I have owned a 2001 Vl500 for a year. It has high miles 46000. It does not seem it has had much maintenance. It starts easy. It needs a much new chrome that has been left outside. Over all the paint and main components motor wheels seat hold up well a quality made bike. Its all metal. It rides like a boeing 747. Its is awsome on the back like a car. Cars can see it and seem to cut you off far less than a smaller bike. If you get a nice outfitted one I can say people will run over to see what it is. They can not believe it is such a V twin made by suzuki. For the price i would say it is a super bargain. Suzuki did not skimp on the parts. If it has not been tampered with or has a exhaust that will burn your paints off. It will last a life time. It seems easy to rebuild and has a look that is more pleasing than newer models. With its flaired fenders and odometer it looks more old school. I wish Harley made a bike that sits and rides like this and maybe it does for close to 30k.