I have had my brand new GS500 for one week and have now had the opportunity to have a good close look at it, Its a 2011 model build date of 2010.
I am a little shocked and worried at just how much corrosion (white powder type) there is on the engine and how much is hidden is corners under the fuel tank on the frame etc.
My questions are: Is this the norm for these bikes and what should I do about it.
I was excited, but now a little dissappointed.
Any suggestions welcomed.
Cheers Mark
Take it back to the dealer and kindly ask wtf?
Where are you located Mark? Certain climates will have an effect on rust.
And are there any nicks in the paint to expose bare steel?
I am in Queensland, I only brought it home last week! And yes I would expect rust to form sooner rather than later, But I havent even had the opportunity to proof it in any way yet.
I would post some pics If I knew how too :(
Do you have a photobucket account? If not, it's free.
I've never had the pleasure of being anywhere near your area - but I'm sure some other members here are.
It is a beautiful area, but can be a bit humid.
I will check the photobucket idea :) Thanks
Thanks for the tip Big Rich
Heres a link to some shots.
It takes forever for me to scroll thru an album on my phone. So I can't comment on any pics. But if you copy and paste the "IMG " code, they will show up here.
Mark,
First, welcome to GSTwins from another QLDer. There are a few of us in the Brissy/GCoast area. Where abouts in QLD are you?
Ok. First, GS500s are known for Some rust in some places. Although what you have is a Little concerning. So, take it back to the dealer and ask about it. And don't let them tell you it is Normal, it is NOT. If they are adamant it is Normal, cease arguing with them and call Suzuki on 1800 777 088 or 03 9931 0500. Be aware there is no actual Motorcycle Division as such. So whomever you speak to will most likely take a message and need to get back to you. But at least you start an actual verbal dialog with a real human in head office.
The apparent corrosion is not much of an issue per se, except for looks on a new bike. The rust, while they will most likely NOT take your bike back and repaint it, nor exchange it for another, can be dealt with by you with some lanolin spray. The wheel will be the largest concern and it Should be replaced.
But take it back to the dealer you got it for first with a Please Explain. ASK them to put whatever they reckon in writing - you need this to show you had an issue right at the beginning of ownership Should you need to make a Warranty Claim later.
Michael
Hi Michael,
I am on the Sunshine coast near Mt Coolum, Thanks for the welcome and your advice.
I have emailed the Dealer and Suzuki Aust asking for a response from them I gave them the link to the photos also.
I emailed as I wont be able to get to them this week due to work commitments.
Thanks again for your advice.
Photos removed by Mark61
Do pop into the Aussie section here and say "hi".
Also, get yourself some chain lube. Your chain looks like it could do with some. :thumb:
And do get yourself some lanolin spray anyway. Whenever I see any kind of rust spot I spray it. It won't necessarily convert the rust but it puts a sticky oily layer over the top which helps keep the air out and prevent further rust. :thumb:
Michael
Looks like parked outside for a while. There's rust in places that shouldn't get wet even if ridden in the rain.
Weird :cookoo:
Weren't some large areas of Australia under water a couple summers ago? Jan. 2011? :police:
Quote from: Paulcet on April 09, 2012, 01:51:41 PM
Weren't some large areas of Australia under water a couple summers ago? Jan. 2011? :police:
Not where this bike came from.
All stock comes out of Melbourne. 1,800km (1100 miles) from where this bike was bought. All stock leaves Melbourne on an As Needed basis. The Suzuki Dealers who may have been effected by the floods had removed all their stock from their stores beforehand. Only one bike store went under, that was a Honda dealership and even they had cleared out everything prior.
In short, no this is Not a flood effected bike.
Michael
Wow that rust is bad I would defiantly take it back
Wow, good information there MR. Not that I could use it, but very good info in this case!
Looking at the top of the shock mount...
That hardly ever gets wet. There are drip spots in that dust on top of the support bracket. The inside of the access hole has rust. I've never seen rust there even on old frames. That looks more serious than a little surface rust. Looks like it has penetrated into the steel.
Its as if the bike WAS in water or got really muddy. Then someone pressure washed the bazingas out of it. Water got where it never gets and lots of the paint was damaged so it no longer protected the steel. I have an old 1989 frame with less rust.
Take it back as fast as you can (figuratively speaking - ride safe!)
