I'm considering purchasing a GS500e as my first bike and haven't seen many late model bikes for sale.  I found a 2007 with 7700 miles listed for $2900.  Owner claims everything works fine and clean title.  Apparently it has been dropped, hence the "naked" look (which I prefer anyway).  Is this a fair price for this bike?  See pictures below.

Front fender being cut possibly is a indication it melted it. AKA ran hot.
The headlight etc are not to my preference, I like the stock 89-02 headlight and ears and dash ... anyway, if you like naked try an 89-02. Usually they go for less $$$ as well.
Cool.
Buddha.

The seller has two nearly identical 2007 GS500's for sale and both have the front fender removed.  Is there a known problem with 2007's getting hot?  Or might he have applied the same modification to both bikes?  Here are pics of the 2nd bike (asking $3100).

Fairing caused the air flow to get cut out at low speeds I would guess. Not sure if its the case with this one, but he dumped both of them
Cool.
Buddha.

what kind of exhaust is that on the first one?  To me it looks terrible

Quote from: bassmechanicsz on July 15, 2009, 09:35:55 AM
what kind of exhaust is that on the first one?  To me it looks terrible

wtf?

looks home made

$2900 isn't bad for an 07 that's running well, but the fact that it doesn't have fairings while not a bad thing for you should be a ding on the selling price.  It may already be though.  He could prob ask for 3500 for one with a fairng, although that doesn't mean he'd get it...

It also depends on where you are.  The going rates for various bikes depends on time of year and where you are.  

If everything checks out and is good, then offer him 2500 and work up if you have too.  I don't think you'd be getting robbed if you paid 2900 for it though.

Also, based on the exhaust and the scrapping on the engine case he probably didn't "drop" the bike so much as low sided it.  If you can have it checked out by somebody who knows a bit about bikes or a shop or something.

He claims the janky exhaust is "aftermarket", but no details...  He's had them on craigslist for a few weeks already and dropped the prices a few hundred bucks.  I'll be moving to the Bay Area in a few weeks (where these bikes are located) and plan to see them in person then.

That can is ever famous beer can cobra F1R ... total POS.
Cool.
Buddha.

First bike was definitely slid. Notice the additional scrapings down low. A simple driveway drop would not damage the exhaust enough to warrant replacing with... whatever it is.

Also, his chicken strips aren't very noticeable. Which could indicate the rider's riding style. And explain why both bikes are missing fairings - both slide?

A simple drop should also leave some scratches on the mirrors, bar ends and the indicators. Quick glances showed no mirror damage - a sign the mirrors have been replaced. And when seen in person if the indicator ends are good, he prob replaced those too.

Read this 2nd hand buying guide (free) before checking out the bike http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

And always remember... It pays to be circumspect about what the intended seller says to you - remember that he wants your money, not the bike.

Michael

I've been seeing those on CL for a while...

If you want a nekkid, get one that came nekkid from the factory for cheaper.