I came across a 2004 gs500f on CL for a good price, the engine needs the top end replaced. He has the top end pulled off the bike, and all parts necessary to rebuild.

I rate my mechanic ability to be about a 2.5/5. If i purchase a clymer manual from the site to go with the Hyanes I have, is it likely I could succeed at rebuilding it and getting it on the road?

You also have this website. Which is by far one of the greatest sources of knowledge, we are your experience. (Not so much me though, I am a rookie mechanic)

But Adidas and all the other GS God's might offer their support.

Quote from: Zethioth on January 18, 2013, 06:25:14 PM
You also have this website. Which is by far one of the greatest sources of knowledge, we are your experience. (Not so much me though, I am a rookie mechanic)

But Adidas and all the other GS God's might offer their support.

Fair point. I know I would need to get some more tools. (Every tool I had was stolen from me about 2 years ago  ) I have built a single cyllinder 5hp go-kart motor in the past. But I know there is much more to this.

Quote from: PatheticPuma on January 18, 2013, 06:27:16 PM

Quote from: Zethioth on January 18, 2013, 06:25:14 PM
You also have this website. Which is by far one of the greatest sources of knowledge, we are your experience. (Not so much me though, I am a rookie mechanic)

But Adidas and all the other GS God's might offer their support.

Fair point. I know I would need to get some more tools. (Every tool I had was stolen from me about 2 years ago  ) I have built a single cyllinder 5hp go-kart motor in the past. But I know there is much more to this.

I've done A LOT of tool borrowing from my neighbors and friends. But they are good to have, lock them up this time.

I would seriously wonder why the seller would abandon the project once he has 'everything' to complete it... Cases like these always need more than what you or the seller 'thinks' will get it running right.

I'm not doubting you ability to fix it, as I see you started your own current project with confidence and it looks promising.  In addition, I believe most people with a noggin and the will could do it too. I just really doubt that the parts it includes will get it running... Unless he includes a running parts bike, haha.

- Bboy

  Top end as in base, head, valves, etc? Yeah, shouldn't be a problem. I had to remove the head from my bike and the previous experience I had was equivalent to oil changes and basic car maintenance. Just take it easy, replace every gasket, and keep track of everything that comes out and where it goes. I think the most complicated things will be getting the pistons situated and maybe timing. Everything else is pretty much tightening nuts to their spec'd torque.

Quote from: BockinBboy on January 18, 2013, 06:34:05 PM
I would seriously wonder why the seller would abandon the project once he has 'everything' to complete it... Cases like these always need more than what you or the seller 'thinks' will get it running right.

Hm, good point Bboy.

Puma, if I were you, I would take a knowledgeable friend or two to go with you and give the bike a good thorough look through if you are going to purchase it.

Quote from: Zethioth on January 18, 2013, 06:33:46 PM

I've done A LOT of tool borrowing from my neighbors and friends. But they are good to have, lock them up this time.

Its not that they werent locked up, They pulled the damn doors off my shed.

Quote from: BockinBboy on January 18, 2013, 06:34:05 PM
I would seriously wonder why the seller would abandon the project once he has 'everything' to complete it... Cases like these always need more than what you or the seller 'thinks' will get it running right.

I'm not doubting you ability to fix it, as I see you started your own current project with confidence and it looks promising.  In addition, I believe most people with a noggin and the will could do it too. I just really doubt that the parts it includes will get it running... Unless he includes a running parts bike, haha.

- Bboy

I had similar concerns. Seller claims it was his fathers bike, who passsed away last year and its been sitting since.

Quote from: Zethioth on January 18, 2013, 06:38:12 PM

Quote from: BockinBboy on January 18, 2013, 06:34:05 PM
I would seriously wonder why the seller would abandon the project once he has 'everything' to complete it... Cases like these always need more than what you or the seller 'thinks' will get it running right.

Hm, good point Bboy.

