Is this a good deal on a 2008 GS500F?

[paxfaux]

Hi,

I'm a brand new member and completely new rider. 

I'm looking for a first bike...   and so far here are my options, starting with the gs500f

1. 2008 GS500F - 1,500 miles - $3300

My primary reason for the post is I would like to know if that is a good deal.  Seems like it to me, with the MSRP at $5,400 (though there is a local dealer that will sell them new at $5,000) and the bike is practically brand new.  I'm also posting the other bikes i'm considering just to get some opinions if people think they may be a better deal.  I'm really just looking for opinions as far as value (getting a good deal) not which bike is better or anything else.

2.  2006 Hyosung 650R - 4,000 miles - $3000 (possibly a little less)

3.  1999 Suzuki SV650S - 6,500 miles - $3,100 (probably a little less)

4.  2007 Suzuki SV650S - 6,000 miles - $4,000

Thanks for you opinions in advance.

[cafeboy]

GS500F 

[fred]

Yeah, seems like a reasonably good deal. Go for it.

[Roadstergal]

It's not a bad price at all.  But you can try to offer a little less anyway.   Bring cash - offering less than the asking price with cash in hand always goes over better.

Make sure it's had the first service done.  Make sure it's in good, uncrashed, unabused condition.

[paxfaux]

thanks for the advice everyone. 

I would try to get it a little cheaper, but the bike is over an hour away and he said he would deliver it.  Which is nice because that is a hell of a first ride.  I have my license but i got it through a motorcycle begining rider course so i haven't even been on the road yet.  I think it would be hard to get him down much more with that in mind.

A lot of people tell me "you'll grow out of a 500 in a year".  What do you guys think of that statement?

[cafeboy]

I have been riding for like 14 years and I love the smaller bikes. You will only grow out of it if you want to. I just don't want to. 

[Roadstergal]

What do you guys think of that statement?

Bullcrap.

If you ever feel you're outgrowing it, spring for a trackday.  Weep as an instructor on a 250 blows by you like you're standing still.

[paxfaux]

I have been riding for like 14 years and I love the smaller bikes. You will only grow out of it if you want to. I just don't want to. 

so what are the pros and cons of a small bike?

what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?

[paxfaux]

What do you guys think of that statement?

Bullcrap.

If you ever feel you're outgrowing it, spring for a trackday.  Weep as an instructor on a 250 blows by you like you're standing still.

I guess i needed to hear that, the whole 'you will grow out of it' thing always seemed like a meat head statement to me.

[Roadstergal]

so what are the pros and cons of a small bike?

what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?

Low weight = better handling.

Big weight = more stability in a line.

Low horsepower = more fun legally on the street, forces you to learn more in a track situation, better mileage.

More horsepower = things happen faster when you twist the throttle.

Power can be intoxicating, but like any intoxicant, moderation is key.

Edit - I will say there is a certain power level where the freeway becomes dicey, because you're topped out just to keep up with traffic.  The GS500 is above this.

[cafeboy]

so what are the pros and cons of a small bike?

what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?

Low weight = better handling.

Big weight = more stability in a line.

Low horsepower = more fun legally on the street, forces you to learn more in a track situation, better mileage.

More horsepower = things happen faster when you twist the throttle.

Power can be intoxicating, but like any intoxicant, moderation is key.

Edit - I will say there is a certain power level where the freeway becomes dicey, because you're topped out just to keep up with traffic.  The GS500 is above this.

[cafeboy]

always seemed like a meat head statement to me.

Proby the same folks that ride in shorts and a t shirt with sandles 

[paxfaux]

good answers.  I have been thinking even if i did move up to a larger displacement bike i might keep the 500 (or 250, was considering the 2008 ninja 250 and hyo 250 as well) just to save on gas.  Although the SV650S is supposed to get 55 MPG.

So even riding for 14 yrs the 500 has enough power to put a smile on your face?  I mean it will still out accelorate just about any car right?

[fred]

I have been riding for like 14 years and I love the smaller bikes. You will only grow out of it if you want to. I just don't want to. 

so what are the pros and cons of a small bike?

what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?

I agree with what's been said above, and would also like to add that the GS is crazy easy to work on. I'd never worked on any of my other vehicles before I got the GS and it has been a pretty painless experience so far. I doubt you could find a bigger bike that would be as simple to work on. Also, the GS is already faster than most any car you'll run into on the road, so I don't think you're going to outgrow it. It is not like you'll be continually passed by everyone else going faster than you or anything like that...

[cafeboy]

Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.

[paxfaux]

Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.

I no street racer but I do like to have fun now and then. 

Just to get an idea of where the bike stands against other bikes:

Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there.  You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.  Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?

[cafeboy]

Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.

I no street racer but I do like to have fun now and then. 

Just to get an idea of where the bike stands against other bikes:

Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there.  You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.  Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?

I think it can hold it's own but like I sed it's the rider not the bike.

[fred]

Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.

I no street racer but I do like to have fun now and then. 

Just to get an idea of where the bike stands against other bikes:

Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there.  You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.  Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?

Just go to a twisty section and watch him cry as you pass. The GS can handle twisties really really well.

[paxfaux]

This is sort of a dumb question and it could be eaisly answered by going and looking at one (but i don't think any local dealers have on in stock), but is there anything snazy about the instrument panel?  Indaglo at least?

Seems like a stupid thing to nit pick about, but I think the instumentation on the Hyo 650 looks really cool.  Digital Speedometer and a digital fuel gauge.

[TwoWheelRida]

Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there.  You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.  Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?

I would think the 500 would actually beat a Gzxr 600 off the line cause its a 2 cylinder, but then the 600 would catch up and smoke the 500 in the end. 

Anyone find this to be true?