I just road home a 99 GS500 :)with 5100 miles on it. I think I got a good deal on it but I need to know what I should check on the bike, before I ride it much. :dunno_white: I have checked all the lights and oil, but what about the Valvs or head bolts? Please let me know what you think I should do. :icon_rolleyes:
Thanks Hunter :2guns:
Welcome Hunter!
IMO, you should check EVERYTHING! From the major stuff (exhaust header bolts) to the very small (bolts that hold the turn signal lens.
That way, you have a much better idea as to the condition of the bike. Start with the major stuff first. If there aren't many things that need fixing/tightening, you probably don't need to worry about the smaller stuff.
1st I think that you waited a day too late to check out the bike.
My fav places to check is first the stearing stem, When the handle bars are turned all the way left or right they hit a stoper located on the frame. Take a look at those theres 2 on my gs. A HARD wreck will break or bend these.
With you sitting on the bike, hold the front brake and push aganst it. You want to look at the your stearing stem bearing there are other ways to check and just by looking you can tell and figure it out.
Stradle the front tire and check (to the best of your ablilites) the alignment of the handlebars. Almost anything can make your tire look off I.E bent front fender, non-aligned rear view mirrior.
With the center stand down grab the rear tire and try to move it from side to side. You want to make shure that your wheel bushings arent worn.
Next........ with the center stand down, push down on the rear end to get the front tire off the air. Very gently turn the handle bars what you are trying to find is a notch or indention in the stearing stem bearing they will mostly be in the center. With as few miles as you have on your bike the only thing i can think of is wheeles. LOTS OF THEM.
Remove your air filter and check the duct. Many people will just try to slap a new airfilter on and call it good.
Look at the cluch and stator cover. Are they original if not they were replaced (prob damaged when droped)
The rest are prity obvious look at your rims, chain, tires, gas tank for rust, and clean your engine spotless (it will help you find leaks less easier)
There are two kinds of riders those who have fallen and those who will so take everything you find with a grain of salt. If anything is broken or missing these guys here are great and they will help you find anythng you need.
Nick
P.S. I cant spell to save my life.
P.S. The valves and head bolts questions are answered in the how too section on the main gstwin page
Welcome!
Did the previous owner change the oil at 4000 miles? Did he also have the valves checked at 4000 miles?
Definitely have the fork oil changed. And, check the brake fluid. Battery fluid levels?
Clean and lube the chain. Check the tension too while you're at it. And everything everyone else said.
Most importantly, ride the bike! Especially if this is your first bike, you have nothing else to gauge problems against. If something feels different as you ride more or you think something is wrong, it probably is.
Ooh, I thought of a new one: tire pressures! 33 front, 36 rear. Check weekly to guage how much leaks out, so you know the longest time interval between checks. Check your oil level weekly, too. After a ride, put it up on the centerstand, wait 30 minutes, and unscrew the dipstick, wipe it off, stick it back in, but do not screw it in, pull it out again and view the level. Add as necessary. Continue to check oil level weekly.