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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: mikeybikey82 on March 06, 2013, 07:28:01 PM

Title: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: mikeybikey82 on March 06, 2013, 07:28:01 PM
Hello ladies and gents!  Lately I have begun to consider selling my GS.  I love the bike, but unfortunately my knees seem to disagree with me.  I am thinking about getting something that is more upright, seating-wise.  My main issue is that I dont really know what to ask for my GS, and I was wondering what you guys think.
It is a 2000, and it has about 9k miles on it.  The odo says less, but as you may or may not know that is because it was put down right after I got it, and I had to replace the headlight, gauge cluster, bars and mirrors.  Currently the odo reads like 6400.
There is NOTHING wrong with my bike, it runs and rides greats.  It has no aftermarket parts performance-wise.
It currently has some sweet black pro-taper ATV high bars on it.  These have been my favorite buy so far.  They are so comfortable.  The weight make them not vibrate at all, and the black look with the cross bar pad looks cool.  I do still have stock-ish bars for it also.
Right now it has the F14 (F16?) windscreen, which is great.  I also have the rapid transit tank bag, and a contech tail bag.  These have been worth more than their weight in gold to me.  Also, I have a factory front E fascia (that I bought from addidasguy), which needs painted.
Not installed are the Progressive springs that I bought for the front end.  Also, there are some steering stem bearings, and a few oil filters.
tl;dr   I am wanting to sell my GS, and curious what you guys think its worth.  I am thinking about asking $1800?  Too high?  Please let me know, I would appreciate it!!

(http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad60/mikeybikey82/gs500_zps90d9b938.jpg)
Title: Re: Thinking about selling my GS...
Post by: Yutchadol on March 06, 2013, 08:01:25 PM
Clean bike for a good price is what I think  :thumb:
Title: Re: Thinking about selling my GS...
Post by: Leadberry on March 06, 2013, 08:33:04 PM
Are just the frame and engine from 01?  The tank, rear plastics, wheels, turn signals are from a 90's bike from what I can see.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Thinking about selling my GS...
Post by: mikeybikey82 on March 06, 2013, 09:17:58 PM
Quote from: Leadberry on March 06, 2013, 08:33:04 PM
Are just the frame and engine from 01?  The tank, rear plastics, wheels, turn signals are from a 90's bike from what I can see.  Good luck!

CORRECTION, it is a 2000.  Sorry!  And thank you.
mikey
Title: Re: Thinking about selling my GS...
Post by: Leadberry on March 06, 2013, 11:39:35 PM
Hey np!  It was hard to tell as I was on my phone at the time...the bike looks really clean!  :D
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: sytsmadad on March 07, 2013, 05:24:31 PM
I looked up the KBB value for my bike and asked 700 over that. KKB is great for cars, but does not allow for condition, mileage, mods, and added equipment.
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: dmoore on March 08, 2013, 07:26:52 AM
Mikeybikey82- I would say in your case, go for the top end retail price or above. You can always come down. And with the good weather coming up, you have an advantage as opposed to selling in the fall or the dead of winter. Your bike looks terrific. Be patient. The GS has a stellar reputation. By the way, print off some of the reviews on this bike and have them on hand for potential buyers. I've never read anything bad about the GS500. In my buying experience, price is not always the big factor. I've bought used bikes at low prices and then ended up putting a lot of money into them. And pushing the add-ons and extras really doesn't mean that much. Most guys aren't willing to pay for them. I need assurance and the reviews on this bike are consistently great.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: jestercinti on March 08, 2013, 07:52:23 AM
Ok, if you sell on Craigslist, you need to have an epic post.  Read below of a post I had for a 1982 GS450L.  Sold for FULL price in less than 36 hours:

1982 Suzuki GS450L Cruiser Must See!
I'll start by being brief. We are all busy here:

1982 Red Suzuki GS450L Cruiser 13,8xx original miles. Clean Title, runs great! Comes with engine guards, backrest, tires are good, and lots of new parts. Runs well. This bike qualifies for the State of OH Historic Plates and low Insurance Rates. All systems work (lights, signals, Speedometer, Tachometer, Gear Position Indicator, etc.) Must see to appreciate. 317-xxx-xxxx Ask for Jesse. No Joy Rides, no trades, no drama.

Now that I have your attention, read on...
The Middle East unrest is causing fuel prices to rise considerably! Time to buy my bike and here's why...

This may be the smoothest and strongest running GS450 in Cincinnati on Craigslist. Please read this entire posting. Lots of good information you will not want to miss!

Up for sale is a 1982 Suzuki GS450L cruiser with 13,8xx miles. Clean State of Ohio title in my possession. No liens or loans on this bike, I own it outright.
I bought this bike in April 2010 with 10,5xx miles as a project. I wanted something to keep me busy last summer since I had limited money.

Why buy a 29 year old bike you ask? First, this was made in Japan in the 1980s. It is quality, and bulletproof. Google the Suzuki GS series and visit 'thegsresources.com', and you will know what I mean. Second, this qualifies for the State of Ohio historic vehicle license plate. Buy your tags once, and forget about it! They are half the price of those new ugly 'Beautiful Ohio' issued tags.

