gs500 riding position

[luap13]

Hi,

How would you gs500 owners describe the riding position on these bikes? I've read descriptions saying it's a standard position, but beginnerbikes.com lists it as being a sport position.

I just took the msf and am looking for my first bike.  The gs500 sounds the most like what I want so far, but I need a bike where you sit up somewhat straight.  I'm a cello player, so riding in a forward-leaning position with weight on my wrists would probably cause me problems.  

Thanks,

Paul

[pizzleboy]

With the handlebars in the stock position, I'd say "street".  If you tilt them down so they almost touch the gas tank when fully turned, then I'd say "sport"

If you put your feet on the rear pegs, then "super sport".

If you lay down on the tank then I'd say"dumnb ass" :mrgreen:

[scratch]

It is a more aggressive position than the 'sit up and beg' position of early Eliminators, Maxims, Vision, GS's, Honda CB series, but it can be fixed by either the $65 (approx.) 1-in. Gen-Mar risers or the $105 X102 Gen-Mars.

[vtlion]

I would have to call the GS "comfortable" (and I'm 6'2")  for me a normal ride is one of two situations:

1: 5 minutes to the grocery
2: 2 hours at 55mph to the next state

both trips are a pleasure on the GS from a posture standpoint.  I do find that on longer trips having a backpack on actually DECRASES fatigue (go figure) especially in my arms bacause it leavers me into an upright position and takes weight off the bars.  Personally, I really like the somewhat forward position of the GS... it puts you more in touch with the road... the posture on cruisers and standards seem so passive to me...   yuck.

My GS was (and still is) my first bike, and I have NO REGRETS     Hope you join the ranks of the GS-faithful soon  

[Flash]

Personally, I would not call it a standard riding position. Standard bikes, like my Dad's '83 Honda CX650, have a position with feet and back perpendicular to the ground. On a GS500 I would have to say your back is probably angled at about 60 degres +/- from horizontal IMO.

I have ridden both types and I kinda prefer the GS500 position, but maybe that is the racer in me talking. I don't feel like it is putting any significant stress on my wrists, but this may differ from one body type to another (I am 5'2" 135 lbs.)

Since you play the cello I would not blame you for worrying. Definitely click on http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/ for pics & prices on the GenMar bar risers (model X102) previously mentioned. 1" up and 1 3/8" back does not seem like it will make a difference on riding position but it will. I just ordered a pair for myself.

The other alternative would be to replace the stock bar with an aftermarket one with a more forgiving position. However, you may run into cable length problems. Not really sure.

I can't say the GS will be right for you, but I am sure glad I got one. Can 1063 gstwins.com members be wrong? No. Even my Dad is thinking about selling his '83 Honda CX650 for a GS500 after riding mine:

'83 Honda CX650 Custom (standard position; water-cooled; shaft drive; smokes the GS500 on paper)
454.0 lbs. (dry) 475.0 lbs. (wet)
1/4-mile accel.     12.56 sec. @ 102.97 mph
top speed 119 mph est.

'96 Suzuki GS500 (sporty position; air-cooled; chain drive; fast enough to kill me)
381 lb. (dry) 424 lb. (wet)
1/4-mile accel.     13.65 sec. @ 95.45 mph
top speed 106? 112? 115? mph est.

Good luck on finding your first bike!

[snapper]

There are a lot of threads here on this exact deal.  Part of learning to ride is to not put a lot of weight on your hands/bars.  We use our knees to grip the tank.  
There are several handlebar options for the GS.  I did not like the stock nor the drag bar.  I found they caused me wrist pain when using the clutch due to them being so straight across.  
I just got the SM typeII bar and I love it so far.  Its better to sit in traffic with.  It mimics clipons.  Better angle for your wrists.
The GS is an awesome bike.  I don't think you can carry a chello on though.  :mrgreen:

[JasonB]

Snapper how is the vibes and everything with your new bar? Dunno if I missed the post on your report of them.

[Pkaaso]

Hey Paul... Since everyone forgot... WELCOME to the board.  I'm a musician too.  I currently am playing bass in a 4 pc.  www.redrockgarden.com Plug, plug, plug....  :mrgreen:

I can totally understand what your concern is.  As mentioned earlier, changing bars could be a significant improvement.  

I have an 89' with the clip-on style bars.  I lean quite a bit forward to ride correctly.  I had wrist problems at first but, I found that posture and practicing NOT putting too much weight on the bars is the key.  Gripping the tank with the knees is good for cornering postures but for straight up riding it gets tiring real quick.