Puma, if I were you, I would take a knowledgeable friend or two to go with you and give the bike a good thorough look through if you are going to purchase it.

It's a good distance from me, some 200 miles. But my uncle lives near the seller in northern, MI. Maybe I can have him take a look for me.

Sounds like either way you can't have the full story going in... If it really was his dads, then I would doubt he knows the whole story.... And If he's lying , well, you won't get the whole story anyway.

- Bboy

Quote from: BockinBboy on January 18, 2013, 06:34:05 PM
I would seriously wonder why the seller would abandon the project once he has 'everything' to complete it... Cases like these always need more than what you or the seller 'thinks' will get it running right.

I'm not doubting you ability to fix it, as I see you started your own current project with confidence and it looks promising.  In addition, I believe most people with a noggin and the will could do it too. I just really doubt that the parts it includes will get it running... Unless he includes a running parts bike, haha.

- Bboy

Im on the same page as BBOY but if the price is good as you say then f%$k it go for it and if you have to sink some money then your still ok if the price is that good.

Quote from: BockinBboy on January 18, 2013, 06:45:48 PM
Sounds like either way you can't have the full story going in... If it really was his dads, then I would doubt he knows the whole story.... And If he's lying , well, you won't get the whole story anyway.

- Bboy

Very good point. hadn't thought about it in that light.

Quote from: rharding91 on January 18, 2013, 06:49:11 PM
Im on the same page as BBOY but if the price is good as you say then f%$k it go for it and if you have to sink some money then your still ok if the price is that good.

Price is $800 and it has 5,xxx miles on the odometer. I just tried finding the ad again to share but cant find it. Sent the owner a text to see if he still has it. I know the left side plastics are are damaged from a drop. I'm just also concerned about over doing it. As buying it would eat up my budget plus some on my '91 build im working on.

Youll always make more money and you might be able to turn that around I dont know what the GS500 sells for in your area but throw some new plastics on it and fix that engine and youd earn some cash Im sure. Who knows maybe the guy would take 500$ I would ask before driving out there though. 200 miles is far.

I got the reply from the sender. Someone beat me to it.

There is another one same year, same problem, But in east Michigan and its more expensive. Seller didnt seem eager to answer answer any questions. Firm on the price, but didn't reply to any other questions.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcy/3470867563.html

You could buy this one with a bad engine, get a new engine for 3-4 hundred and you're still cheaper than a F model would normally be

Well, I wont be buying much of anything until I get grant payout from my college. And that is supposed to be at latest 31st. But I am a craigslist addict haha. If the seller still has it and will reply to questions. I may nab it, and give it a try to do the rebuild. If I cant then I could look into an engine. Im more or less looking for an answer as to how many hours and what difficulty of work I would be looking at. Im on my own as far as the actual wrenching is concerned.

Quote from: PatheticPuma on January 18, 2013, 07:14:57 PM
Well, I wont be buying much of anything until I get grant payout from my college. And that is supposed to be at latest 31st. But I am a craigslist addict haha. If the seller still has it and will reply to questions. I may nab it, and give it a try to do the rebuild. If I cant then I could look into an engine. Im more or less looking for an answer as to how many hours and what difficulty of work I would be looking at. Im on my own as far as the actual wrenching is concerned.

If they still have it by the 31st im sure they would be more willing on price flexibility. You could always sabotage his ad by posting another with same photos and text but using a different number then flag them both from spam. Then on the 31st pick it up cheap.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=62801.0;topicseen

Lots of parts on the boards lately

I wouldn't trust any engine that I can't hear run. That being said, if you can have him take the side cover off and turn the engine over manually, then at least you know that the engine is not seized up. That means that new parts could fix it. You have to be real careful buying a bike that doesn't run because then you don't know how the charging system works etc... If you could buy a bike like stated earlier, with an engine that doesn't work, cheap enough to where you still have money to buy a used engine that works after attempting to fix it, I would do that.

Happy fishing!