Performance specs

[wodin]

Ok, i am new to the motorcycle world, actually just got my temps today, and have been researching bikes a lot. I have finally decided that i would like a GS500 as my first bike. I like the looks, and the performance, atleast from what i have heard. The only thing is that i have yet to find a site with info on all the specs of the bike. Basically i would like to know a few things...

1. HP/torque
2. 1/4 mile times
3. 60-0 braking distance
4. 0-60 times

i have seen some info on HP, 1/4 mile, and 0-60 times, but they vary. I have yet to find a 60-0 distance though, which is something i would really like to know. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could give me the info i need to make my final decision. BTW i will probably go with like a 1995 GS, cause i dont have the funds right now for a newer one, college is pricey  

[TheGoodGuy]

first this is not a car, and hence half those values are not worth looking at cause its still more powerful than an average car.

Anyway here is the deal.

HP: ~40hp (rejetted can go upto 43hp)
Torque: 23Nm (if I am right)
0-60: 4.5-5.5 sec
1/4 time: 13.68@98mph
60-0: dont know but the GS brakes are excellent. Definatley below 90feet.
Dry Weight: 387
Wet Weight: 420

Its more than what you will need for a beginner bike.. and intermediate riders love it for its handling..

congrats on choosing the GS500.

[wodin]

yes, i am aware that it is faster than most cars. The reason i wanted the info was to compare to other bikes, and to make sure i wasnt getting anything too powerful.  Braking distance was the big thing that i was wondering b/c i dont want to be a bug on someones rear windshield .  the only info i could find was on the sv650, which is as similar as i could get, and it did 60-0 in 108 ft. which was very good compared to the other 135 bikes on the list. I figured that the GS would do about the same b/c it is a little lighter, but only had single front discs. Thanks for the info, and if anyone else knows its braking distance please post.

[octane]

The GS make enough power to have plenty of fun, but not enough to get you in TOO much trouble. Ride sensibly and you'll be fine. Good luck.

[Pkaaso]

Braking distance is relative to the rider.  The GS has enough front brake to lock up the wheel or do a stoppie, the rear brake can lock up with the largest of riders.  

As per what was said earlier, stopping can't be messured like a car.  In a car you just stomp on the brake and with a little pedel/steering talent, the car comes to a stop.  On a bike, stopping takes quite a bit more practice and talent.  It is also much more effected by the vaarience in road surfaces.

Car = 1 brake pedel
Bike = 2 brakes + down shifting.

Practice and find "your" braking distance.  It will vary bike to bike, but more so from rider to rider.

My $.02

Paul

[wodin]

well guys i appreciate the help. i do believe i am going to get a GS500, when i find one atleast. hope i get to be part of the community here :lol:

[pantablo]

welcome!
good choice on the gs too!

If you can find it, check out the December issue of Cycle World. They did an article called Cheap Thrills where they compared various "first bikes". The gs500 came out on top (of course), just beating out the ex500. They may have some of the info you are looking for.

Be sure though that you are not getting a bike with too much hp or too much bike in general. It is very new rider friendly but still enough to have a real good time on.

60-0 times would be posted just like 0-60 times are generally: by professional rider so it wouldn't have anything to do with your riding  specifically except that you may have a hard time matching those posted numbers, fwiw.

Stopping the bike quickly does take practice. Its also somethign that is covered in the MSF course. Are you or have you taked it? if not you should consider it! Highly recommend it.

[JBix]

I noticed that when you install the prograssive fork springs, it isn't as easy to lock up the rear wheel.  Equating to better braking.  Perhaps due to less weight transfer from the stiffer forks?

[wodin]

i will look into that article, i hope it gives me the added info i need. I am also aware of all of the variables of braking. as previously mentioned i just want the info to compare to other bikes.  I chose the GS b/c it isnt too fast, which is good for a beginer, and it isnt too heavy.  actually the turning point from which i chose the GS500 over other similar bikes was from  you guys.  Its very comforting to have a whole group of people with the same bike and that are willing to help out us newbies.

BTW, i have yet to take the MSF, but most definatly will. There is a course coming up in about 3 weeks which is full, but i am going to try and be a walk on, if someoen doesnt show.

[gsJack]

Ok, i am new to the motorcycle world, actually just got my temps today, and have been researching bikes a lot. I have finally decided that i would like a GS500 as my first bike. I like the looks, and the performance, atleast from what i have heard. The only thing is that i have yet to find a site with info on all the specs of the bike. Basically i would like to know a few things...

1. HP/torque
2. 1/4 mile times
3. 60-0 braking distance
4. 0-60 times

i have seen some info on HP, 1/4 mile, and 0-60 times, but they vary. I have yet to find a 60-0 distance though, which is something i would really like to know. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could give me the info i need to make my final decision. BTW i will probably go with like a 1995 GS, cause i dont have the funds right now for a newer one, college is pricey  

Here's a summary of the performance results published over the years on the GS500.  All that I've found anyway.  :lol:  :lol:

http://members.aol.com:/jcprrp/GS500tests.txt

The GS500 has excellent brakes for a bike in it's price class, but won't compare to the dual discs of the SV650 under sustained repeated hard breaking.  The single front disc can fade badly if pressed too hard, too long.  I've faded out the front brake and turned the rotor blue a couple times playing in the mountain twisties.  There'a nothing that will beat the GS500 for the price though.