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Gs1100es

  • Thread starter Thread starter Webbie1
  • Start date Start date
26K miles is still relatively low.

As mentioned most things are fairly minor unless the engine was blown which is very rare as they are bulletproof.

More often things like the clutch rattle which can sound horrible at idle but only require tightening of the clutch hub(nut replacement preferred).

If the electronic tach is out that can be a pain.

If you want to restore to factory colors (best) then the two color paint is more expensive.

The harness is unobtainium so hopefully, it has not been hacked.
 
Thanks again guys, I'm hoping to have some good news on Wednesday night.

Warner
 
Couple more tidbits before I see the bike tomorrow. It has the stock exhaust, but an aftermarket oil cooler has been added. Assuming this thing is what we think it is, and it's all in acceptable condition, what's a fair price range for a bike like this? I know that's a bit of a loaded question sight-unseen, I'm just looking for a range of where you guys would start and end price wise.

Thanks again,

Warner
 
Couple more tidbits before I see the bike tomorrow. It has the stock exhaust, but an aftermarket oil cooler has been added. Assuming this thing is what we think it is, and it's all in acceptable condition, what's a fair price range for a bike like this? I know that's a bit of a loaded question sight-unseen, I'm just looking for a range of where you guys would start and end price wise.

Thanks again,

Warner

For me, a lot rides on the condition of the exhaust. If it's really nice, it's worth extra for sure. A new V&H exhaust is $500 and so I'd place the value of a nice stock exhaust over that. If it's rough then that sucks because it can't be fixed for all practical purposes. I paid $1450 for mine in pretty good shape with a very nice stock exhaust but sitting for a long time and needing pretty much everything gone over--"an easy $1,000-$1,500 in tires, brakes, brake lines, stator, R/R, suspension, and lots and lots of time" as I said previously plus the chain, sprocket and battery as you also mentioned. If the paint is nicely done in black, that's not as good as stock but not horrible either, but if it's rattle canned or dipped in flat black then :disgust: --price goes down!

So if it's a keeper with a decent exhaust (one that you won't be anxious to replace)--but needing all those things on the list, I'd say $1,500 to $2,000 depending on how bad you want to stop looking and get one now. Rough exhaust, crummy paint and the price goes down and down some more. Dented tank is a major markdown for me too.

Just my opinion for what that's worth but I've had one since 2014 and have kept an eye on the market since. The one nearby for $2900 (SF bay area) didn't last long but it was a time capsule--very clean and very low mileage so even though it would need plenty of attention and upgrading, it had potential to be a show stopper once completed.

Also keep in mind that the little flyscreen is about $120 to replace. I believe I saw someone offering them aftermarket for about that.

Sure hope that helps some.
 
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For me, a lot rides on the condition of the exhaust. If it's really nice, it's worth extra for sure. A new V&H exhaust is $500 and so I'd place the value of a nice stock exhaust over that. If it's rough then that sucks because it can't be fixed for all practical purposes. I paid $1450 for mine in pretty good shape with a very nice stock exhaust but sitting for a long time and needing pretty much everything gone over--"an easy $1,000-$1,500 in tires, brakes, brake lines, stator, R/R, suspension, and lots and lots of time" as I said previously plus the chain, sprocket and battery as you also mentioned. If the paint is nicely done in black, that's not as good as stock but not horrible either, but if it's rattle canned or dipped in flat black then :disgust: --price goes down!

So if it's a keeper with a decent exhaust (one that you won't be anxious to replace)--but needing all those things on the list, I'd say $1,500 to $2,000 depending on how bad you want to stop looking and get one now. Rough exhaust, crummy paint and the price goes down and down some more. Dented tank is a major markdown for me too.

Just my opinion for what that's worth but I've had one since 2014 and have kept an eye on the market since. The one nearby for $2900 (SF bay area) didn't last long but it was a time capsule--very clean and very low mileage so even though it would need plenty of attention and upgrading, it had potential to be a show stopper once completed.

Also keep in mind that the little flyscreen is about $120 to replace. I believe I saw someone offering them aftermarket for about that.

Sure hope that helps some.


Awesome and helpful response! Thanks....I will pay attention to those things in particular. And of course, I'll get pictures to share with the group here.

Warner
 
How many GS1100ES's have you seen sell in that price range?


