Okay, I know it's not a 14 or even a Kaw for that matter but I need some advice on a purchase of a 1999 Suzuki GS500E with about 4k miles. It would be a first bike for my 17 year old daughter who just finished the MSF basic course. It gets awesome reviews as a starter bike. No way will she be starting on a zx6 or reasonable facsimile! I might consider a busa if I could find one for cheap!

The bike is in cosmetically great shape. Doesnt appear to have ever been crashed or even layed down. The salesman says it sat in a garage for years and that they did some light work, carb kit, plugs, etc before they put it on the lot. All the wires look original. No oil leaks anywhere. No stains around the carbs. No grease buildups or significant dirt anywhere on it other than the chain. It rides nice but there are two issues I noticed but don't now how severe a problem they are:

1. Grabbing a handful of throttle has no effect for a few seconds, then all of a sudden it'll go. It doesnt bog down, it just maintains a constant and smooth rpm then, when its ready, it'll go. It idles smoothly and consistently. Salesman says it just needs to be run. Could this be a potentially major issue or just some TLC?

2. The fork bottoms out with moderate front brake application. How big a deal is that to fix?

Bottom line, I don't know squat about buying a used bike other than the obvious; gas, throttle, brakes, tires. Any advice is appreciated.

1. Sounds like carb work may have been an attempt to solve that issue. Some buildup maybe? Run a tank of Sea Foam treated gas and see if that solves the problem.

2. Forks may just need a little oil added?

I'd ask the dealer to these very simple things and if he won't, you might want to cut your price or just move on. There have to be a lot of deals out there but now is probably a better time to buy than next year.

JMHO. Hope you get a lot of feedback from folks with a lot more experience.

Salesman says it just needs to be run.

That sounds like pure salesman BS to me. The problem could be a few different things, but personally I wouldn't want to buy a bike with an issue like that - bit too mysterious. Not going to be much fun for a first bike either.

2. The fork bottoms out with moderate front brake application. How big a deal is that to fix?

Do the forks have adjustable suspension? If not, you'll likely need to get the forks reconditioned. If so, check how hard it is adjusted. If it's set soft the fix may be as easy as tightening it up...a 5 min job.

I'm not sure how much your budget is and if this is a dirt cheap bike or a total bargin, but there are a few bikes around that are known to be great first bikes.

Have you had a look at the Suzuki SV650? Or even the new Suzuki Gladius, or Kawasaki's ER6N or ER6F?

Thanx Gents.
I decided against the purchase of said bike.

There is no adjustment of the suspension. The dealer had an answer for everything. The guy was clearly a seasoned used car dealer. All he needed was the Lesion Suit, painted silk tie, and a cigarette hanging from his face. He actually had the cigarette come to think of it. Seemed like too much BS. The surface of the nuts holding the front wheel on and the cotter pins were rusted. Bad. That in and of itself said they clearly didnt do the service the guy was bragging of. Even if they put the old cotter pins back in they surely would have broken with that much rust on them.

It wasn't the best deal to begin with but based on your comments, a gut feel, and strong reluctance to part with money I decided against it.

I appreciate your input Rook and AussieNinja.

No problemo. See if you can drop on by now and then. I get the feeling you're a busy man lately. Take care of the family and hope you can chat a bit every now and then. Good luck on the daughter's first bike. You'll find a great one out there. If I were you, I'd be sneaking off to the track with it.