the research they did was wrong. not a good sales tactic, done by low IQ sales people, who's idea of a perfect bike is 4 cylinders and over 1000cc, AS MUCH chrome as possible, maybe some LED glow, and of course stretched swing arm...

Even if you have to go to a dealer ship a state away, don't go back to the ones you called, nobody should put up with that kind of attitude, I'm trying to give my money to YOU, and you're still gonna treat me like shaZam!? not gonna happen!

[sledge]

I am not a hater, but I am a realist 

The Gs5 has had its day and its as simple as that!

[sledge]

Rather than taking it all as personal insult and criticising him for his reaction (and others for having an opinion that doesn't match yours) did you ask the dealer why he wasn't interested in taking your GS on?

Lets think about it. If he thought he could turn a decent profit on it.......wouldn't he have snapped your hand off and offered you a deal?

Then when the reality finally does bite ask yourself........WHY he can't turn a decent profit on it.

[ski_rush]

Rather than taking it all as personal insult and criticising him for his reaction (and others for having an opinion that doesn't match yours) did you ask the dealer why he wasn't interested in taking your GS on?

Lets think about it. If he thought he could turn a decent profit on it.......wouldn't he have snapped your hand off and offered you a deal?

Then when the reality finally does bite ask yourself........WHY he can't turn a decent profit on it.

Dude...you need to take a chill pill. Why are you so wound up? Work not going so well? You mad at your wife or kids or something? Relax...go for a run or something and release some tension.

[The Buddha]

There was a dealer that had a GSX750 that caught my eye, so I called. The salesman said they take trades. Even though I know that trading a bike in will result in the worst value for it, I entertained his notion. I told him what I had... He actually laughed out loud and said, "no, we wouldn't want that".

I thought it was a little rude and made me feel pretty small. I guess I didn't realize that there was such a strong negative sentiment out there about this bike... It surprised me 

Hey man, beginner bikes actually command a rather sizeable premium on the used market relative to their new price. Why ? Because there are a lot more people begning each year. Beginner by definition = does not own a bike. So a bike sold to a bikeless person = easier and clean profit for dealer. If they don't know that, they don't need to be in business and they definitely shouldn't have any of your $$$. Find your next bike and your bikes next rider on craigslist or at your local biker hangout. I dunni what you guys in the middle over there do, only been there once 8yrs ago.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Watcher]

Don't let Sledge get to you.  He's very abrasive almost every time he comes on here, but he's also been on here "forever" and knows quite a bit.

Doesn't pull any punches, that's for sure, but that just seems to be who he is...

[sledge]

Me take a chill pill?

Hahah!

But I am not the one bleating because some no mark dealer wouldn't take a PX on my bike and hurt my feelings because I didn't like the way he spoke to me!

Tell you what, I take it all back......he was obviously a nasty horrible man who instead of using his market knowledge and insight to make some money and earn a living has upset evey GS5 owner on the planet and as a result deserves universal vilification! Furthermore he has made a huge mistake in not taking your bike and his business will now go down the pan!

Does that make you feel better, is that what you want to hear?


He didn't want your bike because he obviously couldn't make enough out of the deal to justify the effort. Its how dealers operate, it was a business decision and that doesn't make him a hater, and because I don't rate the GS5 as highly as you and several others in here that doesn't make me a hater either.

[Sandgroper57]

To my mind, Sledge make a fair point here.

The dealer perhaps could have been a bit more diplomatic but the point would have been the same. Move on.

[sledge]

For the benefit of those who think I 'hate' GS5s have a look at this pic



You are looking at a '94 in teal green metallic. Totally original (except the tyres). 12k miles, factory fairing, immaculate and faultless in every way. Every document and receipt since it left the showroom. It looks and rides like it just came out of the crate!!

Has anyone, anywhere seen a better looking 23 old example?

In two years time it becomes eligible for classic status and it will be displayed on the show circuit



Me?....a hater?

Oh my f%$king ribs!!!     

[yamahonkawazuki]

Gorgeous bike sledge

[J_Walker]

TCP fairings should of been how the GS came.. even in later years....