PS: Your rust isn't reddish like normal rust. You've got yellow and greenish colors in there. Pitting, too. That does not look like any normal rust I've ever seen on a bike. Yes - take off the timing cover and see what's in there. It never has corrosion. If it does - the bike has been somewhere it never should have been.
FYI: Here are photos of (I think) the same places as your photos on a 2006 GS500 that was kept outside. The rust you see is surface rust. It can be buffed off. It doesn't penetrate into the frame.
Your rust has a very bad appearance - like something corrosive. Salt water spray from the ocean? harsh chemicals doing a power washing? (Never power wash a bike: the force of the water and soap will get water into the bearings and wash away the grease.)
To repeat: here is a 6 year old bike that was kept outside in Seattle rainy weather.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Technical/DSC01735a.jpg)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Technical/DSC01737a.jpg)
hi mark take the ignition cover off and have a look in side cover for corrosion ,that will definitly tell you if this bike has been in the drink.Im looking at my 2009 which is parked a 100 meters from the sea every day even when the spray comes off the sea and it is still in better condition than your bike and has only been washed 3 times since 2009 and does 350 to 400 km per week even if it rains .
Quote from: mark61 on April 08, 2012, 11:44:43 PM
Hi Michael,
I am on the Sunshine coast near Mt Coolum,
Welcome Mark. I lived in Coolum myself for 15 years. Very nice place. I am guessing you purchased the bike from Sunstate Motorcycles at Maroochydore? That is where my GS originated from too. Do as mister said and don't let them tell you it is normal. It looks like it was either sitting on the floor or outside the yard for a while. Even salt air takes awhile to rust stuff that bad. Be prepared for it to get worse as the salt air will make stuff corrode. Try the lanolin or fish oil trick. Do you keep it garaged? If not buy a cover for it.
Quote from: Twisted on April 10, 2012, 05:41:07 AM
Quote from: mark61 on April 08, 2012, 11:44:43 PM
Hi Michael,
I am on the Sunshine coast near Mt Coolum,
Welcome Mark. I lived in Coolum myself for 15 years. Very nice place. I am guessing you purchased the bike from Sunstate Motorcycles at Maroochydore? That is where my GS originated from too. Do as mister said and don't let them tell you it is normal. It looks like it was either sitting on the floor or outside the yard for a while. Even salt air takes awhile to rust stuff that bad. Be prepared for it to get worse as the salt air will make stuff corrode. Try the lanolin or fish oil trick. Do you keep it garaged? If not buy a cover for it.
not to hijack this thread, but would a motorcycle cover (bought from walmart - $20) provide protection against rust issues if kept outside? even under an awning? i live in georgia, where it gets hot an humid, but other than that, if i keep it out of the rain, should i be ok? im hoping to move to a place with a garage this summer...
It would be better than keeping it uncovered. I do not know the area where you live but the OP of this thread lives by the ocean and sea spray travels for kilometres. It will not stop rust but will help prevent it by stopping most of the spray landing and sitting on the bike. I keep my bikes covered even though they are under cover as they still get dust on them. Make sure the cover is water resistant and you will help protect your bike from the elements.
Mark, unacceptable on a newly delivered Suzuki motorcycle. And is that rust on your chain as well? Was this bike in water? Off to Suzuki HO, now!
Quote from: noworries on April 10, 2012, 07:14:44 AM
Mark, unacceptable on a newly delivered Suzuki motorcycle. And is that rust on your chain as well? Was this bike in water?
Hmmm... that much rust on a new bike does make you wonder, doesn't it?
A cover on a bike that is ridden frequently is a good thing. If somebody stores a bike for years with a cover on it, moisture builds up under the cover and rusts the entire bike.
Try the lanolin or fish oil trick. Do you keep it garaged? If not buy a cover for it.
Advice I will definately follow :) And yes I keep it in the garage when at home, even undercover at work.
Yep Sunstate.
Thanks for everyones input, I have contacted The dealer, the sales Manger is away but will call me to discuss the issues next week. I have also sent an email with pictures to Suzuki HO as yet no reply.
It is unacceptable isnt it, I was so excited last week too. I still like the GS though.
