Might buy an 81 gl500, have a few questions

[austingrackle]

Hey all. Been lurking for a little while. Finally found an 81 gl500 near me. Has about 40,000 miles on it. He is asking about 1400. Seems a little high compared to what I have found searching on this site. What do you gurus think is a fair price. He says it is in good enough condition to drive home without issues. I'm only an hour away. Would probably trailer anyway. I'm planning on taking my compresssion tester with me if I go look at it, what are acceptable numbers? Hope they are within 5 of each other right? But not sure what is acceptable for total compression at each cylinder.
Thanks so much for any help. Hope it works out for me.

[KDS111]

That's a little steep. I got my 82 Gl500 Interstate for $600.00. No missing parts and 6000 miles.
I was able to drive it. It needs a few hundred dollars of work but thats fine.
Check the stator output first thing.
Make sure you check the water pump cover weep hole and water pipes for leaks.
Also check all the common usual things of course.

[Rat]

Check the mechanical seal for weeping.

See the Chopper Charles site for pics.

Offer him a grand.

Good Luck.

Gord

[WShie]

Watch out for loose timing chains! Look up how to check before you buy, a loose chain will eat up the inside of the timing chest and put aluminum shavings into the oil.

[Jetubet]

I would consider 40,000 a high mileage unit and 1400.00 dollars on the high side.

[Rat]

If they're well looked after these little bikes will run forever, if the rear seal isn't leaking (common problem, engine out fix) I might go as high as 8 or 900 depending on condition.

If he won't budge, walk away, there are lots out there.

Gord