New! Couple of questions

[mistykz]

Okay, so I'm looking to buy my first bike, and I've never ridden before. I'm taking the safety course at the end of the month, but I've already started looking at bikes and such for purchase, and I've gotten a couple of recommendations for either a ninja 500cc or a GS500 as a first bike. For the most part, I'm just going to be riding around town either with friends or going to work and such. But I also go to school in another city, it's about 70 miles on the highway. Wondering about how a GS would do with this? How much should I be looking to spend?

[SIKDMAX]

Its a great first bike definitely.  Where are you located?  Price depends on that a lot. 

[mistykz]

I live in Colorado. More specifically, the Denver area. There don't seem to be many for sale at all, and so it's been somewhat difficult for me to try and judge a correct price

[ben2go]

Have you decide on an E model or F model.F model has fairings and looks like a regular sport bike.Early to mid 90's bikes can be had for under $1500.I'd take someone that knows bikes that can test ride it for you.Last thing you want as a new rider is a project bike.A stock GS will get you between 60 and 70 miles per gallon.My personal opinion is that the GS is the best all around 1st bike.Easy to ride,cheap to repair and maintain yourself.

[mistykz]

I was definitely leaning more towards the F, I'm not too fond of the E models (or naked bikes in general). But that wouldn't stop me from getting one, if the price is right

[Jackstand Johnny]

I tell ya what, I got my first bike (89 GS) about 3 weeks ago, and I couldnt be happier.

[pontil]

If you hear of anything in the Denver area and don't jump on it yourself, let me know.  I too am looking for a first bike. (not counting a Honda 90 dirt bike in high school)  I like all the reviews of the GS500 series and rode on one last week.  Missed buying that one off of craigslist but became enamored with the model.  I'm more fond of the E series naked bike than with fairings but would also entertain a deal.

[Bluehaze]

I would definitely recommend a gs500. I got a new one and logged 700 miles on it.. mostly commuting to work. Its really easy to handle and the hardest part which is synchronizing your throtle to clutch lever seems very easy on the gs500.  Spend lots of time in the parking lot just trying to get use to that clucth and throtle.. its one less thing you have to worry about when pressure is there at the stop light.  you will feel it when those cars are behind you and you are trying to make sure you go forward without killing the motor.  You can sometimes make a mistake in overrevving and letting go of the clutch and it does fly out underneath you like a bullet.  Good choice and good luck on buying one.. great great great bike for beginners.

just remember.. cost of bike is not just the bike itself.. you might possibly need insurance as well.  As well as the most important upkeep.. initial then 4k etc.. if you are not comfortable opening the bike up you may consider if the dealer you buy from has a shop in the back taking a deal on them doing the important upkeep for you.  While most of the gs500 owners here will frown on that... it was just a piece of mind that i can ride my motorcycle and the MAIN upkeep be done by the shop at a price i was happy with.  I actually did not get the maintenance deal when i first bought it..but coming to fnd out what was required for the upkeep of the bike.. i bought it just for my piece of mind. I will do myself the oil change so make sure you buy the motorcycle manual as well.. you will i am sure need it.  thats my humble opinion as a new rider. 

and ask lots of questions here.. guys here are always answering. good stuff.
-bluehaze

[theUBS]

just remember.. cost of bike is not just the bike itself.. you might possibly need insurance as well.  As well as the most important upkeep..
-bluehaze

Don't forget the cost of good gear! If you're sure you're going to make a purchase sometime soon, start buying gear now.  If I had it to do over again, that's what I'd do.  Not many guys will let a bike sit in their garage unridden until they have acquired a decent jacket, helmet, gloves, boots, etc.  So protect yourself sooner rather than later.  Try stuff on at dealerships, and then look for better deals online--which shouldn't be too hard to find if I know anything about (the usual) dealership pricing.  If by chance you don't end up with the bike, you can always sell the gear. 

Progressive offered decent insurance rates, and it was nice that I could get discounted car insurance by insuring both through them.

The GS will treat you pretty well, and it is a pretty good street bike to start getting comfortable on.  Just for me, I'm not sure I would ENJOY a 70 mile highway run, but the bike is more than capable.  Back roads though?  That's a GOOD time.

[b_long_1]

I would also recommend the GS. It is a great first bike. It's lightweight and easy to handle. They will last as long as you take care of them. The UBS will tell you, the ninja's don't last that long maybe only a week.

[theUBS]

I would also recommend the GS. It is a great first bike. It's lightweight and easy to handle. They will last as long as you take care of them. The UBS will tell you, the ninja's don't last that long maybe only a week.

...and thanks to THIS smartass, you know the reason i recommend buying gear first. 

Party at your place tomorrow b_long_1?  You owe me a beer or two.

[seamax]

Also take a look at the new ninja 250. It has a nice sporty look and very positive reviews.

[mistykz]

The 70 mile trip to school will not be made that often, and I'll probably be taking back roads the first few times since the interstate is ridiculously heavy on traffic all too often.
Thanks for the input everyone, I bought an '05 gs500f with only 900 miles on it Just gotta find a time between my busy work schedule to go pick it up, and buy some gear too.

[theUBS]

The 70 mile trip to school will not be made that often, and I'll probably be taking back roads the first few times since the interstate is ridiculously heavy on traffic all too often.
Thanks for the input everyone, I bought an '05 gs500f with only 900 miles on it Just gotta find a time between my busy work schedule to go pick it up, and buy some gear too.

Congrats, and ENJOY! 

[the mole]

Don't worry about the freeway run, I do 70 freeway miles each way to work, not too much traffic, takes me an hour and ten door to door. I sit on 65-70 mph and it does it very easily. Recently changed to a 17 tooth front sprocket which suits the way I ride and keeps the revs under 6k at 70 mph, but it did it easily on the 16 tooth before.
Have fun!