Quote from: Twisted on April 10, 2012, 05:41:07 AM
Quote from: mark61 on April 08, 2012, 11:44:43 PM
Hi Michael,
I am on the Sunshine coast near Mt Coolum,
Welcome Mark. I lived in Coolum myself for 15 years. Very nice place. I am guessing you purchased the bike from Sunstate Motorcycles at Maroochydore?
Great place to live Twisted, but yeah ya have to watch the salt eh And Yep Sunstate.... they were great until I found this rubbish :(
Keep us posted on how you go.
Looking at that price on that company's site, looks like you got a great deal. You are dinkum about the bike just being bought new????? Don't like the pictures on yr album.....that bike has problems.....look at the state of the ally components, let alone the rust on the frame and the fork tubes......physically, it's 2 years old......where has it been in it's life.....both that seller's outlets are close to the sea.....both towns have had flooding issues too in recent years......don't hang around waiting on this one...get some independent advice and get onto Suzi HO quick smart. Keep everyone posted, eh?
:(
Been told today by a mechanic to pull the tool-kit roll out from under the seat. Any rust on the tools? If so, he says it is a good sign - with other rust evidence - that a vehicle/bike has been under water or water damaged. Bodgers usually forget to clean the tool-kit.
I will have a look at the kit, I doubt it has been dipped as its a brand new bike.
Quote from: mark61 on April 11, 2012, 02:30:48 AM
Try the lanolin or fish oil trick. Do you keep it garaged? If not buy a cover for it.
And what is the lanolin or fish oil trick ?
Cool.
Buddha.
Buy fish oil in an aerosol can and drown your frame in it.
Quote from: The Buddha on April 13, 2012, 07:04:27 PM
Quote from: mark61 on April 11, 2012, 02:30:48 AM
Try the lanolin or fish oil trick. Do you keep it garaged? If not buy a cover for it.
And what is the lanolin or fish oil trick ?
Cool.
Buddha.
Spray Lanolin on any exposed metal or metal with rust spots on it. It creates a sticky waterproof air seal so no more air/moisture can get in to continue rusting it out.
I'd say with the OP, some of the rust spots were caused by an overzealous detailer using a high pressure water cleaner which stripped some of the paint and left exposed metal. While the rear wheel damage was probably done during getting the bike out of the metal frame crate and/or putting the rest of it together.
I've seen brand new, showroom bikes, with dents in the tank. When questioning the salemen they say, "the tank will be replaced upon sale". Which means, you either get a totally new bike or they get a replacement tank sent up so they can finally be rid of this bike, but they'll only do it After they have the bike sold so they know it is not costing them money only to sit on the floor unsold.
Lanolin has kept the area around side stand center stand free of rust. :thumb:
Michael
Mark, have u spoken with Suzuki, Melbourne, yet? They are aware of this thread. Suzuki Aus deliver a great product and they aren't likely to be too happy with seeing the state of your "new" bike, as it seems to have been delivered. The GS500 mighn't be the most expensive bike in the Suzuki range but it's often the one that get us on the path to long-term Suzuki ownership.
Bollox to lanolin/fish oil, that's useful but for a ridden/banged around unit. Wouldn't be messing with this problem atall by yourself. What you need is urgent investigation/rectification by Suzuki technical of the rust shown in the photos you have posted. Also you might like to think about what corrosion may be going on inside the frame.
Quote from: noworries on April 14, 2012, 03:07:19 AM
Mark, have u spoken with Suzuki, Melbourne, yet? They are aware of this thread. Suzuki Aus deliver a great product and they aren't likely to be too happy with seeing the state of your "new" bike, as it seems to have been delivered. The GS500 mighn't be the most expensive bike in the Suzuki range but it's often the one that get us on the path to long-term Suzuki ownership.
Bollox to lanolin/fish oil, that's useful but for a ridden/banged around unit. Wouldn't be messing with this problem atall by yourself. What you need is urgent investigation/rectification by Suzuki technical of the rust shown in the photos you have posted. Also you might like to think about what corrosion may be going on inside the frame.
He has sent the pics to both head office - whom I also gave him the number for - and the local dealer. He's onto it :thumb:
Michael
Quote from: mister on April 14, 2012, 12:37:31 PM
Quote from: noworries on April 14, 2012, 03:07:19 AM
Mark, have u spoken with Suzuki, Melbourne, yet? They are aware of this thread.
Also you might like to think about what corrosion may be going on inside the frame.
