Wannabe :-)

[petriljoe]

I've never driven a motorcycle and I've been researching it for a while.  I'm really interested.

Most of the stuff I've read is from http://motorcycles.about.com and I've found it very informative.

I came to the time where I'm interested in what kind of bike I should get for a beginner bike.  I read that it varys on your hight, weight, age, and sex, (possibly more things, eh?!), feet size, tongue width, and most of all how high you can jump!  Just kidding.

But back to the serious stuff..

This website..http://motorcycles.about.com/library/userreviews/ucrevbikes053.htm

.. informed me that the GS500 "is an excellent beginner bike for those interested in a standard type motorcycle"

Well.. my question:  is it?

I'm 17 years old and, as stated before, have never driven a motorcycle.  
I'm about 5'10"-11" tall and a fairly good size/weight of 250 pounds.

I'm not sure how much those thing about me affect whether this is a good bike to begin for me, but I included them anyway.

I'm also experienced in driving a stick-shift car for about a year (to and from school) for a little over half a year.  I read from about.com that this was useful to beginning on driving a motorcycle.



Could I also get a very general estimate on the cost of this bike, if it is the right one for me?  Used and new, for those of you who already know?

Insurance... is it high for this particular motorcycle?  I know it varys.. but if I could get a responce.. thanks


Later.

[weaselnoze]

insurance will be lower than gsxr's or r6's cbrs, etc

[Jeff P]

... informed me that the GS500 "is an excellent beginner bike for those interested in a standard type motorcycle"

Well.. my question:  is it?

Yes

I'm 17 years old and, as stated before, have never driven a motorcycle.  
I'm about 5'10"-11" tall and a fairly good size/weight of 250 pounds.

I'm not sure how much those thing about me affect whether this is a good bike to begin for me, but I included them anyway.

Your size and weight aren't an issue for this bike.  Lots of guys your size ride 'em.  

I'm also experienced in driving a stick-shift car for about a year (to and from school) for a little over half a year.  I read from about.com that this was useful to beginning on driving a motorcycle.

It certainly doesn't hurt, but it in no way means you're more ready to hop on a bike and start riding around the streets than someone without that experience.  What you really ought (need) to do is sign up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Beginner Rider Course (most call it the MSF class).  This will cover all the basics of riding, it really is the best way to start riding.  No kidding 90% or more of the questions about riding technique and whatnot from new riders on this site and others are answered in the class.  Also, buy or check out a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough.  A very good read.  

Could I also get a very general estimate on the cost of this bike, if it is the right one for me?  Used and new, for those of you who already know?

Insurance... is it high for this particular motorcycle?  I know it varys.. but if I could get a responce.. thanks .

They started making these bikes way back in '89, and continue to make them now in the sportbike-look GS500F models.  So, you can find 'em out there for as little as a few hundred bucks to as much as $4,000 or more.  FWIW, I bought my '96 about 2 years ago for $2,100.  
Insurance is pretty cheap, but you unfortunately are in the high priced insurance demographic.  You should definitely buy a used bike, with cash, and stick to cheap to insure models like the GS500.  Like weaselnoze said, a GSX-R or CBR will cost you a fortunte to properly insure.

Another very good resource for you will be the
message board at the Beginner Bikes website, once it gets back up and running.  I think they've busy doing maintenance right now.

jeff

[fettcols]

You can pick up a new GS500F with the full fairing for five grand... More or less depending how you negotiate with the dealer...

I'm not sure about a 17 year old but Suzuki will finance with a minimum payment of $99 on their card program (it's best to pay more that the minimum payment).

If your new to riding and want a new bike I would recomend picking up one of those cheap a$$ street/trail bikes that are made in China until you the hang of it... You can pick up 150-200cc bikes all day for $1500-$1800.

I'm sure many will agree dirt bikes a great place to start.

[dgyver]

I always advocate starting on a dirt bike. They are designed to take a beating. Plus not having to deal with traffic is a plus. The GS is a tough bike but has a few weaknesses if dropped without protection.

I would stay away from a faired bike at first. Replacing and/or repairing plastic can get expensive. Either way, get a used bike because you will drop it sooner or later. Having the experience working on a used bike is an advantage in the future. Taking a bike to a dealer for service or repairs will be costly.

The GS will probably be one of the cheapest bike to insure.

A good used one can be found less than $2000.

Bad news about going to //www.BeginnerBikes.com, the forum has been shut down.

[VTNewb]

If you want super cheap insurance... do what I did. I bought a Maxim 700 which is pretty quick (86 hp)  for 850 dollars. Insurance is 180 for a year with full coverage.

