Gs500e

[zenn68]

Came across a 94 Suzuki GS500 online. I like the price, going to see tomorrow morning. What should I be looking for? I read to check the forks and frame, but how do I tell if the forks are straight or if the frame is somehow damaged?
At what points on the bike do I look for leaks? How much play should th chain have? any other suggestions on what to look out for/

Thanks

[Clint]

You're going to have to rely on mostly visual inspection. Bounce the fork as much as you can to feel/listen for binding. Look for leaks at the seals. Look for cracks or other signs of stress on the frame.

Engine/transmission leaks can occur at quite a few points, but they should be obvious unless the bike's just been cleaned. I wouldn't worry too much about that. Most can be fixed fairly easily.

Chain slack isn't really an issue unless it's way too tight, in which case engine bearings may have been damaged. Rather, check for general condition and tight links indicating the need for replacement. Notice where in the adjustment range the rear axle sits. If it's near the back, the chain may be "stretched" and due for replacement. Look closely at the sprocket. A new chain and sprockets might go over $200, so use that to bargain if appropriate.

Look at the tires and other soft parts like hoses, wiring, and spark plug boots for cracking or wear. A 14 year old bike could be due for some replacements.

Listen to a cold startup, then take it for a ride. Try to get a feel for the owner's (and previous owners') maintenance habits.

Check this thread in the Nutshell for more.

[zenn68]

Looks like I am the owner of a GS500.
Done deal, I will be picking the bike up after work tomorrow.

[Davecm203]

Great. Those bikes are a lot of fun.

[zenn68]

Just rode it home. Yes it is fun, lots of power compared to my last bike.
The brakes are very grabby to say the least. On the rebel I could stand on the rears without locking up, now just resting my foot on it makes it twitch.

[Davecm203]

You will get used to it. Congratulations.

[buster]

Nice one, I've not ridden one of those, but I did ride an ancient GS750 it was a great ride as I recall.

Good for you.

[Smurf]

I started out on a GS500, awesome bike for the money and very forgiving.

Congrats

[tricker]

[jgreth]

I have a 2007 GS500F. When I got this bike, I hadn't ridden in over 12 years. I decided to enter the sports bike world small ( responsible ).

It's got plenty of power to have some fun on. It's an agile bike (albeit a bit heavy) and good on fuel efficiency.



Here's a picture of my bike:

[zenn68]

took these this morning

[jgreth]

Looks good.

Man, hmm, my back tire is missing most of that center 'cut' in the tread now... I'll take a pic and see if you guys think it's near time to change my rear tire.

[buster]

I really like that 500E, I have just realised it's like Jeff's but with no clothes on..

[Davecm203]

Originally Posted by jgreth

Looks good.

Man, hmm, my back tire is missing most of that center 'cut' in the tread now... I'll take a pic and see if you guys think it's near time to change my rear tire.

It actually has a tread wear bar in that part. If it is down to that, it is time to change. But, we all wait a bit longer. Be warned. Once it goes slick, it is a matter of miles before the cords start to show. So, it is best to change it before it goes slick. Plus, if caught in the rain with the slick tire is not good. Secondly, the bike does not handle well with that center section worn flat.

[jgreth]

Originally Posted by Davecm203

It actually has a tread wear bar in that part. If it is down to that, it is time to change. But, we all wait a bit longer. Be warned. Once it goes slick, it is a matter of miles before the cords start to show. So, it is best to change it before it goes slick. Plus, if caught in the rain with the slick tire is not good. Secondly, the bike does not handle well with that center section worn flat.

Yeah.

Part of the tire I can see a small bit of the center little cut of tread but on the rest of it, it seems pretty bald in the middle.

I'll inspect it closer today.

[Clint]

Jeff, did you understand what he said about wear bars? That's the surefire indicator, not the tread grooves.

[jgreth]

Oh, so that thing in the middle isn't so much for tread ( like helping w/ water and such ) but for an indication on when to change the tire?

[Clint]

Exactamundo. All tires have them. Cops sometimes look for them because a tire is illegal at that point, so watch closely.

[jgreth]

Okay, I've just taken some pics here at work and threw them here, un-resized so you can see in great detail how bad it is.

[Apertureguy]

That back tire is a little worse than mine is.

I was pricing some new rubber on Saturday. It's gonna cost, plenty. But I think I'm going with a nice little shop I found. The guy has a single bay and will order the tires fresh, rather than having had them sitting on a shelf like the stealer has since I bought the bike.

Plus the stealer only has a really good one ($180 for the rear) and a cheap one ($109 for the rear). The brands are Bridgestone & Commandor....don't think I ever heard of the cheaper manufacturer.

The guy in the little shop can order anything I want and the price is a little bit better.


...but I'm still nervous as anything...I really depend on my tires being capable for what I'm asking them to do.