Quote from: adidasguy on October 25, 2011, 10:26:46 AM
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mcy/2665475473.html

I think you're better going as stock as possible them customize it yourself to what you want.
If someone else farkled up the bike - you'll be spending extra money because they think everything they did increased its value --- NOT!

You can PM grommett2k and see if his is still for sale.

There were more on CL last week. They come and go every week.

Thanks for the reference Patrick, but I decided to keep the bike. My bike and I seem to have the same relationship as my wife and I. One day I want to get rid of her, the next I can't live without her. I did post my bike on CL, but then deleted the ad the next day 

To the OP. I think that's a bit steep for what it is. Are you going to be buying it outright? If so, go in a tell them what you are willing to pay. I would offer $2000 to $2500...

Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 25, 2011, 12:21:26 PM

You can't expect a person to pay full price for the modification of course, but decreasing in value off current year private party price? Maybe if you find a sucker. My bike is always maintained immaculately, all maintenance is logged, and any modifications are done in a professional and repeatable manner. If I'm unable, I have a professional do it. If someone took 500-1000 off my offer because of that, I'd laugh in their face and hold it for someone who could appreciate it.

I'm not going to argue against your offer, I'm going to start with the value of the bike, well maintained and unmodified then adjust from there.

For example, the bike the OP linked to is an 07 500F. KBB says it's a $2500 bike, but since it's low mileage and fairly recent, a good example could probably fetch a bit more than $3K... Let's say $3200.

Now, first of all, the fairing is missing. Don't care how nice a job you did, that fairing is worth money. Include the headlight, windshield, etc... And I'm going to take $700 right off the bat. We're down to the $2500KBB. Flat black tail section, not matched to the tank... Another $100 at least.

Now, to be fair the rest of the bike looks pretty clean. Fender isn't bobbed, stock reflectors, signals, mirrors, etc seem to be in place, so there's a good chance I'm not going to find any hacked-up wiring when I work on the bike. Exhaust is also stock.

So, I'd probably offer $2400, assuming I didn't see any signs of damage, wear, rounded off bolts, etc.

If it had a nice Yoshimura full system, I might concede $50-$100 increase in value. V&H or other brands, I probably wouldn't offer anything extra. If they had chopped the stock can off, and replaced it with anything but a part specifically designed for this bike, I'd subtract $100.

Dealers will do the same thing. I was considering selling my R1150R to a BMW dealer. They looked at the $1200 Remus system, and said that they were going to subtract $500 off their offer to install the stock system. I traded another BMW owner exhausts plus $300 cash, and sold it with the stock pipe.

Quote from: burning1 on October 25, 2011, 01:15:16 PM
Now, to be fair the rest of the bike looks pretty clean. Fender isn't bobbed, stock reflectors, signals, mirrors, etc seem to be in place,

Nope, mirrors look like they're these:

http://www.amazon.com/Emgo-Universal-Trimline-Mirror-Black/dp/B00411QIPU

+1 burning.

If the fairings have been removed it should be priced (and advertised) as a GS500E, not F. The only thing its got that's "F" is the oil cooler.
Now, the next thing I'd ask is why has someone removed the fairings? Two possibilities here, one is they liked the naked look more, the other is they dropped it and it was cheaper to not replace the fairings. Considering they've also replaced the mirrors and repainted the tail its most likely it was dropped. That's not necessarily a deal breaker, (I bought my bike as a repaired write-off) but it should make it a lot cheaper.
Regardless of whether the dealer wants to convince you that the conversion was by choice, not due to damage, when you go to sell it later potential buyers are going to ask the same questions and you will lose out financially.
I don't know the US market, but from what the other guys are saying, and given how cheap they are new over there I don't think its worth more than about $2500.
I think you're right in looking for a naked GS as a first bike, last time I dropped mine (actually backed my van into it and knocked it off the stand ) it cost me $70 for handlebars and clutch lever. If it was an 'F' it would have cost a whole lot more!

Stock mirrors = $$$ (for an "E")  and since stock for "F"  model was on the fairing, these are aftermarket mirrors.

OP - I don't think you need to worry about getting burned on a used gs. What you hear when you purchase it is what you'll hear for 20-30K miles generally. If you're incredibly paranoid you can pull the side cases and check for goats syndrome and that other one, but I wouldn't myself.

If the chain looks good and the rotors aren't burned, engine sounds good and there is -any- oil change history that looks positive, just ride and enjoy.

really, the gs is a very reliable (for a carbed bike) machine. the transmission will be something you miss on other bikes, as it really is smooth shifting GEM compared to some. put a battery tender on it for those weeks you're not riding. stabil in the tank too. get the tires off the floor if you can, or just move it once a week or so.

have you considered the ninja 500ex / 500r ? or the ninja 250 ? both have good wind protection, and the 250 is great for smaller framed folk. very very fun bikes like the gs, but are water cooled. cheap on insurance and not considered 'race replicas' or similar.

had i known you were female at first, i would have pushed you towards the 250 for ease of use. assuming height is a consideration.

whatever you get, remember it's only a bike. no need in waxing it weekly or worrying about the engine taking a dump tomorrow. pay cash, ride it, flog it, and when the love dies just get another. sooner or later they all come apart for some attention:

Quote from: ohgood on October 25, 2011, 03:43:53 PM


whatever you get, remember it's only a bike. no need in waxing it weekly or worrying about the engine taking a dump tomorrow. pay cash, ride it, flog it, and when the love dies just get another. sooner or later they all come apart for some attention:

Oh my god, okay, there was a lot of good, *solid* advice in your post, but I have to say--the above is pretty great advice to apply to boyfriends as well!    *has the giggles*

I looked at Ninja 250s, but they weren't as comfortable for riding position.  It was uncomfortable through the pelvis/hips for whatever reason.  I didn't have any problems putting my feet on the ground on the GS500 (I'm 5'4" but a little long in the legs).  I didn't have the opportunity to sit on a Ninja 500, but I'll keep an eye out.

The other concern I had on the 250s is that I do eventually want to do some highway riding (like Seattle to Portland next summer) and don't want to be struggling to pass, keep up, etc.

I think you're right--I just need to find something that feels good that's a reasonable deal, take decent care of it, and get out there.  I think unless I'm feeling really aggressive about bargaining, I'll pass on this particular one. 

And now I have to go google "goats syndrome".

Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond so thoughtfully!

Don't Google goats, use the forum search function.

Have a rad of this "buying guide" before you go a hunting. http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html YOu reallty shouldn't need to worry about looking for tie wire holes in bolts on a GS, but the guide has a Lot of good stuff to look for. And if you find a Maybe that's you've gone to see, take some photos of it and post them here for us to Analyse. Tires, chain, rear sprocket, engine, instrument display, handlebars, seat, forks, you get the idea.

Happy hunting.

Michael

It seems high, to me but it all depends on the condition, and miles, they are a beginner bike so they tend  to be used and abused by people, if they have the records for oil changes and maintenance on the bike then it helps. But in Minnesota where I live, that would be high.