96 gs500E - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

s0ulburn · 10-07-2007, 12:14 PM

I am looking at a 1996 gs500e that has roughly 10K, I haven't put forth any money yet and am looking to find out more information on this bike. The offer is for $1,000 seems reasonable. I saw some pictures of the bike and looks good. There are a few scratches and nick's in the paint. I have read what I can and it looks like the majority of the information for this model of bike is good. Good starter bike not too much power but enough to get the job done, good fuel economy, and after calculating all the insurance and registration stuff it looks like I would end up shelling out about 1,250 for it. I have never owned a bike and got that giddy feeling in my gut, but at the same time want to be safe and practical about this. I guess what it all boils down to is. Is it worth it? Having never owned or drove a bike bigger then a 250 what should I do to better prepare myself and where is the best place to find the gear that I need for not too much money, I have one man made leather lol jacket that wont do. With being a student this will be my mode of transportation for the upcoming winter in Oklahoma. Anyone got any solid advice????

**Clint** · 10-07-2007, 01:42 PM

Welcome. Sounds like a great deal to me. Any bike that runs well, regardless of age, is worth at least a grand.

What's more important than the scratches, though, is its maintenance history and current state of tune/maintenance. How are the tires? Chain and sprockets? Fork oil? Bearings and seals? Have someone who really knows bikes take a look for you. Have fun!

s0ulburn · 10-07-2007, 01:56 PM

Thanks, I hope this does turn into a good deal. Thanks for the links in the siggy too. I am actually looking through the beginners guide. I am having a tough time finding where I can find some sharp looking saftey gear without having to spend another grand lol

Barbarian · 10-07-2007, 04:57 PM

Helmets can be priced through the moon, but if you don't want flashy graphics a $100 full face helmet will do the job.
When it comes to gear, remember it'll be cold and wet, so you're probably better off with waterproof textiles. You'll also want to make sure those tires are in good shape!

robertc729 · 10-08-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Welcome. Sounds like a great deal to me. Any bike that runs well, regardless of age, is worth at least a grand.

What's more important than the scratches, though, is its maintenance history and current state of tune/maintenance. How are the tires? Chain and sprockets? Fork oil? Bearings and seals? Have someone who really knows bikes take a look for you. Have fun!

bob the canadian · 10-09-2007, 04:09 PM

I was in the exact same position as you - I bought a gs500 this year as my first bike. It was an excellent all around bike; excellent gas mileage. It was no GSXR, but for a new rider, it was fast enough.

As Rowdy said, make sure its mechanically sound. If you can, get a mechanic to check it out b4 you invest your $$.

Good Luck!

Cheers,
BTC

jgreth · 10-10-2007, 10:58 AM

I too have a GS500(F). They are great bikes and you can do all of your own maintenance!

domindart · 11-30-2007, 02:22 AM

I just got mine too! I paid (my dad for xmas) 1200 and put about 500 in it for new tires, and a gas cap that was stuck shut.
6800 miles on mine. 2001 year. I plan on using it for hobby and I would love to get comfortable enough to commute with it when the weather is nice.

10-07-2007, 12:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
s0ulburn Newbie Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 2	96 gs500E I am looking at a 1996 gs500e that has roughly 10K, I haven't put forth any money yet and am looking to find out more information on this bike. The offer is for $1,000 seems reasonable. I saw some pictures of the bike and looks good. There are a few scratches and nick's in the paint. I have read what I can and it looks like the majority of the information for this model of bike is good. Good starter bike not too much power but enough to get the job done, good fuel economy, and after calculating all the insurance and registration stuff it looks like I would end up shelling out about 1,250 for it. I have never owned a bike and got that giddy feeling in my gut, but at the same time want to be safe and practical about this. I guess what it all boils down to is. Is it worth it? Having never owned or drove a bike bigger then a 250 what should I do to better prepare myself and where is the best place to find the gear that I need for not too much money, I have one man made leather lol jacket that wont do. With being a student this will be my mode of transportation for the upcoming winter in Oklahoma. Anyone got any solid advice????

10-07-2007, 04:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Barbarian Kickstand Operator Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Bandit 650S w/ABS Location: Montreal Posts: 299	Helmets can be priced through the moon, but if you don't want flashy graphics a $100 full face helmet will do the job. When it comes to gear, remember it'll be cold and wet, so you're probably better off with waterproof textiles. You'll also want to make sure those tires are in good shape! __________________ See ABS in action complete with plummy voiceover.

10-09-2007, 04:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
bob the canadian Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: '07 GS500 '07 650 bandit '07 650 bandit (replacement) Location: I LIVE IN CANADA!!! Posts: 25	I was in the exact same position as you - I bought a gs500 this year as my first bike. It was an excellent all around bike; excellent gas mileage. It was no GSXR, but for a new rider, it was fast enough. As Rowdy said, make sure its mechanically sound. If you can, get a mechanic to check it out b4 you invest your $$. Good Luck! Cheers, BTC __________________ The road is hungry for rubber, lets feed it...

10-10-2007, 10:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
jgreth Mr. Threadjack Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2007 Suzuki GS500F Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 3,078	I too have a GS500(F). They are great bikes and you can do all of your own maintenance! __________________ What the hell am I looking at? When does this happen in the movie? You're looking at now, sir. Everything that happens now is happening now. What happened to then? We passed then. When? Just now. We're at now now. Go back to then. When? Now! Now? Now! I can't. Why? We missed it. When? Just now. When will then be now? Soon.

11-30-2007, 02:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
domindart Newbie Joined: Nov 2007 Bike: 2001 suzuki gs500 Location: atlanta ga Posts: 15	I just got mine too! I paid (my dad for xmas) 1200 and put about 500 in it for new tires, and a gas cap that was stuck shut. 6800 miles on mine. 2001 year. I plan on using it for hobby and I would love to get comfortable enough to commute with it when the weather is nice. __________________ -Brent

10-07-2007, 01:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
s0ulburn Newbie Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 2	Thanks, I hope this does turn into a good deal. Thanks for the links in the siggy too. I am actually looking through the beginners guide. I am having a tough time finding where I can find some sharp looking saftey gear without having to spend another grand lol

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
new to the site, need help with gs500e	ct500e	Suzuki	6	12-06-2006 09:42 AM
What are stock GS500E Tires?	Snowhownd	Sportbikes & Sport-tourers	1	07-28-2005 08:55 PM
GS500E rev counter	muppet	Mechanics Corner	3	06-02-2004 06:41 PM
spicing up a gs500e?	generalpow	The Paddock	1	05-04-2004 01:20 AM
Service Manual GS500E	tomas	Mechanics Corner	1	12-23-2003 03:32 AM