Hi Guys,
I am a soon to be new rider and owner to a GS500. I was wondering if you guys can give some adivce. I am currently looking at a 2004 GS 500. I was told it has less than 5000 miles and is $4366 out the door. I was wondering how much a 2004 with 5000 miles is worth and if I would be able to talk them down to $4000 or cheaper or even is this a good deal? I've only seen a pic on the shops website and talked to an associate on the phone. What should I look for when I go look and inspect it in person? Thanks for all your help.
:dunno:
buy a used GS. 1989-2002 did not have a fairing, and therefore have nothing expensive to break when you drop the bike. Insurance is also cheaper for naked bikes. You can get a good used GS for less than $2000.
No reason (other than looks) to buy a new bike if you are a new rider. You can learn to ride on the used bike, sell it in a year or two for nearly what you paid for it, and then buy the bike that suits your riding style.
Just my 2 cents.
Depends where you are, my local deal was going to sell me a new 04 for about 4400 OTD, but of course that was after screwing me on 2 other used bikes. Worked out though, in the meantime my bike was traded in about 50 miles north of me, a 96 with 5400 miles on it..... 2300 dollars only 1 scratch on it and it runs great.
So.. I think that price is a bit high
But... look for scars from being dropped or crashed even hidden ones (the highly visible stough could have been fixed.
Look for a ratcheting noise from the gear box when it takes off, look for leaks, look at the sprocket condition, ask for the 600 mile service record.
Look at the shape of the rear tire, at 5000 miles, it should have half of its tread left (if not, someone was doing burnouts)
Take the oil cap off, look at the color of the oil, look in the hole, you can see gears, make sure they look clean (no burrs on them, no scaring)
Put the bike on its center stand and roll both the front and rear wheels(check for smoothness) make sure all the lighing works.
Look for scratched bolts (will give you a clue what has been done (service, repairs, mods)
I'm sure there is more, I'm a newb as well.
Good luck
Welcome to the site. I paid 4799 OTD, no miles for mine, that's a dealer for ya though. Price seems a little high to me. Just get a new one for a little more.
Well OTD for me for a red 96 with 5400 was 3040 with KBC helmet, suzuki gloves and jacket, a cover, tags, all that good stuff, my boss thought it was new until he looked at the speedo.