2002 GS500E model with only 1800 miles...owner says he's the 2nd owner; his daughter had bought new with the intention of riding but lost interest so its been sitting in his heated garage all this time. He takes it out periodically and keeps the gas tank filled but that's it. Still riding on original tires though he did change the plugs/oil/battery this year. Said he had to spray a good amount of carb cleaner to get her started this year and he did say there was some old/bad gas he had to siphon out. Should I be worried that it was ridden so little? We agreed on a price of 2200 as it was listed for 2800. Looks like BRAND NEW too. Any advice would be super. Thx.
plan on doing a lot of work, it's going to be a money sink that 2200 will quickly turn into 3 or 4 grand.
So you would advise against this purchase? And what would probably need the most attention?
If your going to buy it be prepared to spend a number of hours getting it into shape...remove & thorough clean carbs extremely likely,tank flushed,etc.Nothing that can't be achieved by yourself with a bit of reading & elbow-grease commitment,especially with forum help......i'd buy it but try to negotiate a lower price because of the "unknown" factor,not knowing ALL that needs to be done.
I looked at it briefly once but didn't ride it...I'll take it for a spin tomorrow. Owner says once warmed up, runs like new so we'll see. Just looks so good that maybe I'm jumping the gun on it.
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/yakobo1975/GS500E/GS5002_zps55037b41.jpg) (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/yakobo1975/media/GS500E/GS5002_zps55037b41.jpg.html)
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/yakobo1975/GS500E/2002GS500_zps943a13c5.jpg) (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/yakobo1975/media/GS500E/2002GS500_zps943a13c5.jpg.html)
Hold on, I would have thought spending "3-4 grand" sounds a bit alarmist.
(I took mine from a complete DOA basket-case to a pretty nice, clean, dead reliable, strong runner for around $1200).
Let's see. Look at that low low mileage... 1800, gotta love that, and "looks like brand new", love that too, and obviously the seller is being straight with you.
I'd budget on a simple recommissioning, - fluids, tyres, checkover. No don't be alarmed that it's been ridden so little, it could prove to be a gem!
The carbs may well be fine, just run it and see.
I'd be very tempted, not scared!!!
+1 to Jools!
I'd hop on that if it was me. (I may have tried to get him down a little bit more if it was me but I think that 's in the ballpark. If she warms up and rides ok I think you could have a winner there. Even if you are unfamiliar, these bikes are pretty straightforward to work on and you'll learn a lot.
After not riding for 15+ years, I bought a 94 GS500 with a little over 7,000 miles on her for just over $1000.. (last March) . Waiting for Spring to finally get here in PA, I gave her a once over, replaced fluids, did routine maintenance, and have put just under 2,000 miles on her this season so far. I'm having a great time so far. Takes me back to my late teens / early 20's...
Buy it! Buy it NOW! It'll take probably very little to get it running like new! Hell, it's like new!
I agree, at 1800 miles, I would be more than willing do a bit of fixing to get it running right. New tires, fluids, carb clean, whatever else, and you'll have a practically new bike.
The 01-02 GSs were the best ever made, they had the 3 circuit carbs not on previous years and didn't have the fancy plastic of the F models which were the only kind sold in this country after 02. I like them naked. My 02 purchased in 03 with about 4k miles on it is still ticking right along with over 100k miles on it now. :thumb:
:thumb: looks like a score to me,...i hope you pick it up and enjoy it!
Honestly for the price I wouldn't do it. GS's have not changed much over the years. I would say dont pay over 1500 for it. sounds like lowballing but its not. I bought an 89 with only 6000 miles on it for a few hundred. The thing is if he didn't store it proper you will need to do the same thing as if the bike was 20 years old and a little ruff. Clean carbs check cables check tires for any weather cracking. just my 2 pennies
I would not buy it since the GS500s have not changed much in the last two decades or so. I did a ton of research and just purchased my first new to me 2007 GS500F with 10,900 miles for $2,500. After talking to a few bike mechanics, they are absolutely against any low mileage, older bikes. Unlike cars apparently, motorcycles that are kept in garages and not driven at all, like the one you are looking at might end up being a lot of work. With just 1800 miles, that bike averaged about 135 or so miles a year. While that sounds good, that is not. Motorcycles that just sit around unused will have alot of problems with them especially if they are not stored right. Just "winterizing" them for one winter is somewhat hard on bikes.
