We're about to finalize a purchase on a 2004 GS500F with only 7,000 miles on it and we're wondering if there's anything we should be aware of about the bike or any other information that you guys could share would be just great. I already took it for a test ride and started it from cold and all seems fine. Owner took decent care of it, but some minor fairing damage. Only reason the guy is selling it is because of family pressure to sell it.

The wife, who is a beginner is only 5.1, 100lbs, so one of the first mods will be a seat shave. She's also asking about levers, but can't find much in that department.

Thanks folks.



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Hi there,
You didn't mention how much they want for it. 
Also, the front tire appears to have "cupping" from wear and might need to be replaced.
Does the bike have stock weak front fork springs or have they been upgraded to Progressive springs?
That's a huge safety and control upgrade that should be done, as well as a likely fork oil change, too.
Does it look like it's been maintained well?
Is the chain rusty or LOOSE?  If so, it's maintenance may not have been good.
Check the OIL level with the bike ON ITS CENTERSTAND. Unscrew the cap, then wipe off the stick. Now place it back into the engine BUT DON"T THREAD it in. Just rest it in the hole.
Now look at the oil level.
Is it up to the top line? It should be there.
GS500s can use oil and if the owner has been riding it with low oil that is NOT good.
Have you looked inside the gas tank cap to be sure that there is NO RUST inside the tank? A good thing to check.
How does it sound?
How does it run?
What else can you tell us about your observations about the bike?
Good luck, man.
Ask LOTS of questions and get answers that satisfy you about the bike.
Best wishes,
Trwhouse 

isn't she's kinda small for this bike?

Quote from: browncheetah on June 12, 2013, 01:24:52 PM
isn't she's kinda small for this bike?

Lol... There is a woman in our group who is about that size and rides 1000

Check out this thread:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59745.msg685694#msg685694

Quote from: browncheetah on June 12, 2013, 01:24:52 PM
isn't she's kinda small for this bike?

LOL... She's riding my VFR800 ATM, so definitely not Admittedly, the VFR800 is a bit of a beast for her, so thus her own bike, the GS500F.


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Didn't I see her in a TV commercial? 

Quote from: jdoorn14 on June 13, 2013, 05:13:21 AM
Didn't I see her in a TV commercial? 

No, is it on YouTube? If so, please share

T-Mobile started running a series of commercials last year featuring a hot chick on something like a Ducati.

One of them is here, but I can't view it at work, so I'm not sure it's the one I'm thinking of.

spring upgrades for a 100 lb rider? I wouldn't think so?

Yo Snake,
The spring upgrades have nothing to do with a 100-pound rider.
They have to do with the fact that the stock springs on a GS500 are worthless for ANY riders. They are short and thin and use long spacers from the factory to fit the length of the fork tubes. They DIVE under braking and are not sufficient for safe control and riding.
For anyone buying a GS500, this is a great and almost mandatory first upgrade.
Check through the boards and see all the comments from people about how new fork springs made a HUGE difference in their bikes.
That's what I meant above.
Best wishes,
Trwhouse 

I would say go for it, i love this bike and even though i plan on upgrading to a larger bike im keeping this one as a backup for now, feel free to ask any questions about it mechanically and im sure we can help you out.

Send more pictures...of wife..

Cookie

trwhouse,

thanks for the reply.

OP.

Solid bike, great following, simple to work on and maintain. Parts a available over a wide range of years, the bike should do her great.

Quote from: Snake2715 on June 13, 2013, 08:34:22 AM
spring upgrades for a 100 lb rider? I wouldn't think so?

I'm about 140 and put the Progressives in. It makes a huge difference, especially on the potholes. The old springs kept bottoming out even though the fluid was alright. So I made the change and it handles a lot nicer.

Quote from: Snake2715 on June 13, 2013, 08:34:22 AM
spring upgrades for a 100 lb rider? I wouldn't think so?

I agree. 160 or so is my tipping point.
Progressive fronts are fine for almost any weight cos with low preload they are very ... well progressive, but straight rate ones are not. You dont need it till 160 riding weight IMHO.

Cool.
Buddha.

We'll see about the front forks, but I took it out for a spin and it even seemed ok, I'm 170. So my wife at 100lbs should be fine.

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OK then 170 is the tipping point. Now If you did one of em "rollie free" type runs to test the 160 theory, I sure as hell dont want to see pics of it. 

Cool.
Buddha.