Hi there! 
I am looking for an EX-500 as my second bike. I restored an 85 Yamaha Maxim X and rode it last season, and now I am looking for an EX500 to transition to sportbikes.
I have a couple of questions for you guys:
First of all, one of the bikes that I am looking at is a 2001, with around 3,000 miles on it. This is because it sat in storage for about 4 years. The current owners had the carbs serviced, including replacing most of the wearable parts. They also had the gas tank professionally coated. My question is - what should I be looking for that could have gone bad during that time sitting?
The Maxim X that I restored had the oil turn rancid. Luckily, the engine was almost completely aluminum. However, I still had to change the oil about 5 times in the first thousand miles, and do a flush to get the rust out. Also, the coolant had gone bad, and the tank was slightly rusted. What on this bike would rust? Is there any seals in particular that could be extra susceptible?
From what I have heard, tank coatings can be bad news. They can peel off and clog fuel systems. Is this common?
Lastly, the person wants $3000. Depending on who you believe the book value is somewhere between $2300 to $2800. Do you think this is a fair price considering there is nothing wrong with the bike other than the unknowns above.
I am pretty sure I am either going to get an EX500 or GS500, so I can pass on the bike and be patient. However, I hope it is an EX500 so that I can participate in this great board. Thanks in advance for the help!
I am looking for an EX-500 as my second bike. I restored an 85 Yamaha Maxim X and rode it last season, and now I am looking for an EX500 to transition to sportbikes.
I have a couple of questions for you guys:
First of all, one of the bikes that I am looking at is a 2001, with around 3,000 miles on it. This is because it sat in storage for about 4 years. The current owners had the carbs serviced, including replacing most of the wearable parts. They also had the gas tank professionally coated. My question is - what should I be looking for that could have gone bad during that time sitting?
The Maxim X that I restored had the oil turn rancid. Luckily, the engine was almost completely aluminum. However, I still had to change the oil about 5 times in the first thousand miles, and do a flush to get the rust out. Also, the coolant had gone bad, and the tank was slightly rusted. What on this bike would rust? Is there any seals in particular that could be extra susceptible?
From what I have heard, tank coatings can be bad news. They can peel off and clog fuel systems. Is this common?
Lastly, the person wants $3000. Depending on who you believe the book value is somewhere between $2300 to $2800. Do you think this is a fair price considering there is nothing wrong with the bike other than the unknowns above.
I am pretty sure I am either going to get an EX500 or GS500, so I can pass on the bike and be patient. However, I hope it is an EX500 so that I can participate in this great board. Thanks in advance for the help!