Buying my first GS. Couple of questions

[zagoren]

I live in the city and use my old beat-up 1986 R80 for getting around. Im tall (6'4") and i thought it was time for me (and my wife) to have a little more safety and comfort. I checked out a 1992 R100GS today. Rode it up the back roads. The riding position! The fairing! The solidity! Man am I eager to get the bike. Could any of you experts take a look at the advert and let me know ...

A.) The price is fair and
B.) Any issues/problems i should be made aware of for this model
C.) Any tips for inspection or general questions i should ask

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/4068563498.html

Thank you!

[Deleted User 287]

It looks like a nice bike that he is not in a hurry to get rid of (if the price tag is any indicator).

[SteveD]

Very few miles on it. Can he authenticate them with records?

Has the final drive ever had any work done to it?

I'd wanna see service docs.

At that price, it'd sell pretty quick here in Oz. If the mileage is true, it might get $7K + here.

[zagoren]

It looks like a nice bike that he is not in a hurry to get rid of (if the price tag is any indicator).

you think so? i thought the price seemed quite reasonable. i looked on the 'net and found most selling for 4-7K USD. but if you mean $5000 is a lot of scratch to spend on a used bike in a down economy....generally, i would agree.

thank you for your input.

[zagoren]

Very few miles on it. Can he authenticate them with records?

Has the final drive ever had any work done to it?

I'd wanna see service docs.

At that price, it'd sell pretty quick here in Oz. If the mileage is true, it might get $7K + here.

Thank you Steve,

He says he purchased the bike in 1992 so I will ask for both the service docs and, i suppose, the bill of sale or title which has the date he says he purchase (im not sure about that). in either case, he does seem like a collector, a conservator, and an all around nice guy. but i do want to do my due diligence.

Cheers!

[Major Softie]

It looks like a nice bike that he is not in a hurry to get rid of (if the price tag is any indicator).

you think so? i thought the price seemed quite reasonable. i looked on the 'net and found most selling for 4-7K USD. but if you mean $5000 is a lot of scratch to spend on a used bike in a down economy....generally, i would agree.

thank you for your input.

It's not an unreasonable asking price for a bike with mileage that low, but these bikes are notorious for having odometers go wonky, so that's part of why Steve is bringing up how important it is to verify the mileage. If the dealer has done service in that period, then there will be records verifying the mileage.

Aussie prices are significantly higher than here.

New tires is nice, but, with mileage that low, I'd double check that they really are new, as opposed to old but virtually unused. If you don't know how to date tires, do a search on the web and you'll quickly find how to read the code printed on them.

[Garnet]

If the mileage cannot be varified have a closed look at the entire drive system. U-joints in the drive shaft wear because of the long travel, and need to be replaced by 50'000ish miles. Check the rear drive by tying to move the rear wheel in and out (when cold), there should be no play. Take for a ride and get everything warm, then spin the rear wheel and listen and feel that everything is nice and smooth with no ticks or vibrations. If unsure, take to an airhead expert as all of the above are repairable but at a significant cost.

Some reading : http://www.largiader.com/gs/shaft.html
http://www.largiader.com/articles/circlip/
http://www.largiader.com/gs/

Then the usual engine checks, compression, leaks etc.

Nice lookin bike, I'd be all over it, good luck.

[zagoren]

Thanks! It's officially my baby as of 1 hour ago.

[Deleted User 287]

Thanks! It's officially my baby as of 1 hour ago.

Congratulations!

Did it come with the pillion seat so your wife can ride, too?

[SteveD]

Thanks! It's officially my baby as of 1 hour ago.

Good one!