If you really wanted that bike, as a few posters indicated, be prepared to put in quite a bit of work which might not cost much if you know a thing or two about bikes. If you do not, it could get expensive fairly quick. Willing to bet the tires are still the original tires which definitely need to be changed because those tires are 12-13 years old. While tread should still be fairly good to very good, the tire itself is far too old, it's life value is long gone. I am willing to bet the tire has flat spots simply because it has been stored for most of its life and likely stored incorrectly if it was not ridden at all. The cost of two tires will run around $200-$275 depending on the quality of tire you want and if you have someone else do it, which is likely the case as well, you will run into the $300 range. Here's a link on old tires and the danger behind them even if they look "new". (About car tires but the same goes for motorcycle tires)
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/how-old-and-dangerous-are-your-tires.html
Besides the tire, willing to guarantee the brake pads are the originals and should be changed, brakes need to be bled, carbs clean/synched/jetted, check valves, check the chain as I'd rather have a new chain than a 12-13 year old chain and sprockets, clutch, change the oil, and cable checks to start.
As one poster said, it could be a gem...or it could be garbage and your life is riding on the quality of the bike. Being someone who was just in the market (purchased my 2007 GS500F this past Sunday), I would not pay more than $1700-$1800 max. Again, if you choose to get it, good for you but keep at least $1,000 for bike maintenance along with a minimum of $300 for gear.
Check date on tires, the last 4 digits of the DOT number show the week and year of manufacture. They are most likely orginal tires on a bike with such low mileage and 12-13 year old tires are much too old whether they are cracked or not they get hard and loose traction. Maybe you can talk him down $300 to cover new tires.
The $2200 is a bit high I think but excellent condition vehicles frequently get premium prices. A quick look at KBB shows a $1030 trade in value and $1590 retail price from dealer for a 02 GS500 in excellent condition but that would be for a bike with many more miles on it, they don't give mileage price adjustments for bikes that old.
If you expect to ride it for a long time it might be worth it to you but if you have to sell it in a year or two you will most likely take a sizable loss. An old used car salesman friend of mine use to say a car is worth whatever the buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to sell it for.
take it from people that know. I have owned mostly bikes built pre 78 except a cbr600 f3 I had. All these bikes had miles on them be it only 1200 to 2000 a year avaerage and not a one needed more than some maintenance. I would find a gs that is around 1000 or so. Make sure it runs good and take it for a decent ride. any one that wont let you take a bike for at least a 5 to 10 mile ride knows there is something wrong. I know how you feel and probably look and think oh man finally I get to ride, but if there ends up being any issues and you aren't great at working on carbs or taking a bike apart it will be a lot more frustrating when you just spent 2400 and not 800.
Lots of advice coming in, eh....
(http://www.treaclechops.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Poo1.gif)
If you like it & it checks out I hope you pick it up and enjoy the fook out of it and post all your adventures and experiences here!
Where are you located, Yakobo?
Do what you think is right. If you like it buy it. This is my 02 that I bought in Dec of 2013 for $900. About twice the miles but looks pretty much the same. I replaced the tires just because of the date they were manufactured. Have put about 2000 miles on it with no problems.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd165/Alan_nc/IMG_1398_zps128b55e7.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/Alan_nc/media/IMG_1398_zps128b55e7.jpg.html)
Yes you can obviously do what ever you would like it is your money, The people that on here though know there stuff and I would heed there advice. No matter what you do just have fun and ride safe. May the force be with you..
Didn't get a chance to go ride it today as the weather has been crap but I'm also going to try a 2002 Ninja 250 that's 1k less too tomorrow. I've been riding cruisers my entire motorcycle 'career' but now just want a light, quiet, commuter type bike to get to/from work. I had just sold a 81 GS450TX that I had turned into a cafe racer and seeing that bike was pretty easy to work on, i figured it would translate to the GS500. Just got really sick of messing with old bike problems; that GS450 was a money pit (carb issuesand had electrical gremlins galore).
Depending on your size / weight, you may outgrow that Ninja 250 pretty quick. But for a commuter bike, I would imagine it could be ok.
I'd suggest taking the 250 on a nice long ride, with a mix of highway, back roads and hills to get a real good feel for it (if you will be using it for more than just a commuter bike).
I'm a little under 6'-2" and just under 210 lbs. A 250 Ninja has a bit of a hard time "carting me around" / up hills etc...
Maybe a Ninja 500 would be a good compromise if the GS doesn't work out. If you like the feel of the Ninja 250 but want a bit more punch that will keep you smiling without thinking of an upgrade for a little longer. ( What????? Did I just type "buy a Ninja" on a GS forum???? :o
You know, I gave up riding for a little over 15 years and my 94 GS in no Ninja 900 that's for sure. But you know what??? Something about the sound of a Parallel Twin and "all that wind" blowing you around the highway just brings back memories for me....
