Hi,

I am newbie rider and planning to get a used GS500. I have an offer for a 2001 GS500 @ 2300$. The bike looks good - 3000 miles and in pretty good condition. The only thing I noticed was that it wobbles at around 40-50mph. Is this something that can be fixed easily? Should I buy this bike?

Please advise.

Regards,
-Kid

That's a good price on a 01 ( I also have an 01). But wobbles? NOT GOOD. Have the bike checked by dealer or local indy mechanic. Could be as simple as a wheel not balanced right or could be something more sinister like bent forks or wheel (?)...best to have it checked by a professional.

welcome to the site!

Most of us would agree that the GS is a good bike to buy, what else would you expect on a GS site? The bike you are looking at sounds OK but I am not familiar with second-hand prices in US. If it's a 2001 it is reasonable to assume that it's probably OK. As for the wobble there have been lots of posts about it and lots of very good technical answers from people who know, use the search facility at top of page and search "wobble" or "vibration". My one note of caution is that it could be the result of a crash, any evidence on the bike? why is present owner selling? Some crash damage is easily sorted but bent frame or serious damage is much more difficult, not everyone agrees but I would avoid a crashed bike.
 Hope it works out OK for you, respect the bike, it is often seen as a good beginers bike but it can be quite a sporty item. Don't forget the Hi-viz!

recently discussed (and quckly forgotten by me!):

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4310

good info there...

Now, I dunno what to do :-(. I like the bike - it's just perfect except for that wobble. Regarding previous crashes - there are minor scratches on both sides of the crankcase. And slight blemishes on the mirrors. That's it. I cudn't find any evidence of extensive crash damage. The current owner says he never put it down. He claims to be selling it cos he wants to go for a bigger bike. He's  owned it for just 2 months (he's the sceond owner).

-Kid

The scratches don't sound like a problem, we have all been there and lots of post re lower engine damage, crankcase, ignition cover, alternator cover, use search if you want they are usually result of minor drops.

Wanting a bigger bike after two months, Hmmmmmmmmmm, well you are face-to-face so it's your money and your call. Any chance you could get it checked prior to buying, triple A or something, over here the AA will do that for a modest fee or perhaps you are lucky enough to know somebody? Wobble is a worry.

Have some more doubts. What maintenance work should be done on the bike right after I buy it? I think an oil change would be advisable. Should I go for synthetic?

The tires are stock. Condtion is ok - should I get them replaced right away with better rubber (I read that the stock tires are crap)?.

Comments?

-Kid

There is lots of Oil advice available, use "search" as for tyres, if you buy new remember they can be very slippy until the shine wears off, probably 500 miles. I would stick with the existing ones if they seem OK until you get a feel for the bike.

My new tires felt better slick than my old ones did...but mine were the originals on a 91 so they were very OLD!  

Check out that wobble again.. that would make me nervous!  Ask the guy if you can take it to a shop to have that checked out.  I got vibes on my bike but no wobble!

Good luck!