He has sent the pics to both head office - whom I also gave him the number for - and the local dealer. He's onto it :thumb:
Michael
I have emailed the pictures to Suzuki HO and the Sales Manager at the dealer, who is away until tommorrow. I would first like to see what response I get from the dealer to see if I need to action it further. I have looked through the Fairtrading Qld site and have downloaded some info from there. I havent spoken with Suzuki Aust just email at this stage, I have the number from Michael (thank you) if I need to contact them.
I have had a closer look at photos taken the day I brought the bike home and I can now see the rust spots on some of those too :(
I havent ridden it much due to this problem :( as NO WORRIES said I too am worried about corrosion Inside the frame too.
I appreciate everyones comments and support, I am not a complainer by nature so the support helps me to moving on this.
To Suzuki, Lets fix this asap, peacefully and calmly. I have always liked Suzuki's and wouldnt want that to change in any way.
Cheers Mark
My 1994 doesn't even look that bad.
Link to the pics.
Link to Pics removed by Mark61
My 1989 has rust marks but even yours outdoes mine :dunno_black:
Mark, just revisited yr photo album, and it's entirely probable that that bike is substandard to what Suzuki Australia would expect to be going out of it's dealers door categorised as a "new" bike. It's not nice to envisage what that frame will be looking like in a year's time. And it's not just the frame; again, look at the state of the aluminium parts covered by your photos. What has been happening to this bike since it came out of it's crate, where has it been, why was the dealer reportedly prepared to deliver it in such a condition?
Look, it's up to you, but as well as meeting with the Dealer Sales Manager immediately, it might be sensible to really get the dialogue going with Suzuki down in Laverton....I'm sure Mr Kato - the reasonably new Managing Director who is a motorcycle operations guru - won't be happy to see his product image damaged like this.
As to Fair Trading Qld, it wouldn't hurt to copy them into the loop now. You don't have to use them as a consumer gun immediately but it would be sensible to have them informed.
Mark, I'll slide away from this topic now. But, you know what, I think if I was in your situation I'd want the bike taken back by the dealer and exchanged by Suzuki for a GS500 that is up to our quality expectations of that marque. I guess that all the Suzuki enthusiasts on the Forum are looking forward to a timely and appropriate resolution to these problems.
Really interested to see how this plays out. :dunno_black:
Contact email from dealer: please call our service dept! Thats all, I will call them asap.
Just remember ~ they need to provide a replacement, not 'fix' yours. That thing is damaged everywhere you look.
Wow how did they manage to scuff your rim? My engine has that same powdery kinda corrosion as well in not too concerned about but the rest geez.
I finally had time this arvo to talk with the Sales Manager, he was very sympathetic of the issues, so I took the bike down to the dealer and he had a look at it (he has seen my pics too) and what he saw he wasnt happy with at all. They have kept my bike for a photo shoot and a thorough examination. So far the responses have been good. Apparently Suzuki HO had also already contacted them and want to get to the bottom of the problem. They will call me when a decision has been finalised.
I have a loaner 2002 GS500 until then, it still rides nice :) and sounds better than mine lol.
I will post when a decision is made.
Thanks for your comments guys I appreciate it :cheers:
:thumb:
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Thank you for keeping us updated.
Michael
Ride the crap outta the loan bike :thumb:
You been for a ride on the Obi Obi road yet?
:) lol. Not yet its on my list :) Did the Mapleton Montville Maleny commonly called the Triple M. Loads of great places up here to wear out my tyres :D
Well if Suzuki is a great company then they will help you out. Heres pulling for you bro. Keep us updated.
Cheers
Quote from: SS Adrenaline on April 19, 2012, 05:28:40 AM
Well if Suzuki is a great company then they will help you out. Heres pulling for you bro. Keep us updated.
Cheers
I got my own bike back today after its photo shoot and evaluation, The dealer and I are confident a final decsion will be made by tommorrow in the positive for a replacement machine, one befitting the great Suzuki brand.
Thanks guys for your advice and support.
Awesome. Please keep us all updated. :thumb:
Thanks to everyone for their input and support :cheers:
I will be getting a replacement for my Suzuki under warranty conditions.
I want to thank Suzuki and The Dealer for their understanding, help and sense of fairness in this matter.
They have both been fully supportive all the way along.
