Hello all -

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer...

I just bought a 91 GS500e (yes, it's purple!)  
It has 19k miles on it, and mostly what I know about it is that it was ridden by a friends ex-girlfriend, who allegedly took good care of it.  

Since I plan on taking my msf class (again) before I go out, I want to read up on and try to help perform a 'new to you bike check' as well as anything the bike is due for in the meantime.  Get my HANDS on the bike at least!

The tires are newer - only 300 miles on them or so.  She changed the oil and filter and took the battery out before she covered it for the winter.  We picked it up, and it started right up.  

What can you suggest?  I want to sound like I have some clue when I speak with my father about my motorcycle!

Thanks a bundle!
~eso

congrats on the bike..

not sure what else you can do.. checking the valve clearances could be one.. check your tire pressure and also your airfilter..

By the way what's ESO on your id? let me guess.. another enviormental studies student?

Manjul

Congrats on the wheels... She (the bike) won't let you down!
1) Do your preride check list:
-tires (cracks? preasure?)
-rims (disformation?)
-Front and rear suspension (leaks? Dust seals cracked on the front?)
-Controls(throtle spring back? foot break spring back? smoth and not catching or making noise?)
-etc.

2) If the oil was changed right before storage and no more then 5miles were put on the bike afterwards then you can leave it in there. I'd still check the level and do so with a white paper towel, so you can see if it is dark. If the oil looks brown I would change it.

3) You have to be confident in the bike before this next step (step 4), so take the time to make sure all bolts are tight. Check fork spacer bolts (4 of them), check that the handle bars are on solid, check the coter-pins on both wheel axles are still in place, adjust mirrors, etc.

4) Chain lube. there are as many ways to do this as there are people who read this board, I warm up the bike on a 2 mile ride, clean the chain with DW40 and a wire brush and then aply a spray chain lube. Lightly whipe off exptra and go for another slow ride to work in the chain lube. Do it every 500-600miles or when you think it's gettin dry.

5) Take of the seat and shine a flashligh under the gas tank to check the state of the air filter (mine had a couple of leaves in there ) If the filter looks realy bad, then replace it. OEM (stock) replacement is $18 + tax at most dealers. If it's just dirty you can wash it.

6) Have as much fun as you can...
Cheers
-Denis S.