Hey everyone,

I have to say up front, I was looking for a beginner bike, and after coming across the site and seeing all the activity made a difference in which bike to buy.  So I bought an '89 GS500, private sale for $1200, and with all the other paperwork finally done, I'm on the road!

I'm having too much fun, riding the bike is such an addictive experience.  I can't get enough.  So good it makes you want to postpone those beers for another hour of riding! (That kind of influence is pretty incredible)

I took the safety course last year, and I just landed the money to go for it.  Bit of an expensive hobby though, here's what I have spent so far:

Bike: $1200
Tax to register: $150
Helmet: $480 (Shoei TZR)
Insurance: $1900
(ontario prices)

But it's worth it.

Gotta say, I've been reading forum posts for a few weeks now, you guys seem like a great bunch.  Very happy to have a GS500.

Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games...

welcome to the koffee klutch.

oh yes, addicting in ways you cant now imagine...

and congratulations on the safety class and on your new bike!

Congrats from a fellow new owner!  

One shot of the bike, ignore crappy photography:

Came with two rotors in the front?  Bike was imported from Cali, and not too sure of its history...

Me trying to look badass, but really pathetically waiting for the paperwork to finish so I can actually ride it.

god, I cant even remember if the gs had one rotor or two stock.. if not, then you might have a katana front end on that bad boy-an upgrade.

nice bike, i wish they had offered those handle bars in other years besides the 89. where are your gauges, speedo/tach or are they just a little hidden in the picture

I believe it's got 1 rotor stock (from all the pictures of other bikes I've seen).  Coincidentally, the bike came with a box of miscellaneous parts, one of which was a "chameleon" painted Katana "wheel fender" I guess you call it?  If it had the Katana front end - that would be awesome.

And there's no gauges.  That makes knowing whether I've left a turn signal on after I've made a turn a hassle.  The bike got safety certification anyway, but a gauge cluster would probably be really helpful.  I suspect the bike may have had a racing history.  There are no passenger footpegs either.

It has a little digital unit that acts as a speedo.  It's not backlit, which makes it absolutely useless at night.  I might open it up and put an LED behind the segment display so I can see it.  Here's a picture of that:

Quote from: pantabloI cant even remember if the gs had one rotor or two stock

Stock = single rotor.  On the right side.  

wow the police and inspection places must be very lenient where you are. i know when i got pulled over going too fast and not knowing it the cop would not like when i told him i had no speedo and then he would probably do this  

Im curious how old you are for paying that kind of insurance? Im 16 and was quoted 2400 for the GS. And congrats on the new bike

Hey we dont even have inspection in Indiana = sh$$y exhausts choking me at stoplights

I like it, though it looks like the front wheel doesn't match the rear; repainted frame; scarred upper triple clamp; no gauges; no chainguard; no centerstand; no passenger peg hangers; solo seat; odds are good it has been raced and completely thrashed, but don't let that stop you from enjoying it. Check the oil drain bolt (and other critical fasteners) to see if any of them have  been drilled for safety wire.

Also, post a few more pics; let us see the front wheel and the fork brace.

Nice ....looks like Kanata front end to me.

Congrats on the new bike, and welcome to the cult!

pandy