what do you do when you start feeling...

[kml.krk]

... bored with your GS500. Yeah I said that. Bash me if you want. I don't care.
I am asking because recently after couple, few hundred miles trips I feel like something is missing. The seat is not comfy, engine power is sufficient but sometimes I wish there was more, just to increase fun factor, vibration (buzz) on handlebars, footrests and mirrors is annoying.

Before you say that I should inspect my bike for cause of vibrations, I will just say that there is noting wrong with the bike. It is just old design and it does vibrate/buzz.

Recently I started looking around for other bikes, and I found FZ6 and even though I am not a big fan of half-naked bikes there is something that I absolutely love about this bike. When I went to get inspection for my GS I sat on SV650 and on FZ6. The FZ6 just felt like home, it was super comfy, riding position is even more upright than GS, and overall FZ6 gave me a feeling that I was sitting on a cloud 

So what do you do in moments like that? On one hand I would love to upgrade, because of many reasons, on the other hand, I know that I should get more experience with my GS before getting bigger bike.

I really curious if you have similar feelings and how do you manage them.
Thanks
KML

[Iroquois]

If you want more power than a GS500, a FZ6 probably won't do it for you. I am bored with the mighty GS as well. Great bike, but I feel the need for more power. I will be selling it whenever I have enough money to buy a SV1000.

[tykho]

I get that way sometimes, I want to buy a 600 so bad, ZX6R, GSXR600, CBR600RR, I love all three of those, but I've pretty much decided to just wait until I'm done with the payments on the GS and just keep it with liability insurance and buy a new bike with full coverage. I ride two up a lot as well, which contributes to my desire for a faster bike, since I weigh about 225lbs at 6'2, and my wife is 135 at 5'8. Don't sell the GS imo though, I think it's worth it to keep it, always more fun to have two bikes than one

[black and silver twin]

I have felt the urge to upgrade to a gsxr600 or cbr600 after the first 6 months of having my gs. it now been two years. Whats my secret, you ask in anticipation?
answer: mods. I have been slowly modifying my gs for the last year and a half. I have added every HP mod possible without tearing into the engine, stock was 39whp now she has a whopping 44whp   yee haw... honestly though it fells like much more simply because the stock usable go-fast power band was 7000-9800rpm. now its 7000-11000. top speed went from 114 to 130.  also I have lightened the bike considerably, best guess 25lbs ish. then I did braided brake lines and 15t front sprocket and 20w fork oil.

But even after all this The upgrade bug has started biting again, but the one thing that has led me to keep the gs is, complexity. have you ever seen the procedure to do a valve adjustment on a gsxr ?!? its freaking crazy. the old/low-tech simplicity of the gs may be the Achilles heal of the gs500, but its also the greatest factor for durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance/repair.

if you want more my opinion is to modify. if you then later on want even more then up grade, at least you will have had the experience to know if you really want more.

[bill14224]

... bored with your GS500. Yeah I said that. Bash me if you want. I don't care.
I am asking because recently after couple, few hundred miles trips I feel like something is missing. The seat is not comfy, engine power is sufficient but sometimes I wish there was more, just to increase fun factor, vibration (buzz) on handlebars, footrests and mirrors is annoying.

Before you say that I should inspect my bike for cause of vibrations, I will just say that there is noting wrong with the bike. It is just old design and it does vibrate/buzz.

Recently I started looking around for other bikes, and I found FZ6 and even though I am not a big fan of half-naked bikes there is something that I absolutely love about this bike. When I went to get inspection for my GS I sat on SV650 and on FZ6. The FZ6 just felt like home, it was super comfy, riding position is even more upright than GS, and overall FZ6 gave me a feeling that I was sitting on a cloud  

So what do you do in moments like that? On one hand I would love to upgrade, because of many reasons, on the other hand, I know that I should get more experience with my GS before getting bigger bike.

I really curious if you have similar feelings and how do you manage them.
Thanks
KML

I'm not bored with mine because I got my seat reupholstered with multi-viscous dry polymer padding.  Not the memory foam that's been in beds for 30 years, (although it's good) the new stuff.  It does the same thing but needs less thickness.  I can ride my bike until it's out of gas and my arse still isn't tired.  It sounds like that's your problem.  You like the bike.  You're not addicted to horsepower.  Make the seat more comfy.  Mine looks just like stock.  www.knoplace.com but there are others.

I have had my motorcycle license since 1980.  Power is not the answer.  The right bike for you is the answer.  The most enjoyable thing to me about motorcycling is having a bike that's set up just right for your needs, taste, and budget.  The rest is bling if you ride a lot, I know that much.  I can't argue against the new Yamaha except for the payments, bad gas mileage, and its design that draws you to the dealer for maintenance rather than doing it yourself.  The reason I like the GS so much is it gives me a perfect everyday ride for dirt cheap and the style which I like is a bonus.  You said you like it too.  Make it what you want it to be.  Get the seat reupholstered, and put a 17-tooth front sprocket on it while you're at it.  If you're anything like me it'll be your #1 bike long into the future.  Yes, I have other bikes.  The GS gets the most miles because it's best for most situations.  When I need to take my g/f on a trip I take the shaft drive triple, but when I'm riding alone give me the GS every time.

