GS 1100 GK I think

[alke46]

Tomorrow I am going to check out an 82 model GS1100GK it think it is. It is the full dressed version with fairing and bags.
Other than looking carefully inside the tank, would it be rude of me to take along my DMM to check the charging state and the current level of battery power available?
The owner is asking $1000 but says he is willing to let it go for less now because he doesn't want it sitting around this winter.
The overall condition looks like just an average machine with paint problems and clear coat in need of removal. Could really use a fresh coat of paint.
Bike is showing 53K on the clock. Other than just a good look over, what should I be checking on this before making my offer? BTW, he has the title so that is not an issue.
Thanks all,
Larry

[woodsietx]

Well I'm not an expert on what's rude at the time of purchase but IMO, it's your money and you damn well have the right to explore any avenue you feel appropriate to safeguard it. Doesn't mean you should pull the head off for that amount of money but why not bring a meter? Or a compression gauge? Or at least a spark plug wrench?

Some things I wish I could have checked before I bought mine include a quick carburetor drain, pulled the battery to check it's fluid level, certainly used a meter on it. I've had my bike since late July and it's still not running. All because of the things I mentioned. However, I think I'd still have bought it because everything holding me back is purely maintenance stuff. I've made the decision, because of the advice on here, to fix things stuff right so I can prolong the life of the repairs and have the bike a long time.

Hope that helps.

Woodsie

[propflux01]

There is not really any 'rudeness' in doing checks when your purchasing items in the hundreds of $$. Ask the seller about issues with the bike, such as charging, oil consumption, tires, brakes, lines, forks seals, clutch, gremlins, etc. When you ride it for that test drive, get it through all gears, noting after 5th and letting off throttle, listen for grinding noises in the secondary gear area.
Note that once you get her home, she will need TLC. Grounds, carbs, tires, rear spline lube/condition, lighting, fork seals, missing hardware, and that one thing the PO didn't tell you about. before the $$ changes hands, Ask the seller if there are ANY issues he/she is aware of that you haven't asked about. "Fun, exciting project bike" syndrome will hit you hard and can dull the senses when your salivating over her! After you do all the above, get her road ready, and enjoy one of the finer GS's!!

[willie]

In addition to checking the charging system and compression, I'd be asking about what maintenance was done on the splines, if any, and how often they changed the secondary trans oil. OR assume that you'll need to replace the rear drive hub and figure that into the price. Good luck.
Willie
FWIW, my compression gauge messed up somehow when I checked my GK's compression before buying it. One cylinder read less than 50 psi. The seller dropped the price way down when he saw the reading. I thought I had scored big time after I bought it and discovered the compression was excellent. I was bummed though when I discovered it needed a charging system and rear hub replacement. The moral, if there is one, expect problems.

[tkent02]

FWIW, my compression gauge messed up somehow when I checked my GK's compression before buying it. One cylinder read less than 50 psi. The seller dropped the price way down when he saw the reading.

Just forget to open the throttle on a couple cylinders, read about 60 or so, offer him $250 to take the dead lump off his hands. He wants it gone more than he wants the money. If not let him die sitting on it.
All old neglected junkers need something, it is all just a talking point to get him down on the price.
They all need the wiring cleaned up, they all need tires, they all need carb work. They all have a few surprises for you, that is the fun part.
But anything not in top condition is worth near nothing right now in this economy, even nice bikes are not selling. Offer nothing and let him talk you up a little.

[willie]

But anything not in top condition is worth near nothing right now in this economy, even nice bikes are not selling. Offer nothing and let him talk you up a little.

Tkent said it right. IMO, the average seller will come way down in price if he understands what is obviously going to be needed. Typically, they'd rather get something than risk no other interested parties OR hearing the same thing re:necessary repairs from the next guy that looks at it.
FWIW, I used to buy and sell alot of bikes when I lived in SoCal. I would always examine the bike closely with the seller present. I'd explain what needed to be fixed and approximate costs to do so. EVERY one of them dropped their prices when I asked if they'd rather drop their price than rip off some unsuspecting dude. Win win.
Willie

[alke46]

This bike turned out to be in pretty rough condition. Valves had not been adjusted in at least 3 years and the overall condition of the fairing, bags and trunk was just awful. It all needs lots of prep work to repaint and honestly, the only thing I saw good on the bike was a pretty new rear Dunlop tire. Everything else was badly neglected. The inside of the tank looked OK but I did not have a flashlight to shine inside to be sure it was not all rusted.

Turned out to be bad weather when I got to see the bike and I never got around to checking the plugs or the battery/charging system. I told him I would sleep on it and give him a call back this weekend but I really don't think I want to get this involved with another one until I have my own in the shape I want it.

Bottom line is he wants in the neighborhood of $800 and I don't think I would pay more than $250 at the most for it.

[OhioEric]

i sold a bike yesterday . bikes, boats, and toys are worthless right now...

(a good time to be buying)

[alke46]

that sounds good but you still have to find that one gem that could be the one you bring home. there is a lot of junk out there but maybe with autumn will come some good/decent machines. maybe someone will want to get rid of something before winter sets in.