I'm looking at buying a 2001 GS500 with 13,000 km. Is there anything particular I should look out for or pay extra close attention too?

i'm sure rvertigo has a suggestion.

Check for obvious signs of damage, i.e.:
-engine side cover and exhaust road rash
-are the forks aligned?
-are the handlebars straight?
-who performed the maintenance the bike? (The GS is a stable bike so at this mileage oil change is the biggest concern)
-has it been stored indoors or outdoors?

Others will be along shortly to toss in their 2 cents worth.

I don't think there is all that much besides the general bike stuff.  I read somewhere (wasn't here, was on a diff forum) that GS's carbs required cleaning more often than other bikes, so after he turns it on and lets it idle, you might want to see what speed (rpms) the engine idles at (too high = carbs need cleaning... i THINK).  After its warm, my bike idles at about 1k.  I usually let it warm up around 2k-2.5k via choke adjustment (the times that I let it warm up).

Quote from: jiggersplati'm sure rvertigo has a suggestion.

:dunno:

13000 KM... Let's see....  8,000 miles...

My '01 had 12,000 miles on it.  Needed new tires, new chain, new sprockets, new handlebars, valve job, oil, etc...  But, the guy I bought it from didn't really maintain anything (or bother to clean it)...  Mine isn't a prime example of what to look for in a GS.

This Write up has everything you need to know about buying motos in general...

My best suggestion is:  DON'T RIDE IT until after you've inspected it thoroughly...  Check the chain tension, tires, etc...  TCLOCK  

I was a dumb-ass and rode around with REALLY low & bald tires...  and my chain had about 2.5" of play, rather than the .8" - 1.2" it should have.

i was waiting for the old http://gstwins.com/forum/search.php

Quote from: jiggersplati was waiting for the old http://gstwins.com/forum/search.php

:lol:

DAMN!  I should have caught that.    I'll do better next time.