Almost no running GS1100E is below $1000. 1983 GS1100ED is typically not below $1400 and probably a 1983 GS1100ESD is going to be more $1700, but it also depends on condition. Most of these are going to be non-oem repainted prices.
 
He mentioned, been sitting for years, repainted black, and needs EVERYTHING. My opinion, don't care WHAT model it is, $700 would be a fair offer. I would not go much higher. Others might as they are specifically seeking that particular model. I would take the engine, and sell the carcass to you guys, lol...
 
He mentioned, been sitting for years, repainted black, and needs EVERYTHING. My opinion, don't care WHAT model it is, $700 would be a fair offer. I would not go much higher. Others might as they are specifically seeking that particular model. I would take the engine, and sell the carcass to you guys, lol...

In fairness, I haven't SEEN the bike yet, so as far as "needing everything", I think one could say that about any bike that's carbureted and been sitting for any length of time. Nothing magical about this bike in that respect. I'm sure it needs a battery and tires....again, like any bike that's been sitting for years. It would be a miracle if the carbs didn't need to be rebuilt. What I DON'T expect is to get a box of parts that have to be reassembled. I'm expecting the "normal" stuff you have to do with most used bikes - Tires, Battery, fluids. Beyond that I'd be guessing. Trust me when I tell you guys that I'll be trying to buy it as cheaply as I can, but I question how many have actually found these old GSE's, in ANY condition, for $700. Maybe it happens.....but I'd love to hear some stories of that happening. Looks like I won't find out until after the 21st, as the guy is leaving for Europe. But the bike's not going anywhere in that timeframe, so the additional time actually works in my favor.

Warner
 
In fairness, I haven't SEEN the bike yet, so as far as "needing everything", I think one could say that about any bike that's carbureted and been sitting for any length of time. Nothing magical about this bike in that respect. I'm sure it needs a battery and tires....again, like any bike that's been sitting for years. It would be a miracle if the carbs didn't need to be rebuilt. What I DON'T expect is to get a box of parts that have to be reassembled. I'm expecting the "normal" stuff you have to do with most used bikes - Tires, Battery, fluids. Beyond that I'd be guessing. Trust me when I tell you guys that I'll be trying to buy it as cheaply as I can, but I question how many have actually found these old GSE's, in ANY condition, for $700. Maybe it happens.....but I'd love to hear some stories of that happening. Looks like I won't find out until after the 21st, as the guy is leaving for Europe. But the bike's not going anywhere in that timeframe, so the additional time actually works in my favor.

Warner

I have bought three GS1100EDs from the Central Coast of CA,

#1: The one I rebuilt was stock paint Yoshi ,4:1,Pods, BS36 ground off tach gear. Reasonable clean (no rust) running and rideable bike $1400 in 2007
#2: Beater sitting outside divorce situation painted UGLY yellow 60K miles. Not running $250; It ran and the motor was pulled for another bike. The engine was worth $500 but the woman just wanted it gone. (2009)
#3: Pretty nice bike, had been sitting 5+ years 15K miles Painted blue. $500 not running but fired right up after carb cleaning; basically all stock. Guy delivered it to me in the back of a pickup. (2010)
 
My son bought a higher mileage 83 last year that ran pretty good for 300 bucks. It was that ugly dark blue so many of you like, so he painted it red. I did some patching on the bottom of the exhaust & cleaned up a couple wiring connectors. He sold it for $1100.
 
yeah, 700 would be a miracle deal for the esd.

take the next exit ... get off that lalaland Hwy! ;)

it's a 35yr old unoriginal (paint) bucket of bolts, gonna need lotsa work
cool bike, had mine over 20yrs ... but not worth as much as many fellow-owners would like to think.
 
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if it's a spectacular black paint job, and everything's there and in good shape, but needing the obvious resurrection and all that entails ... I could see getting closer to $1000
my 2c
 
lolz, few things get gsr's as butthurt as misvaluing bikes sight unseen....carry on lads...
 
Somewhat minor point, but carbs are not likley to need to be "rebuilt".
Most likley will need to be taken apart and soaked-dipped. And replacing the o-rings probablya good idea (see cycle o-ring site).
 
You may want to check the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature if you want to get some idea of all the stuff that needs to be attended to when buying a 35 year old bike. Tires, battery, chain and sprockets, full carb rebuild, brake system teardown and replacing brake lines, etc. It adds up. If you are not onboard with spending $500+ on top of the purchase price for the bike you should consider skipping old bikes entirely.
 
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