Hey, everyone! This is my first post. I'm a new motorcyclist looking to get his first bike. Very exciting!
Right now, I'm deciding between a 1995 Suzuki GS500E and a 1984 Honda Nighthawk CB700. They both come in at $1600. These are representative images, not actual ones.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/1997SuzukiGS500E-001.jpg)
Thoughts on the GS500E:
1) Newer and supposedly very reliable and easy to maintain.
2) Was a project bike but the owner and his friend put a lot of work into putting in new parts, so it seems like everything is in pretty excellent condition.
3) Only about 12k miles on it.
4) Engine size is not too crazy for a beginner.
5) Perhaps most importantly, the owner is 50 minutes away, which means it might be easier for me to meet up with him and have a friend help me take a look at it. I have no car or other transportation so this weighs heavily for me.
(http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp356/jeremydseibert/1985%20CB700/dc71861d.jpg)
Thoughts on the CB700:
1) Older but supposedly one of the best bikes of the 80's. Also supposedly very reliable and easy to maintain, given its shaft drive and other low maintenance features.
2) Mechanically supposedly in great shape, but has been dropped on its left side by previous owner. This has lead to only a small dent in the exhaust pipe, which doesn't both me. However, since it's older I'm worried about random surprise issues (cam chain tensioner problems usually appear around 35k miles for this model).
3) Has about 30k miles on it, which seems somewhat high.
4) Engine size is pretty large, which is both exciting and terrifying. Might not be good for a beginner, considering 0 to 60 is 3.6 seconds. haha
5) The owner is 1.5 hours away, which means I'll need to rent an SUV or pickup truck to get out there and see the bike. I'm afraid there will be some issue with it when I get there, and I'll have wasted $120 on the rental. This also means there's pretty much zero chance the owner would bring the bike into the city, which would cut down on cost and hassle.
So in terms of practicality, the GS500E appears to win. However, I really like the look of the CB700 and it is a more powerful bike. Also, while the GS500E is at about average cost for its age and mileage, the CB700 seems to be a pretty good deal relative to the average price for the model.
I would appreciate any guidance and help in making this decision and figuring out how to move forward. Any thoughts on webcamming with the owners to see the bike over the internet and ask questions?
Thanks, everyone! Pumped to get my first motorcycle!
If you want speed, your probably going to get about 90 top speed on 700 and 110 on gs. I would suggest the gs cause it's newer, always better. I've had old bikes and slightly newer bikes, makes a big difference in available parts and maintenance. Plus i have never seen this good of a forum with such good information for any other bikes. That being said, what's the price range?
Either one is old enough that you ARE going to have to work on them, or pay for the work... and honestly there is little comparison here. The GS500 is WAY easier to work on than a nighthawk (2 cylinder vs 4 for starters on that comparison), and GS500 parts are mostly year interchangeable and the parts are copious. Period.
Being as how you are on a GS500 forum, of course we will be partial to it... but also because you are asking on this forum, I am inclined to think you are already partial to it too... Your head is saying go with the GS500, but your heart is telling you otherwise it seems. You just want someone to reaffirm your desires, though you already know the smarter choice. But I'm telling you to go with your head. The GS500 is the smart choice here, and I'm not just saying that because I own one. Being new to riding AND maintenance, the choice is obvious.
- Bboy
Hahaha go with his heart is telling him otherwise?? I like your choice of words bboy :thumb:
i vote GS
especially that one,...looks great
Quote from: jacob92icu on January 31, 2013, 09:52:19 AM
If you want speed, your probably going to get about 90 top speed on 700 and 110 on gs. I would suggest the gs cause it's newer, always better. I've had old bikes and slightly newer bikes, makes a big difference in available parts and maintenance. Plus i have never seen this good of a forum with such good information for any other bikes. That being said, what's the price range?
Try tacking on 50 mph to the Nighthawk's top speed... those make ~80 horsepower.
The big thing I'd suggest is to remember that other bikes come along all the time... be sure you don't rush into buying one. For a first bike, I'd definitely suggest the gs500 as it's 100 lbs lighter and much less mechanically complicated. I believe the larger Nighthawks (not the 250) have hydraulic valve adjustments and some are shaft drive. But the gs500 is more a basic, simple bike.
I find it hard to believe that the night hawk can hit 140. I had an old Yamaha 750 and could only ever 95 until i hit 98 one time. But i suppose the 4 cylinder could make a little bit of a difference.
