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Hi,

I'm considering buying a 92 Suzuki GS 500 E for my first bike. I talked him down from $1500 to $950, he says carbs need cleaning and it needs a new fork seal. Am I getting ripped off? Is the work involved

How much will it cost to get the carbs cleaned? Is this something I can do myself? Same with the fork seal. Any help would be much appreciated.

I talked to him and he says it runs fine, except you have to have the choke out for a while. If it bogs down, then you have to pull the choke out again.

Anyway, I'm not an experienced mechanic, but I'm not afraid to learn. I do change my own oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, and coolant in my car. I was also able to but a CAI on. Other than that I haven't much experience.

Would I have to take the carbs off to clean them?

It's always best to take the carbs off, clean then and adjust them. It's not that hard. Get a haynes repair manual for your bike. It has step by step instructions on what to do often with pictures of every step. If you get bogged down ask us questions in the troubleshooting section. It's not hard and you'll learn alot about the bike. From what he's saying, I'd definately clean the carbs and make sure you have an inline fuel filter between the carbs and the tank.

That's a good price if it's in alright condition. Let us know how it goes.

The GS has really simple carbs that are easy to take apart and clean. I think 950 is pretty good if those are the only things wrong with it.


http://gstwin.com/carb_work.htm

There's a link to a good little write-up on rebuilding them.
Also, here's a link to the Clymer Manual
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/089287 ... 8?n=283155

Don't be afraid to rip into it and learn as much as you can. It's a good, simple engine that takes a beating pretty well.

Well, I bought it today. It does need 1 fork seal and a bit of minor things- it had sat for a year. Are those expensive?

At least 1 carb definately needs work, so I'll do them both while I have it apart. Thanks for the link, that will help until I can get a manual.

Besides an oil change and chain lube, is there anything else I'd want to do with a bike that I don't know much about it's mechanical service history?

With the carbs be sure to put an inline fuel filter on the fuel line between the tank and carbs. It'll save you lots of trouble.

You should probably change the brake fluid and grease teh control cables. Change filters, check your tires, check maybe change brake pads, is it liquid cooled? Flush and refill system... that should get you started

If it sat for a year you may have to clean out the tank as well. The GS is known for having problems with the tank rusting. It would be wise to flush it out really well (there are what are referred to as "cr@p pockets" that collect dirt and whatnot). So taking the tank off and draining it completely and filling it with some fresh gas is a good start.