New GS500 owner with a few questions...

[dino0822]

1st time rider/new GS500 owner that has a few questions/statements:

1) progressive fork springs vs. stock fork springs is like night and day.  I would get "cling cling cling" a lot with the stock springs from the forks bottoming out, now....silence.  Bike feels a whole lot better.  Why did Suzuki put such lame springs on the bike?  Cost I guess...

2) Had my first duhhhh moment tonight.  Ready to set out, bike warmed up, put her in 1st gear, bike died.  Back to neutral, started her up, put her in first, and she died again.  Did this a few more times.  Even put some choke back on.  Then, as I was looking around the bike, I saw the kickstand still down. Ahhh....kickstand up, everything was fine after that.  I've never forgotton to put the kickstand up before, I have no idea why I forget this time.  Oh well.  I just think its cool that my bike didn't like what I was doing, so it said "Oh yeah....well no more engine!!!".

3) Question about the mirrors.  I've adjusted these things all I could, and all I see is half of my shoulder and sorta what's in the adjacent lane.  In other words, I can't really see whats behind me at all.  Do you just have to live with this?  Is that what bar end mirrors are good for?  What should my expectations be?

4) I agree with most of you that things the rear fender is not so attractive.  I am thinking of doing the famous fenderectomy.  The pictures of the new and improved rear end show no rear reflector that is below the license plate on my GS500.  Since the taillight is right above, I guess this reflector is considered useless?

Thanks...

[Ry_Guy]

Question about the mirrors. I've adjusted these things all I could, and all I see is half of my shoulder and sorta what's in the adjacent lane. In other words, I can't really see whats behind me at all. Do you just have to live with this? Is that what bar end mirrors are good for? What should my expectations be?

Judging by the members' bike pics, it seems that most of the gs500f models (with fairing) have mirrors closer to the tachometer assembly, making it more difficult to see behind you. The older gs500e models (naked) have extending sideview mirrors out of the handlebars that reach farther. They look a little less sporty, but allow you to see more stuff behind you.
Either live with it, or get bar end mirrors.  

[Ry_Guy]

My mom used to live in Albuquerque when she was my age. Kinda makes me wish I was there right now.