Potential Purchase GS700?

[The1970's]

Hi all, I found this thing on craigslist and figured for the price I might as well go take a look. I don't really know much about these models of GS's though. From what I can tell it seems most of the major parts are there. Obviously missing the headlight and I don't know if it is an E or ES model with the front fairing. Missing the ignition cover, turn signals, and airbox. But other than that it seems all the brakes, gauges, engine parts and rest of it is fairly complete. Stupid idea? Worth scooping up? What do you guys think?

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/mcy/d/1985-suzuki-gs700/6451977038.html

[Nessism]

Handlebars look like E model height. Big project.

[Rust_to_Redemption]

Lot of time and money to make it run and look right...sometimes the “cheap” bikes end up being more expensive than if you just waited and bought a well sorted bike from the get go. If you’re looking for a tough project or a parts donor then go for it, otherwise, I would pass.

[The1970's]

I think I'm going to take a look at it and try to buy it unless it looks much worse in person. I figure the factory exhaust is probably worth somewhere near what he's asking for it. If all else fails I can part it out. Something about the body style on these bikes really catches my eye

[glib]

Should be enough good parts there to make financial sense if you don't mind parting out--better if you can get it for even less of course. The exhaust is pretty rough looking though so I wouldn't expect much there. Restoration would be too expensive in my view.

[The1970's]

Should be enough good parts there to make financial sense if you don't mind parting out--better if you can get it for even less of course. The exhaust is pretty rough looking though so I wouldn't expect much there. Restoration would be too expensive in my view.

Since you own one, what is a reasonable price for a 1985 GS700E? I've seen really nice ones listed online for around $4000. But I image a bike with medium to high mileage and some scratches and such would go for around $2500

I just spoke with the owner and he claims to have the headlight and all the front end pieces as well as the side panel and airbox. So it may not be all that unreasonable to restore.

[glib]

Since you own one, what is a reasonable price for a 1985 GS700E? I've seen really nice ones listed online for around $4000. But I image a bike with medium to high mileage and some scratches and such would go for around $2500

I just spoke with the owner and he claims to have the headlight and all the front end pieces as well as the side panel and airbox. So it may not be all that unreasonable to restore.

That reminds me to update my signature. I recently sold mine for $2900. It was/is pristine IMO. 6K miles, beautiful paint, very clean, excellent original exhaust, ran perfectly, upgraded R/R so no charging problems going forward. Looking forward to riding sometime with the buyer.

If you really enjoy the process and have plenty of spare time and space...and money, you might consider restoration but you won't be doing it out of any sense of financial practicality. I've seen a few really nice examples of the 700E or ES come up in the last year that would be a much better overall "deal." Since you have a stable of fun bikes, you can be patient if you want.

[glib]

Speaking of which, have you looked at this thread?

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?250518-1985-GS700E-Not-Mine

[The1970's]

That reminds me to update my signature. I recently sold mine for $2900. It was/is pristine IMO. 6K miles, beautiful paint, very clean, excellent original exhaust, ran perfectly, upgraded R/R so no charging problems going forward. Looking forward to riding sometime with the buyer.

If you really enjoy the process and have plenty of spare time and space...and money, you might consider restoration but you won't be doing it out of any sense of financial practicality. I've seen a few really nice examples of the 700E or ES come up in the last year that would be a much better overall "deal." Since you have a stable of fun bikes, you can be patient if you want.

Funny you mention it my CB500 is being picked up tomorrow so I was just browsing craigslist and came across this one. I think if anything it would turn into a mechanical restoration, ride it for a little and enjoy it and then sell it to someone who wants to complete it. That way I won't throw all my money into the bike but still get to enjoy it. If I do buy it i'd be happy to make a thread on the work I do since there doesn't seem to be all that much literature about them.

Also I have not seen the other one but that looks to be a very clean bike for the price

[kingofvenus]

Handlebars look like E model height. Big project.

Yep. Those are E style bars. Parts bike.

[The1970's]

Haven't gone to look at any but 700's that look nice on CL in New England sell for $750-$900. Still seems steep when modern used bikes sell for less than $2000 now days.

It seems here in Florida all the used bikes go for double what they should . Or maybe they're just cheap everywhere else

[Steve]

Even with an asking price of $300, I would still try to talk him down.

There is a LOT of work involved to get that bike back on the road safely, even MORE if you want to get it to look right.

.