In the past year, the following has been done:
-- New Regulator/Rectifier (This was a known issue for the GS series)
-- New OEM carburetor intake boots and o-rings
-- Valve shims just adjusted to spec. New valve cover gasket.
-- New Iridium NGK plugs, and new NGK plug caps
-- New Bikemaster X-Ring 530 Chain
-- New front and rear chain sprockets
-- New front and rear brakes
-- New 20AMP fuse and fuse holder (waterproof marine grade)
-- New DOT-3 brake fluid
-- New Motion Pro clutch cable
-- New exhaust gaskets
-- Many new nuts, bolts, screws, and fasteners
-- Many OEM electrical bullet connections replaced with more reliable spade connectors
-- New OEM engine output shaft oil seals and shifter shaft oil seal.
-- Newer battery
-- Carburetor air mixture adjusted. Stock was WAY too lean.
-- Recent oil change
-- Plenty of tread left in the tires

The Previous Owner told me the following upon taking possession April 2010. Mileage was 10,5xx:
-- New Clutch with stiffer clutch springs
-- New hand grips
-- New bulbs (even in the dash)
-- Replaced Igniter (assume used)
-- Replaced Signal Generator (assume used)
-- Carburetors synchronized
-- Came with throw-over saddlebags. The bags had a huge hole and them, and are not waterproof. I have had items fall out on the highway. If you want them, they are yours but I found them almost worthless, so I took them off.

Comes with chrome engine guards (not installed currently), and a backrest (installed). The backrest does not have a passenger pad (I used this to strap T-Bags and luggage, wife does not want to ride). You can go to Lowes and trace out some Plexiglas, get some foam and a vinyl cover from Hobby Lobby, attach and you are good to go. There is a removable luggage rack (home fabricated) that clamps on the backrest too for light luggage. I also have a Clymer repair manual. This is a MUST for adjustments, general info and maintenance. Also comes with a small parts box with random items.

This bike has a windshield and a 'batwing' style fairing. I loved the wind protection, and you will too.

I have all receipts from when I owned the bike. All I have from the previous owner is what is listed above.

Everything works including the speedometer, tachometer, Gear Position Indicator, odometer, lights, turn signals, brake lights, high-beams, electric starter, and charging system (Passed the GS Resources Stator Papers). The bike starts right up every time with minimal choke. Remember, I adjusted the mixture since the stock EPA setting was very lean.  This bike pulls strong in town and on the highway. I often am surprised when I look down and am going 75MPh. A lot of power and revs smooth.

I can't go to the gas station, Mid-Ohio, or on a ride without someone striking up a conversation with me about this bike, or the bike that they had 30 years ago since this reminded them of their younger days. From the older guy in Rabbit Hash to the squirrely character in the sketchy Columbus neighborhood on my way to Iron Pony...this bike has many memories and seems to attract positive attention everywhere I go!

So why am I selling? I have other things that I have to do this year like things around the house. I know you will have just as much fun with it as I have!

My name is Jesse, and although I have an out-of-state telephone number, I assure you that I live in Cincinnati. 317-xxx-xxxx. No calls after 10pm please. I work downtown during the day, but am home most evenings.

Thank you for your attention, and have a great day!

Begin Fine Print:
This is a 1982 model year motorcycle that is 29 years old. Although it is in good condition there are cosmetic signs that it is 29 years old. Therefore, it is not new. This bike runs and drives well. Since it is 29 years old, there is a chance that something may need adjusted or repaired after the sale based on the age and possible wear of OEM parts. This is normal for bikes this age and will be your responsibility to adjust and/or fix. I am available to answer questions and will let you inspect and test ride before an agreed upon sale is made with a VALID MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. No learners permits, no "Well, I used to ride dirt bikes on the farm in the back 40."  Don't care. No license, no test ride period. No joy rides and serious inquires only. Both of our times are valuable. Please do not be a time waster.

I will not accept trades at this time. Cash only please. I do not need a deep freezer, another car, another bike, or advice on how you can help me sell my bike. If you are from Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Turkmenistan, Uganda, or some far away land that I have to Google to find out where you are I won't answer your e-mails or phone calls. I don't buy your sob story or you get rich quick and leave me holding the bag scheme.
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: dmoore on March 08, 2013, 08:12:22 AM
You know, with a bike with the drop dead good looks as mikebikey82's has, he'll have no problem getting a good price for it. Just sayin.
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: jestercinti on March 08, 2013, 08:15:45 AM
True...but in this economy everything helps.  Heck, he may be able to sell at a premium  :whisper:  :dunno_black:
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: dmoore on March 08, 2013, 08:45:44 AM
mikeybikey82-If you're not all crazy in need of the money, hang in there with your price.  jestercinti's remark about the economy is widely seen as a disadvantage for the seller. Probably in most cases it is but your bike has very high appeal and as long as your price is not outrageous, you should be OK. I would emphasize the reliability of this bike and the fact that the buyer won't need to spend a lot of money after purchase. And avoid lowballers. Often they are bird dogging for bike resellers.
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: jestercinti on March 08, 2013, 08:51:37 AM
Yes, especially with CL, there will be drama...but stand firm and you should sell OK.  Springtime is when everyone wants a bike.  January, not so much unless you live in HI, AZ, FL, etc.
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: mikeybikey82 on March 08, 2013, 04:18:00 PM
WOW guys, thank you so much for a great responses.  Thank you even more for the nice comments on the bike.  I love her dearly and will be sad to see her go!  I think that I will put it up for $2000 and see what happens.  I am absolutely in NO hurry, so I surely wont take the first offer that comes along.  I am debating on putting the factory bars back on her, and taking off the windscreen and seeing how that goes.
Today I went to test ride a 2012 Honda NC700...holy cow, that is one amazing piece of machinery.  As it sits right now, that is probably what I will get.  One purdy machine!
Again, THANK YOU for your responses.  Even more importantly, if I do sell my bike, thank everybody who posts here for all of the wonderful ideas and information that I have found.  Invaluable does not begin to describe!   :thumb:
mikey
Title: Re: Question about selling my GS...
Post by: dmoore on March 09, 2013, 06:47:33 AM
Good luck. Mikey. You'll do fine with the sale. It makes a big difference when you aren't in a hurry to sell. Enjoy that new Honda.