I've been considering a CBR or Ninja - something in the 1000+cc range and no matter what I pick up, it's just not worth it for me to sell the GS. I can't believe all of the comments I get "on the old girl" every time I have her out.
i bought a 99' with around 1900 miles and it looked showroom new and was in pristine condition. The PO told me theres "not a single problem with it" but that's until i bought it and it shut off on me while riding. long story short, the bike needed a lot of work, from a carb rebuild, new fuel valve, new fuel lines, cleaned out the tank, etc so be prepared to spend alittle or put in work if your unlucky
How much did you sell that GS450TX for? What part of the world are you located in?
Got any pictures of your old GS that you could post links to? I've owned a lot of motorcycles over the last 40+ years, and I STILL want a GS450TX before I die...
I wouldn't pay more than $1500 / $1600 for that 2K2 GS500E; it looks great but others have pointed out the pitfalls you might encounter with it, so I hope you can agree on a lower price. If you can wrench on a GS450, you can wrench on a GS500.
Best of luck, whatever you choose to do.
Quote from: lefgee on June 27, 2014, 08:58:33 PM
i bought a 99' with around 1900 miles and it looked showroom new and was in pristine condition. The PO told me theres "not a single problem with it" but that's until i bought it and it shut off on me while riding. long story short, the bike needed a lot of work, from a carb rebuild, new fuel valve, new fuel lines, cleaned out the tank, etc so be prepared to spend alittle or put in work if your unlucky
Yup, this is it. As I posted earlier, I just got done researching and doing my homework before purchasing a bike and old bikes with very little miles can cause so many problem. Bike, regardless of whether it's a GS500 or not, are not meant to be stored and ridden 50-100 miles a year. If you get it, just make sure you have an extra $1000 laying around JUST IN CASE it is needed to get the bike road ready for your own personal safety.
Quote from: GSnoober on June 28, 2014, 02:23:27 AM
How much did you sell that GS450TX for? What part of the world are you located in?
Got any pictures of your old GS that you could post links to? I've owned a lot of motorcycles over the last 40+ years, and I STILL want a GS450TX before I die...
I always thought those bikes were cool looking as well. There Yamaha that had a similar / almost identical look as the 450TX well. I look on C.L. for a project bike every now and again and would love to pick one of those up as well to slowly tinker with...
Update...I ended up NOT buying the bike...it was in SUPERB shape but the carbs were indeed due for a rebuild (I'm guessing seals/jets) and tires needed replacing even though they did look new. I'm in Wisconsin and here's what my GS450TX looked like when I sold it...bought it for $800 with 11k miles but took another $1600 to get it to run properly. I think I'm done with carbs (I'm in my mid thirties with 3 young kids; no time to mess around anymore lol) and going to get something newer with fuel injection...gladius or CB500F most likely.
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/yakobo1975/GS450TX_82.jpg) (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/yakobo1975/media/GS450TX_82.jpg.html)
Well, if you're looking at a Gladius, I absolutely suggest you take a spin on a FZ-07.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/27/2015-yamaha-fz-07-first-ride-review-naked-sportbike-photos-specifications/ (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/27/2015-yamaha-fz-07-first-ride-review-naked-sportbike-photos-specifications/)
If everything I'm reading is true, it's the current pound-for-pound midsize naked king.
Whatever you get, be careful and have fun.
Quote from: cWj on June 30, 2014, 06:46:59 PM
Well, if you're looking at a Gladius, I absolutely suggest you take a spin on a MT-07.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/27/2015-yamaha-fz-07-first-ride-review-naked-sportbike-photos-specifications/ (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/27/2015-yamaha-fz-07-first-ride-review-naked-sportbike-photos-specifications/)
If everything I'm reading is true, it's the current pound-for-pound midsize naked king.
Whatever you get, be careful and have fun.
Damn...never even knew they made a FZ-07...that bike looks great! Will def have to check that out too...Thanks for the heads up!
Yakobo, I live in Wausau, where do you live? There are numerous GS500 out there. Here are a few all $3000 or less
http://appleton.craigslist.org/mcy/4491685110.html
http://greenbay.craigslist.org/mcy/4443190480.html
http://wausau.craigslist.org/mcy/4539246439.html
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/4497487378.html
Quote from: yakobo5 on June 30, 2014, 05:41:01 PM
Update...I ended up NOT buying the bike...it was in SUPERB shape but the carbs were indeed due for a rebuild (I'm guessing seals/jets) and tires needed replacing even though they did look new. I'm in Wisconsin and here's what my GS450TX looked like when I sold it...bought it for $800 with 11k miles but took another $1600 to get it to run properly. I think I'm done with carbs (I'm in my mid thirties with 3 young kids; no time to mess around anymore lol) and going to get something newer with fuel injection...gladius or CB500F most likely.
