I saw this deal and was wondering what you guys think.  KBB says $1800 but I sold my 01 GS500 w/ 7k miles for $2450 very easily, I'm thinking this could make a could profit.  The bike is about an hour from me.  Description says some minor flaws (im thinking scratches and whatnot)  What do you guys think?  Worth taking a look at?

Thanks,
Josh

1150 or less is about all its prob worth  You may be able to make a few buck on it though 

Quote from: scottpA_GS on March 24, 2008, 11:28:58 AM

1150 or less is about all its prob worth  You may be able to make a few buck on it though 

Don't say that...I just bought a 98 for $2k...

  But yours is much better im sure 

I bought my 95 in 05 with only 180 original miles  ... only paid 1K 

And a month ago I got a 90 that runs and rides for only $150  It needs a bit of work though 

98 for $2K?................. (slightly long pause.) Wow. I bought my 04 with 5Kmi on it for $2400 .

I have to say though, I just just got done looking at the pics of your bike and it is reallllly nice looking!! Who-Dey!

I bought my 06 for 500$, you just have to be willing to wait for it. I dont think you are going to make a profit at all. If anything, buy it as a backup bike in case a friend,relative, wife or gf (etc) ever want wants to ride with you.

I don't think anyone can tell you how much you will make or lose, or what a good deal is. It depends on condition, mileage, year, upgrades.....but probably most importantly on region. If you're near a city, a good small bike may be worth more due to higher demand. I paid 1500 for my '99 with 7k on it. I thought I got a pretty good deal. I've seen cheaper GS's but I was unhappy with their condition. I looked at one that the guy was asking 700 for and I'm not sure I would have paid 200 for it.

What an ugly color















All depends on miles and condition.  And market.  In another few weeks it starts getting into prime selling season, that should help.

I guess you don't really know anything til you take a look at it

They definitely need to make a light green GS.

Quote from: bergj1986 on March 24, 2008, 11:07:30 AM
I saw this deal and was wondering what you guys think.  KBB says $1800 but I sold my 01 GS500 w/ 7k miles for $2450 very easily, I'm thinking this could make a could profit.  The bike is about an hour from me.  Description says some minor flaws (im thinking scratches and whatnot)  What do you guys think?  Worth taking a look at?

Thanks,
Josh

I saw that ad also; haven't been to Byfield in more than 20 years...

In my experience, when people post a price about 10% over a nice round number, they're pretty much willing to negotiate and sell at the nice round number, so if we do the math:

Asking price = $1150

Price they'll probably settle for without much haggling = $1000

OK, so they're asking a bit MORE than 10% over $1000, but they probably think an $1100 asking price would be TOO obvious...

Anyway, as others have suggested, you'll probably have to go see the GS and make a judgment call; if you talk to the seller (Jay, who provided only his cell phone number (xxx) 270-xxxx) without posting a home phone), you can ask him some good basic questions. For example, ask him what he'd change if he was going to keep the GS to ride for a few more years; if he mentions chain, sprockets, tires, fork seals, tuneup, etc., then you already have a good idea of what you can expect to have to replace fairly soon. Of course, if he tells you that he'd overhaul the engine, or do a three-angle valve job, then you know that it will probably require a fairly good investment of time and money to make it roadworthy for the long haul.

Still, if you only want to do some basic repairs and flip it for some quick cash, it could be worth the time and gas money it will take you to go see it in person. BTW, at that asking price, with less than 7K miles on the clock, I'd expect some fairly obvious problems, such as a dented gas tank, rashed exhaust system, torn seat, missing mirror(S), scrapes on the cosmetic covers, road rash on the front master cylinder... you get the idea. Who knows, maybe the clocks are rashed, with a dented headlight bucket, and a missing speedo cable... OK, so I could do this all night, but I won't.

If you're truly interested, call the guy, ask him about the condition of the items I mentioned, then go check it out in person. While you're there, take some GOOD photos, then post them online someplace (Flickr, Picasa, smugmug, whatever). Once you've got the photos online, post the links here, so we can help you examine the photos and look for problem areas, such as damaged chain adjusters, or slightly bent forks... you know, the stuff people tend to overlook when they think they see a profit in their future.

Good luck; let us know what he tells you about it, and if the seller can e-mail you some photos (to save you from making the drive up there), you know what to do next...