It's not a GS, but another classic standard; an '85 Nighthawk 650. The seller says it's always been maintained and is ready for the road.

I know some simple things to check, like lights, the engine sound at idle, brakes, oil, tires, and tail pipe (to be sure the engine isn't burning oil).

When I look inside the fuel tank though, I am expecting to see a tiny bit of rust, since it's an old bike. But my question to you guys is, how much rust is okay?  I don't know how to tell the difference between a tiny bit of inconsequential rust and enough rust that the tank would need to be cleaned and maybe sealed (which I'd rather not do--I'd prefer to just buy a bike that didn't need that).

How much $?

If the bottom of the tank looks "speckled" with rust it should be ok.  What you don't want to see is the bottom rusted over (no bare metal spots) or rust flakes floating in the gas.

There are treatments you can get to inhibit rust inside the tank, so a little is no big deal.


Let me put it this way, if it looks like you'd want to get your arm in there and sand the inside of the tank, there is too much rust.



Just some added things to look for:

Check the forks several times throughout the transaction for any oil leakage.
Make sure the bike starts up and runs well when cold (if it's already warm when you show up tell him you will return in an hour or so to start it cold).
See that it will roll easily (wheel bearing check).
Put it on the center stand and check to see if the rear wheel spins in 1st gear with the clutch in (a little rotation is natural, but you want to make sure the clutch is disengaging properly).  While you're at it, check to see if the transmission will go through all the gears.
Bring someone who can follow you on a test ride, or have the seller ride it and you follow it to check if the bike is "dog tracking".
Turn the petcock a handful of times to make sure it is behaving properly.  A stiff petcock could need rebuilding/replacing.
Turn the bars to full lock both left and right, it will help you determine if the bars and/or headset is crooked/bent.

And when on the test ride make sure to ride it up in high RPMs at some point (as long as you are comfortable doing so) to make sure the bike will make it to higher RPMs.  If it can't it could indicate poor carb settings among other issues.


Good luck, and as always: pics or shens!

Quote from: cbrfxr67 on May 29, 2014, 12:43:50 PM
How much $?

$1500.

Turns out I probably won't be able to see it tonight after all; I couldn't get a ride there. But I'm still probably going to check it out, maybe sometime over the weekend if it hasn't sold by then.

Quote from: Watcher on May 29, 2014, 01:12:28 PM
If the bottom of the tank looks "speckled" with rust it should be ok.  What you don't want to see is the bottom rusted over (no bare metal spots) or rust flakes floating in the gas.

There are treatments you can get to inhibit rust inside the tank, so a little is no big deal.


Let me put it this way, if it looks like you'd want to get your arm in there and sand the inside of the tank, there is too much rust.



Just some added things to look for:

Check the forks several times throughout the transaction for any oil leakage.
Make sure the bike starts up and runs well when cold (if it's already warm when you show up tell him you will return in an hour or so to start it cold).
See that it will roll easily (wheel bearing check).
Put it on the center stand and check to see if the rear wheel spins in 1st gear with the clutch in (a little rotation is natural, but you want to make sure the clutch is disengaging properly).  While you're at it, check to see if the transmission will go through all the gears.
Bring someone who can follow you on a test ride, or have the seller ride it and you follow it to check if the bike is "dog tracking".
Turn the petcock a handful of times to make sure it is behaving properly.  A stiff petcock could need rebuilding/replacing.
Turn the bars to full lock both left and right, it will help you determine if the bars and/or headset is crooked/bent.

And when on the test ride make sure to ride it up in high RPMs at some point (as long as you are comfortable doing so) to make sure the bike will make it to higher RPMs.  If it can't it could indicate poor carb settings among other issues.


Good luck, and as always: pics or shens!

Thanks!!

Edit: Turns out another bike caught my eye... http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mcy/4481791296.html

I'm not sure how I feel about the paint, but maybe I'll look at both the GS and the Nighthawk before making a decision. They're both within my price range and both are roughly the kind of bike I'm looking to buy.

$1500 for an 83 Honda? It better be in fantastic shape...... Remember, older inline 4's have 4 carbs that will probably need some maintenance (usually soon after the sale coincidentally) .

I'd keep looking - maybe even talk down the GS500 owner a little.

Quote from: Big Rich on May 29, 2014, 02:29:11 PM
$1500 for an 83 Honda? It better be in fantastic shape...... Remember, older inline 4's have 4 carbs that will probably need some maintenance (usually soon after the sale coincidentally) .

I'd keep looking - maybe even talk down the GS500 owner a little.

I'll keep that in mind. Is there any reason to be suspicious of newer bikes that have been repainted like that GS500?

Here's the Honda btw. The listed price is $1800, but the seller told me he'd go as low as $1500, which is roughly in line with the NADA value range. But...it is an old bike and I do need something reliable.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/4449627349.html

Really appreciate the advice.

Either the owner of the GS is a "tinkerer" and feels a need to change a stock bike, or it could have needed a complete redo from an accident of some kind. I'd be sure to ask plenty of questions about what exactly was done and why, and double check that the title is clean. Aside from the black paint, the wheels were painted white.

I'm not saying the Honda isn't in mint condition (it does look good though), I'm saying older bikes can sometimes be a pain to work on. Everything is usually easier to access mechanically, but sometimes parts can be tough to find.

Quote from: Big Rich on May 29, 2014, 02:29:11 PM
$1500 for an 83 Honda? It better be in fantastic shape...... Remember, older inline 4's have 4 carbs that will probably need some maintenance (usually soon after the sale coincidentally) .

I'd keep looking - maybe even talk down the GS500 owner a little.

why i asked,.... I vote gs

.02

that's not a cheap chickenhawk. id go gs also tbh, well I am kinda biased lol