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/yakobo1975/GS450TX_82.jpg) (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/yakobo1975/media/GS450TX_82.jpg.html)
Yako I would suggest maybe one of the new cb500's took one for a test ride and I have to say there are pretty nice little commuter bikes for a good price. FI and par twin. Tires where not to confidence inspiring but I wont lie I may have beet the piss out of it a wee bit.
Quote from: yakobo5 on June 30, 2014, 06:53:18 PM
Damn...never even knew they made a FZ-07...that bike looks great! Will def have to check that out too...Thanks for the heads up!
Brand new and just-announced that it will indeed come to the states.
Yamaha has basically stolen ALL of Honda's thunder from last year.
'Zuki appears content with being the unofficial supplier of MSF bikes.
Quote from: yakobo5 on June 30, 2014, 05:41:01 PM
Update...I ended up NOT buying the bike...it was in SUPERB shape but the carbs were indeed due for a rebuild (I'm guessing seals/jets) and tires needed replacing even though they did look new. I'm in Wisconsin and here's what my GS450TX looked like when I sold it...bought it for $800 with 11k miles but took another $1600 to get it to run properly. I think I'm done with carbs (I'm in my mid thirties with 3 young kids; no time to mess around anymore lol) and going to get something newer with fuel injection...gladius or CB500F most likely.
If the guy who bought your GS450 wants to ride it to the left coast and sell it to an old man CHEAP, please tell him I'm VERY interested in becoming the NEXT owner... I saved the photo to my HDD for use as wallpaper on one of my laptops so I can see it whenever the mood strikes me...
so what did you decide?
No decisions yet but upon entering my local dealership, I was somewhat intrigued by the new SR400 from Yamaha...Old skool styling with fuel injection etc. Only thing I didn't like was the 6999 price and lack of electric start...yep...kickstart only....OUCH.
Yakobo, did you see the links I posted for you?
the new sr isn't worth the money in my opinion as for about the same price you can get a cb500 or a lightly used drz400sm.
Quote from: yakobo5 on June 27, 2014, 02:47:25 PM
Didn't get a chance to go ride it today as the weather has been crap but I'm also going to try a 2002 Ninja 250 that's 1k less too tomorrow..........................
Quote from: GS4me on June 27, 2014, 03:46:37 PM............................I'd suggest taking the 250 on a nice long ride, with a mix of highway, back roads and hills to get a real good feel for it (if you will be using it for more than just a commuter bike).
I'm a little under 6'-2" and just under 210 lbs. A 250 Ninja has a bit of a hard time "carting me around" / up hills etc.........................
Just scrolling thru this thread and these week old posts caught my eye. Here's a big guy who normally rides a Busa reporting on his ride thru mountains on a Ninja 250 that I saved from 9 years ago, was just thinking ahead for myself. Worth a read.
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1145
Quote from: gsJack on July 03, 2014, 07:39:44 AM
Just scrolling thru this thread and these week old posts caught my eye. Here's a big guy who normally rides a Busa reporting on his ride thru mountains on a Ninja 250 that I saved from 9 years ago, was just thinking ahead for myself. Worth a read.
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1145
I agree with some of his points (Great article by the way) but from my experience , doing most of "my running around" over 10,000 rpm's really was getting old. Riding at 12K, 14K, 16K RPM's to "keep up with varying road conditions" was a bit of a hassle.
BUT. That being said.
I've thought about picking up a 300 Ninja Special Edition quite a number of times. There ARE certain times (on a few occasions) that even I like to take a day and ride around at an average ov 13,000 RPM for a few hours ! :thumb:
ninja 250 is a great bike if you one day you want to race GP bikes as you have to rev the piss out of them. Fun as all hell though. I hate to say it but I think next year I will sell the gs and put the money towards a this year (so slightly cheaper) cb500x. I am already pre approved and well a pretty nice commuter that only cost a few K sure will be nice..oh and after riding everyone in my familys bikes with EFI I must say...I HATE CARBS.
THIS THREAD IS USELESS WITHOUT YOU TELLING US WHAT YOU FINALLY DECIDED TO RIDE.
So, what'd you decide to ride?
(http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/yakobo1975/MYCB500F_zpsfd902a3c.jpg) (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/yakobo1975/media/MYCB500F_zpsfd902a3c.jpg.html)
Been riding this for about 2 months now...2013 CB500F...SUPER comfortable with SUPER gas mileage...a great commuter bike; which is what i was looking for...Only paid 3700 for a used one with 1100 miles. Not much power but like I said, perfect for going to/from work and blasting on the freeway on weekends....two thumbs up from me!
Good choice. May have to start looking to see if any squidboiz around here have gotten bored with one.