Find the position where you can just lay your hands on the grips with out putting pressure or weight on them.  Now try to stay that way with your body.  If you feel fatigue, change the bars to meet your hands while sitting in the most comfortable position.

I really depends on what kind of ridding you want to do most.  If your into sport/twisties... you need to form to the bars.  If you are going to do alot of commuting/straight up... You need to get bars to fit you.

My $0.02

Welcome,
Paul

[glenn9171]

Also check in the Wall of Fame section for pics of people sitting on their bikes to get an idea of their posture.

[Cris]

...I'm a cello player, so riding in a forward-leaning position with weight on my wrists would probably cause me problems.  
Thanks,
Paul

Welcome, Paul!  
I also have an '89 with the clip-on style handlebars so my riding position is a little more aggressive than a standard. The advice given in the previous posts about gripping the tank with your knees can't be stressed enough.
BTW: I played cello in elementary school! Ah, the memories! Hope you're happy with whatever you decide to go with.

[dmp221]

If you lay down on the tank then I'd say"dumnb ass" :mrgreen:

LMAO...too funny!!  I've done this, but only during downpours, hiding behind the windscreen to get home.

To my experience, stock bars are fine, and allow both a leaned-in posture or a more sitting-upright posture.  I think it's key to develop a light touch on the grips, regardless of torso-angle.

Good luck finding that first bike.  You won't be sorry with a GS.  

[luap13]

Wow, what a friendly crowd!  I really appreciate all the helpful responses to my obvious newbie post.   Clearly, I have no choice but to get a gs now, so I can hang out here!  

I'm really glad to hear that tall folks can be comforable on one of these bikes (thanks vtlion).  My legs are way to long for the little nighthawk 250's at the msf.  My left hip flexor got worn out because I had to lift my entire leg off of the peg in order to down shift!  

So it sounds like if the gs is an "okay" fit for me starting off, I can reasonably expect to be able to adjust it to be a perfect fit as I really learn how to ride--would you agree?  

I'll be finding out saturday how good that initial fit is, since there's a dealership nearby selling a '97 with 3600 miles--I'm gonna go check it out!

Thanks for the warm welcome,

Paul

[snapper]

JasonB,
The vibes are better with this bar.  I also learned that my barend mirrors were the biggist culprit!!!     When removing the barend mirrors from the drag bars I busted one of the metal dohickies that hold the mirror in place.  Sooooo, I only put the left one on.  Guess what!  The left side buzzed right along while the right side was relatively quiet.   :mrgreen:

So, I stopped in at my local bicycle shop this evening and picked up two 3rd eyes.  Installed them for now while I wait for my barend weights to come in that I ordered.  (With them I ordered some winter wear too.    )

I liked the style of the other mirrors and I am wondering if sometime I can use rubber parts to hold them in place like these mirrors work.

:mrgreen:
End result:  I shoulda bought these bars the 1st time!

[average]

If you lay down on the tank then I'd say"dumnb ass" :mrgreen:

LMAO...too funny!!  I've done this, but only during downpours, hiding behind the windscreen to get home.

To my experience, stock bars are fine, and allow both a leaned-in posture or a more sitting-upright posture.  I think it's key to develop a light touch on the grips, regardless of torso-angle.

Good luck finding that first bike.  You won't be sorry with a GS.  

i dont know guys ; this is one of my favorite positions on the highway. it may not be too smart but it sure is comfortable

[Cris]

If you lay down on the tank then I'd say"dumnb ass" :mrgreen:

LMAO...too funny!!  I've done this, but only during downpours, hiding behind the windscreen to get home.

i dont know guys ; this is one of my favorite positions on the highway. it may not be too smart but it sure is comfortable

Also guilty as charged...  :mrgreen:

Disclaimer: The 'quoters' above are listed in reverse order...

[pantablo]

I just got the SM typeII bar and I love it so far.  Its better to sit in traffic with.  It mimics clipons.  Better angle for your wrists.

I'm glad to hear the S-M bars worked out for you. I love mine and even though they're pricy I think they're worth it. high quality stuff.

Welcome Paul! Good choice on the GS. Keep us updated on your progress toward ownership. Dont forget to check out all the useful links on the home page here and also check out my site for a compilation of lots of useful GStwin info and some mods as well.

Good luck!

[miket]

I liked the style of the other mirrors and I am wondering if sometime I can use rubber parts to hold them in place like these mirrors work.

What mirrors did you have? The Napoleon?
You can do this:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/tbird/mirror/mirrors.htm
I used those rubber plugs. The mirrors buzz a lot, but the handlebars don't.