Hey everyone, I'm a new rider, this will be my first motorcycle. I got my license last summer and have yet to get something to ride. Recently I was talking to soem friends and this bike came into te conversation. I went and looked at it, but not know that much about motorcycles and nothing specific about a GS500 I though I would come and see if ther eis anyhting right off the bat I should know. I have a decent amount of mechanical knowledge of has friends who know much more than I do along with my father. We are capable of fixing anything wrong with a bike, but hoping not having to do so.

The bike itself is a 1997 GS500E and has been sitting for over a year and a half and has not ran. The PO bought a new bike and just let it sit. The only visible damage on the bike is a scrape on the timing cover on the right side of the engine and the mirrors are shot. They said it was low sided but the timing cover is the only evidence of that. The chain is dirty, but looks alright from what I can tell. The engine still has oil in it and the right level. It will need a new battery and probably have the carbs cleaned. Other than this stuff I'm not sure what else I should be looking for or anything on the model of bike I should be looking at specifically. I'm not worried too much about cosmetics because I plan on doing my own thing with this bike.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

If the price is right get it. These bikes are really easy to fix and a perfect starting/commuter bike. Its the first road bike i have owned and i love it. If you are a power junkie you will be dissapointed however for a first bike that 97 sounds like a winner to me. DO IT!

I'm assuming it doesn't start right now.

Before you buy it I would put it in a high gear (4th or 5th and push it).  This will rotate the engine some so you can ensure it hasn't seized up.  Also see how the clutch handle responds.  When bikes with wet clutches sit for a while with oil the friction plates tend to stick together. Its easy enough to fix but it will make diagnosing the bike a bit more difficult.

If you can bring a wrench I would check the front sprocket to see for signs of wear since you said the chain looks old.  It's not bad to replace but it will give you leverage to bring the price of the bike down.  Of course so will checking the tire wear.  New tires will run you $250 and up.

Hope this helps.