So I bought a 2001 GS500 at the beginning of the summer knowing I'd be heading back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from sunny Santa Clara, California in August. Well it's come time for the move, just 3 weeks left, but I'm not sure whether to ship the bike home with me or sell it out here. I bought it for $2400 and it's been dropped on the highway this summer, but I still ride it around, as the damage was mostly cosmetic. However, before I sold it I'd need to buy a right mirror and signal generator cover. Also, I'm guessing whoever bought it from me wouldn't pay more than $2000 or so since the muffler is scraped up now and the tank is dented rather severely. It'd cost me $400 to ship it home.
Am I crazy, and investing too much in this beginner bike, or should I just suck it up and ship it? I definitely plan to continue to stick with the GS500 - I'd buy one when I got back if I sold mine out here.
Also, is there anyone who is parting out a GS500 of any year and has a signal generator cover, mirrors, or brake lever bolt/nut to sell? Any thoughts on where best to find miscellaneous parts like that for cheaper than dealer prices?
I'd pay to keep the horse I knew, instead of paying more for a horse I'd never ridden.
2.3 cents
If you're planning to fly, not drive, cancel the plane ticket and ride the bike x-c. August should still be warm enough for a nice trip.
Keep it :thumb: I live about 1Hr from Pitt.. we can ride! :icon_mrgreen:
If you bring yours, you won't get a crappy California bike.
Quote from: ohgood on July 30, 2007, 02:14:38 AM
I'd pay to keep the horse I knew, instead of paying more for a horse I'd never ridden.
2.3 cents
:thumb:
Now up to
4.6 cents
Quote from: Chuck on July 30, 2007, 07:03:50 AM
If you bring yours, you won't get a crappy California bike.
I think he's moving from Cali, home to PA. So he will be taking a Cali-spec bike with him. If it runs fine, don't worry about that though
Oh crap, I read that backwards! :laugh:
It's too bad I just sold a GS. It was awesome.
Quote from: ohgood on July 30, 2007, 02:14:38 AM
I'd pay to keep the horse I knew, instead of paying more for a horse I'd never ridden.
2.3 cents
6.9 cents :laugh:
QuoteIf you're planning to fly, not drive, cancel the plane ticket and ride the bike August should still be warm enough for a nice trip.
Now THERE'S a plan! Spend a couple of weeks wending your way back home, camping, seeing interesting places, meeting interesting people, and becoming one with your Baby G. :thumb: :)
Quote from: GeeP on July 30, 2007, 08:33:12 AM
QuoteIf you're planning to fly, not drive, cancel the plane ticket and ride the bike August should still be warm enough for a nice trip.
Now THERE'S a plan! Spend a couple of weeks wending your way back home, camping, seeing interesting places, meeting interesting people, and becoming one with your Baby G. :thumb: :)
I considered it - I'd like to do that at some point but as a novice rider and amateur motorcycle maintainer, I don't want to risk it. Additionally, I have classes and research to get back to. If/when I finish the PhD, I will very probably make a cross-country ride to celebrate, in the westerly direction, if I end up taking a job out on the west coast.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! As much as the thrift instinct in me is telling me this is a bad idea, I have been quite satisfied with this bike and I think I'm going to take the ushipit offer I've got and get to know my bike a bit better back in Pittsburgh. Other opinions still welcome.
send all your stuff less you to your new home, and send yourself on the GS will be a cool ride .
It sounds like you know your limits, and that will make you a successful lifetime rider. I'll add my 2.3 and also suggest shipping your bike.
Plus, I have a used exhaust that doesn't have any scratches on it for a small $(20), that you can pick-up locally before you leave. I'll even put it one for ya, but I'll need you to buy the replacement exhaust gaskets (2 of them, order them from Santa Clara Cycle Accessories, 408-730-0600).
More specific on the brake lever bolt item. Thanks to FrankieG I now have an extra Resevoir (though its broke), brake lever, bolt and nut that hold it together, and the braket that holds all of it to the bars. If you need any of these parts, other than the busted res, let me know and Ill gladly send them your way....which ever way it may be!!
Wow, thanks for all the offers of parts guys, I will definitely take you up on them. I'm thinking if I get some free time this upcoming weekend I will be driving up to the guy who I bought the bike from to get the stock handlebars and an extra bulb he had lying around, so if you could send me a PM with your address & a phone number I can reach you at I'll set something up for meeting you as well. Again, thanks a ton!
Quote from: GeeP on July 30, 2007, 08:33:12 AM
Quote from: ohgood on July 30, 2007, 02:14:38 AM
I'd pay to keep the horse I knew, instead of paying more for a horse I'd never ridden.
2.3 cents
6.9 cents :laugh:
Ha 8 cents
I think you should ship it. Took me forever to find a good gs500. They get really beaten up... at least you know how yours got those dings.
Plus, I don't think our gang can tolerate its 2nd member being bike-less for however long it takes you to find another one!
Hey there,
When you move back to PA, are you hiring a moving company to move your stuff? If so, let them pack your bike, too!
I had the moving company pack my 1984 Yamaha RZ350 into their truck when I moved back to Philly after college.
They have the right stuff to build a box around your bike in the moving van and it was safe, snug and undamaged on the trip amid all my other worldly possessions and furniture.
The bike's space was figured into the space I used for the move, so the price was reasonable.
Check this out. I used Atlas Van Lines. Excellent work.
Good luck.
Yours,
Todd