I found what I think will be my bike, a blue 96 500e...Here's the thing:

-The bike is on Ebay. I want to bid, but can't go and test ride the bike.

-It is a 96 with 1100 miles on it (no typo). Only been ridden about 45 mins in the last 4 years. What might be issues with such little usage?

- I might have to ride a little distance to get the bike.

- Owner says carbs will need cleaning. Is that tough/expensive?

The price looks like it will be about 1300 bucks. I need some advice. The bike looks good, and I think it will be a good purchase. I just want to make sure I don't stumble into something that anyone knows about. Thanks a lot!

~b.black

I see no 96GS500E on Ebay???

I got my bike on ebay and was very pleased.  The owner is probably right about the carbs it has been sitting awhile.  I am surprised that it starts and runs.  Somewhere on this site is info on carb cleaning, although I have never done it myself. (friends a bike mechanic works for nothing) Use the search function............... other than that........?

I got mine on ebay as well. Mine is a 95 and I just got it 3 mo. ago w/ 180 miles on it. It sat for 10 years.. I knew that  for the price w/ those miles It couldnt be all that bad.

You will prob need to:

Replace Plugs, oil, oil filter and fuel lines.

Also you will prob need to clean and Kream the tank. and clean the carbs very well.

I am very new to working on bikes and I had no trouble getting all the above done all by myself.. and w/ the advice of others on here

Hope you get it!

as mentioned above, the carbs will need to be cleaned.  bad gas clogs up the jets.  it can be hard if you have never done it before, but its not bad w/ a little supervision.  

next, the tank.  if the bike sat that long it is bound to be rusty.  kreem kits cost about $30 and are fairly easy to use.  the petcock might need to be rebuilt too......depends.

i would put new plugs in for good measure (only $3 each) along w/ new fuel lines.  make sure to change the oil too before running it for a while, and give the chain a good cleaning/lube.  

after that, you should be good to go