Cheers all round :cheers: See you on the road :D
I'm glad they cooperated and everything worked in your favor ! Did they have an explanation on why this might of happened ?
Quote from: mark61 on April 27, 2012, 05:06:54 PM
Thanks to everyone for their input and support :cheers:
I will be getting a replacement for my Suzuki under warranty conditions.
I want to thank Suzuki and The Dealer for their understanding, help and sense of fairness in this matter.
They have both been fully supportive all the way along.
Cheers all round :cheers: See you on the road :D
You better be back to post photos of the new steed. If I am ever up that way I'll pm you for a ride on the Obi Obi. :thumb:
Great to hear it worked out, make sure you give it a once over before you take it out of the showroom.
ABSOLUTELY FARKING AWESOME :bowdown:
WE WANT PHOTOS :thumb: :thumb:
[/quote]
You better be back to post photos of the new steed. If I am ever up that way I'll pm you for a ride on the Obi Obi. :thumb:
[/quote]
It'll take a week to get the new one, I will definately post pics :)
The Obi Obi sounds good :thumb:
It's a goer then
Cods, Slips, me, Twisted, Mark61 do'n the Obi Obi :woohoo:
Oh. Excellent news. Shows you how good Suzuki is eh? I know people who by Speed Triples and have endless trouble, engines that fail, blow rings, leak like sieve, steering problems, etc., etc., and Triumph takes the bike back to Work on it. No loner bike. No replacement. All the while the buyer is out of pocket for the cost of the bike without anything to ride. And what they get back is a patched up mess fixed with parts that had to come from the UK cause triumph Aust has no replacement parts. To me that shows triumph has utter contempt for their customers. On the other hand, Suzuki understands the value of treating the customer well.
Here's a cyber beer for Suzuki :cheers:
Michael
See if we can get Aussie chick too maybe? It'll be the GS ride to end em all
wheres the obi obi
Not that it matters cause Id be in that
Obi Obi Kenobi?
Sorry, couldn't help myself. :D
You forgot the one lol
Quote from: codajastal on April 28, 2012, 02:07:11 AM
wheres the obi obi
Not that it matters cause Id be in that
Up near Mapleton. Between Mapleton and Kenilworth.
Michael
Fark thats a long way to ride from here.
Still,,,,,,,,,,Id give it a go.
Excellent outcome for all. Well done Suzuki Corporate. Heaps of goodwill being generated here. Photos!!!!
Great news my new bike has arrived! Pick it up today from the dealer. I will post so some pics this arvo. Well done Suzuki! Well done Sunstate!
:thumb:
I have to keep a close eye on my bike here in Wellington - Marine environment and a lot of rain during winter...
I use a Lanolin based anti corrosion product - seems to keep the rust at bay in the hidden places - easy to remove later on, and stops rust in screws etc...
For such a new bike I would definitely see what the delivery history of that bike has been...
Quote from: mark61 on May 03, 2012, 03:00:14 PM
Great news my new bike has arrived! Pick it up today from the dealer. I will post so some pics this arvo. Well done Suzuki! Well done Sunstate!
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Quote from: noworries on April 28, 2012, 03:42:38 AM
Excellent outcome for all. Well done Suzuki Corporate. Heaps of goodwill being generated here. Photos!!!!
I agree with the above quote!!
Thankyou to Suzuki Australia for restoring my faith in your product and in my choice to purchase a GS500 :thumb:
This is the last I will say on this matter as agreed.
Thanks to all the GS Fans for their support :cheers:
http://s1110.photobucket.com/albums/h451/scrubber6/
That's what we're here for.
Quote from: mark61 on May 04, 2012, 03:05:30 AM
Quote from: noworries on April 28, 2012, 03:42:38 AM
Excellent outcome for all. Well done Suzuki Corporate. Heaps of goodwill being generated here. Photos!!!!
I agree with the above quote!!
Thankyou to Suzuki Australia for restoring my faith in your product and in my choice to purchase a GS500 :thumb:
This is the last I will say on this matter as agreed.
Thanks to all the GS Fans for their support :cheers:
http://s1110.photobucket.com/albums/h451/scrubber6/
Good on ya Suzi :thumb:
Do ya think they will give me a new C50? The one I got here is scratched! :bs:
Hahahaha yeah why not give it a go!
My bike blew its shock can I get a brand spanker sv650? lol