How is this bike for a BIG rider?

[Hoop]

This won't actually be my first bike. Grew up with an old Honda 250 4 stroker dirt bike and I've had an 83 Nighthawk 650. Theres just something about the way the gs500e looks that gets me every time.

[Grommett2k]

I'm 5'9 230 and the bike and I were both fine on a trip from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA. In fact I got less knee pain on the bike than I do in my truck. How my @$$ faired on that trip... now that is a different story  But weight wise it was fine with me, a tank bag, tail bag, and two saddlebags.

[Hoop]

weight won't be an issue. 6'3" and 177lbs

[Bluesmudge]

I dunno, I'm (only?) 6'  175 lbs and until I did a few modifications the bike felt cramped to me. I got clip ons, after market pegs and moved the rearsets back 2" before the GS fit me like a glove.
Replacing the pegs alone with some minimalist aftermarket aluminum GSXR pegs (check the wiki) will gain you almost an inch of foot-room right away. That's cheap and easy.

I rode 20 miles 2-up with my dad once (~350 lbs) and the bike did fine, but it definitely didn't feel like the same machine. Starts felt terrible and the suspension was not happy in fast corners.
I think the bike will be fine for a big guy, but you should do whatever you can to make it fit you, you will love every minute on the bike so much more when it feels right. Along with what I did, make sure to get different front springs and rear shock if you want to feel confident in the corners.

[Farakin]

I guess I am the closest for you.  6'6" 285lbs.  I had to move the foot pegs and shifter because I wear a size 15 shoe and was having to lift my whole leg to down shift.  I put different bars on it because the stock ones on my 98 made me feel like I was riding a bicycle.

The bike is still fast, and it hauls me around comfortably now that I changed the rear set position.  Stiffer Front Springs are in order, but $80 for springs or $200 for a kat FE makes that decision hard for me.

I was worried at first, but a few simple things like not caring if I look like a monkey humping a football makes it work for me.

I say go for it, the GS, as I have found out is a ton of fun.  Just dont high side a corner because your raping the gas tank.

[starshooter10]

im well over 6 foot also and about 250 lbs

bikes does fine..

though i did find it MUCH more comfotable after installing 30$ (USD) "drag bars""

took all of 30 minutes to install too