Quick question for those who ride/tried both GS500 and Kawi 500R

[OVD]

Hello, all.
Newbie here anxious to get a 500cc bike. I don't want to waste your time on the beat up topic, I did search on the topic of GS500 vs. Kawi 500r and found almost everything I wanted to know. I just wanted to have a quick confirmation of the following: which of the two has a more up-right riding position, GS or 500R? In other words, which bike's riding posture is LESS sporty? Which of the two is more appropriate for relaxed, touring-like (well, may be sport touring) riding out there just to gaze at the scenery and not concerned about speeds, extremely quick turns, chicks (will have one with me anyway ), etc.? Thanks in advance! (I'm 6'1, 180 lb, if that makes a difference)

[GeeP]

Hi there,

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong either way.  The GS with bars is probably a tad more upright than the EX.  The EX turns in faster and has a better transmission feel, but the GS has "that naked look" and a nice stable highway feel.

Either one will serve well for touring with a few mods.  One thing going for the GS is you can always change to taller risers or bigger pullback bars.  On the EX what you get is what you get.

[tripleb]

I had the same question you did.  I tried the ninja first and found it to be a little bit more aggressive riding position.

It sounds like you want something to cruise around in with some zip.  The GS500E sounds just like what you want, especially if you prefer the naked look!!

BTW, I'm 6'2" and 210 and don't have any problems with the GS.  Also, I used to haul my GF around on it with no problems.  There's plenty of power there to ride 2 up.

If you're new, get yourself a older GS on the cheap and learn to ride.  That way you can always upgrade it if you like the ride (it's easy to do yourself for a lot of things, as you can read on this forum) or move on to something else.  The GS has a pretty good resale value from what I can tell.

[bucks1605]

All your criteria fit the gs perfectly. I'd say that would be the best choice, I don't think you will be disappointed.

[bobthebiker]

The GS500E is the bike you want.   the EX500, unless you streetfighter it, like I'm doing is sporty no matter what.   both bikes call for suspension improvements though, since the stock crap is just cheap.

[theUBS]

Riding position as far as stock goes is definitely more upright with the GS, though sporty enough if you ask me.  The EX500 has clip-ons which require a little more lean.  In the week or so that I owned my Kawi, I did find a place that sold risers for the clips.  If I remember right, they raised the clips 1.25 inches, and required no changes to wiring/cables.  I'm pretty sure they were about $70.  To be honest, I don't really remember my suspension on the EX, but I know my GS could use some upgrading--especially if you'll be going 2-up with any regularity.

PS--wrecked my EX in an asinine fashion.  Perhaps GS is easier to ride. 

[bobthebiker]

the EX it isnt EVEN clipons really, its more like risers that suck royally.   I'm putting TRUE clipon bars on my 92 kawi soon as the funding comes in.

you can change them out with risers from a pre 94 EX500 for a little more rise if you want taller bars, but I hate tall handlebars, may as well be back on my 75 CB550.

[GSRider]

The EX has a better motor, the GS has a better chassis.
I'll take a better chassis any day of the week.

[OVD]

Thanks, all. it helps!

[GeeP]

Let us know what you decide.   

If you can, try to ride both of them first.   

[OVD]

Let us know what you decide.   

If you can, try to ride both of them first.   

I tried GS, liked it a lot, but it was still a bit too forward position to my taste (I really want a V-strom or a Versys, those are exactly what I want, but going to start with something smaller, getting a lot of responces that those are not really good starter bikes). Cannot find a Ninja at any dealership anywhere in the Cincinnati, OH area. I took MSF class already and ready to get a bike within a month, may be two. The class, by the way, was on a Buell Blast, liked it too. But GS feels like a more "complete"/"real" motorcycle comparing to the Blast, though I felt more comfortable in the saddle of the Blast comparing to GS.

[bobthebiker]

I rode the blast for the MSF class.  what a POS that bike was. I wouldnt give my worst enemy one of those.

I've got an EX500, and a GS chassis,  I'm thinking about upgrading handling for the kawi by putting EX engine in GS frame with GSXR rear shock, and front end.     btw, SECOND GEN EX500's have the best of everything.  First gen has a weak transmission that was remedied in the 2nd gen models.  1987-1993 is first generation, which also have a tendancy to throw magnets off the flywheel resulting in a dead stator, sometimes burned regulators, and  those extremely retarded 16" wheels that nobody seems to carry tires for. 

94+ models have the 17" wheels, stronger transmission, better flywheel that DOESNT throw magnets,  slightly larger forks, disc brakes front and rear, not drum rear like first gens,  a mildly more aggressive riding position, and more modern looking plastics/gauges.    I HATE first generation wheels with a firey passion.   anyone got a spare 17" front? 

[OVD]

I rode the blast for the MSF class.  what a POS that bike was. I wouldnt give my worst enemy one of those.

I've got an EX500, and a GS chassis,  I'm thinking about upgrading handling for the kawi by putting EX engine in GS frame with GSXR rear shock, and front end.     btw, SECOND GEN EX500's have the best of everything.  First gen has a weak transmission that was remedied in the 2nd gen models.  1987-1993 is first generation, which also have a tendancy to throw magnets off the flywheel resulting in a dead stator, sometimes burned regulators, and  those extremely retarded 16" wheels that nobody seems to carry tires for. 

94+ models have the 17" wheels, stronger transmission, better flywheel that DOESNT throw magnets,  slightly larger forks, disc brakes front and rear, not drum rear like first gens,  a mildly more aggressive riding position, and more modern looking plastics/gauges.    I HATE first generation wheels with a firey passion.   anyone got a spare 17" front? 

Nah, I'll stick to a stock GS for a season or two just to get the skills up and then get a bigger Sport Tourer

[theUBS]

If GS is too far forward, you probably wouldn't like the EX qutie as much as far as position goes.  I'd be all over a Versys if I had the money.  That's one AWESOME riding position IMHO.

[arbakken]

this may be an odd opinion given this is a GS500 forum, but i'd take the Kawi... While I haven't really ridden my GS500 yet, I had a 250 Ninja before that was the best bike I've ever owned. I imagine the 500 Ninja to be the same only with more power, which was the only downside of the 250. Although it should have a slightly more aggressive riding position, i'd still take the Ninja

[OVD]

this may be an odd opinion given this is a GS500 forum, but i'd take the Kawi... While I haven't really ridden my GS500 yet, I had a 250 Ninja before that was the best bike I've ever owned. I imagine the 500 Ninja to be the same only with more power, which was the only downside of the 250. Although it should have a slightly more aggressive riding position, i'd still take the Ninja

Just out of curiosity, why are you getting a GS500 then?

[arbakken]

because it was $500 

[OVD]

because it was $500 

Fair enough