[pantablo]

Joe,
Im also a regular at motorcycles.about.com and usually advocate the gs500 as a first bike since thats what I did. Funny, in my initial research when I wanted to ride I first found the about site then discovered the gs500 as a good first bike. Then discovered this place...just like you.

The gs500 is a great first bike (as are the kawasaki ex500 and better yet, the ex250).

Usually bikes run in the $1500-$2000 range for a good condition used one. You can find them for more and for less but thats a good range to budget for. Also assume you'll be spending a minimum of $600 on safety gear (helmet, gloves, boots, jacket as a BARE minimum). Also invest in your state's MSF program (www.msf-usa.org) for a start.

Your age puts you in a high insurance premium category but the three bikes are all low cost insurance-wise.

Also read Twist of the Wrist II by Keith Code and Sport Riding Techniques by Nich Iensatch. Both are geared a bit to sport street and track riding but the principles and physics they describe will help you understand how to control the bike.

Good luck. It only gets better from here. I bought my gs500 a little over 2 years ago and rode the snot out of it. I rode mostly in the canyons and put 9k miles on it in 16 months. I had bought a nearly new 2001 (425 miles on it) for $3500 and sold it 16 months later for $3000-not a bad investment. A more used bike will likely sell for what you paid.

[petriljoe]

Thank all of you guys for your responces, since now I'm even more inspired.  I'll check out those books suggested, and check back on this thread for more responces later since I can't think of many more questions.

I know it's better to be safe than sorry (meaning not skimping on gear), but when riding to school with all of that gear on, I'm not sure where I'll put my gloves, jacket, helmet, etc.  

I suppose it would be better to continue to drive the car I'm driving now to school, and just have fun learning to drive the bike elsewhere, eh?

[pantablo]

but when riding to school with all of that gear on, I'm not sure where I'll put my gloves, jacket, helmet, etc.

Gloves inside the helmet, the rest you have to carry around with you or lock the helmet to the bike (D ring from strap to under the seat) and risk damage or theft of the helmet. its not as convenient as a car. Best to use bike for recreation if you dont need it as your only transportation, IMO.

I suppose it would be better to continue to drive the car I'm driving now to school, and just have fun learning to drive the bike elsewhere, eh?

Yes.

[Roadstergal]

I'm also experienced in driving a stick-shift car for about a year (to and from school) for a little over half a year.

I'd been driving a stick-shift car on a track before I hopped on a motorcycle.  It's a completely different experience, and a completely new level of attentiveness required.  Riding is a highly active process.

Wear your gear whenever you get on the bike, even if it's only to move it a block.  I was hit literally outside of the doors of my workplace.  If you don't have a place to put your gear at the end of the ride, either carry it or don't ride.

The naked GS is a great bike to start out on.  You'll love it.  

[Moose0573]

petriljoe,

As I am a newbie myslef not only to the GS500f, but to riding in general I can't offer any better advice than what has already been posted.

However I will echo the advice that you should take MSF's Basic Rider Course.  I took the class in November...it was my first contact with a motorcycle in my life, and I think that it is a must for beginning riders.

After numerous hours of research on here and at beginnerbikes.com, I purchased a yellow 2004 GS500f about three weeks ago.  I myself am a big guy(5'9" 315) and the GS hauls me around with no problems whatsoever.  I paid $4500 for mine from a local dealer.

My insurance is through Progressive and I am paying $435 for the year, however I'm 31 with clean driving record.

[xtalman]

The GS500 is my first bike too.  For a price reference, I bought a '96 with 6,300 miles on it for $2,000.  I've put on about 2,500 miles of my own in the last 6 months.

It's a great bike to not only learn how to ride on, but also how to do maintenance on.  If you get a used one (without the fairings), the cost and insurance will be cheaper, there is greater availability of used parts, and maintenance is easier.  If you have mechanical problems, this forum is a great resource to tap.

[petriljoe]

Thank you guys advice.  It's really helping me:D.  I'll look into taking the MSF courses.  And hey, now I know what to do with my gloves!  lol

I will check back for more responces later, and save this page for future reference so I can read over it for future reference.  

As for now, I must depart.  It's 1:30 A.M. here in Alabama and I have my first day of school tomorrow of the second nine weeks.  I have enjoyed my break and hope you all have too. Waking up at 6:00 A.M. is something I'll have to get used to again, since most of my long nights were spent staying up.  Later guys, I'll surely be back  :mrgreen:

[yeagermeister]

Being an experienced manual tranny driver really helped me with learning how to ride my bike.  Having an understanding of what a clutch is and what the friction zone feels like gave me a headstart over others in my MSF class when we started riding.