New To Forum and New GS500E (new to me, 2001)

[jaybee333]

Hi All,
My name is John.  This is my 5th bike, although it's been a long time since I owned one.  I live in North Central Florida, just between Jacksonville and Orlando, in Gainesville.   Am I near any of you riders out there?

I  am 59 yrs old and I work as an independent residential painting contractor.  

I got the bike bug again around the time gas hit $2.50 per gallon.  I did alot of research on the web and found out that the Suzuki GS500E  is just about the premier 500 mid sized bike out there.

I joined this forum just a week ago and have read hundreds of posts of happy owners.  This forum is one of the reasons I bought this bike.  The people here are so knowledgeable and friendly.  I'm glad to be part of your online community!

[Larry]

Welcome John,  you will enjoy the GS and this forum.  I also purchased a used GS500E (2000) to get back into riding at age 53.  I am enjoying the bike.  Good luck with yours.  The MSF course is a good refresher course to consider. Glad that I took it.

[Cal Price]

Welcome back to bikes. I too am 59, I came back after a long gap in 2001, buying a new GS in 2003. It's the most fun you can have on your own! Take care, things change, learn again and enjoy.

[Roadstergal]

Very cool - welcome!  Pics if you got 'em, please.  

[jaybee333]

Sorry,  no pics yet.
She's a 2001, made in 11/00 in Japan.  Totally stock, except for an amaturish hacksaw fenderectomy, cutting off the fender just at the line of the bottom of the license plate edge.  She's got only 220 miles on her, yes 220!  Been sitting at the Suz dealership for a couple years on a wierd mechanics lein over a wierd non-payment of a tune up bill???  The story is that the General Manager ended up titling it to his brother in law, but he was afraid to ride it.  That's the strange story anyway.  I really suspect that this bike was sold twice!!!  More power to them, fine with me.  I paid $2500.  Admin fee: $149.  Title Registration Fee:$64.35.  Sales Tax: $159.69.  For a total of:$2873.84, out the door.   With new Florida plates on her.  Title to be in the mail in 3 to 4 weeks.

I used that online used bike inspection guide and hints from these forums to inspect the bike: no rust in tank, no rubber rot on the tires, frame clean and straight, etc. etc.  Clean gas in tank, clean brake fluid, clean oil in engine.

Dealership owner says they cleaned out the carbs.  She was cold when I got there and she started up in about 3 seconds and warmed up in about 2 min.  No strange sounds.  Very,very clean bike.  I'm in love!!!

Taking the written test Tuesday after the Holiday, shopping for  leather jacket,  got the boots, will get gloves.  Will get insurance, already talked to my agent.

I will make mods as money allows, like new BT45's, progressive springs, probably a Kat rear shock.  See, I've been reading the posts!!!

Once again Guys,  Thanks to you all for creating such a fine, knowledgeable, and friendly forum community.  As my knowledge increases, I hope to give back and support others!!!

[tdan553527]

Welcome, and congrats on the your "new" bike. This is the place.

[scratch]

Congratulations and welcome!

[john]

Oh yea, you'll enjoy it.  It's one of the easiest bikes to ride and gets phenomenal gas mileage.  Congrats & welcome