Hey folks! I didn't post the original photos cause the ones of the GS500e were at night time but I think I might have biased you all. Haha.
Here are the actuals. Thoughts? Thanks!
GS500E
(http://images.craigslist.org/3E73K43I25L45K45Jcd1u48797a777e3a19ef.jpg)
CB700
(http://consumerphotos.bargainnews.com/810501/810501.jpg)
That is a nice looking nighthawk, but I think you will be happier with a much more simple bike for your first bike, plus you have all of us to help you out. Their both carbed just one has two carbs instead of four, much easier to maintain. I do like taking older classics and turning them into cafe racers though. The seat is kind of ugly on the nighthawk in my opinion. If you are planning on fixing up a bike, the GS is the way to go cause there are lots of options. That gs is not original, but I like the all black :)
I vote GS500 for first bike, but not that one! For $1600 you should be able to get one that looks more like the first picture, especially in February.
Ya but it also depends on where he is from. Plus this one looks like it has a couple mods. In the picture looks as though it has an underglow kit under the gas tank. And it is kinda pricey for a 97 gs500, but there selling a 2000 for 1300 where I'm at, pretty beat up though and no title.
Awesome, thanks everyone for your opinions! Very helpful. Turns out a buddy of mine at school that I've been talking to about bikes owns a GS500! Just found that out. This is a huge plus so he'll be able to help me maintain the bike. Sweeettttt!!
I agree a little high on that price but still vote GS. :bstar: :bstar: :bstar:
I traded an 85 CB650SC Nighthawk in on a new 97 GS500E back in Mar 99 and the GS felt like a sportbike compared to that mid 80's Nighthawk. Put 80k miles on that 97 GS and then replaced it with my current 02 GS. I voted GS years ago. :thumb:
Quote from: nyc_gs500e on January 31, 2013, 12:44:33 PM
Awesome, thanks everyone for your opinions! Very helpful. Turns out a buddy of mine at school that I've been talking to about bikes owns a GS500! Just found that out. This is a huge plus so he'll be able to help me maintain the bike. Sweeettttt!!
Get him to join this forum as well! :woohoo:
My first bike was an 84 nighthawk 650 based on a friend's recommendation on how much he liked his 700.
I rode his alot while making mine road worthy, and one thing to think about is the 700 is rather top heavy if you are over 5'10" and like several other Honda shaft drives of the time were prone to losing 2nd gear. I am 6'2" and he is 5'11" and we both felt the bike was top heavy for us and led to feeling less than stable around curves. He later made a few modifications to to give him a more aggressive riding position which helped. Just something to think about.
Another thing to consider (that I know from experience) is PARTS. You have the GS500 with 20 years of near perfect interchangeability, where as the Nighthawk was only made for a short time so parts are harder to come by, and they come at a price.
@jacob92icu, the top speed on the 700 is well over 90mph. I have seen it hit 125 in 5th and it was still climbing before letting off.
Hmm interesting. Must be one of the faster 700 bikes of that time then haha. It is a pretty nice looking bike thats for sure.
I had my 84 NH 650 up to 115 before it maxed out on me. That bike was fun. but SUCH a headache to work on. And parts were a nightmare. Took me over a month to find a side panel that was repairable, and it still set me back $55. The fuel sensor in the tank was bad. never replaced it as the cheapest i could find for a working one was $200+
Part of me misses the bike since it was my first one, but non of me misses the headaches. Plus the GStwinners here are infinitely more helpful then members of the NH forums I joined. The members here WANT to see your bike running and looking its best, where over there it was a constant duck measuring contest about whos was best.
My 85 Honda Sabre 700 was easy to ride but it maxxed out at 115. That thing weighed a ton, ok seemed like it. The carbs were a nightmare as well to work on. Shaft drive was zer0 maintenance though.
I'd pick a GS any day over another old honda.
Hey, guys. Been talking with the guy selling the GS500E, and he writes:
"In terms of cold starts, The bike will struggle starting with temperatures below 40 degrees. I mean I know right now my bike won't start with the starter. I'd have roll the bike and pop the clutch to get it going."
I know the GS500E has issues with cold starts, but is this normal?
That must mean he is repping an old battery that is about to die. Ask him if the battery is indeed old and needs to be replaced. Do you have a multimeter by any chance? If you dont you should invest in one and then ask if you can run Voltage tests on his bike, I will explain how to do so if necessary.
