Hello all,

I'm a newbie to riding and a wannabe GS500 owner. I've been keeping an eye out for a bike as funds are a little sparse and I came across this. Now the question is this bike even worth the time? I haven't found a good one for less than about $2200 in my area and the thought is maybe get this and be able to put it back together over time. However this thing looks rough. What's the experts opinion?

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/mcy/3886472748.html

I would pass for that price?
Maybe half that price unless you like doing all the work yourself?
I paid $600 for mine and it was running and only needed a chain for registration in OZ so that seems steep to me?
Local members may have another opinion though?

Just re-read the advert and have decided that with all the new parts I would consider it
Even if the motor does not start the parts alone are worth the risk Maybe offer $400 and go from there.

Would NOT purchase cos as well as the things u can see there must be even more u can't see, particularly if the engine can't be started.For someone like u whose just beginning to feel his way i think it's too big a project to take-on.......expenses will quickly mount & run out of control.
Just cos someone says something doesn't necessarily make it true.
Keep saving & looking is my advice(maybe offer a price on the tyres though)

I say skip it as well. Your in prime season, but be patient.

There are more likely more problems. My bike was in really awesome shape and I have dropped 300-400 on it so far for maintenance, etc.

Heres the deal, regardless of how many miles or what new parts he has.

If you cant start it now you dont know what else could be wrong.

If it were neglected to that point, what else will soon go wrong?

Look at the front tire. IF the person who had it drove it like that they both didn't care for their own safety or the bike. That most likely means other maintenance was also skipped.

Parts bike, sure. A project bike sure. But not at $600. I say 300-400. Yeah someone could part it for more, but thats not easy work either, listing, shipping, etc.

You're right... the GS500's in your area that are decent are listed over $2000. Don't be tempted by the ones with no title. They could be stolen, especially if it is in decent shape and is listed for only $600.... I don't believe them when they say it isn't stolen. Have you tried looking in neighboring cities? Maybe you and a pal with a pickup could go look at it and maybe drive it home if it's worth it.

If there's a bike that looks worth a trip, take a look then. I went about and hour or so away from my place to see a coworkers gs500 cause it looked good for what he wanted. Ended up trading a scooter to him for it cause I fell in love. I know from experience, wanting a bike drives you nuts. Just wait until you find a legit deal, even if you have to make a small trip to see it. Better to wait for something you feel comfortable with (like repairs, feel, look, etc.) than jump into something you question.

That being said, is pass on this bike. I don't see it being worth it to pay all the money for parts, especially since you're new. If you know anyone who knows bikes, even a little bit, ask them to come when you find something of interest. That's what I did, and he knew what I would need and what I may need. Worked out for me to wait for something worth while.

I wish it was in my area, I'd pick it up in a heart beat.  But I wouldn't recommend it as a 1st bike.  You'll want something you can ride.

I appreciate all the feedback so far and I agree that the sound judgment is to just pass on it and save up. However, i am interested in the challenge and it may cure my itch to have something at least even though it will take some time before I can actually ride it. I'm fairly mechanically  inclined with cars but never had any experience with motorcycles. If everything wrong with it is as described should I be able to handle the repairs myself? if you will If i could pick it up for about 300 bucks or so. Also, I'm going to go look at it and see just how rough it looks and maybe borrow a battery from a friend to ensure that it turns over and all the electrical components work. Any other big things to look for if I go this route?

You don't even need a battery to check if it turns over physically.. however the battery will tell you lights, starter, etc all work.

Carb rebuild will run $50 or so for both sides.. if its stock and not been all jetted up, etc.

Mounting tires is $20 a rim or so.

Electrical issues can be who knows how much frustration.

If the piston is not seized, clutch is good, brakes are good and you can do an oil change (or two) to get the motor cleaned out that's maybe $20.

General chain clean, and lube, among brakes and clutch adjustment, etc,

The bigger project is fixing any leaks, and checking that fuel tank for rust.. if its really rusty its going to be some work to bring it back with a clean and seal, or replacement($120-200).

Then if you are concerned with paint matching or repainting.

Fuel lines will probably need replacing. Figure $20-30 for all new lines, etc.

The back fender has been chopped or something it looks like and the back fairings are missing. Headlight is not stock, and depends on how well that works if you replace or keep it, etc.


If I got that bike I would pull the carbs and air filter get the rebuilt and replaced. Change the oil and filter. Drop in a battery and get it running.

Then I would pull the motor off the frame and clean and paint it and put it all back together like its supposed to be.

If you are willing to spend time on the forums to research and ask questions, and then go out and get it done you can do it if you are mechanically inclined and have worked on cars.

I don't think its worth $600, but others will. If you can get it for $400 or so sweet. I realize there are tires included so that's $150-200.. but still even then. I think depending on if the electrics work and she cranks $500 max ( just my opinion).

This is a great forum, lots of helpful members and a ton of good resources. the GS500 is a great starter bike and with the help here you can get it done.

That's exactly what I was looking for snake thanks! I agree that, 600 is too much. i'm going to go in at 300 and not move beyond 400 unless something remarkable happens. would this battery work for diagnosis purposes? I'd hate to spend 50-100 bucks on a bike i dont buy. or is there any tips on a decent cheap battery somewhere else to start with?

What battery? Did you link one? make sure if you use something else (like a car battery) that you dont blow the fuse. research here on car batteries and jumping bikes.

Cheap battery is Walmart.. not sure maybe a lawnmower battery would work to turn it over. check the forums here.

I am forgetting its a 2004.. man she has been through hell. The oil cooler up front used to be hidden by front fairings etc.

Make sure it sits straight and the forks and bars are not all bent up as well. bars are $25 or so, forks thats a bigger issue, frame bent or swingarm thats also an issue.

Get right down in front and behind it to make sure its straight sit on it and grab the bars, etc.

Get a flashlight in the tank and look for rust.

And I am no means an expert here or on the GS...pretty new myself. Others hopefully will chime in.

Strap in.. it will be a good project bike.

oops yeah here's the link.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_12-volt-small-engine-maintenance-free-battery-group-size-u1-160-cca-autocraft-lawn-&-garden_2050099-p?navigationPath=L1*14920%7CL2*15000#fragment-3

and yeah she looks rough especially less than 10 years old.  The more i look at her the more worried I get. Oh well, if it works out at least i could be riding within a month or so and ill have time to make her look pretty after that. Thanks for the additional tips. I should be checking her out monday or so. Ill keep everyone posted.

Am I crazy or are the handlebars not mounted where they are supposed to be? they look to be mounted lower than normal. I havent owned a GS500 (yet) so I could use some confirmation.

Yes they are mounted below the triple as opposed to above

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Maybe a compression test when you visit the bike would be smart if you have a kit yourself at home?

you can rent those compression testers as well for free.

not sure what the range should be on a gs and if it should be done wet or dry. do a little searching here first.

I see a very untidy and unappealing bike that has been seriously neglected, has parts missing, is a non runner and has no history. I am sure you know what the risks are in buying kit like this and how much you could stand to lose. This is not one for a novice and if I were you I would be looking for something that at least runs and is all there.

Biggest question I have......

If what the seller says is true regarding the missing parts why doesn't he sell the skins and chain set, buy the parts himself, get the thing running and make the bike easier to sell?

I agree with Sledge. You will spend all your summer time, money, and frustration trying to fix a dead horse instead of having fun and learning to ride better.

anyone notice the "new tires" hes selling with it are 150's ? honestly this thing screams somone made more then a few bad decisions and now wants out of it. i would walk right passed it if i was you. i got my 93 in full working order with 8k miles on it for 700$ >.>