What would you do ?

[hehehemann]

Bought my first motorcycle in January of this year, a 1996 GS500 with 14,500 miles on it. I ride it all the time, it's my only method of transport besides my feet and living in Florida where everything is so spaced out (not the cookie meaning, well sometimes) I'm accumulating miles fast. I paid $1500 for it, it's in good shape, there is a problem with power in the upper rpm's but I'm assuming it's because it wasn't rejetted after the previous owner installed a K&N air filter (does that sound right?). It also needs new tyres.

I have a friend who wants to buy it off me, he'll give me what I paid for it. I'm wanting to get new tyres put on, progressive forks installed, the problem with the upper rpm powerband fixed, a small fairing added and new handle bars with grips.

With what that will cost me would it be wise for me to chip in a little extra and buy a new GS500F ?

[Turkina]

Ummm... so does your friend want to buyt it before or after you make the mods?  And do you actually plan on selling it, depending on whether or not you decide to get the GS500F?  
I'd go start saving money and dropping in on dealers to find the best deal you can... talk them down to make the switch worth it.  You'll add one more member to the GS flock    

[hehehemann]

Ummm... so does your friend want to buy it before or after you make the mods?

My friend wants the bike now, as is, no mods. He wants it as a starter bike like me. He's been out on it a few times and feels very comfortable on it.

And do you actually plan on selling it, depending on whether or not you decide to get the GS500F?  

I bought the bike to learn on. I'm not bothered either way if I keep it or let it go, I do know I will buy another GS if I do sell this one. But would I have to fork out a lot more cash to get a newie.

($1500 + cost of repairs,mods,etc) = :dunno: $2500+?
(2004 GS500F - $1500) =$3700
the extra I'm going to need =?

[Adam R]

I see little reason to buy a brand new bike unless you're absolutely in love with it and can't live without it.  If I were in your position, I would think about buying a Honda CBR F3 for $3000 or maybe a Suzuki SV650 depending on what your tastes are.

[JLKasper]

The mods you want for your current mount add up to around $450, assuming the top-end power problem is due to carburetors only.  I'd check that first before deciding to keep the bike or part with it.  I don't know the market down there, but in this city of 125K, there aren't that many desirable used bikes on the market at any given time. You may be better helping your bud find a bike of his own, and keeping yours.

[dmp221]

I Gots to agree with JLKapser on this.  The mods are not expensive, and will dramatically improve your GS.  Buying new will cost a lot more for not a lot more bike.
New tires, (BT45's are tried & true, available in stock size, and not a lot of $$) progressive fork springs (about 50 bucks from Chaparrell), jetting the carbs, and adding a windscreen (lots of GS riders like the F-16 or F-18, JC Whitney, around 70-75 bucks)  will make it a whole new ride.  Then just change your oil, keep the air filter and chain clean, and you'll be riding for many many miles, cheap.  Good luck.
Don