Hello everyone,
I'll get right to it. My neighbor is moving and he wants to get rid of a '93 GS500 that has been sitting in his garage for 6 years. It has 37,000 miles on the odometer and looks pretty darn clean. He says it used to run just fine and that he stopped riding at his wife's request when they had kids.
Sometime this week we are going to take a thorough look at the bike and attempt to crank/start it. What steps should we take prior to attempting to start the bike?
What specifically should I be looking for that might help me determine if the bike is in good overall condition?
We didn't really discuss a price. He mentioned that he had planned to just donate the bike to some organization because the cost of transporting it is more expensive than the value of the bike. What do you all think is a fair price if the bike starts up? What's a fair price if it doesn't start? He said the bike hasn't been mechanically modified in any way. Its all stock.
Lastly, please feel free to add any additional thoughts, comments, advice, or concerns, that come to mind in regards to this opportunity.
Best!
It all depends on how the bike was put away for storage!
The biggest issue is usually the fuel system. Unless it was properly drained and preserved, it can be a big mess. Look into the fuel tank for rust and gummed up fuel. If reasonably clean and empty, add some fresh gas, put the petcock on prime, loosen the carburetor bowl drain screws and see if fuel runs out. If so, it has a chance of starting.
If the fuel tank is all rusted, it's a big expense and/or headache to remedy.
Same if the carbs are full of white crust...
The battery will be junk. Use a spare battery and cables to try and start it. A car battery and jumper cables, or a jump pack will do.
If it does run, see if it runs on both cylinders by running with one spark plug wire removed at a time.
Perform a compression test if you can.
Even if it runs, it will need new tires. It might need chain and sprockets.
So typically $400 for battery, tires, chain and sprockets (hunting for deals and installing the tires yourself)
The bikes have little resale value on the market.
$1000-$1200 tops for a good running needs nothing bike.
$500 for running, but needs some TLC.
Less for non-running
If your neighbor is giving to charity for tax deductions... maybe offer $200?
Wow Sporty thank you soooo much! You've given me an excellent plan to follow...can't thank you enough.
I work on cars a lot but this is my first time delving into motorcycles. Should I drop a little bit of oil in the cylinder prior to compression testing? That's what is normally done in the automotive world.
Also, I researched what leaving the petcock in the prime position does and I want to make sure I understand this correctly. From what I gather it allows fuel to flow freely through the system potentially ending up in the crank case. So by loosening the carb bowl drain screws and putting the petcock in the prime position it will allow all of the old, dirty fuel to flow through the lines and be expelled at the carb bowl drain outlet. Is that correct?
Again, your advice is greatly appreciated.
Prime position is a small passage that bypasses the vacuum shutoff part of the valve. Useful to fill empty carb float bowls before starting. (Or to run the bike in a pinch if the vacuum valve fails to operate)
All I'm suggesting is to see if fuel will flow from the tank into the bowls. And yes you can flush them out.
You probably know how bad things can get from having gas left in them. You could easily find a gas tank and carbs/float bowls in very bad condition. OTOH if was stored properly it could be just fine.
Good project.
It will want new tires regardless of wear, brake pads same, all fluids same. That is not a really big deal. All older bikes need this unless recent.
The fuel system, yes on the advice given.
As a car guy you will like that you can easily drop the engine's aluminum oil pan (it has one) clean and put back. Satisfying to wash out the sludge.
People seem to have problems with stripped or snapped engine block studs/bolts. Oil filter and exhaust. Go easy there.
Pics will be appreciated.
I recommend to read through the WIKI, the usual fixes are all there.
Finally there is a Facebook site for Suzuki GS500 but more depth here.