Or he could not know that the battery needs to be warmed up and could just be a matter of turning the ignition on and letting the electricity flow to the lights for a minute or so and then try turning it over. Do keep in mind that GS's are very cold blooded, so it might not fully fire and start up on the first crank.
Asking the question `should I buy a GS500?` in here will result in an inevitable answer :laugh:
Let me give you my unbiased view ;)
The GS5 was a bargain basement machine aimed at the first time buyers or those looking for a no frills experience. It was popular for what it was and sold in good numbers but the competition soon left it behind. Suzuki kept it going as long as they could because they cost next to nothing to make and turned a good profit. Up to about 15 even 10 years ago it was a good choice for a beginner but today there are far better options.
1600 puts you in the SV and GSF bracket and like the GS500 they are reliable, cheap and relatively easy to maintain with good parts availability. They are forgiving and easy to ride and they are supported by numerous owners forums. However the SV and the GSF came at least a decade after the GS5 and both offer substantially more in the way of performance, handling and desireability. Go outside the Suzuki stable and there are even more options :dunno_black:
As for the Shitehawk....sorry Nighthawk, it wasn't even a beginners bike 30 years ago when it was launched!!
Thanks sledge for your honesty. I really appreciate that. I tried to do a little search for SV650s but all of them are out of my price range. I'm hoping to get the GS500 I posted about for around $1300 after talking him down. One other bike I keep wondering about is just getting a used Ninja 250. There's a 2003 with 18k miles selling for $1500 where I am with some small scratches and a small dent on the tank. Probably get talk him down to about $1300 as well.
Ninja or GS500 in this case? The fact that my friend owns a GS500 is really pushing towards getting the same so I can have a hand with maintenance, but I hear Ninjas are great starter bikes, too.
You have to ask yourself what it you are looking for and what it is you want, all bikes have their pros and cons. I personaly think there are now better options for the first time buyer than the GS5, however there are those that will disagree :dunno_black:.....It doest matter what I your friend thinks, its your call :thumb:
Asking on a GS500 forum, there's probably going to be a bit of bias. :)
So that being said - I'd go for the gs500. Its a great first bike, easy to wrench on, reliable, etc, etc...
If in a year you feel you want something bigger, you should be able to get your money back when selling.
Quote from: jacob92icu on February 01, 2013, 12:00:35 PM
That must mean he is repping an old battery that is about to die. Ask him if the battery is indeed old and needs to be replaced. Do you have a multimeter by any chance? If you dont you should invest in one and then ask if you can run Voltage tests on his bike, I will explain how to do so if necessary.
Why bother with all that fuss :dunno_black:
You use the fact the battery is supect to get 150 knocked off the price, then if you are still happy to take the bike you buy a new battery for 50 and pocket the 100 :thumb:
Not done much buying and selling have you Jacob :laugh:
Quote from: nyc_gs500e on February 01, 2013, 01:20:09 PM
Ninja or GS500 in this case? The fact that my friend owns a GS500 is really pushing towards getting the same so I can have a hand with maintenance, but I hear Ninjas are great starter bikes, too.
How tall are you? The 250 is a small bike. I know I feel like a giant sitting on one. The ninja 500 if you can find one feels a little more comfortable. My wife has ridden an EX250 before and she is 5'4" and she was comfortable on it.
Here is a link to a site you may like to look at. Select a motorcycle by make and model, and enter your height/inseem and it gives you a fairly accurate display of riding position, size, etc. My favorite feature of the site is you can select multiple bikes simultaneously and using the scroll wheel on your mouse compare them from one to the next.
www.cycle-ergo.com
I'm 5'10" so yeah, maybe the GS500 would fit me better. Not exactly tall but average guy height.
I'm leaning toward the GS500 cause:
1) Friend has one
2) More power meaning it's better on the highway and I can ride it longer
3) Naked bike so I don't have to worry as much about the fairings if I drop it
4) I tend to like naked bikes more than sports bikes in terms of appearance, though the ninja does look good.
5) Seems more unique, since ninjas seem to be everywhere.
6) Awesome board of enthusiasts who are willing to help out!!
Thanks everyone for your thoughts!
Quote from: nyc_gs500e on February 01, 2013, 03:44:58 PM
I'm 5'10" so yeah, maybe the GS500 would fit me better. Not exactly tall but average guy height.
