Old Newbie

[johnn]

At 57 years of age, I probably don't fit the profile of most members. But I'm having the time of my life with a new 09 GS500F.

I stumbled on this bike by accident. I had dropped by the local bike shop in Bel Air, MD in search of a small machine to use during the World Championship Punkin Chunkin event held every year in Delaware. I've been hurling pumpkins with a number of different trebuchets over the past half dozen years. But the event requires a lot of walking, 5 to 10 miles a day, to visit all the teams and catch all the action. A small dirt bike seemed like a good solution until I tried the 37" seat height of the machines I was interested in. Not good.

Then a brand new GS500F caught my attention. It's low seat height, relatively low weight, good looks and $3999 sale price sold me on the spot. While it's not suitable for the Delaware corn fields, the bike brought back memories of my old GT750 and GS1000. I haven't regretted the purchase for a second.

I've only managed to put 350 miles on the bike, so it's still in the break-in period. Nevertheless it's a very impressive handler. I've ridden it in downtown Baltimore, a couple of stretches of interstate, but primarily exploring the back roads in Northern MD and Southern PA. That includes a lot of riding on gravel roads, hiking paths, some great twisties, and some incredibly rough back roads. The bike has been a joy to ride.

Once the bike has it's first service, I'm taking it up to my brother's house in Lake Hopatcong, NJ via the Delaware Water Gap. The only accessory so far has been a Cortech Sports tailbag, great for carring my PC back and forth to work.

Nearly 25 years has transpired since I has owned a bike. I'd forgotten just how fun and invigorating a bike can be. Call me a born again bike nut.

[bassmechanicsz]

Congrats on the new bike.

I am sure you already know this but up by lake hopatcong their are a bunch of nice roads to ride on with twisties and a view.

[gsJack]

Welcome kid.   

[tt_four]

That includes a lot of riding on gravel roads, hiking paths, some great twisties, and some incredibly rough back roads.

Haha, I don't think that's where you're supposed to be.

Welcome though, and congrats on the bike. There's a pretty good age range here, it's not the typical 19 year old sportbike forum you come across with some bikes. Glad to hear you're enjoying it!

[Porkchop]

At 57 years of age, I probably don't fit the profile of most members. But I'm having the time of my life with a new 09 GS500F.

Considering when our bikes were first made, your profile has much company.  Anyway, welcome.  There are several members from MD and PA.  Bel Air is on the far side of the state but lots of nice scenic riding.  Organize a ride and meet some of the members face to face.

- Porkchop

[tt_four]

At 57 years of age, I probably don't fit the profile of most members. But I'm having the time of my life with a new 09 GS500F.

There are several members from MD and PA. 
- Porkchop

I'm from Pittsburgh, I assume you're from the other side of the state, otherwise you would've said WV and PA.

[mister]

PICS!

Pics or it didn't happen...

Michael

[johnn]

[pandymai]

love the scenery. and fresh, yet to be molested, bike. congrats!

sadly, i still dont even have pictures of my bike up xD

[scratch]

Welcome!