Just joined

[gs5oofever]

Hi everyone. I just joined this forum after reading threads for a week. Saturday I finally purchased my 2007 GS500F. I got it brand new 3 miles on it from ChicagoCycle for $2999. I love it. So much easier to ride then my 04 Shadow VLX600 (nice bike too). I also added the 4 yr 0 deductable warranty as I have never had a new bike and I have heard there is a bit of a breaking in period for it. I have had it out 4 times. LOVE IT. I do notice the knock in the engine that I read about on line. I may take it to the dealer near by and inquire about it. Also, when I filled the tank I didn't over fill it according to my eye, but when I was done, I got to the right side and gas was leaking out the gas tube breather! So not sure what happened there. I do smell some gas after riding it now. Maybe I need to keep it level? Otherwise all is good so far. The seat isn't that comfy for a girl like me, but if I can't hack it, I can just add padding to it. Going to rain today, boo!!!!

[allaussiegrown]

that tube isn't a breather it is for overflow. If you filled your tank and then shifted it a tad onto unlevel ground it tends to loose a tiny amount of fuel through the tube.  The seat dose break in a tad (well mine did) or my backside hardened.

The smell of gas is normal after riding of when the bike or tank is hot as the fumes escape from the filler cap. If there is a very strong smell look for signs under the bike but i guess it is just the tanks.

But congrats on the bike and i hope all goes well.

[bassmechanicsz]

Congrats on the new bike.  That sounds like a really good deal for a new GS500F.  How was the Honda VLX600 as a beginner bike since my gf is looking at that for her first bike.  We were looking at the rebels and suzuki gz250 and S40 also but she was liking the vlx600 the best.  The 250 bikes would prob not be a good choice i was thinking since they top out at 60 mph and living near a bunch of freeways if she ever did need to go on one it wouldn't be safe.  The S40 and vlx600 are similar and the guy at the dealer was saying that between the 2 bikes the vlx was a more reliable and better overall bike but was stressing that it is heavier than the s40 and the 250's and to make sure you are really prepared to handle a bike that big as a beginner bike so i was just wondering what your opinion of the bike was since i have the gs500f i would be able to understand the differences.  Thanks.

[brickerenator]

That's an insanely good price.
I got quoted $3100 on an 04 with 500 miles.

Maybe they will lower it....

But welcome!

[Bluesmudge]

That's an insane price! I paid that for a used 2006 with 13,000 miles on it! You actually got the best deal of any deals that I have seen so far. I guess they just had to move that bike.

bassmechanicsz, as far as I know there are no 250's that top out at 60. Maybe 80, but most can do 90. The ninja 250 can push 95mph. I once rode in a group with a hondel rebel through mountain passes and that 250 kept up okay on the 60-70mph roads, it would fall a little behind on the really steep parts but that bike is not very powerful by modern 250cc standards.

[joshr08]

Ive had the wifes VTR250 1988 up to 80 and was still pulling  completely stock.  I dont know why people say 250s cant go over 60 oh and the little vtr with me on it im 250lbs on a 250 doin 80+ smooth just thought i would toss that in.  sorry for the small jack. 

smokin deal on that gs by the wayi pay 5k for my 05 last yr.

[gs5oofever]

Ok, let's see...first off, thanks for the welcomes, and for the tip on the gas run off and the smell of it after riding. Without the manual I can only go off of what I was used to with the VLX. Different beast.

Any views on the knocking sound? Give it time or talk to dealer about the noise before it's too late?

As for my experience on the shadow. I knew before I got my license last year that I wanted it. Color and all. Went to three dealers in the area and found the 04 600 vlx deluxe. 5500 miles on it. They wouldn't let me test ride, so I sat on it. That beast is HEAVY for a girl like myself. So I was timid about it. They said $3765, so I did it. Got it home and just duck walked it around the garage and played with the friction zone on the clutch as it was dying too quick. I was intimidated by the size of the bike. But it was time to ride. I took it out, did fine. Just had problems turning right (I have heard of this on forums). After a week, I was at a stop and I let it die and it bucked forward and dropped gently to the ground with me standing holding it up (not really). It hit my left calf and next day it was all a bruised mess. Oh the bike was fine. It took it like a champ. Only minor grazing on the handle bar end, the break peg, and the rear tail light. I had to backward, pick it up with my own adrenaline. Let's just say, that bike is not light. So make sure she can handle the weight of it or don't drop it. As for the pick up on it, my partners 08 Rebel is always riding up my arse on on take off, but at about 35 I blow her away. It is throaty, feels like a really cruiser, not a baby cruiser. Nice bike. Quality for sure. I did nothing to it in a year and was sad to see it go. But I can't afford insurance on three bikes. So the Shadow is at Chicago Cycle in Lincolnwood, where I got the GS. Not sure what they will sell her for, but she is worth it.

