i found this bike being sold. i recently took my MSF course and would like some feed back on what you guys think of this being my first bike:

here are some pictures....

http://www.turbo-dsm.com/gs500e/

1990 gs500e
new front tire/back needs replacement
new chain
new clutch
upgraded the air filter
new clutch /brake/ throttle cables
35k

needs to have the valves adjusted.
recent oil change.

I am looking at this bike as a true starter bike...
he is asking 900 bucks

all input is greatly appreciated

Thanks
gisluis

gisluis,
welcometo the site. Check my site for kelly blue book and NADA guides for bike values. And also check the main page here for many useful links.

Another so cal rider! Cool. Where abouts you at? I'm in santa monica. There are a handful of us nearby...

That bike looks pretty good for the money. Figure out how long you'll have it though and what kind of mileage you might expect because the engines generally speaking need rebuild at 40K (thats what I've heard, but I've also heard of bikes going 75+K miles too). If you intend to keep it for a year or two its a good bet. have it looked over by a mechanic though-those "needs a valve job" might be something more serious. Expect to drop ~$100 on a non-squared off tire too.

I thought only 89 had the clip-on handlebars...maybe this is an early 90 that got them too?

Looks reasonably well taken care of (been repainted too)...

Thanks for your input Pablo...Dude you have a great website!

I am in the SGV

I am looking at this bike as a starter but after looking around I might just stick to the gs500 series and make the most of it. My friends are into  bigger bikes (gsxr's/cbr's) but I like the feel of this small yet responsive bike.

In motorcycle world bigger isn't necessarily better and everytime I ask them to explain why they like bigger they don't really have an answer. "everyone is getting one, why not you" syndrome.

Besides I like my skin...not that you can't get hurt on one of these but they are more forgiving. Or so I've heard....

I was thinking of getting this bike...learn by doing (ride, maintain, fix, upgrade) and then maybe spending some money on a new or almost new bike within probably a year or two.

Thanks again

Hey, do you know of anyone who could make a gps holder for this bike...I am a geographer by trade and would like to strap my gps unit the the panel and plot my rides.

i like it looks pretty cool  as for the mileage i think you will be fine  if it was maintained... mine has 64K on the clock and still runs just fine

the only thing i don't like is the paint on the engin side cases
the paint on the exhaust looks alright but i am not thrilled about it
and those turn signals on the back are ummmm..... yeah

but thats my opinion but all in all i think 900 seems like an ok price

and ask where that ding on the can came from

i just noticed that kickstand when you buy it if you buy it paint it black again

i do like the tail light

i just noticed that there is no centerstand

Quote from: gisluisI was thinking of getting this bike...learn by doing (ride, maintain, fix, upgrade) and then maybe spending some money on a new or almost new bike within probably a year or two.

That's the right attitude. thats what I'm doing too. In fact I've got my eye on a Triumph Speed Four-maybe in the next 6 months to year I'll get it. I've had my gs for 13 months and have put about 6400 miles (~80% miles  in Malibu canyons and Angeles Crest! )

Quote from: gisluisHey, do you know of anyone who could make a gps holder for this bike...I am a geographer by trade and would like to strap my gps unit the the panel and plot my rides.

I know some people that have done it over at the bandit/katana site, maximum-suzuki.com I can ask around. You can probably use a camera mount.

GS handles great with a few upgrades-progressive fork springs are a must-$60 and easily installed (see my site for that). that, and get yourself a BT45 for the rear and you're good to go.

Welcome to the site!

Looks like a good enough of a deal for $900. It looks like it is well maintained.

Dig that ghost silver paint job with the seams on the tank.

Ask the previous owner for the centerstand and any other original parts for the bike. If it was a '90 he should have the upper triple clamp at least for the tube type handlebars. I think he changed the upper triple to the '89's clipons.

thanks for all the input...I offered him 800 bucks and he took it....I am now the proud owner of this bike...

had to have my friend drive it home though...cause i never been outside of second gear....

I will begin the process of becoming one with this bike this weekend.

Again thanks for help


gisluis

Congrats!  And welcome to the world of the GS!  

I just got mine a few months ago and can't stop playing with it (either riding it or modding it).

This is a GREAT resource for info on the bike and CA is a great place to ride!  Have fun!

AWESOME!