I'm looking at a few gs500's around the LA area.  It'll be my first bike and I'm taking the MTC class this weekend.

I'm doing all the research I can, but could use some help.

I'm checking oil, steering, fork compression and possible leakage, rust in the gas tank.  Not sure how to check the brake pads easily.  I can see the pad thickness, but should I be looking closer?  I can test the electronics (lights, horns, etc.).  

I've seen slightly rusty chains, chipping of paint on the swingarm, slightly dented gas tanks with a little rust.  I can replace a chain easily, but what about the beginnings of rust on the swingarm?  Is this minor or not?

One bike, a '98, has a rebuilt carb and a new paint job.  Is the rebuilt carb a plus for a 6yr old bike, or not?  Is a new paint job a plus, or could it be hiding something?  Anything I should look for?

Does anyone recommend having a mechanic check it out first?  If so, can you recommend someone?

Are there major differences between 92, 98, 01 and 02 models?  I've found minor differences (like in power output and tank capacity), but maybe someone knows to stay away from certain years?

Any advice is much appreciated.  Thanks.

Try this link.

http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__bikepointau/tabID__5766/BikeArticleID__117253/BikeTipType__Advice/DesktopDefault.aspx

The carbs on the '00 and older are different.  
Don't get anything older than 5 years.  Rubber parts and seals can deteriorate over time simply form age.

great article, thanks alot.

I would think a little rust on the swing arm wouldn't be that big of a deal beyond the cosmetic repercussions.  It would take a pretty long time for rust to eat through enough of the swing arm to create major problems.  Then again, if the bike is old enough and has spent most of its life parked near the ocean...

thanks poncho,

yeah, i'll have to look a little closer where the rust and chipping paint is.

Thanks.

maybe i need a new thread, but i just checked out another gs500, test drove it, and it's very nice.  

everything looks in good shape except:
right at the end, owner wasn't "sure" if it was a clean or salvage title.  engine heat sink had a very small notch out of it, and evidence of a drop on the left side.  tank repainted.  rear seat cowling (fairing?) was repainted.  bike drove very nice, but i'm a beginner, so...?  tank was treated for rust with a 3 stage treatment, looks very clean and rust-free, except for the top two inches.  carb was rebuilt, and power seems very good, with very little black dust around the exhaust.  a very clean bike, but...

my attitude is not to touch a salvage title.

does anyone disagree, and under what circumstances?

thanks for any help.

I don't know a whole lot about salvage titles, but it would probably be prudent to steer clear of them.  I went through some registration issues with my bike and it wasn't anything that couldn't be resolved but it was a pain and consumed a lot of my time.  Why bother with all that when you just want to ride?  But if the bike is a really sweet deal it might be worth doing some research about salvage titles.  I'd check out the DMV website for info.

Search the archives, there is tons of good info.  Surface rust is common and not a concern outside of cosmetics.  Just make sure it isn't too deep around the bottom of the triples, swingarm pivot area, headers, and major clamping points.  Rebuilt carbs is a minus in my mind on a 98 since it indicates the bike has probably been neglected at some point (imo).  Rusted chain should be replaced, but that's not a big deal.