I'm leaning toward the GS500 cause:
1) Friend has one
2) More power meaning it's better on the highway and I can ride it longer
3) Naked bike so I don't have to worry as much about the fairings if I drop it
4) I tend to like naked bikes more than sports bikes in terms of appearance, though the ninja does look good.
5) Seems more unique, since ninjas seem to be everywhere.
6) Awesome board of enthusiasts who are willing to help out!!
Thanks everyone for your thoughts!
Also, ask Adidasguy how much fun Ninja 250s are to work on...
I found in my price bracket, the GS was the biggest bike I could find. I wanted to spend about $1000-$1500 when I was looking. Ended up with mine for $750.
They're really easy to work on. Everything is in reach, no stupid hidden things I've found, overall just a solid bike. Cheap to own and maintain were high with me.
That being said, it stands to be asked, what do YOU want from a bike. A cruiser, touring style bike (Nighthawk), sport tourer (GS500), "sport" bike (Ninja), or maybe an enduro?
Woah, how did you get yours for $750?! I got the seller to agree to $1350, but this is before seeing better, not-at-night pics and talking to him in person. Will have to adjust this is further issues come to light.
I want a bike that will be good to learn on plain and simple. I want to learn basic maintenance skills, and I love the idea of doing mods and want to learn to do that. I'd ideally like to ride both on the road and off-road, but since this is a first bike, I just want something practical as a learner. Looks like the GS is that. :thumb:
Yea, i would go for the gs in this case cause you can't get much else for that unless it's a steal of a deal. And ninja is a pain in the a brand to work on, you can ask Adidas about that. And pathetic puma, I just say that cause sometimes you can buy a bike with a bad charging system and run into a few problems, not just bad battery.
Any GS500 owners around Dover, NJ that might be able to do me a HUGE favor and help me look over this used motorcycle? As a beginner, while I've read a lot about the bike and will keep doing so, nothing's better than experience. I'd SO greatly appreciate it! :bowdown:
So I got a good deal brewing with this 1995 GS500 guy from craigslist, but he's brought up two new issues. He sent me pics and overall things look pretty good--a little wear and tear but nothing glaring. He did mention 1) he might not be able to start the bike because of an old battery and 2) there's some issue with high rpm idling when the engine is hot. But he said he's willing to go as low as $1100. Might even be able to get him lower if there's really something serious going on.
Here's the full email:
"I completely understand. I'm not sure if this would be your first bike or not but by all means a bike is a toy and when your buying one you should get something you like and are comfortable with. It sucks when you buy something that doesn't work or ends up becoming a headache the moment you buy it. I all reality, I was never expecting to get $1600 for the bike. That was just my price to start negotiations with. I was really looking for somewhere between $1200-$1400.
The situation I'm in right now is that I literally just signed the papers to buy a 2013 Ducati Monster 796 today but I can't get it from the dealer until I sell this bike as I have no where to put it until I get rid of this one. I'm not looking for this bike to make me money. But by all means, I'm not going to just give it away either. I will go as low as $1200 for you. If I can not get the bike started, there is a good chance the battery may finely just given out on me. I mean I keep it on a battery tenderer but the battery is 3 years old. If I can not get the bike started for you I will reduce the price to $1100 being that you can get a battery for $60-$80.
I can promise mechanically though, there isn't anything wrong with the bike. I'll be honest about everything with the bike, in terms of quirks. I mentioned the oil to you, and the only other thing would be it's idle. Its not an issue but in case you ever run into it, I don't want you to think there is something wrong. For some reason when the bike gets really hot, like when you've been riding for over an hour on a really hot summer day, the idle goes up. Normally, the bike should be idling around 650-700 RPM. When it gets real hot, the idle will jump to about 1700-2000 RPM. It doesn't happen all the time, just seems to happen once in a while when you come to a stop in the middle of riding. Like I said earlier, I have nothing to hide with the bike. I really did fall in love with it but its just time for me to get something bigger, especially being that I'm 6'1". Let me know if those numbers would work for you. Like I said, the dealership is holding onto my bike until I can sell this one."
This was all after I told him about this other guy I've been talking to who's selling his GS500, which is a 96 with only 4k miles, dealer bought, original paint, and starts regularly when it's cold at $1400. This other guy is gonna send me pics today.
Wondering what you all thought about the battery/no start issue and the idle when hot issue? If it's $1200 spotty condition vs. $1400 nicer condition, which way would you lean?
