Hi guys and gals! I just bought a 2000 gs500e on ebay...

[cummuterguy]

I decided to buy it after while doing some research, i ran across this site and saw how much you guys like yours. So any advise you want to send my way, feel free!!

[cummuterguy]

oh, by the way, my bike has 8200 miles on it.. and I don't have any maintenance records, other than the obvious oil change, what should I be prepared to do right away?

[ItSeemedLikeAGoodIdea]

I would check the chain tension, clean and oil it, look at the plugs and replace as necessary, find out when the last valve adjustment was, if in doubt, check them, look at the water level in the battery and maybe check it with a multi-meter, lube the cables, look at the brake pads, if it has been disassembled at all, check various bolts for tightness, inspect the fork for leakage, check the tires, and if it runs well but has been sitting for a while, put some SeaFoam in the tank and ride.  Did I skip anything?

[JLKasper]

Welcome aboard!

The first thing I'd do is to buy a Clymer or Haynes repair manual, if you're inclined to perfrom any service more involved than changing the oil.  Either one will do the job, but I've heard the Haynes is a bit better laid out than my Clymer.

Then, I'd go over the bike and inspect tires, chains, battery, brake pads, sprockets, air filter, spark plugs, and evaluate what needs replacing.  With as many miles as you have, some of these consumables might be due.  Replace what needs it before adding performance or cosmetic items.  It's a good idea to check valve clearances soon.

After the bike is confirmed to be in tip-top shape, you might ask yourself what your primary use of the bike will be, and upgrade and modify as needed.  If you're not into higher performance, you might want to keep the bike as is.  Even replacing the pilot jets is optional (but recommended) for a Florida bike if you believe the bike runs fine as it is.  Most of us have replaced the fork springs with Progressives, and some have replaced the rear shock with a Katana 600 unit or something similar.

You've made a good decision to buy a GS, and it should provide you with a great motorcycling experience.

[pantablo]

what he said-------/\

welcome to the site. fork springs are a must, whatever type of riding you do.

Everything else is just for your pleasure. I sold my 2001 gs with 9k miles on it and it was flawless. Unless your bike has been seriously abused it should be in excellent shape. Changing the oil is a good first step and a tune up unless you know its been done recently is also a good idea. Check the home page here for lots of maintenance info and also my site has some useful info as well.

Also, when you do buy a repair manual, please do so through the link at top of page. It helps the site financially just a bit. It doesnt cost much for the broadband (or whatever it is) but every dollar helps.

Welcome and enjoy the site and the lively conversation.

[hehehemann]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2478153386&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

is this the one you bought?
i was looking at ths one, I'm in sarasota, just south of Tampa and was thinking of getting another GS just for the hell of it

[cummuterguy]

yep, that's the one... the tires are shot(original bridgestone's) but the chain looks good, good tension, sprockets have no noticeable wear. I probably should replace the plugs, I need to find a instrument gauge back cover, cause it was cracked pretty badly. The scratches aren't real bad, and as I plan to commute the bike, daily driver, I'm not too concerned about them, I'll probably just cover them up for now, and deal with them later. I will need to get new handlebars, though, but I want to find some type of windsheild that will look ok on the bike, cause I'll be driving I-95 every day for about 80 miles round trip. So I will wait on the bars till I know what shield I want, and then buy ones that are compatable. any suggestions about those two items or links would be greatly appreciated...  hint, hint...

[hehehemann]

I'm also on the look out for a nice small fairing, let me nkow what you find out.
I recently bought two new tires on my bike, I went with radials.
Metzeler M1-Sportec 110/70 front
Avon Azaro ST-46 140/80 Rear
They were a little expensive $250 fitted but it changed my riding for the better, I feel very confident with these tires, they stick on corners so well and grip through the sandy roads here.

[spotswood_suzuki]

Boy....you can tell Pablo has got his Honda......he didn't say to cut off the fender! :lol:  :lol:

Wayne

[cummuterguy]

the 140-80 fits ok? i was wondering about that... even that little 130 stock tire seems close... I'd like to have a wider tire, If I don't have to modify anything to get it... thanks for the tip