If I were you I'd buy used bikes to fill every need you have.  For instance, I have my GS for everyday riding, the shaft drive triple for two-up trips, and a dirt bike.  By doing so I have a bike for every situation for a grand total outlay of about $3,500.  I can tell you this too.  All multis buzz the bars and pegs at some point.  The bike you have gives a lower frequency vibration that doesn't tire you out.  That's the important thing.  That 4-cylinder buzz gets old fast.

[twocool]

Buy a ninja 1400........argueably the fatest bike out there........Friend of mine has one.....removed the electronic speed limiter.........0-200 in 9 seconds......topped out at 218 (gps)......

Or get real and realize that if you intend to obey the law, the gs 500 is nice bike...........

I think all of you road warior types should take up track or darg racing..........there you would see that there are some out there with REAL driving talent, and really fast machines too........but done safely......


Cookie

[tt_four]

I did a tail swap on mine, newer tank, new shock, and some other random things, and it's an ok bike around town. I did eventually get kinda bored on it as well. I was less impressed with the suspension than the power, and REALLY wanted to do a fork swap like a couple people on here have recently but there's absolutely no way I'm going to spend as much on my GS as it would take to buy a gsxr and know that it's money I'll never be able to get back when I sell the bike.

I just bought a bigger bike. I'd had bigger/faster(and slower) bikes before the GS so I already knew what I was missing. The GS is great for around town and twisty roads because you can toss it around like a bicycle, but it's also obnoxious having to rev it so high just to leave a redlight, and still get toasted by old people who aren't even trying, not to mention the vibrations I got any time I went over 50. I need to finish cleaning up the GS this fall/winter, and then it's going to be sold next spring because I know I'm never really gonna ride it. It might be easier to maneuver, but it still feels bigger and more stretched out than my new bike so I can't say it's more comfortable.

The GS is a great bike if that's what you want, and people here definitely get offended when you say you want to move on but there are plenty of things you can do on faster/stronger bikes that just aren't fun on the GS.

[Homer]

seat reupholstered with multi-viscous dry polymer padding.  

Where'd you get that done, Bill?  Sounds nice. 

[ohgood]

If you want more power than a GS500, a FZ6 probably won't do it for you. I am bored with the mighty GS as well. Great bike, but I feel the need for more power. I will be selling it whenever I have enough money to buy a SV1000.

really ? the fz6 doesn't have more power ? ooooook man. the fz6 has an incredibly smooth i4 with significantly more power than the gs. upright, very comfy ergos, and 23,000 (or is it 17,000) mile valve checks ? SWEEEEET ! ride one and see !

... bored with your GS500. Yeah I said that. Bash me if you want. I don't care.
I am asking because recently after couple, few hundred miles trips I feel like something is missing. The seat is not comfy, engine power is sufficient but sometimes I wish there was more, just to increase fun factor, vibration (buzz) on handlebars, footrests and mirrors is annoying.

Before you say that I should inspect my bike for cause of vibrations, I will just say that there is noting wrong with the bike. It is just old design and it does vibrate/buzz.

Recently I started looking around for other bikes, and I found FZ6 and even though I am not a big fan of half-naked bikes there is something that I absolutely love about this bike. When I went to get inspection for my GS I sat on SV650 and on FZ6. The FZ6 just felt like home, it was super comfy, riding position is even more upright than GS, and overall FZ6 gave me a feeling that I was sitting on a cloud 

So what do you do in moments like that? On one hand I would love to upgrade, because of many reasons, on the other hand, I know that I should get more experience with my GS before getting bigger bike.

I really curious if you have similar feelings and how do you manage them.
Thanks
KML

no one will bash you for looking around and finding a better bike. man, there are tons to choose from !

i'd suggest riding / renting another bike for some long distance jaunts. the fz6 is a very, very nice touring bike. very good commuter, and very comfy. iirc there is a very slight buzz at around 4600 rpm on some fz's. not to mention there is buttery smooth clutch, very forgiving fuel injeciton (SWEEET) and the seems-like-forever valve adjustment schedule.

the sv650 also comes to mind, but it's torque may be too much for you. those things will tote the front with little effort at all.

kawasaki concours, zx1100, vfr, and a few others come to mind. keep in mind the gs is likely one of the most FUN bikes for commuting short distances and riding in the twisties. the ninja 500 is also another one.

i got tired of my gs and sold it. sure, i miss it somedays, but with bikers dropping like flies all around me, i'm going to stay off a little while. head traumas, broken legs, etc convinced me.

keep us posted with what you RIDE and your impressions. looks only matter when you turn it off

[Twism86]

I can see where your coming from and Ive only had my GS for a month and a half. Its a fun bike, no doubt. Its zippy, turns well and is great for an hours ride through the twistys. Its a forgiving bike thats easy to ride, which I like. Ive ridden bigger bikes and see myself having one in the future. I know you can upgrade the GS A LOT, but in the end is it worth the $ that can just go toward a new bike that doesnt need to be tuned as much? I plan to keep my bike through this season and possibly get a bigger one next spring.