Sorry for the long message! Thanks for all your help!
EDIT (to add pictures):
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002702_zpsfe6c931d.jpg)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002732_zps517b34a5.jpg)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002742_zpsdbe46371.jpg)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002752_zpsee54ff6b.jpg)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002782_zps57e64977.jpg)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002812_zpsf786a5c9.jpg)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002822_zps16f30fbb.jpg)
I'm just going to say this: 1300 is a little much, but the bike looks like its been taken care of. if it runs well, it may be a fairish deal.
that being said:
this is your first bike, you will find other bikes, this is a great, simple, easy to work on place to start.
and
its OK to spend a little too much on your first bike. Money grows back. at 1300 bucks for a running, clean bike with no leaks, you're not being fleeced. The battery sounds like it does need to be replaced. (40-50 bucks) but the tires look good. (~$200)
go forth and ponder.
Waiting for pics of the '96, but as things stand it sounds more promising: a third of the miles, and it isn't a project bike.
That is the cleanest looking 3 year old battery I've ever seen.
It has obviously been crashed and fixed - non OEM mirrors, no barends, mismatched levers, repainted black, overspray on front frame, possible bent right footpeg, scratches on muffler, non oem handlebars. Sure, some of it a person would do cause they like something different - handlebars, indicators. But repainting a black bike to be black hints at repaired damaged being repainted to me.
Remember this always: it pays to be circumspect about what a seller says to you, they want your money not the thing they are selling.
In this case, a dealer willing to hold on and keep in storage a brand new ducati until old mate here sells his old GS500 any time this century? Sounds a bit thin to me. Need the space? Put the Ducati inside and leave the GS500 outside. Space problem solved. Needs a new battery cause the other one died? Then You, as the seller, put the new battery in so the buyer can see the bike running - unless the battery thing is BS cause the bike really does not run well at all. Who knows what is going on with his bodgy wiring there.
If the other bike is truly a gem, then it's worth the hundred or so more for the trouble free nature of it and fewer miles. Do put up those pics too so we can see them.
Wow, totally did not think of that. I did think it was weird why he didn't just put the ducati indoors and leave the gs outside. Now that you mention it, I think you're right that he was overselling the condition of the bike, and it'd probably still have issues even with a new battery. That would be a nightmare. I told him if he bought a new battery, kept the receipt, and got the bike starting reliably, I might swing the $1200. Since then, he's been MIA, so I guess I'm dropping this lead.
As for the 1996, he was supposed to send pics today, but has been out of touch. He's been generally slow at responding, so I don't think it's a big deal yet. I'll just have to wait and see. Trying not to rush and do anything stupid.
So far your doing pretty good about not rushing into things. I know with my first bike I paid 1000 for a good looking beat up bike just because it ran and was personalized! Haha... Feel bad now because I bought my gs for 500 dollars and everything works with a little work on my end except for the high beams. I would definitely keep following the 96 though! :)
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/WP_0002732_zps517b34a5.jpg)
The handle doesn't line up with the seat perfectly it seems. I missed that when I bought my bike, turns out I have a tweaked rear subframe, though it's more noticeable than this one here.
For the amount of money you'll be putting forth, I'd say this GS isn't the right one for you. It's priced like a maintained, perfectly running bike, not a project. I'd skip over it and keep looking for a better one!
Quote from: nyc_gs500e on February 01, 2013, 05:53:10 PM
Woah, how did you get yours for $750?! I got the seller to agree to $1350, but this is before seeing better, not-at-night pics and talking to him in person. Will have to adjust this is further issues come to light.
I want a bike that will be good to learn on plain and simple. I want to learn basic maintenance skills, and I love the idea of doing mods and want to learn to do that. I'd ideally like to ride both on the road and off-road, but since this is a first bike, I just want something practical as a learner. Looks like the GS is that. :thumb:
I got mine for $750, listed at $900. It had no battery (brought a friend's to the test ride), no gauges, and the back brake didn't work (bled it, it works). About a month into owning it, the left cylinder started flooding when it was parked, rebuilt/cleaned the carbs. Bike wouldn't run well, fuel starved a lot - new fuel lines, and routed correctly helped a lot lol. New chain, new tires, new speedometer, speedo cable, clutch cable, carb sync, and 2 batteries because the first shaZam! the bed in 3 months.
