Hallo guys.
I found locally one Suzuki GS500F which is for sale. It is a 2007 year model and has just been imported into Latvia from Germany. Seller claims that it has 20000km on the clock (12,4k miles). It costs only 1000 euros (craigslist add says 1100, but I already got it down to 1000 by phone call). While on the phone with the seller I went over long list of questions about it's condition and everything seems to be ok and work - the only problem is that it has been down at some point and has a bit of scratches on the right side of the fairing and engine case (as I understood scratches are minor).
Here are large size pictures of the bike:
https://s12.postimg.io/6t842gdhp/motorcycles_suzuki_4317183_800.jpg
https://s12.postimg.io/bt5kaej4d/motorcycles_suzuki_4317184_800.jpg
https://s12.postimg.io/z8nhfr2vh/motorcycles_suzuki_4317185_800.jpg
https://s12.postimg.io/42ys59gst/motorcycles_suzuki_4317186_800.jpg
From pictures the bike looks sweet and the price is so incredible I'm thinking hard if I should go and buy the bike - the problem is that the price is too sweet IMO. Two years ago I did a full rebuild of a Honda Dominator 650 so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to spot big problems with the bike.
I want to ask for your advice:
1) Check out this list of bikes with their prices and you'll understand how cheap this bike is (here is the list: https://www.ss.lv/lv/transport/moto-transport/motorcycles/suzuki/filter/fDgSeF4belM=.html) - what could possibly be wrong with the bike in such a way that the buyer who is not a total expert but knows a thing or two couldn't be able to notice in a test ride and walkaround check before buying (I do checks that go for about an hour, so I go in pretty detailed anyway, including taking of cover necessary to check front chain sprockets etc).
2) Any other advice on what to specifically check on this bike?
Hope you'll be able to comment as fast as possible, because if I get money after two days I want to check out this bike if it is still for sale, because IMO price is just too sweet.
Thanks
Quote from: RadekSkylark on August 28, 2016, 12:40:45 PM
Hallo guys.
what could possibly be wrong with the bike in such a way that the buyer who is not a total expert but knows a thing or two couldn't be able to notice
That it's stolen
That its a ringer
That its an insurance write-off
That it has been legaly imported
What means a ringer?
What would it mean if it would have been an insurance write off in Germany and would have been imported in different country - what are the consequences - is there something wrong with the bike, can't it be registered or some other problems?
About legal import - do you mean that the seller could have had imported the bike without checking through customs or whatever and there could possibly be problems with registering it?
Thanks
A ringer is a bike that has been stolen and given the identity (co!our and frame/engine numbers) of another legitimate bike.
Can't answer the other questions I don't know how the systems work in your country. Try asking in a local forum.
Its cheap for a reason. Maybe the owner just wants a quick sale or doesn't realise its value but I wouldn't hand over any cash untill 100% sure everything is legal.
I asked already if everything is ok with the VIN number (if it has been tampered with on the frame or wherever it is on the GS500F, which I will of course find out before going to check it).
Anyhow, thanks for guidance, will ask in a local forum!
I'd suggest running the VIN to make sure there's no issues with it. After that, it wouldn't hurt to plop down 80-100 bucks to have a certified mechanic give it a good once over. If the VIN comes back clean and it's not a salvage title or stolen etc, and the certified mechanic says it looks good or only needs minor things, I don't see a problem with buying it. It is indeed a fantastic price. I just paid 2000 USD for the same bike with 5000 miles (roughly 8km) on it that was in great overall shape with the exception of needing tires immediately. As for salvage title, heck, a 1000 euro, that's still pretty dang good deal if it's mechanically sound. Although, here in the states, most places won't allow you collsision/comprehensive insurance on a salvage title bike but rather only offer liability insurance. Good luck man! Hope it works out for ya.
Quote from: SirHansford on August 28, 2016, 02:04:35 PM
I'd suggest running the VIN to make sure there's no issues with it. After that, it wouldn't hurt to plop down 80-100 bucks to have a certified mechanic give it a good once over. If the VIN comes back clean and it's not a salvage title or stolen etc, and the certified mechanic says it looks good or only needs minor things, I don't see a problem with buying it. It is indeed a fantastic price. I just paid 2000 USD for the same bike with 5000 miles (roughly 8km) on it that was in great overall shape with the exception of needing tires immediately. As for salvage title, heck, a 1000 euro, that's still pretty dang good deal if it's mechanically sound. Although, here in the states, most places won't allow you collsision/comprehensive insurance on a salvage title bike but rather only offer liability insurance. Good luck man! Hope it works out for ya.
Is there a website where I can check the VIN for free or for some small fee? Or do I need to do it in the local authorities office?
Also, can someone please tell me how can I distinguish left hand drive motorcycle from a right hand drive motorcycle, thus if the motorcycle has actually been imported from UK to Germany sometime before being imported into Latvia. If that's the case than possibly I should need a head light replacement or something similar, wouldn't I?
P.S. Also to add the seller has at least two other motorcycles for sale which I found on craigslist - one Honda Africa and one 125cc, both imported from Germany but both registered in Latvia, though.
Thanks
You need to put these questions to enthusiasts in your own country.
Just buy it! Don't worry about it. Too good to miss in my opinion.
what could possibly be wrong with the bike...
You know what I do when I wonder things like this? I ask the seller, if you ask straight and mention your concerns you'll usually get a straight answer or at least you'll be able to tell by what the seller says whether you trust him/her. Do not be afraid of thinking you don't want to let them know you think the bike is a good price. Just be straight up.
I wouldn't worry about the headlight, it's not really a big deal. You can adjust the headlight on two axes, and the actual H4 bulb you use can have more effect on light bleed anyway.
Went to inspect the bike and it turned out that the seller lied seems just to get someone to check out the bike - it was total crap. Fairings are a scratched with mounting tabs broken, there is an oil leak at the rear side of cylinders (below carburetor), some rust on few parts of the frame, rust on the chain, etc... after all this I didn't even go looking further, as it was obvious that the bike has been dropped few time and previous owner hadn't taken good care of it. Also it was obvious that the bike probably has millage few times the stated 20k km.
Checked the bike for 10 minutes and though to myself, if the seller actually got the bike for 1000 euros in Germany than he is really dumb, in my opinion, as I wouldn't have bough such a bike for 1000 euros and would not try to sell it for 1700 euros in the summer as he said he did - no wonder no one bough it, I wouldn't want to pay 1000 euros for that bike - for the same price I would much rather buy some 1995 GS500 which would have been looked after.
Anyhow, thanks for assistance, now I will know that sellers can also lie tremendously over the phone just to get someone to come and check out their 1000 euros worth piece of crap :)
Best of luck to everyone!