New to the forums

[JoshNy]

Hey all,
Me and keef (NotoriousKeef) have been buddies for awhile and when he got his new Kawasaki, some of you may remember him posting about it, he convinced me to buy his GS 500.  It's my first bike as it was his also, and I can't wait to ride.  Im stationed in Misawa Japan, so I won't be back in the states for awhile still but hes gonna hold on to it for me over the winter.  
He told me to come here and check out the forums.  I never knew there was such a wealth of knowledge out there, and I look forward to both getting and giving lots of help here

Im planning on getting a full set of gear, but can't decide on leather or denim riding pants.  What are your guys' opinions?  Also I would like to put a ferring on the bike, and I think keef said it needs a new windshield too.  I saw a few posts about the install process but does anyone have some before and after pics to share.  If you dont wanna post em, just email me jny12@juno.com
Bye for now all

-JoshNy

[Jenerator]

Welcome to the board, Josh.

I just bought a GS as well but haven't yet had the chance to ride it (it needs a bit of work first) and it's entirely naked (no fairings).  I'm going to try it like that first to see how bad the wind really is before I install a windscreen or fairing on it.  I once had a Honda CM250 that was also naked and didn't find the wind to be a problem - I actually liked how it kind of held me more upright, thus relieving some of the weight on my wrists...but like I said, I don't know what this GS is going to feel like yet.

I'm certain you'll find all kinds of support and advice via this site, should you decide to install the windscreen/fairings.

So...what's it like being stationed in Japan??

[CasiUSA]

I think you should get leather pants, Josh. They would suit you well.

I love the GS 500 and I think you are a terrific Human Being. Welcome to the forum.