need advice about possible new (to me) bike

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tanitatt · #1 Unread post by **tanitatt** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 3:02 pm

So, some one is posting a 1999 GS 500 that needs a new rod bearing. He's asking 650.00 for it ... so I'm wondering ... how much does a rod bearing cost to fix?

And more importantly ... is this one of those things ... you know like buying a used car with a new tranny? I mean, no one really wants to buy a car that needed a new transmission right?

Thanks
Thomas

mgdavis · #2 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 6:47 pm

I think that's a connecting rod bearing. I wouldn't touch it. If it has been abused enough to destroy that there's no telling what else is wrong with it. I imagine the snot has been beat (and wheelied) out of it.

qwerty · #3 Unread post by **qwerty** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 6:56 pm

Rod bearing, eh? Does the GS500 have replacable rod bearings? Most Japanese motorcycles I've worked on have a pressed crank/rod assembly that is replaced as a unit, and they ain't cheap.

Johnj · #4 Unread post by **Johnj** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:07 pm

It might be a good parts bike, if you got one of those.

And at half that price.

tanitatt · #5 Unread post by **tanitatt** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:05 pm

so after a little bit of proding ... the guy came clean and admitted that the engine wasn't even mounted in the bike ... YIKES! Way too much for me to take on as a first bike!

Someone else in my neighborhood is selling a 90 Ninja 600C ... now would you consider that to be too much bike for a beginner?

Thanks
Thomas

Johnj · #6 Unread post by **Johnj** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 6:06 am

Yea that might be a bit too much for a beginner. A 500cc or smaller bike is best IMO. Buy a used one, put some new tires and brakes on it and learn to ride.

DerekNC · #7 Unread post by **DerekNC** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:01 am

The GS500 might be a good deal if there's nothing else wrong with it. Good motors have been known to sell in the $250 to $350 range. But if it needs rotors, carb work, etc. in addition to the motor work the price is really going to get jacked up on it.

I'm not in your neighborhood but I'll be selling my 1997 GS500E shortly. It 's extremely reliable and ready to hit the road(new battery, very good tires, etc.)If you can find a bike like that and pay a little bit more you may come out better in the long run as far as headaches.