24 year old grad student in Madison, WI.  Just bought my first bike last week.  1990 GS500E with 14000 miles, and it was well maintained. Just a bit of flaking paint on the tank and a small bit of rust inside. Paid $1500 for it.  The guy I bought it from kept it in his garage all the time and always took it in for maintenance.  Sounded like he was afraid to wreck something (which I am not afraid of since I'm very good at it).  This guy had the chain, tires, intake boots, and clutch cable replaced in Oct 2010 before winter, and also had the carb cleaned.  The shop told him he also needed a cam chain tensioner but he didn't have it done at that time.

I had my roommate ride it home and he said he noticed a clicking which he assumed to be the cam chain tensioner.  I don't have my motorcycle designation yet so I can't legally ride the bike yet (although I have taken it around the block a few times), and I've noticed the clicking too.  So I went ahead and ordered the parts planning to do the repair myself.

Anyway, my roommate who, rides an BMW 1100R and has owned multiple Suzukis (GS 450 and 650 i think), convinced me it was a decent deal.  I trust him but I also like second opinions.

I want to learn what I can, and reading through the forums I think this will be a valuable resource. Thanks   

Sounds overpriced to me although i`m in UK,paid £150 for my 89 it was cheap.Early GS5`s do have a cam rattle at idle from to much camshaft endfloat,i`d expect a cam chain rattle to increase with revs.Alternator can rattle/knock search `GOATS` plenty of help on here if you need it.

The rattle certainly does sound like it could be caused by the cam chain tensioner. Cam chain rattle produces a soft slapping sound, especially as you go on and off the throttle. Happy valves also produce some noise, but that tends to be a slight ringing sound that increases and decreases with RPM.

CCTs are a weak point on many bikes, and the GS500 CCT has gone through many revisions since 89.

I had a feeling it was a little over priced I saw a couple 500F's that were several years newer (00, 05) that were $2500 - $2600.  I had a relatively hard time finding sub $2000 good condition bikes in southern WI.  I know a lot of people ride but we do have a shorter season than other areas so the it seems the supply of used bikes is limited, probably drives price up a bit.  Maybe I'll put a few dollars into it and see what I can get for it when the season ends or maybe early next year.  For now I think I'll be happy with it though.

After reading up on goats I would say that is probably not the problem.  I fired the bike up in the driveway and revved it several times (7-8000 RPM) and didn't hear anything unusual.  I rode it up and down the driveway and didn't hear the problem but that was only a few MPH.  I already ordered the cam chain tensioner so I guess I'll go ahead with that and see what that does.

If the PO is being truthful it sounds like you got a good deal.  You could have probably found one cheaper but it would have had more issues.  My guess is that you'll enjoy many fun miles on your GS as long as you take care of and maintain it.  Happy motoring   

$1500 for a bike that runs, and puts a smile on your face.

You got a darned good deal, imo.

Have fun, ride safe. 

I wouldn't say that it was much over priced. Consider a good running bike for $1000-$1200. Then add to that the new tires and chain, it makes sense. The two used bikes I bought (Junior $1100 and Trey $1000) both needed new tires and of the right size.

For a nice looking and clean bike with new tires & chain, and stator covers that aren't all scratched up, you did OK.

Since you're new at it, consider engine guards and muffler guards. All newbies drop (or have it fall over) their bike at least once. A little protection will keep her looking like new.

I'm definitely feeling better about my purchase.  I appreciate the additional opinions. 

Has anyone else used the guards?  I tried to look up some prices saw ~$200.  Nearly everyone I've talked to tells me they've dropped a bike so I'm considering it.  I don't have a ton of $ to spend but I don't want to ding my bike up.  I'll do some more digging.  Thanks again for the tips

The GS500E crashes very well. Mine came with a couple of lowsides, and as Addiasguy can attest there wasn't a mark on the bodywork from them. I'd suggest PMing TheBuddha for one of his ignition pickup guards - the part worked wonders when I lowesided my GS500 at about 70. Other than that, I wouldn't stress the guards too much.

It's always good to see older GS500s in that kind of condition. You don't see them that clean too often.

Lots of clicking noises from these bikes with happy valves. Do pull off the valve cover and measure your clearances when cold. Easy to do. Also know that early bikes like yours and mine are prone to excess cam shaft end play. This is 100% not a problem but makes clunking and thunking noises from the cam area at idle. Still occasionally freaks me out 'cause it can be loud.  Enjoy your new old baby! 

BTW: $1500 is a pretty good deal for that bike. I got mine for a lot less, but it needed a battery, a complete carb rebuild, and tires (plus fresh fluid all around.) Parts alone would run ~400, and the labor (including the carb cleaning) would probably add another $400+ to that price.

BTW: Did the previous owner check the valve clearance? If not, it's something I would strongly advise. Mine was out of whack at 4000 miles. If you're due, consider running wider than spec exhaust valve clarances - it will significantly reduce the wear on your exhaust valve seats, and lengthen the amount of time you can go between adjustments.

I don't think the valves were checked recently.  I've seen lots of step by steps for it so I'll probably jump into it once I've got the time and motivation. 

You'd have a hard time finding a GS that clean in Co Springs for $1500, bikes here get snatched up all the time.

Quote from: BadgerBiker on March 29, 2011, 05:28:09 PM
Has anyone else used the guards?  I tried to look up some prices saw ~$200.  Nearly everyone I've talked to tells me they've dropped a bike so I'm considering it.  I don't have a ton of $ to spend but I don't want to ding my bike up.  I'll do some more digging.  Thanks again for the tips

See for sale posting where you wanted a brake lever. (though your brake lever looks OK in your photo  )

Quote from: tykho on March 29, 2011, 06:28:49 PM
You'd have a hard time finding a GS that clean in Co Springs for $1500, bikes here get snatched up all the time.

In my area too. Beginner bikes get snatched up FAST even if they need work or aren't that nice looking. I got mine for $1000 but it needed paint and mechanical TLC.

$1500 isn't bad for any clean bike. I just sold my 1991 with 17k miles for $1500. I've seen plenty go for cheaper, but at least mine came with new tires, a new tank, fresh valve check, nice handlebars, new grips, fresh inspection. As long as you're happy with it, then it's a good deal