Hello out there. looking for a bit of advice. I am thinking of buying a secondhand 500GSE 1997 that has done 100000 KM ( a lot) however the owner is known to me and the price is right about $900 if my maths is right( I am unemployed and at my age unemployable) I've never owned a japanese bike before , always British Iron. Now to the question. I need a light bike (old age etc), one that wont tax me too much. I want something reliable with decent spares back up. The seller tells me the only problem with the bike is with one of the exhaust valves; he says it's not seriuos and if I'm not planning a marathon trip I could go another 5000KM without having to look at it.
Any advice would be welcome,  good or bad. I've got one shot at this if I get it wrong I am not going to be able to  find the money again

PS The web site is really good.

Hi New boy,

Well in the first instance a new valve is nothing to complicated to do and relatively inexpensive, and parts are available quite easily, (here in the UK anyway).
The price hes asking is very good for that year of bike.
I am just a little concerned about the high milage, but as long as it's not burning oil and smoking a lot then I would go ahead, by the way I am 52 and just 5'5" and I have no problem handeling the bike, it is a pleasure to ride.

Have fun.

I'm not an engine guru, but I get the feeling that the true cost to own the bike will be the cost to fix the valve  :dunno:  plus $900.  If  that fits your budget, go for it.

ah, ok, anyone saying a Valve has a problem but can go so many miles without being looked at, just doesnt get a whole lot of trust from me. if the milage is that high, then offer 500$ and get the valve checked out.  

(This does not Include Lash/clearence adjustment)

If your going to be on a payment plan with him,  then make your own choice, begers cant be choosers.

the engines usually need rebuild at 40k or thereabouts (from what I heard from Srinath here).

Anyway, seems that bike has loads of miles and has potential for lots of maintenance costs. At least you know the seller and trust him. Difficult decision but I would err on the side of more mechanical integrity.