I wasn't looking for a project really, but got caught up in the moment. I'm about 1300 into the bike now, maybe more. I just wanted to ride, and ended up buying the first one I looked at. That being said, it has never been an unrideable bike really, and maybe all this extra work is because of the extra miles I put on it. Since putting a speedometer on it, I've gone 3600 miles in 4 months. I ride the thing everywhere!
That example has been seriously messed with.........is the throttle cable hanging off???
There are plenty of things making my spidey senses tingle but the first thing that jumps out at me is the MISSING VIN PLATE!!
And look at the non oem wiring running from the battery :dunno_black: so to hear it has electrical issues is not surprising.
This is definately one to walk away from :dunno_black:
Wow, I had no idea the VIN plate was missing. Is it usually on the instrumentation? For all those reasons, yes, I definitely think I'm going to stay away.
The 1996 owner has gotten back to me and will be sending me pics soon, so YAY. I've decided to expand my search to a 200 mile radius around home. It actually looks like Boston has a bunch of nice bikes for less expensive than around NYC, so I'm talking with some sellers there. Best buy so far is a 2000 with 7k at $1200. Just need to get some more info from him about the bike's condition.
I figure I'm going to have to rent an SUV to transport the bike, so whether the seller is on Long Island or Boston, I'm going to have to pay the $120 rental anyway. Only difference is gas, so if I save money by buying in Boston, I guess it's worth my time.
Also in the email the seller said it should normally idle around 700-800 RPM, this is WAY off! The bike should idle near 1200 RPM. This alone shows the seller's (I'm going to be brutally honest) ignorance. If he ever had the bike idling so low for an extended period of time there could be engine damage due to oil not circulating.
Although, the VIN plate is not missing. It is on the upper frame rail, clutch side of the bike. I can see it between the handle grip and the clutch lever in the photo of the bikes left side.
Update!! Two things:
1) Pictures of the 1996 GS500 with 4k miles are finally here:
Original
(http://images.craigslist.org/3Gb3L43H75N95G15K7d1l0862d6c7e6541d28.jpg)
Front
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/image_4_zps3fc8430e.jpeg)
Front and side
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/image_2_zps6a6ef0e3.jpeg)
Top
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/image_zpsf50f81b2.jpeg)
Left mirror slightly damaged
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/image_1_zps2b0c8eb2.jpeg)
Speedometer
(http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b602/davidpeterchou/image_3_zps0c0b4e08.jpeg)
Looking pretty good. Seller wrote, "The one close up is the scuff on the mirror and other than that theres nothing i see thats major. I put in the odometer too so you can see the mileage."
Thoughts? Worthy of $1500?
2) Update from the 1995 GS500 owner.
"Just got my bike started. Turns out I just needed to flush the gas out of the carbs and get some fresh gas in there. I don't need a battery. If you'd like, I can send you a video of the bike starting up with the choke and all. Let me know."
Does this make sense? I emailed him asking for the video. What does this say about the condition of the bike? Still worth $1200?
Thanks, everyone!
I paid $1500 for my '96, but it had a few more bells and whistles than that (under 2k miles, emulators, new battery/tires/fluids...). Is the price firm, or could you talk him down a little bit?
Regardless, I'd go for this one over the first one you showed us. If you're new to motorcycles, you don't want a bike that definitely needs some work done, which may or may not be of the complicated sort. Better pay the "newbie fee" and go for something safer. At least that's my take on it.
If we go by pics alone, the 96 just looks better kept and worth the couple hundred more. I'm only on my phone though, so I can't look too close over anything just yet. The 95 seller seems just a lil wishy washy, and seems to want to sell more than the 96 seller. That tells me a lot in itself.
On a side note: I know the frame and rims were the gunmetal grey for 96, but was black a stock color for that year? ... I remember red for 96 but I'm blanking for the other color so it probably black but anyone confirm?
- Bboy
Quote from: BockinBboy on February 04, 2013, 03:21:10 PMOn a side note: I know the frame and rims were the gunmetal grey for 96, but was black a stock color for that year? ... I remember red for 96 but I'm blanking for the other color so it probably black but anyone confirm?
- Bboy
Yep. I have a black '96 that has, afaik, the original paint.
Ya I would definitely go with the 96, especially if he will start it up and ride it around for you, or let you ride it around.
Quote from: jacob92icu on February 04, 2013, 08:04:14 PM
Ya I would definitely go with the 96, especially if he will start it up and ride it around for you, or let you ride it around.
