So I purchased a GS500. It's a 2007 in pretty good condition, low mileage, everything works, engine sounds great, etc. I did my research beforehand, a lot of which came from here. The GS500 seems like a pretty good match for me. Pretty damn stoked to have a motorcycle again, and pretty excited for the power upgrade, as so far the most powerful bike I've owned was an Aprilia RS125, which pulled about 28bhp. That thing was uncomfortable as shaZam! and had zero engine braking (2 stroke), so it was pretty terrifying to ride. Oh and it did about 25 miles to the gallon. Other than that I had a Yamaha v twin 125cc four stroke bobber that I built, which was fun, but wasn't very practical, liked to break down a lot, and had no power whatsoever over about 40mph. So the idea of a practical, reliable, comfortable, and powerful bike is a dream come true for me. Anyways, it's good to join the extended GS twin family.

Although it's pretty clean for the year, it has a few things that need attention. There is a minor oil weep from somewhere on the top of the engine, it still has the stock brake system, stock exhaust, some rusty-ass exhaust header bolts, and the chain looks a little rusty too. Nothing too egregious, it's a used bike so I don't expect a lot. Back of the swingarm looked pretty clean and there was no rust anywhere else. Forgot to get a good look at the rear shock, but the forks looked fine. Spark plugs looked new as well, but I've no idea what type they are.

Can anyone tell me anything about the oil weep? From what I've read this is pretty common to the GS500 and suzukis in general. Anyone know where it might be coming from? Once I get the bike delivered I'll take some pictures, but it definitely didn't look like a head gasket leak, it was further up around the valve cover area. I had a look around the wiki but nothing stood out. If anyone knows of a particular trouble spot that would be helpful.

I'll probably do a few minor upgrades like DID X-ring chain, stainless steel braided brake lines, iridium plugs, brembo pads, etc. I figure the bike makes more than enough power for the street so if I do any jetting it will probably be with the stock setup. The laws in Ontario about straight through exhausts are a little strict, although it seems that just about every single Harley Davidson rider is breaking it, so my guess is that it's not actively enforced. We'll see how it goes. My current thinking is that if I want a more powerful bike, it's more cost effective to sell the GS and buy something with more poke.

There is a gasket for the valve cover. The leak could be coming from there. Pictures would be better when you get the bike

In order to find the leak you should clean it thoroughly so that it is completely oil free, idle it and check it, and then check the engine every couple miles.

Oil can leak out the cam chain tensioner on the back of the engine, at the bottom of the cylinders, the valve cover, and possibly the breather at the top of the valve cover.

Oil can also be spilled on the engine while filling. 

Congrats on the bike!! Awesome story, I enjoyed reading. Good luck finding your oil leak, lucas and Jimbob said it all... and of course, we love pics 

Quote from: lucas on May 08, 2016, 10:20:54 PM
In order to find the leak you should clean it thoroughly so that it is completely oil free, idle it and check it, and then check the engine every couple miles.

Oil can leak out the cam chain tensioner on the back of the engine, at the bottom of the cylinders, the valve cover, and possibly the breather at the top of the valve cover.

Oil can also be spilled on the engine while filling.

+1. But don't forget about the orings under the 4 allen head bolts that hold the cover down (there's 6 bolts, but only 4 have orings that can leak).

Thanks for the replies guys, and sorry for the late response. There's been a holdup on getting the bike on the road. I got my M1 license 2 weeks ago, but couldn't get insurance (they just quoted themselves out with crazy prices). So I'm currently just waiting to take my M2 safety course. It's a 3 day course and I'm booked in for June 8th. Once I've done that I get a certificate that I can exchange for an M2 license. More importantly, if I show the certificate to insurers, they will offer quotes around the $1400 mark. That's pretty good for first year motorcycle insurance in Ontario. The course cost $520, but the $2000 annual insurance discount is worth it. Once I have insurance I can get my plates and actually take some pictures of the thing. Until then, the seller is graciously holding on to it for me in his garage.

In the mean time I have to gear up for the safety course. Got a steal of a deal on an Icon Alliance for $80 which I repainted gloss white from a pretty ugly "freaky tiki" theme, now I'm just keeping an eye out for a leather jacket and gloves. Gonna be fun wearing all that crap in mid June!

As for the oil leak, my memory tells me that weeping from the bolts sounds about right. So it's probably just a missing O-ring.

That is insanely high for insurance I feel I don't live there but a gs500 is not a super sport bike so it should be in a reasonable price range I feel I pay 140 a year for full coverage in MN

Remember, the OP is in Canada. Motorcycle insurance costs more because health insurance is cheap (or free?).

Insurance is high in Ontario because you are legally required to have a minimum liability of $1,000,000. $1400 for first year with that kind of coverage is actually really good. It's because I'm over 25 and rode a motorcycle for 4 years when I lived in England. Most Ontarians pay more than that. Also, it has nothing to do with healthcare. That's tax funded.

Compared to my insurance in the UK it's on the high end, but it's not exactly a comparable level of coverage either. Also even though it sounds high, it's not really breaking the bank. It works out as a little over 100 bucks a month. Pretty sure I could blow 100 bucks in a week just on junk food.

Welcome man looking forward to seeing some pictures and following this thread, I love progress threads 👍.

As said above oil leak will be from the rocker cover or around about there in my opinion.
Personally I think iridium plugs are just a gymic I put them in my gs and I noticed no difference at all so I've just stuck with standard ngk ones. But everything else is definetly a good upgrade 😊.

Wow man them insurance prices are high, I live in the uk so prices are different for reasons like you say about the health insurance and stuff over there but I paid £103 a year for the gs fully comp with all mods declared the insurance company couldn't believe I wanted in on monthly haha 😂.

I'm with you on the 100 quid a month on junk food dude, I also could do that no problem haha

Welcome man and can't wait to read more 👍


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Sorry ZC - that was the over simplified version I got years ago when I heard about Canadian insurance.