Hi to everyone, I am brand new...

[//ACCIDENT]

        I just wanted to say hi to everyone here.  I am brand new to the forum.  I have been looking at the forum for the past week or two while I was trying to figure out what would be a good starter bike.  It just so happened that once I decided that a gs500e sounded like a nice bike to start with, I ran into one at a local motorcycle shop.  The guy had just bought a new cruiser there and the shop agreed to put his son's old bike out on display out front... 
        The bike is a 1997 gs500e with a little under 5,000 miles on it.  I am in the process of buying it for 1000.00 even.  The bike seems like its in good shape.  The mechanics at the bike shop had just had it in to tune it up before the guy put it out front.  It looks good but has little patches of surface rust on the naked frame and exaust, none on the tank or back.  Its unscratched, in fact it looks like its never been dropped. Throttle snaps back nicely and the clutch moves smoothly.  However, it had been in front of the shop for a month and it wouldnt start when I got there.  They say it just needs a jump and will def. pass inspection here in Maryland so I think this is a hell of a good deal.  Let me know what you guys think...

        Oh and by the way. I am 22 and I have never ridden a bike before in my life but I have been obsessed with them for a few months now.  I was planning on learning in the spring but this deal came along and I started to think seriously about it.  Got my permit yesterday (I didn't know that the written test for the learners permit was the only written test to take and would actually be hard... the lady said very few people pass the first time. good thing I read the 50 page motorcycle operator book the previous night.)
        Anyway, thanks for this forum, its been a great help to me so far and you all seem knowledgeable as hell and real generous with your advice. I'm sure I will learn alot from you guys in the coming weeks. 

[ajgs500]

Hello welcome and take the MSF course.  It will be invaluable and help u make the right descion when u may get in a sticky situation.

[Bob Broussard]

Welcome to the GS500 community

It sounds like a good deal you got there
A little rust on the frame and pipes is normal. Easy fix. You might consider a fresh battery even after they get it running. Try to find some roads with little traffic to become familiar with the bike, before getting into traffic.
If that's even possible

Anyway, welcome aboard

[//ACCIDENT]

Thanks. I dont have the bike yet... Should be monday.  Since I have never ridden a bike before I am going to take the msf course.  The mva near me doesn't have any info on it yet although I know it runs three sessions during the season.  I might get my endorsment first tho... I dont really want to wait until my permit expires and the msf course runs off a lottery which means I might not get into any of the sessions this year (although you can bet I will register for every one that comes up).  I plan on riding as cautiously and slowly as possible no highway...  I have a whole lot of respect for how dangerous motorcycles are... (My mom works in a hospital as an RN )
Aside from all that, I Got a couple questions...

Where is the battery on the bike (below the seat?)?

Also, how can I get that surface rust off without scratching up the bike?

[budget speed demon]

Question for ya. You say you have no motorcycle experience? Do you understand the concept of clutch and shifting? For someone who doesn't know much of anything about bikes, it's a lot more complicated than simply twisting the throttle and taking off.

I highly suggest not touching the bike until you've taken and passed the MSF. Just my opinion, but it would be a shame to hurt a purdy new bike and possibly yourself because you have not had the proper training.

Its kind of weird that I'm giving you this advice, because I know that if I was you, I'd be out on that bike the first day I got it, MSF or not...


Another thing to keep in mind is that your insurance is going to go way down when you take the MSF, and you'll be allowed to ride at night, on the highway and take a passenger.  With just the M1 you can't do these things.

I also suggest that you don't take a passenger until you have at least 3 or 4 months riding experience. Riding with a passenger is a completely different experience.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

^

[annguyen1981]

Question for ya. You say you have no motorcycle experience? Do you understand the concept of clutch and shifting? For someone who doesn't know much of anything about bikes, it's a lot more complicated than simply twisting the throttle and taking off.

I highly suggest not touching the bike until you've taken and passed the MSF. Just my opinion, but it would be a shame to hurt a purdy new bike and possibly yourself because you have not had the proper training.

Its kind of weird that I'm giving you this advice, because I know that if I was you, I'd be out on that bike the first day I got it, MSF or not...


Another thing to keep in mind is that your insurance is going to go way down when you take the MSF, and you'll be allowed to ride at night, on the highway and take a passenger.  With just the M1 you can't do these things.

I also suggest that you don't take a passenger until you have at least 3 or 4 months riding experience. Riding with a passenger is a completely different experience.

I agree with Budget Speed Demon...  If you've never been on a bike, definitely wait until you've gone thru the MSF course.  That's what I did.  I puchased my '04 GS500f before I even took the MSF course.  I had to wait a couple weeks, but it was well worth it!

[annguyen1981]

Oh...  Almost forgot the most important part of my message...

WELCOME!

[starwalt]

The best part of the MSF course is that you get to ride their bikes before getting on yours.

The beginner's class assumes you are able to ride a bicycle. They teach clutch/throttle control and you only get up to 3rd gear.

Welcome to the crew!

[GeeP]

The best part of the MSF course is that you get to ride their bikes before getting on yours.

And crash them too!