THIS
Cool. I emailed the 1996 owner, and hope to get an answer about what his best price would be. In the meantime, the 1995 owner sent me a video of his bike starting up. It seems decent, but I have zero basis for comparison as a non-owner. :icon_lol:
Could any of you weigh in on this? If things fall through with the 1996, would $1100 be good for the 1995, or should I save my money? The guy seems to have been pretty truthful and helpful all throughout, so I'm wondering if I may have been overly skeptical.
Quote from: nyc_gs500e on February 04, 2013, 11:22:36 PM
Cool. I emailed the 1996 owner, and hope to get an answer about what his best price would be. In the meantime, the 1995 owner sent me a video of his bike starting up. It seems decent, but I have zero basis for comparison as a non-owner. :icon_lol:
Could any of you weigh in on this? If things fall through with the 1996, would $1100 be good for the 1995, or should I save my money? The guy seems to have been pretty truthful and helpful all throughout, so I'm wondering if I may have been overly skeptical.
buy the 95. why ?
1 it's on a battery tender, so he's taking care of, or researched, a few things
2 starts up great, all the lights are working, gauges look good
3 sounds good (crap video, but sounds good besides the mic clipping)
4 the seller doesn't sound like an idiot
i'm really not a fan of integrated taillights. you, mr new rider, want all the lights you can have, spaced as far as possible apart. integrated taillights/signals make your light pattern smaller and less noticable. put the stockers or some buell blast signals on the rear ALONG WITH the integrated.
1100$ is a good price for a mildly used machine. i bought my 96 with 2900 miles ($1800) and sold it with 31000 ($1800) three years later. my only issues were with worms clogging up the vent lines on the carbs.
be careful, as gentle and forgiving as the gs is, it WILL wheelie, and CAN power slide the rear end in the wet.
pace yourself and stay alive.
enjoy the ride :)
I'd googled the 1995 owner (the one in the video) and learned he's a mechanical engineer, so I thought he'd be a good bike caretaker, which was why I kinda was giving him the benefit of the doubt. I tabulated the amount I'd pay for all the difference between the bikes and came up with this:
$50 for 1 year newer
$100 for 8k fewer miles
$25 for gunmetal frame and rims
$50 for original black paint job, no rust, and mis-matching parts
$50 for not being a project bike
Total, that's $325 of better bike. So if the 1996 owner comes back with $1400 or lower, I think I'm going to go with that. I'm wondering though if I'm being stupid and paying more for a better bike when as a newb, I'm likely to end up dropping the bike. Plus, I live in NYC so will have to street park the bike. I did buy an all-weather, waterproof cover for the bike, but I'm wondering what kind of rust/aging will come out of that? Would it make more sense to have the cheaper bike to learn on and put through those crappy conditions? Though I really like the shiny newer toy. :D
Quote from: nyc_gs500e on February 05, 2013, 06:46:05 AM
I'd googled the 1995 owner (the one in the video) and learned he's a mechanical engineer, so I thought he'd be a good bike caretaker, which was why I kinda was giving him the benefit of the doubt. I tabulated the amount I'd pay for all the difference between the bikes and came up with this:
$50 for 1 year newer
$100 for 8k fewer miles
$25 for gunmetal frame and rims
$50 for original black paint job, no rust, and mis-matching parts
$50 for not being a project bike
Total, that's $325 of better bike. So if the 1996 owner comes back with $1400 or lower, I think I'm going to go with that. I'm wondering though if I'm being stupid and paying more for a better bike when as a newb, I'm likely to end up dropping the bike. Plus, I live in NYC so will have to street park the bike. I did buy an all-weather, waterproof cover for the bike, but I'm wondering what kind of rust/aging will come out of that? Would it make more sense to have the cheaper bike to learn on and put through those crappy conditions? Though I really like the shiny newer toy. :D
it doesn't matter. new, old, cheap, expensive, a new rider -will- drop his / her bike. the gs will suffer very little if it's just a tip over. anything with a fairing, suffers more. WHEN you drop it, rub under the case with your hand/fingers and feel for oil/drips. no oil = ride on. if it floods (usually) shift to neutral, full throttle, and thumb the starter. after the flood is cleared, it will start normally.
asthetics are really over rated. you can't see a damned bit of it while you're grinning down the road.
enjoy whatever you buy. :)
Im like nyc_gs500e, about to be a new rider. Im shocked to see the gs500s go for as much as ive read everyone talk about. I got a buddy whose selling all his toys since hes about to have a kid with his girl, one being a 1992 gs500. It runs and looks great with only a little over 6000 on it, and he was selling it for $800. I lucked out that he wants to trade me for my scooter (cheap find for me to go to work last year) to give his step daughter as a gift. I have to wait about two more weeks, but by reading this chat and seeing the prices it seems i may be luckier than i thought with it. Seems to be a great deal to me the more i see you all talk about it.
