Here is a GS500E for sale near my home. I have been looking at this bike for a while. However, as it says, it needs new fork seals, and the carbs to be cleaned. I am new to this site, so I am just wondering if these are common problems, are they things to be wary of on the GS500E, or are they things I can probably fix in my spare time on the weekend? A friend of mine has a 1995 GS500E and he takes meticulous care of it. He has never had these problems... Just wondering if people could give me any advice. I know it just a couple pictures and a little blurb, but any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-suzuki-gs500e-/290529187902?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item43a4e3983e

Every bike needs fork seals replaced from time to time, so that's not a big deal. The carbs needing cleaned/ rebuilt is to be expected from a 21 year old bike- especially since it has a little over 8000 miles. Just means it probably wasn't ridden a lot.

Doesn't looks too bad. If you can personally check out the bike, do it and see what the real deal is. A lot of sellers try to cover up serious issues including major engine problems by claiming that the carbs are dirty and need clean up. It might have been laid down bad enough to need new plastics and a tank. He is going to lose money in commission and fees if it sells through ebay. If there are no major issues, offer him $500 cash and ask him to remove it from ebay, have him sign the title and ride home.

Yeah, if you know where it's actually located go check it out, forget ebay they take way to much from commision. Offer him 600 tops, hell take it if hes smart, take it for a test drive and if it doesn't seem so bad go for it, odds are it just needs a tuneup from the age and a good maitenance.

I was thinking about offering him $500-600 too, as long as there are no other problems with the bike. Unfortunately, I can't take the bike for a ride anytime soon due the 2 feet of snow we are currently getting.  But after this lets up I can go look at it in person.  Another question, as this is my first bike I'm still learning things, like fork seals. I take it leaking fork seals are not a major problem; as in I can still test ride it and or ride it home?

Yeah, I rode my last bike about 300 miles before my fork seals came in...

Even starting it up and listening to it will give you a general idea.

+1.

No offense, but I recommend taking your friend with you. Since he has the same bike, should have a much better idea of any problems.

Big Rich,
great idea! He does know a lot more about it than me and he'll know things to look for  too. Excellent idea thanks.