As for my great deal, I KNOW! I can't believe it. It was a manager's special for April only. I got the bike, the 4 yr warranty (came with 12months) and traded in my shadow, walked out with a loan for under $4200. They charged to build it, ship it, doc it, OMG. But still with that price, I wasn't complaining.

I think I will be on this forum alot, very helpful and you actually respond, unlike the Shadow forum. Cheers!

[gs5oofever]

oh and one more thing: for bassmechanicsz, I started on the rebel 250. I am 5'6" and about 150 lbs. I know many love their Rebels, they are great bikes. I just felt like it was too small for me. So my partner bought it from me and is riding it now. She is 5'2" and 115 bls and loves it. She is going to put on the corbin single leather seat and get a size wider Perelli Tires for it next, but otherwise, it is a great ride. VERY reliable too. Not sure how tall your wife is, but just giving you a comparison. The VLX is too heavy for my partner, she says it is too much bike for her. ha. Hope this helps.

[Bluehaze]

when you get all settled remember to post up pic of your bike..  and for that price.. you know you will have to start modding it.     congrats. 

[pronator]

when you get all settled remember to post up pic of your bike..  and for that price.. you know you will have to start modding it.     congrats. 

+1

And welcome! 

[Guetschow]

Congratulations+,

Great deal, great bike.  Another GS500F rider in the Chicago area.  I'm out of Elgin and just got a used 04 that was garaged most of the time so like a brand new bike but nicely broken in already.  I love my bike.  I get to use it for business and pleasure so I get to ride a lot.

And this site is the  best one out there.  We should locate other GS500's in the area and connect somewhere for a meet and ride.

[omio]

I am coming from an '00 VLX...great beginners bike, but the sitting position is killing my back.  I am also tired of only having 4 gears.  I just purchased an '01 GS500 with just under 6K on the odo.

[scottpA_GS]

Welcome to the forum.. And +1 to pics!  seeing as you plan on being around a bit, you must learn to post pics  Everyone loves em here 

[BaltimoreGS]

Hey, welcome to the board.  Not trying to hijack your thread but I felt compeeled to comment on the 250cc bikes.  I still have a beater Nighthawk 250 I got from a MSF sale dirt cheap.  Even with my portly 260 lb frame it can still do highway speeds (65-75 mph) with no problems.  Granted I look like a bear on a bicycle but it is a lot of fun to ride.  The drum brakes are the weak point on that bike.  Suzuki just came out with a retro styled 250 standard that has fuel injection!  Don't knock the 250's until you've ridden one.

-JD

[Toogoofy317]

Welcome to the site! Another biker Chick Whoo Hoo! Def the best forum on the net by leaps and bounds.

As far as the bike goes unless there are pictures it didn't happen HINT HINT HINT!
As for the price I can't help but wonder. I was out at my local dealer ship yesterday and noted that they had two '08 500Fs sitting in the far corner. I was a bit concerned though because the tal fairing decals were just peeling off! Is that a problem some of our riders are going to have to deal with? Even the front decals were starting to come up. If you didn't like the decals I'd guess you could get a really good price on them. I paid 2800 for my '04 in '-7 with 5000 miles on it. Maybe next time I stop in I'll ask one of the guys!

Now go do the fenderectomy before someone catches you with it on it~

Mary

[gs5oofever]

ok most importantly, I need to learn how to post pics. I tired but I think it failed. Will keep at it.

Thanks for the welcome, nice bunch. 

About the 250's, I love that Rebel. I tear around on it like nothing, after riding the Shadow a season, ha.

Now about the deal I got. I too thought, too good to be good, but the dealership got a huge rebate from the manu in Japan. Had 5, sold all of them in April. They look mint, even saw the box that one was in. I went over every knook and cranny of it before I even sat on it. I talked to the sales guy who was also a tech for years before selling. He said to check the oil level, make sure when service prepped it to go, they put enough in, but that so far I am doing everything right. I can always take it to the dealer if I still worry about that slight knock. Will get it out this weekend and see. I stopped in at a shop in Elgin, they do custom stuff from what I hear (service too). The guys there said to buy if fast and even if something is wrong, they can fix it, it will be under warranty anyway.

I have a question for the ladies out there, so will post a new thread. Guys are welcome to answer too, but your feet are usually too big! 

Ride on!!!