I have decided on a gs500 for a starter bike and started browsing Craigslist.  I am going to take a look at this bike on Saturday. He wants $2650 for it.  The price seems way to high for a 2000. But as I am just starting to look for a bike its still worth a look and a chance to talk the guy into a more reasonable price.  Any comments would be appreciated.  BTW first post!  Love the forum. I am located in Denver.  The bike is in Fort Collins.

like new
3384 mile on it
clean from top to bottom
clean title
must see
Andrew 970 98zero 8one5two
call or text



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Might be a tad high, depends on location.  In NJ I can see him getting that. looks nice though.

$2650.  Sorry i missed that in the original post.  Edited it to put the price in...

For what it's worth, in Seattle (prices here are a little higher than average) I bought a 2005 'F' model in perfectly good shape with normal wear only and 3,650 miles on it for $2,400.00. I took all winter looking around at no less than 7 bikes and bought in February. Private party sale. Dealers here want $3.5k or better. 

My deal with the was not the greatest, but it seemed (and still does) fair and the bike (my first) is a blast.

This being Spring and all, prices will be a little higher, of course.  For my $0.02, seems like $2k is more in line, but don't really know the market in Denver. 

Good luck on your search and welcome to the form!

Not like new... its been down on the right side... just from a quick look with my phone, it appears the brake lever is badly bent, the right bar end is missing - maybe the left bar-end too (hard to see)... probably other stuff I can't see on my phone. 

Worth a look, but not the price he is asking.  Make sure you ask about flaws you have noticed, and ask about other flaws you may not have noticed.  There a little nuances with any used bike, and good owners will mention them.

- Bboy

After market bars so that's a reason for no bar ends. Brake lever IS bent meaning dropped - which might be reason for different bars.
$2k at most.
Then the final decision is up to you.
Prices for GS500's are going through the roof here in Seattle.

There is a 07 with fairing here locally for 2K....Im just sayin'

I hadnt noticed the brake lever, thank you.   I have a list of things to ask about. including any drops, racing,  previous owners and a few other things.   weedahoe where are you located?

Just for a frame of reference, I picked up a 2000 about a month ago in NJ for my wife.  It had 6600 miles and paid $1k.  Granted, it too has been down earlier in its life and sat for 5 years. I have spent about $500 in parts (tires, full carb rebuild, chain, r. brake, etc) to ensure it is 100% safe and functional for her.

I bought a 2006 with 8900 miles on it for 2500.00 about a month ago.  Never been down, was pretty much spotless.  Purchased in Ohio.

also remember low miles isnt always a good thing.  rubber drys out and seals leak when they are not used much and with an average of 260 miles a yr it has sat alot.  unless it has already rolled and then that would put it at 103k miles. with a fresh paint job.

Well I went and took a look at it on Sunday.  The bike was purchased at a police auction last year. It had sat for four years prior to the purchase.   The seller did all maintenance  on the bike this past winter.  Carb rebuild, both front and rear brake pads, brake lines, new battery, oil change and chain.  I did see a little bit of rust in the tank. Nothing of large concern, but I don't know the process of removing it. The brake lever was replaced from a drop that the owner said happened in the garage.  There is a couple scratches on the engine casing and right under the seat that confirm it has been dropped.  I got him down to $2200.  He did say that this is his hobby during the winter, fixing bikes for friends and what not.  The front suspension is stock and I would be interested in replacing it with something stiffer. Not confident it is something I could do myself.  Other than the bit of rust in the tank the bike looks and sounds to be in great condition.  He said it might not be there in a few weeks since it is spring and located in the college town of Fort Collins. Gonna mull it over and see If I can get the price down to 2000 if its still there in a month or so.  The search continues! Thanks for the advice everyone.

i paid $1000 for my 2000 GS500E but it was dropped and not as good a shape as yours.

but it still ran and still does

i'm still working on it to make it look nicer and perform a little bit better. It's a great starter bike depending on where you're riding it.

yours appears to be in better shape than mine but I don't know about $1000 more better shape

you could check out the kelley blue book. Mine was listed around $1450 in excellent condition.