Author Topic: 1977 Suzuki GT500 (Read 5108 times)

old git · « **on:** January 05, 2018, 20:52:37 »

My 1977 GT500 will be up for sale in the next week or so. Just waiting on a new battery. I've replaced loads of parts since I got it - All new genuine front brake hoses, master cylinder internals and, caliper seals and pads. Chain and sprockets less than 1000 miles ago. Tank was professionally re-sprayed and fitted with new OEM locking cap. A new, pattern fuel tap has been fitted - original was missing when I got a bike. I sourced a used OEM from Canada but the diaphragm was goosed and I can't source spares. Coil is new. New clutch springs. Crankcase seals were changed less than 500 miles ago. I checked pistons and bores and all are well within original spec - never been rebored. 175 PSI compression in each cylinder. Engine was fully stripped for crank rebuild and all gearbox and clutch components were found to be in excellent condition. The glass on the speedo has a crack on it which I imagine would be easily sorted and there is minor corrosion on the silencers. If I was going to keep it I'd probably change the rear shocks though they work fine.

The bike is not concourse condition but everything works as it should and it starts and runs well. Mileage on the bike is 16,965. I can't verify this is correct but given that it's still running on original size pistons and the condition of the internals I'm inclined to believe it's genuine. It has an agreed value of £4500 for insurance purposes.

I'm looking to sell it because I just don't use it enough and I need to free up space in my shed.

I'm really not sure what it's worth but I think £3500 is a fair asking price.

If anyone's interested PM me.

Dozz · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2018, 23:49:07 »

Very nice, I'm looking for a classic but would like a GT750 ideally.

Hugo Magnus · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2018, 08:49:04 »

That looks fantastic. I think you could ask more for it.

wurzel · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2018, 16:10:50 »

I agree with Hugo, worth more, lovely air cooled old stroker well sought after...don't give it away.

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2018, 16:51:43 »

Very nice. Same colour as my first ever bike, a GT185. "Yiiiing, ta ting ting ting ting ting......."

old git · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2018, 18:54:13 »

Thanks for the kind comments, I'll maybe look at the price again before I advertise it more widely. I see a few of them for sale for more money but they don't seem to sell. I'm not desperate to sell it so won't be giving it away

TLPower · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2018, 19:57:52 »

I quite agree regarding your pricing structure, there is a huge difference in what people are advertising older 'bikes for and what they sell for. My Brother in Law had a clear out, Suzuki RE5, CB750 K2 and a Bonneville. He put them on Ebay as classifieds at reasonable prices without a bite, he then put them on as auctions with reserves. He had bids on them all but none reached his nominal reserves, he then received and accepted offers once the auctions had ended. The number of people wanting older 'bikes is diminishing, he had all the usual "I used to have one of those, I wish I'd kept it" comments. The CB 750 had been restored using all genuine Honda parts, the RE5 was unrestored but had all the necessary work done, the Bonneville had just had the engine and wheels rebuilt and new tyres. All of them had 12 months MOT.

Timmo · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2018, 22:02:08 »

That would be a fair price for a 250GT but for your 500 GT. I think £4500 would be cheap.

wurzel · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2018, 22:08:04 »

Thing is, like any map classic, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but to someone it will be a rare opportunity for a lovely bike.
Might not sell quick, but someone will jump at the opportunity when they bump into an advert.

Asmith61 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2018, 22:57:48 »

I agree with what every one else has said I would advertise it for nearer £4500. It is a nice looking bike a real classic.

MartinW · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2018, 08:32:50 »

Don't listen to all those silly telephone number quotes above. I'll, erm ..... offer you .... erm .... £50 for it today ....

(Then sell it on for £5000)

Hugh Mungus · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2018, 08:50:58 »

I think the price is about right, for the time of year.
Even 'classic bike collectors' don't buy so often during winter. Selling after March would normally attract a higher price but it is best to live in the real world and not over-value what you're trying to sell.

Robotstar5 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2018, 11:12:22 »

That's a good price for a nice bike, I've always fancied a GT550 triple, but not enough time to ride one and do it justice.

Tusker · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2018, 16:53:20 »

I'm generalising here so do not take it personally, The people wanting old bikes is diminished, they generally tend to be older people,, (stating the obvious) .... These people probably ride less than 2000 miles per year and they want a bike that starts after 4 months of neglect.. Therefore old bikes are not the answer. Have an old bike if you can spanner and fettle a bit otherwise they are left alone.. I bought a 1983 XS1100 for £300 with a blown piston. I had it stripped to the frame and powder coated. I rebuilt what I could and had a mate rebuild the rest. At that point it was about 90% original.. But it didn't like being left in the shed.. I'd ignore it for a couple of months it would take half a day to get it running , so I upgraded the electrics had major work done on the carbs and the bike stood me at £2500, Ebay value for unsold bikes £3500. Tried to sell it a few times ,, no takers. auction !! bids nowhere near. finally sold the exhaust for £500 and the Cowl and screen for £300 and the bike went to be chopped for £1250.. IMHO a lot of old bikes are worth less than you would think ,, with a few exceptions

TLPower · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2018, 17:11:15 »

You've hit the nail on the head there Tusker.

old git · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2018, 19:44:33 »

Yes, a good post Tusker.
At 56 I probably do as many miles on bikes in a year as I've ever done, quite possibly more. The problem is I don't do them on the GT500. I did around 17500 last year but none of them on the smoker. It doesn't make much sense, even to me, as when I ride it I have a great time but modern bikes are so good it's difficult to bypass them for the vintage stuff. I would love to be able to keep it but space is my major problem which has just got worse by adding a KTM 690 Duke to the overcrowded stable

.Bike now on ebay so will see what happens

.

wurzel · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2018, 20:09:32 »

I'm looking forward to hearing how you are bonding with the 690 old git, there's a few KTM owners here, maybe we should have a sub section called the enlightened traitors corner!

old git · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2018, 22:34:11 »

I can't wait to sample the 690 but think I'll be waiting a few weeks. The roads I'll be using it on are covered in winter crud. I very nearly bought the 390 but the price went up and it wasn't that much more for it's big brother albeit a low mileage 2nd hand one. Had a few KTM smokers when I raced enduros but 1st orange thumper.

wurzel · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2018, 23:32:47 »

Looks fantastic mate, I had a couple of smokers too, 300 and 380exc, I got the 390 as my misses can ride it, but in all honesty I love the thing for bopping about on, the 1290 sdr only comes out when the salt is off the road, that's a fun bike, but sensible too...

old git · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2018, 09:19:46 »

I imagine the 1290 will be serious fun.