Questions when buying a GS

[Clumzi]

So here is what I'm excited about...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/mcy/973944755.html

I'm not in town right now, but I'm beginning to think my bike is just cursed. I was told that my bike was blown over in a windstorm (see "GAH!" thread), but my girlfriend just called and said it looks like the bike is still upright. Even still, the thing has been a medley of butt pain from day one, plus the 550s seem silly to me. Anything that small should have the common courtesy of only having two cylinders, hence being that much easier to fiddle with (four carbs=@#$&%!!!!!!!). If I'm going to deal with four cylinders, I want something big enough to be worth my while. A running 1100 for $500 seems stellar to me, especially since I should be able to get $400 for mine (despite my bitching, it does run).

The 1100 is bigger, it's an '82 so its a shafty, it runs and is cheap. So when I go to look at the thing, what should I be looking at? What should I listen for? What advice do ya'll have? Also, the guy is about an hour from my house in Olympia, what sort of questions can I ask over the phone to get a better idea of what I'm in for? I'm still very new to motorcycles, I got burnt bad on my first purchase, I don't want that to happen again. -nick

[Griffin]

If somebody is asking only $500 for a GS1100G, and says it "needs a little work", I can almost guarantee you're going to put a lot of time and probably between $500 and $1,000 into it before it's truly roadworthy.

A pic is worth 10,000 words.

[Clumzi]

Point taken . My father has always been fond of saying if it looks too good to be true... it is.

That being said, when I asked the guy, he said he wouldn't suggest riding the thing back to oly because the tabs are expired, but with the battery charged he says it runs. That is saying something at least.

Not to defend a bike I haven't seen, to be sure. -nick

[SabreJim]

If its only a little beat up, doesn't smoke and has a title.....it will be gone soon IMHO The time is right for people to be looking for winter projects.......

[doctorgonzo]

For $500, if it runs without smoking like crazy and doesn't have major damage like bent frame or forks I'd be on my way to pick it up if it was near me.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. Clumzi,

I'd be a little excited about getting that bike for that price, if it is being accurately described. Here's some basics:

Used bike buying checklists:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Riderresc/checklist.asp

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

How many miles are on the bike? I would put the bike in 1st gear and check the amount of play in the drive train. But then, splines are not that hard to come by. Count on a lot of TLC (cleaning up wiring, changing all fluids - brake, crankcase, secondary gear oil, final drive - tires, brake pads, etc), not to mention the possibility of a carb clean, intake boots and O-rings. But at that price, I'd take a good hard look at it. Good luck. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Clumzi]

Hi Mr. Clumzi,

I'd be a little excited about getting that bike for that price, if it is being accurately described. Here's some basics:

Used bike buying checklists:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Riderresc/checklist.asp

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

How many miles are on the bike? I would put the bike in 1st gear and check the amount of play in the drive train. But then, splines are not that hard to come by. Count on a lot of TLC (cleaning up wiring, changing all fluids - brake, crankcase, secondary gear oil, final drive - tires, brake pads, etc), not to mention the possibility of a carb clean, intake boots and O-rings. But at that price, I'd take a good hard look at it. Good luck. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Thanks cliff. Doing all the fluids, buying brake pads, dipping the carbs, that is all stuff I would plan on doing. If the bike "runs" to begin with, that just means I can take a little time doing all of the above, not to mention drive it home which is a huge plus since I can't think of anyone with a big enough truck to help transport the thing. If the thing is still around when I get back West, its mine . -nick

edit: wow, the second of those two links is EXHAUSTIVE! Awesome Cliff.