Why do we love this bike?

[lonewolfpup911]

I have a 08 500f, I have had it 12 month today, I have 11000 miles on it, only modifications are a 14t sprocket and flush mount turn signals. I ride with a group of street bikes all metric 600 750 900 and bigger they ride their ride and I catch them in the turns, none of them ever said anything negative about my 500. I think their is a unspoken respect that one rider gives another rider  just because they ride, sometimes together or just in passing.

[commuterdude]

It's so Biker Friendly.

[roughspanker]

I love it because of cheap insurance (2500 in toronto compared to 10,000 on a 600 race bike at my age), because it can beat the speed limit very quickly but doesn't get me going 200 km/h to my doom. It handles real well even compared to dirt bikes enduros and other street bikes I've ridden even though its pretty heavy for a street bike. And because it really is tough and simple.

It's gotten me out of a couple messes and after I beat her up she keeps running (albeit I need to replace some clutch plates and springs)

Shes my partner, true bonnie and clyde relationship with my Suzi.

[johnny ro]

Because its an awesome motorcycle. No need to say how others are bigger or faster. Its just about perfect for riding.

[stuck-to-the-seat]

2500 for insurance??? wow

[db500f]

i am a new rider (this year) and can't wait to get rid of mine. it has been nothing but trouble!! and its an 04! although it was fun for the first week or so and a good bike to learn and start on. other than a first bike / learning bike i dont see why anyone would want one... there is no power / carbs are finicky as f**k / chain needs to be adjusted after almost every ride / it hasnt ran properly since ive owned it... sorry if i have offended but this bike is just an inexpensive beginners bike that looks half decent (faired) naked = ugly imo

if only the ninja 500 looked like the 250...  sigh..

[efushi]

db500f- I take no offence if you dont like the GS, some people would prefer crotch rockets. However, it sounds like you got a lemon. Alot of people on the forums have an F model and dont have the troubles you've had with yours, sucks.  You can call it a beginner bike, but many people including myself, will buy other non 'beginner' bikes , and still keep the gs.

Anyways, my insurance is expensive 800 a year.  But I love this bike because I personally love the way the F model looks. Crotch rockets look alright, but they are sooooo common, like toyota camrys.

[johnny ro]

My insurance is 100 a year.

My 2004 looks like new and rides and runs that way too. No frequent adjustments needed. Starts like a fuel injected car, first click. My SV was like that, start on first click.

My favorite trick with old bikes is buy one that needs nothing, plenty are out there like that among the molested and damaged and age worn.

[speedsix]

I just sold my 1994 GS500 to a buddy.  I got to ride it yesterday, it was great.  I missed it so much, I took my wife's 2005 GS500F for a ride.  I bought a SV650 and to tell the truth, I really miss the GS500.

The only reason I sold it was because I really wanted a SV650S and people said I looked too big on the bike.  I didn't care that much but it didn't help.  I will order girl drinks at a biker bar so I don't care what people think.  I just let it get to me I guess.  Also, it was not a highway bike by any means.  I can cruise at 90mph on my SV650 and I don't feel like I am pushing it.

[StevenJS]

'cause it's reliable, low maintenance, and low cost but still has plenty of speed and good handling.  This means the grins per $ ratio is great.

And there is something about the sound of an air-cooled parallel twin!  I like riding a bike that isn't the usual Vtwin or inline4. 

[XealotX]

It's cheap.

[Canonball]

It's cheap.

exactly why i bought mine....... but its really grown on me and opend my eyes to better things than "crotch rockets". and my '93 hasent given me any problems so far (*knock on wood*)

[mister]

It's cheap.

I'm hear'n ya.

Performance wise. it's probably similar to a CB400 Super Four with VTEC or a Triumph Bonneville. In my neck of the woods a new GS500 can be had for $8k while the Honda starts at $11 plus on roads and the Trumpy can be ridden away for a measly $14.5k

Nothing else available in the Naked range in midsize - not with the Retro look.

The GS is probably the cheapest new bike that can be bought outside of the 250cc and below class.

Michael