Has anyone compared the ''old'' and the ''new'' GS500?

[soren_ladegaard]

Hi everyone

I'm about to take my motorcycle driverslicense and I'm thinking of buying a GS500. The GS500 had a major facelift in 2000 (?) with a larger tank and a new tail.

Has anyone tried to ride both? Are there any major differences? When I look at the old and the new bike, for some reason the new version appears bigger/larger. Is this correct?

[QWKDTSN]

The new bodywork seems a bit "bulgier" but it may be an illusion caused by the shape of the seat - which is a definite improvement over the old one, which gets pointedly uncomfortable after an hour.

[Kerry]

The fuel tank on the 2001+ models holds an extra gallon or so, and the carbs are updated (better?).  The frame is apparently the same as before, but the newly-designed plastic side panels mount to it differently.

Keep in mind that there are a LOT more pre-2001 GS500s in the US than 2001-2002 models.  And since they are no longer being imported (to the US) this translates to possible availability-of-parts problems down the line.  Of course, that should only apply to the parts that were updated in 2001.

[pantablo]

Has anyone tried to ride both? Are there any major differences? When I look at the old and the new bike, for some reason the new version appears bigger/larger. Is this correct?

Hi Soren,
the difference between the two is minor, especially riding them. The 2001+ model is wider at the tank and seat/bodywork.  Seat is more comfortable on newer models. Carbs are bigger and the body is redesigned...updated really. Other than that they're basically the same bike.

[mrslush50]

even the differences that exist (besides the body work) are very minor.

I just finished putting together one bike out of an '89 (first year available) and an '02 (last year available)

there are little differences (example:  the '89 has no slot on the fork sliders for gaurds.) but it really is the same bike.

[jake42]

OT!!

Hey Kerry -- nice unicycle work there.
I have one the same size.  Used to have a six footer ages ago.

Jake