Id place a photo on for you all to see and help judge, but being new and only able to get on with my phone i dont know how. Can anyone tell me how to do so?
Hey, GI Joe! Envious of your low-priced options. Honestly, I think it's the tri-state area. Mad expensive here! Looking at Boston, prices are hundreds cheaper. Not sure where you are but enjoy that perk. :thumb:
As for posting up a picture, I use photobucket. It's easy to upload a picture there, then I copy the link and post it in a message using the image button that spits out "[img ][ /img]" for you. Hope that helps, and keep us posted on your experience!
Thanks ill try that later on :thumb:
My buddy just became a truck driver so im waiting for him to get back. I went to see it before he left and he had to jump it but as soon as we tried to go it died. Another friend, who knows enough about small engines, was sceptical so we disconnected the battery while it was running and she kept on purring off the alternator. So it seems the original batyery is shot. Once hes back after this weekend ill go down with the battery and ride. He says if i like it were good to trade, so i cant wait.
I live in PA just north of Philadelphia so i feel your pain on prices. I been looking since last summer for something i can afford and this seems to be my deal. Hopefully soon you luck out with a nice bike.
I would definitely go with the 95. Starts right up in the cold and everything works? Awesome for 1100. However, if you can get the 96 owner to agree to 1400 that would be the better deal. Just remember, lower miles does not always mean the better deal. With bikes this old that means it sat for a long time and could have rust in the tank, or other problems. You need to ask yourself why it has so low miles? Scared owner, or problem occurred that prevented continued use?
Happy fishing! :thumb:
When it comes down to it I like the GS over a nighthawk. After owning a 1000 sportbike, I can tell you the GS feels like a feather. Inertial mass of the motor (or gyroscopic force or whatever) makes a huge difference. The SV and GS were some of the easiest bikes to toss around I have ridden.
Now if I could get my hands on a gsx-r400... mmmmm...
I dont know what it is about it, but i gotta say i like the look of the night hawk more than the gs. It must be because ive always loved harleys over sports bikes. But from what ive read here it seems the gs would be way better to learn with. Just stick on them amd see what deal you can get for em and compare the pros and cons. As my dad always says " when you buy used, theres always something kept from you and some kind of repair to be done." Dont be like me and impulse buy haha.
And heres the pics that he sent me before he left for you to take a look at
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We're still on this topic?
I see the problem with that GS500: the SUZUKI emblem on the right engine side is crooked. That will kill any deal. Otherwise it looks like the perfect bike.
So go buy it and then we can get on to discussing real bike issues.
Bike looks good to me.
GI JOE is a different guy who is also getting his first GS500. I've pretty much decided on getting one...just need to find a legit seller. The 1996 owner has stopped responding to emails, and the 1995 owner is giving dibs to his friend, so I just have to wait. haha
Thanks though to all of you for helping me arrive at the GS500 decision.
That guy with the 96 sure has a LOT of bikes. Has he mentioned Why he has so many?
He's not replying to emails cause, well, he ain't gonna start discussing prices with a guy who hasn't shown up yet. Appear in person and we can talk. But sellers get loads of BS buyers who email all kinds of offers.
Good chance the 95 seller might read this board. Might even be reading this thread.
Do keep us updated as you progress...
The '96 GS 500E was my first bike. It cost me $1500 and had less than 3,000 miles on it. I think it is plenty fast and very easy to ride and work on. I love the lure of older, bigger bikes but they will definitely require work. So far, I've changed brake pads, tires, added mods, done oil changes, cleaned carbs and a variety of other regular maintenance things. It's been challenging but not too hard and quite enlightening. Also, I haven't had the kind of trouble that's kept the bike disabled for more than a day or two at a time. Even though I also own a Honda ST1300, I love how easy it is to throw the GS around. My vote is obvious. Good luck and ride safe.