I am in the market for a Gs500 and a little strapped on cash.  I have a potential sale and was wondering what i would need to look oot for.

Price?
What body parts should i look at?
What are common problems with a 1990?

etc etc

Quote from: BudgetBallerI am in the market for a Gs500 and a little strapped on cash.  I have a potential sale and was wondering what i would need to look oot for.

Price?
What body parts should i look at?
What are common problems with a 1990?

etc etc

Do you know how to ride a motorcycle on the street?  Have you taken a MSF course? Do you have a motorcycle license or permit?

First off does the bike run and does it run well???  If it doe snot run then why and how long has it been since it last was started.  

Will the bike pass any of the state highway laws where you live.

Check the fuel tank for signs of rust on the inside and also on the bottom left of the fuel tank.  Fuel tanks are not cheap and on older bikes they are known to possible rust out.

Check the tires for signs of wear and cracks.  If the bike is low milage it might be on its orginal set of tire and in 14 years since new they will be hard as a rock and unsafe.  New tires installed around $200 or so if needed.

Chain the drive chain for lube or lack there of which would slow signs of a negeleted bike which might need a new cahin and sprockets. If it needs replacement you will be looking at low $100 for parts plus labor.

Check the brakes to see if when you pull the lever or step on the brakes pedal that the brake pads actually move.  On bikes that have been sitting for some time or ones that have been not taken care of the brakes tend to rust to their pivot shaft and in turn the rotors get damaged. Brake pads are around $30 or so a set if needed and then there is labor, brake fluid and if the brakes are rusted in place it could be big bucks unless you are handle with tools and buy good used parts.

Check the oil level and color and smell of the oil because it will tell you if the bike has been cared for.  When was the last time the oil was changed? If the current owner has not changed the oil that is not good so if you buy the bike change the oil when you get it.

Check the clutch lever to see if it has a smooth pul to it becasue if it feels like crap then it might need a new cable or more.  Usually with less than 20,000 miles it will need a new cable if it feel like crap.

Does the bike start easy when you turn the key or does it sound like the battery is about to die?  New battery about $50 if it needs one.

Bike has 30k, said to have a tune up recently.

I have not had a chance to inspect it, hence the reason i was asking for what to look for.

This would be my first bike, i will be taking the class in Nov but i am shopping around now to see what the arket is and to get an idea of what quality of bike i can find for what price.

Thanks for the help

Quote from: BudgetBallerBike has 30k, said to have a tune up recently.

I have not had a chance to inspect it, hence the reason i was asking for what to look for.

This would be my first bike, i will be taking the class in Nov but i am shopping around now to see what the arket is and to get an idea of what quality of bike i can find for what price.

Thanks for the help

How much does he want for the bike?

At 30,000 miles if it has not had the chain and sprockets replaced it will need them soon.  Also the tires could be an issue unless they are new.  Usually bikes get about 15,000 miles out of a set of tires and at 30,000 it could be in need of another set of tires depending on how it was riden.

The plus with a older bike is that you can usually get you money back out of it when and if you decide to move up to another bike.  Also the plus is that if you do drop the bike and it is used their is less to worry about since it most likely has some minor flaws already.

Yeah, they want $1400 and i am going to check it out tomorrow.  Hopeffuly with my boss with 20+ riding years under his belt to help spot the bad things.

cross fingers for a nice bike.

Wow.. maybe it's just me, but a '90 w/ 30k miles shouldn't be $1400. I wouldn't pay more than $1k no matter how pretty it looks or how well it runs. With that many miles, that's all the sooner you're going to run into long term problems. I'm not saying a bike w/ that many miles on it is on it's last legs (i hope not.. mine has 26k) but I think the price is too high for what it is.

trey

I'm with treybrad on the $1000.  $1200 at the very most, IF it's immaculate and runs great.  With 30,000 miles you will also be looking at a new pair of brake rotors.  About $300 shipped.

By now it's been a day or two since you took a look.  What did you think?

Actually i turned down that bike and will be looking at another one tomorrow.

its a 92 with 17k

Where are you located... Some parts of the country have a mondo shortage as I have been recently told ... because of squids crashing ...
Just kidding... but seems to sorta be true... why not a clue
Cool.
Srinath.

Looked at the other bike today, WOW.  I think this may be the one.  This bike is in great condition.  Everything stock, 17k.  Recently riden and cared for but needs to be sold.

Just got to wait for the title and a friend to go ride it.

Does any one know how to look up a Motorcycle VIN?