So, I have two bikes now.  The first one is a 1991 Kawi EX500.  The second one, a '96 GS, I just picked up for $400 and I'm getting it running (see thread).  I have until July to make a decision.

Which one should I keep?

Part of the reason I'm asking the forum (biased ) is because I have the urge to buy upgrade parts for the GS, but don't want to if I'm just going to sell it in 4 months, and the GS has twice the miles. Plus, I can only keep one bike as a deal with my wife to buy the GS at the time (Christmas).

I'm in the military and will move in July from Rhode Island to California.  So, I'm contemplating just selling both bikes and upgrading when I get out there.  I don't "need" to upgrade and am actually very content with 500cc since this will only be my second season.  And, I'm not worried about the cost of moving the bike(s) across country since the military pays for that.

Thoughts?

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Stats:
1991 Kawisaki EX500
9,000 miles
Currently fixing: Painting it red, currently in a million pieces
Recently fixed: Starter clutch, Clutch Springs
Needs: Tires, Windscreen

Pro: Lower miles, Full Fairing is better on the highway, Gas tank already creamed
Con: Looks a little 80's

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1996 Suzuki GS500E
25,000 miles
Currently fixing: Carbs
Recently fixed: Stator
Needs: Fork Seals, Tank Cream, Carb kit

Pro: It's a GS. Looks better. More support from aftermarket community.
Con: Higher miles?

Solution:

Get your wife into the next MSF class and keep them both.   

Which one is more fun to ride?  That's the question I'd use to decide which to keep!

When you move, make a detour to SC, and I'll give you your money back that you currently have in the GS. 

I'd sell the EX just because it's too dated...small brakes, drum in the back, 16" wheels, clunky suspension...etc.  However, I'd be tempted as hell to sell the GS500 (worth more) and update the EX500.

sell whichever one will net you the most amount of money in the long run - factor in sale price as well as parts availability and insurance prices yadda yadda, thats what id do, because both bikes are good.

i voted both. you'll make a decent amount on the gs over what you paid. the ex is still a good bike, and with low miles you should be able to make a little on it too.

you didn't mention where in cali, but with military, there are always deals on like new bikes on base.

the only downside to selling both is having to locate a decent ride there, and not having local contacts for parts/wrenching/stuff, and no ride to explore after you're moved in.

my 2nd opinion is keeping the ex, since you paid so little for the gs, and can easily double or triple your money on it.

you are envied for your soon to be excellent roads to enjoy. take care out there.

simply because of the mileage differnce i would say keep the ex

Quote from: frankieG on March 10, 2008, 10:58:02 AM
simply because of the mileage differnce i would say keep the ex

That's what I was thinking.  Once I get it painted, the EX will be an ok ride for quite a while with the low miles, and now a good clutch.  The GS will still look better, but it pretty much just comes down to the benjamin's... I was hoping to sell the GS for like $1500 at peak season (It's really tempting to keep though).

Park it both in the same garage, one of them will kill the other ... after that you keep the one that lives.
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: seshadri_srinath on March 10, 2008, 12:06:49 PM
Park it both in the same garage, one of them will kill the other ... after that you keep the one that lives.
Cool.
Srinath.

Duelling 500's. 

Of course, you could always just drop the EX500 off at my house on your way to California. I'd take real good care of it...
Tony

Sell them when Kawi eventually re-styles the EX500.

  -Anti 

EX