new bike once i master my gs500f, but which one

['04gs500f]

Well i fell in love with the kawasaki ninja zx-6r right off the bat, a little bit expensive though... but lately ive fallen for the sv look a little bit and since i found a websight that sells lower fairings i can really make it look sporty, so my question is; is the sv650s something worth looking into and how much could i get a fixer upper sv650s for?

[William M]

Sorry, I don't have much info on Ninjas, although your premise has intrigued me.

I see this fairly often, the GS as a trainer until one can "move up".  I've owned various bikes over the years, from smaller Honda 350s and 400F, to K650, to BMW RS100 (1000CC ) and now the GS500.

For those who do feel the need to move up, what are your reasons for doing so? Want something faster? For touring? Better handling? Looks?

I'm really not putting you down here (honest!) and certianly don't think the GS is the end all of the 2 wheeled world, but I'm having trouble understanding why a relatively new owner of a 500F is already thinking about moving on. What is it not  that you wish it was?

Just curious.

-William

[vtlion]

variety is the spice of bikes!    People want to 'move on' so they can experience what the wold of motorcycling has to offer.  I have traded 'up' once (to an R6) and then 'down' once (to the SV650S).  It is not all about getting more power... but for the conciencious learner who choses the GS for a first bike, there aren't many mainstream models available to trade down to.

Are you interested in a first or second gen SV650S?  The second generation (the one with fuel injection and more angular fairing design) started in 2003.  By now you should be able to find a clean used 03 for under 5k.  The new design didn't sell well in some areas, so depending on where you live, you might find an even better deal.  A fixer-upper I guess would depend on just how much fixing-up it really needed.

I have found my 04SVS to be a real hoot to ride.  While a little lacking in the top-end power and suspension categories, it is still lightyears better than the GS.

['04gs500f]

like i said, once i master my 500f (will be a good time from now), i love my 500f, and the options im considering are not all that much morte powerful, i definatly dont want a 1000cc bike, i just like to ride the roads not race. I would like to upgrade in the future to something more sporty and of a higher quality, dont get me wrong the gs500f is great but the instrument cluster, quality of the fairings etc etc isnt exactly top notch, it was built to be a budget bike and thats what it is, nothing more.

Over all its a great bike, i would just like to try my other options and ride something else, and switch again until i absolutely fall in love with something i try on.

[William M]

OK. The quality thing makes sense (although the GS for its price range isn't a bad machine at all.)...as does the variety.  After all I have owned several different bikes, but each one was purchased for a specific reason (my 650 got stolen, my 350 wasn't up to touring) and we ARE talking over a 20 year period...

Guess I'm just trying to counter the "real men ride XYZ"  mentality.  

-William

['04gs500f]

the gs500f has no flaws that i can truly make out that would make it a bad bike that wouldnt last, but you will ALWAYS pick out what you like and dont like on your first bike and after your first bike you really get a true idea of what you want in a bike if you know what i mean.

just small things, like id rather have my instrument cluster mounted on the frame or fairings rather than the handlebars, i also prefer to lean forward a little more rather than sit upright (i may get some clipons)

and the most important of course is to get that real crotch rocket look

just the small things, its just like the motorcycle class i took, the bikes they used were great, but you learn from riding what it is that will fit you best and im still looking for the better glove is all

cheers,
alex

[pantablo]

For those who do feel the need to move up, what are your reasons for doing so? Want something faster? For touring? Better handling? Looks?

I originally chose the gs500 because it was considered (still is) a great first bike to learn on. It was an excellent bike and I learned well. My goal was always to have a sportbike and ride canyons and the track. After I mastered the gs500 and found myself riding it up to and beyond its limits I knew it was time to move on. Bought a 600rr and never looked back...

The gs500 is a great bike and on a tight road, a gs500 ridden by a competent/good rider could keep up with me. on the more open canyon road things are a little different. different on the track too.

[JCH]

I would like to evetually get a 650 svs.   My reasons would be for the fairing, slightly more aggresive stance, and so I don't feel as cramped.  Don't get me wrong, I also think the GS500 is tops.  But it also lets me know it doesn't like carrying my lard butt faster than 80  

[Eklipse]

You should get a GSXR-1000 or a Busa.

No, really. Get what you want. Get what you're comfortable with. If you're comfortable with a CBR600, get one. If you're comfortable with an SV650, or heck a Harley... get one. Go sit on different bikes and make some friends with different bikes. Sometimes people like to try out eachother's bikes, which probably isn't the best idea in itself, but I did get to try out a 600 cause someone wanted to ride my F. It was great, way more power... the front wheel lifts in first just from accelerating hard. Way different seating/riding feel too.

Not to mention there's way more wind buffeting at 150  :mrgreen:

[The Buddha]

Yea GS was my 5th bike ... And the only one I have owned for 10 years ... Its a much better bike than anyhting I have seen ... for the real world.
Cool.
Srinath.

[furball]

I understand the want to move up in size for more acceleration and power it is a great feeling....but I don't recommend planning on stepping up until you master the first bike....Get some experience first and master the bike then decide what you want next....The SV650 is a GREAT choice....very nimble and I love the look....But I myself am more of a GIXXER lover...

I started on a Yamaha 600 and it was intimidating at first...took two years to master this bike and then I stepped up to the bike of my dreams and will never change again....STarting on a smaller and more nimble bike is the best thing to do...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it...Just don't already be looking for your next bike while you still need to master your current bike...this leads to an impulse buy when you are ot truly ready....

I am looking to get my wife a new GS500F and it is mainly because of the look of the bike for her....She has a 250 Ninja and just doesn't like the look and how small it looks against all of my buddies bikes....she had tried to ride a 600 Yamaha b4 and it was too much....I think this will be plenty of bike for her....and I am excited myself to use it to ride to and from work....

Good luck on mastering your new bike and enjoy this 500, it is a great bike to start on and would be a great bike to stay on...don't be all caught up in the speed yet....Learn how to drive and become comfortable first....be comfortable with emergency maneuvers and just be content with what you have....ENJOY!!!!!!!