Hello,
I found a GS on craigslist near me that almost sounds too good to be true, the guy claims the only problem is a leaky gas tank and that he has the new tank. Well, here is what the ad says:
1993 Suzuki GS 500 (9900mi), needs tank repair, sold AS IS - $250
This bike has good mechanicals and runs, but the gas tank leaks. I have a replacement tank, but have not had time to install it and need to get rid of the bike ASAP. For $250, you get the bike, the original gas tank, and the new gas tank.

I'm not sure if this is a great score or someone trying to pass on a problem.
I guess my questions are does the GS have any known issues with the gas tank leaking, how complex is changing the tank and on non-mechanical note how is the seating position on a GS500?
I recently sold my 1989 Katana 750 because the seating was more bending then my back was comfortable with, an old injury started rearing it's head again.
I used to pop the tank on my old Honda CB400 Hawk and RZ350 so I'm not entirely in the dark but I don't know how this compares.

Oh, one last thing, how does the GS500 compare to the old RZ350s? I know 4 versus 2 stroke but I'm more meaning feel, balance and such. I loved my RZ, it was so light nimble and quick, not blazing fast but quick.

Thanks!

Id be very very careful of this deal, a gas tank swap isn't complicated. Theres a petcock on the bottom of the gas tank as well on the side of the bike. You turn the one under the tank off with a screwdriver, unhook the lines, unbolt two bolts from the frame and the tank slides back towards the tank to be removed. Then you just unscrew the petcock from the old tank, put it on the new one, and unbolt the cap/lock from the top of the tank and put that on the new one. Really simple..takes maybe 10 minutes...so not having time is BS

He doesn't mention a title..make sure hes got one in his name..and its clear..I'm not saying its a stolen bike but it might be. GS Tanks do rust which results in leaks, especially on a bike of that age. Definitely go check out the bike and see whats up with it...If he doesn't have a title and its not stolen, you could buy a frame/part it out and make some good cash

The seating on the GS is more upright than a Katana, but still a bit forward. I'd call it between the CB400 and ur Katana. I've got a cb350 and had a zzr and it was basically inbetween the two.

I've never ridden an RZ350 so I can't comment but my gs has never been "too slow"

Tank swap ... yea we do that like 10 times a day ... takes 5 mins ... will it solve your problem ... OK whole other story there. but if it does, you're good. Even with leaky tank you're doing good at 250. You'd have to make sure its not frucked up in other aspects. I guess get it and figure out.
Cool.
Srinath.

Might have got the wrong model of replacement tank (2000+) and is hiding that fact.

I sent him an email asking several questions about the bike and it's conditionother than the tank.
It looks like it could be a good deal but I'm a bit gunshy since my last
bike. The guy told me it was in great shape and didn't need anything.
$800 in repairs later I managed to sell it for $1000 less than I paid.
That was the Katana and if I get another bike that turns into a money pit my Wife will kill me.
At this point I just want something that I can hop on and ride but at $250 I'd be willing to do a bit of work. I'll see what he says but I'm not holding my breath. I figure if it is 250 then there's more going on than the tank. Or it was suppose to read 1250.
Thanks for the input, I'll let you know what I find out!

Quote from: MarkusN on September 01, 2006, 10:31:14 AM
Might have got the wrong model of replacement tank (2000+) and is hiding that fact.

Oh, now there's something to look for!
I hadn't realized there were differences in GS tanks.
Good info, thanks!

AT 250 barring a bent frame, no wheels or engine it's a deal.

As long as the title is clear that sounds like a great deal. I'd expect to put more work into than just the tank though. You may be looking at fork seals, tires, chain, and sprockets. But that's all pretty minor. As long as the title is good I'd jump on it.

You need to make sure the replacement tank is not in the same condition as the original, and........if it not the same colour its an excuse to get some $$$$ knocked off.

Quote from: Kestryll on September 01, 2006, 10:40:57 AM

Quote from: MarkusN on September 01, 2006, 10:31:14 AM
Might have got the wrong model of replacement tank (2000+) and is hiding that fact.

Oh, now there's something to look for!
I hadn't realized there were differences in GS tanks.
Good info, thanks!

Not really...You can use any year tank   

Quote from: average on September 01, 2006, 01:59:56 PM

Quote from: Kestryll on September 01, 2006, 10:40:57 AM

Quote from: MarkusN on September 01, 2006, 10:31:14 AM
Might have got the wrong model of replacement tank (2000+) and is hiding that fact.

Oh, now there's something to look for!
I hadn't realized there were differences in GS tanks.
Good info, thanks!

Not really...You can use any year tank   

Not if you want the seat/tail plastics to meet up correctly.

The tank will still work... 

hell, you can part it out on here an easily get your 250 back, if it turns out there hidden problems, if it don't have a title, you could still part it out an come ahead, that is if the extra tank is good

Buy it...if you don't like it, parts it out on eBay.

I vote its a melon ...  <---- this guy is then a melon head ...  ...
Cool.
Srinath.

If the engine runs that alone is worth more than $250.  You'd better move fast before someone else snaps this up; good deals on Craigslist don't last long.

A agree that $250 sounds fishy but I would grab it. You can always part it out. I bought mine for $150. It was wrecked and the owner thought it was in worse shape than it was. $5 for a used set of handle bars, $15 for a brake lever, $30 for 2 turn signals, $60 bucks for year round insurance and I was riding it to work daily.

And saving gas money.

I have since done the clutch, brakes, replaced the rear rotor, Ignition cover, replaced the tank, replaced and front fender, repainted, jetkit, pipe, K&N, grips, headlight trim ring, damn I have spent some money on this thing. But it has been fun working on it. Very easy to tear down and put back together in a weekend. (None of this was REALLY necessary except for the brakes!)

Grab those deals while you can.

Buy it for $250 and I will buy it from you for $300. I will even come to pick it up!!!