2005 New Colours on the GS500f

[Javlin]

So... I've been looking at buying a bike.. I've not ridden for several years and I've never ridden anything over 250 so the GS500 seems perfect

I've been looking at the naked bike but today in at the Suzuki dealers I spotted the 04 GS500f, and I have to tell you, it looks very very nice - I've never wanted a 'crotch rocket' or a bike that looks like it - but I'm really taken with it! The model I saw was the 04 - blue nearly all over - so when I asked about ording the new 05 bike they pointed out the colours had changed - ignore the black & silver (yuck) the new blue and white

http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/model.asp?id=37

I have to be honest it's not as nice as the blue but the more I look at it the more it grows on me - it's on the computer desktop now and I'm trying to decide if I really want the f and not the naked bike - what do all you old hands think!

I'd really appreciate any feedback about the bike in general and what bits I should have changed straight away - tyres, front suspension? Then what alarm that kind of thing! Really looking forward to your thoughts.

[se7enty7]

imo black bikes are way to hard to see.


I bought a white, but will soon have the 2004 blue.  If I ever buy a bike new it will be red or yellow though

[Javlin]

I agree with you there!

[Gisser]

IMO, that black/red/white colour combo looks mean.  Reflective tape can address visibility concerns better than paint.  Also think the full fairing is a good idea given the cruel reality of British weather.  GS500 might be a good choice if you ride for yourself, but not very good for the purposes of posing [poor status symbol, may cause allergic reaction in local sportbike posse].    

[roguegeek]

At first when I saw the F models, I thought to myself, "How hideous. They took one of the most beautiful modern naked bikes in the world and put this full-fairing that extends way too high." But you know what? It's grown on me most definitely. I'd definitely throw some lower handlebars on the F model right away. I like the yellow/black and black/black F models.

Hey, they still offer the naked versions over in the UK. That black/red model looks down right mean.

[Javlin]

I was going to get the naked version (blue) but when I saw the f model today in the bike shop - it totally won me over - just can't seem to get over the white underside though.

I think the first thing I'll do is put on a decent set of tyres, stiffen the frot suspension, buy a decent set of luggage, then slap in a top notch alarm. Other than that I can't see anything else worth doing - with the possible exception of a cigarette lighter for the power.

[Javlin]

And of course we shouldn't forget the addition of a couple of super bright LED indicator lights

[Eklipse]

The colors on the 2005s are so ugly.

The color of your bike REALLY doesn't matter as far as cagers and visibility. The profile of your bike is so low the only color they're going to see is your headlight or tail light. So pick what you like.

Bright dayglow clothing does help though, cause your back has a bigger profile than your bike.

[Javlin]

My back is bigger than most! Hence me going for a bike that can comfortably carry 420lbs (not that I'm anywhere near that!).

I'm not really worried about being seen - I can't see there's much difference between a blue / black / yellow bike at 5am in the morning as I'm heading off to work - but - I notice that the headlamp on the f is different - any views on which one is better?

I think the first thing I'll do is pop in a Philips super bright headlamp anyway.

[Cal Price]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm I think the 04 & 05 paint job was a step backwards but there you go, what's done is done. Given the (UK) options I still prefer the naked in blue but each to his/her own.

I am mulling over the prospect of a 650 bandit, naked in blue or possibly "S" in silver with ABS, check it out on the same link

http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/home.asp

[Eklipse]

Bandit 650 isn't a bad looking bike. Not my style though. I'm more of a Buell Firebolt XB12R guy.

[Javlin]

I really like the look of the Bandit  - really nice bike - but after 4 years out of the saddle and having never ridden anything over a 250 I'm worried it's simply too much bike for me.... I think the gs to the bandit over a few years is a good idea!

I loved the naked blue bike - the colours are much nicer, and I've always been a fan of naked bikes, but I'm begining to feel I need a little more protection from the wind at 5am - I do agree about the colours though - definately a step back - I've asked the dealer to ask Suzuki if the have any 04 models left

[RedShift]

I'm in favour of your thinking.  Go with the unfaired version, but consider a flyscreen or perhaps something a bit larger.  (Ask about engine case guards while you're at it -- look like they belong and you'll thank yourself on the first drop.)

I bought a Suzuki Accessory flyscreen three years ago that fit the naked SV650 and the GS500E.  It protects the gauges and punches a hole in the air to crouch behind.  When sitting up, it essentially protects the chest area, exposing the arms, shoulders and above.

In hindsight I might have been better suited to get a screen as tall as the mirrors, but the flyscreen looks great and protects enough for temperatures above 50F (10C).

I'll see if I can find and post the Part Number.  It's no longer offered as an official accessory on the web, but the dealer may still be able to order.

Roy...

PS.  Nice to have a choice of the "E" or "F" version.  Canada offers both, but the U.S. only markets the "F".  Guess we're into plastic...

[Javlin]

Thanks guys - that's all been really helpful

[GSRider]

Whoever said the colors look like crap, do bear in mind the colors look a hell of a lot better in person. When I saw the color schemes for this year, I thought they looked like Janet Jackson too, but after seeing them in person, they look more like Lindsey Lohan.  

I believe these are the retro colors Suzi put out to comemerate their anniversary in the biking world. Good on them too!