Whats up everybody? New to the forums just got a GS500F

[otownrider407]

Whats up guys, I'm new here outta Orlando FL.  I've been street riding for 3 years now dirt forever before then.  I took the MSF in 05, got my endorsement and started on a Shadow Aero (really nice bike, didn't really dig the cruiser thing, but definitely a sweet ride) eventually traded it for a CBR600RR, had maybe a bit too much fun with that before I laid it down (hit some kinda pothole or bump in the road at night ~40mph with no steering damper, starting wobbling bad and I bailed and rolled off, I was ok, I always wear a helmet but I got some road rash), then I got a Suzuki DRZ400SM, really fun flickable bike but no go on the highway (quite scary at 80mph).  Went to the dealership last Saturday, saw the new GS500F in black/silver and really liked it, bought it the next day 6k out the door.  Rode 425 miles from here to Fort Lauderdale and back last Wednesday.  Good ride, got a little uncomfortable about 100 miles in both ways but the engine just kept on moving right along.  The bike isn't the fastest thing on two wheels but it eats up the twisties and its got enough power to be fun and cruise safely on I95.  I'm ordering a nice mesh jacket and some leather gloves this weekend, still want leather pants too and maybe some nice sport-touring boots (if there is such a thing) when I got the cash.  Here's a couple pics of me and the bike (that's my buddy's Triumph Trident 900 in the background, quite a beast lol)

[fred]

Welcome. Nice looking bike!

[b_long_1]

welcome.

[commuterdude]

Nice bike, have fun!

[Roadstergal]

Hola!  Nice GS.

Don't get the mesh; it'll melt to your skin as you scrape along the ground.  Get perforated leather.  Don't skimp on good pants and boots.  All of those are more important than any mods you might be thinkin' of for the bike.

After crashing during a supermoto race and breaking my ankle while wearing stout MX boots, I searched for a pair that would protect my ankles.  See this post for what I ended up with and why:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=241510

[otownrider407]

Thanks guys and girls.  Roadstergal, I cannot thank you enough for your advice.  I'm sorry to hear about your ankle, you're absolutely right about how important boots are.  The mesh jacket "melting to skin" is really scary whats scarier is nobody mentions this at the motorcycle shops (shouldn't be suprised though they'll sell guys on shorts and flip flops brand new gsxr600s as good "first bikes" 0_0 ).  I found a nice AGV perforated leather jacket on closeout at a large online retailer   I HOPE *fingers crossed* they have one in the morning cause I'm definitely ordering that, boots I gotta try on as soon as I get the chance to run down the motorcycle shop, at least now I know what to look for.  I found some nice leather pants I just gotta see if I can get everything and make sure its all good quality safe gear.  (I know, I know...I should get everything at once but money is somewhat tight especially since I just bought the bike.)

[LOUiE]

nice bike!  congrats!

[galahs]

Welcome mate, looks good 

[lewismug]

Nice looking bike man!  Congrats!  Welcome to the board!  You gonna chop the fender?  (fenderectomy)

[otownrider407]

Thanks.  I think I'm gonna keep the fender the way it is at least for the time being.  Once all my gear is acquired I'm gonna start saving up for an exhaust.  I want something nice and deep sounding at idle but with a nice tone up through the rpms.  As roadstergal said first priority is gear then whatever tasteful mods I can do to the bike.  They still had the AGV leather jacket this morning so I ordered it along with some Joe Rocket leather gloves   Probably 2 weeks from now I'll pick up some leather pants and boots. 

[beRto]

Welcome! 

[kml.krk]

very good choice! welcome aboard   
GS will serve you well for years! (just change your oil regularly)

have fun   

Kamel

[ohgood]

well, aside paying too much for a gs, it's a nice looking bike !

would you mind giving a little more information on your take of the drz ? that seems like a really nice bike to use daily, and I'm going to be into allot more commuting soon.

welcome to the forum, +1 on the leather, ride safe 

[otownrider407]

Thanks.  The DRZ is a great bike.  I had the Supermoto version with the trick front forks and street tires.  There is also the version with standard forks and knobby tires.  The bike is VERY light and flickable, the 400cc liquid cooled single has a good amount of torque and the brakes are strong.  The handling is quite good and cornering clearance is way past what you'd ever want to lean lean it lol.  The suspension is great on bumpy roads and terrain supersports wouldn't dare touch.  Quite a few people have told me dualsports are huge overseas due to all the crazy mountain roads and things like that.  "Dual-sport" as far as the DRZ400SM goes though is a misnomer.  It's a street bike.  If you wanna ride trails from time to time you'd need to swap the tires somehow or go with the knobby tire version.  The bike has a nice fit and finish to it and the digital speedo and display is a nice touch.  The only real downside to the bike in either trim is its impracticality on the highway.  Being essentially a modified MX/trails bike there's a point when its aerodynamics (or lack thereof) don't work too well.  That point is at about 75-80mph.  The bike will get wobbly but nothing out of control or unstable.  For a commuting bike though its a great option, it moves through traffic with the greatest of ease and turns a few heads doing it.  That said, the GS suits me more for the occasional highway trips and riding the twisties around town.  And I love the sound of that old school air-cooled parallel twin goodness and the sporty look

[qwertydude]

If you're going for long rides at higher speeds I can highly recommend the zero gravity sport touring shield. Takes so much wind off you that you can ride all day. I know because I went from LA to Las Vegas and back in one day, taking a long side route on the way there, total miles in one day was about 650 miles.

[otownrider407]

Wow thats awesome.  I was looking at one actually cause the smoke-tinted one looks sweet.  Didn't know the difference was that noticeable.  Sounds like that might be the first mod after I get my gear.

[Y2K6GS500F]

Nice bike. Also great to see a fellow Floridian on here.   

[Ronin]

Howdy! Nice ride.......

[Toogoofy317]

Hey Welcome to the board!

I'm a fellow O-towner. Well, Kissimmee to be exact. Ever wanna go riding when it's not raining toss me a PM. Would like to eventually like to ride with another GS person esp an "F". I got an '04 for 3000 plus jacket and such.

Just a question on Jackets are they tested like helmets. There should be some organization that does that so we know what we are getting!

Mary s.

[otownrider407]

Jackets aren't tested like helmets.  Helmets should be DOT and Snell approved.  From what I understand the only type of testing as far as jackets go is the CE rating for the shoulder pads, back protectors, and the like inside of them.  You're right through there should be some organization.  You're best bet is to find one that's made of good-quality, 1mm or thicker leather.  Any name-brand leather jacket should provide adequate protection.  I'll post a review on the AGV Breeze I ordered when it arrives tomorrow.

P.S.  I'd love to meet up sometime   I'll PM you when I'm not busy and the weather looks good.