Bike Dilemma

"Pixel" (Improbcat) 02/16/2016 at 11:53 • Filed to: None

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I’m having a dilemma with my ‘96 GS500E and am looking for some advice. I bought the thing last August for $850 right after I got my motorcycle license. I probably put around 500-1000 miles on it before parking it for the season in November. In that time I was able to determine the bike was a case of “you get what you pay for” and needs a bunch of work.

The necessary & desired work are listed below, based on my very limited bike knowledge and a lot of research/googling. What I’m trying to decide is if it is worth my fixing up this bike, or buying something else. So I’d like people’s opinions.

Related, if I go with something else I’d like suggestions for sub-$3000 bikes. In my limited riding I’ve learned I like a good handling but not twitchy bike, that this bike has plenty of power for me, and I prefer an upright stance over a hunched streetbike stance.

Work absolutely needed:

-cracked tires replaced(have a set of brand new tires i the garage)

-damage from falling over fixed(replacement handlebar installed, bar weight installed, scratches/etc. touched up)

-new clutch and probably clutch basket(bike wants to lurch forward when started with clutch in)

-engine oil leak(s) fixed, and valves checked/adjusted.

-fork oil replaced, almost certainly fork seals replaced.

-rear rotor replaced(grooved, squeals on braking despite new pads by prior owner)

-complete brake fluid flush & line inspection/replacement.

Work wanted/possibly needed:

- choke cable mounting fixed, possibly requires new left switch pod and/or choke cable.

-gas cap replaced(lock punched out prior to my buying).

-headlamp upgrade(LED bulb or dual LED headlamp pod).

-New fork springs, fork preloads or otherwise some way to reduce terrible front suspension feel over hard bumps.

-Some sort of saddlebags/ammo cans/etc. for carrying stuff.

-re-wrap bike to fix damaged wrap from fall, possibly re-wrap in another color scheme.

-carb syncing, possible rebuilding.

JKER > Pixel 02/16/2016 at 12:10

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Have you tried just adjusting the clutch cable?

BobintheMtns > Pixel 02/16/2016 at 12:12

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Anytime my tires start cracking, I too, just purchase a new vehicle... haha

But joking aside, your list of needs is pretty standard for a <$1000 bike... And a different bike will have similar needs that you’ll discover after a few months... ie- the devil you know is better than the one you don’t...

But looking at your “absolutely needed” list- if that’s all you need, then than bike is in pretty good condition. Damage from falling over is gonna happen regardless of the bike... not a big deal. Your clutch issue sounds (to me) like you just need to tighten the clutch cable. Fork seals are part of the deal with bikes- you’re lucky though, you’ve got a street bike... guess how fast dirt/gs bikes go through fork seals? But get some seals and oil and do the job. It’s pretty easy and the job should last a few years on a street bike. Swapping out a rear rotor takes 10 min.. and swapping out brake fluids, front and back, can be done in less than an hour. Now I don’t know where it’s leaking oil from... but on an old bike- leaking some oil can be good because it let’s you know it still have oil in the case! Haha.

But don’t be discouraged- all your ‘absolutely needed’ work can be done in a day, for prob less than $100.... and you’re left with a nice bike that you got a smoking deal on.

jminer > Pixel 02/16/2016 at 12:18

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I say keep her, most of those items are simpler than you think, and depending on the area you live in 3k will likely buy you a bike that needs work as well.

Clutch- likely just needs its cable adjusted as what you’re describing is like not pushing your clutch all the way to the floor in the car. It’s not releasing all the way, not slipping

Oil leak- unless it’s major just check the oil before every ride. Japanese bikes will tend to leak oil once the reach a certain age

Fork oil change- simple and can be done with them on the bike, this will also probably solve your harsh suspension

Fork oil leak- usually just cleaning the seals can fix this. You can use 35mm film negatives (what’s that?) Or but something on amazon for like $6

Tires- not cheap to have installed, and a pain in the ass to do yourself, sorry on that one

Handlebars- an afternoon and $50 on ebay to purchase, you can also adjust your ergonimics this way if you like

Rotor replacement- its more difficult than a car, but not too bad since yours is chain driven

Brake fluid change- easy on a bike, open the screws and let gravity do the work for you. 100x easier than on a car

Don't get discouraged, if you like the bike make it yours

Pixel > JKER 02/16/2016 at 12:18

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Some, with no effect. But I may need to re-read the repair manual and try it again. It is the stickiness of the clutch that makes me suspect basket issues.

Master Cylinder > Pixel 02/16/2016 at 12:32

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It actually sounds like you got it in pretty good condition. None of those are major issues or terribly difficult to resolve. I would put a couple hundred into the maintenance needs before looking for a new bike. At the very least, you’ll increase its resale value.

That said, you can get a well-sorted motorcycle for around $3,000. Heck, I’ve got a V-Strom 1000 that I’m planning on selling this spring and I will probably be asking not much more than that. Newer tires, fuel injected, some aftermarket goodies, good power, and comfortable riding position. If you shop around I’m sure you can find something similar in your area.