How is the SV650 over the GS? Ive never ridden one but was told that its just as "slow" and barely faster. Im not looking for much more speed honestly, just a bigger sized bike with better suspension and more sporty feel.

Tom 

[DaytonaDave]

The SV650 is a ton more bike than the GS. It has a great flat torque curve and a decent top end rush. The last one I had put out, IIRC, 68hp at the wheel and the torque was above 40ftlb. I have owned 3. 1st one died of big end bearing issues, read... very easy to wheelie for days. Second one went because I was running out of room in the garage. Then I sold the third one because it was going the same route as the first. The SV will outrun, out handle, and just plain run circles around a GS with the same riders aboard. If you get bored on a SV650 there is something wrong with you. With that being said, the SV1000 is a huge disappointment. Bought one since it had a rendition of the mighty TL motor in it, but it did not stand up to the performance of my old 01 TLS. They chopped the nuts right off. So if your considering a SV650 vs. 1000, buy the 650 it's a much better bike and does everything right. Honestly the SV650 is probably my third favorite bike. Runner up to the 1050 Speed Triple and 955i Daytona. Then there is the GS, with 4 bikes in the garage, it is the one that I grab the key for most of the time....just so easy to ride!

[viggen]

I have test ridden a couple of SV650's recently and wanted to buy them every time.  The torque is just amazing, coming off of my GS. 

When the GS was totalled, I came within a hair of buying an SV but just couldnt find a faired one for the right price.  Ended up buying the GS back for $450 and gettin her fixed back up. 

BTW, 03+ SV650's are fuel injected.  I tested one and it just.... started.... no warm up or anything, just ride out of the parking lot.  Amazing.  I almost bought it but it had too many 'modifications...'  Aftermarket headlights with 'interesting' connections, clip-on handlebars, not the right one for me.  If it had fit better I would probably still have ridden her home that day though....

I think if you test ride the right SV, and have the money, you will buy it.  That torque is so addictive.

[ver4]

I think about getting rid of mine everyday.  My GS is a piece of shaZam!.

[Caffeine]

I loved my GS, but I-95 moves pretty fast in my area, and I would be riding with friends, and when it came time to pass a car or truck, they could just hit the gas and GO, but my GS would go for a little bit....85...90...then fuel starvation would kick in and it would stall.

There is a lot to love with the GS, and, depending on where & when you ride, it may be everything you'll ever need in a bike.  It just wasn't everything **I** needed, and I replaced it with a650 Wee-Strom 3 years ago.  Love it, BTW!

[rock_rebel]

.....also I have lightened the bike considerably, best guess 25lbs ish.

How did you do that? I found that by removing the fairings the bike seems a bit lighter, even though the fairings don't weigh that much.

[Twism86]

BTW, 03+ SV650's are fuel injected.  I tested one and it just.... started.... no warm up or anything, just ride out of the parking lot. 

Yea, thats one of my main reasons for considering one.

[black and silver twin]

.....also I have lightened the bike considerably, best guess 25lbs ish.

How did you do that? I found that by removing the fairings the bike seems a bit lighter, even though the fairings don't weigh that much.

I kept the fairings, thats why I bought the f model in the first place. Most of the weight savings came from the exhaust, the stock one is over 35# (!!) whereas the jardine is 15#. the rest came from removing all 3 grab handles, center-stand, significantly lighter (and much better looking) turn signals, removing the PAIR system, and a few other small things have been removed/trimmed. The only place I added weight is the Buddha fork brace, but its only 1/2#ish and the added stiffness is well worth it. Now that I think about it Ive probably removed more like 30# total. also the fairings and mounts weigh 8# total, but i love the look and aerodynamics of them so there staying.

[bill14224]

seat reupholstered with multi-viscous dry polymer padding.  

Where'd you get that done, Bill?  Sounds nice. 

Kno-Place Upholstery in South Dakota.  www.knoplace.com

[bill14224]

The SV650 is a ton more bike than the GS. It has a great flat torque curve and a decent top end rush. The last one I had put out, IIRC, 68hp at the wheel and the torque was above 40ftlb. I have owned 3. 1st one died of big end bearing issues, read... very easy to wheelie for days. Second one went because I was running out of room in the garage. Then I sold the third one because it was going the same route as the first.

If I understand correctly you trashed two SV 650 bottom ends in a relatively short time and your GS still runs even though it's been ridden the most?  If that doesn't show how good the GS is I don't know what will!

The best bike is the bike THAT RUNS! 

[burning1]

Race it. It'll take years for me to get bored of riding my GS.