almost going to buy one finally

[MikeNW]

Yeah, I know, I've been thinking about buying one forever it seems...
Prices seem to be way down recently.

I think the GS is the way to go: air cooled simplicity, looks cool, ergos seem to fit me, yesssss it has a centerstand, and this forum is great.
The down side is the  shim valve adjustment, but I guess I could learn to live with it.

My other choices are-
Ninja 500- more power than GS 500 but reduced gas mileage, the footpegs cramp my legs though
Suzook GSX650F- now you're talking! but it's heavy and costs more.  No centerstand. 
Kwakker KLR650- sort of cool in a weird way, but it's soooooo tall, also would one-cylinder run on the highway all day?
Suzook Wee Strom- dammit, they're holding high prices on these, though the burnt orange one is tempting!

Anyway, I hope to get back on 2-wheels soon.  Been a long time! 

Oh yeah, has anyone here fitted the Pelican hard cases to the GS500?  I suppose you could make some sort of brackets. 

[zirconx]

I think the Ninja 500r is a better bike than the GS500f (running and ducking).  My friend has a 500r and its got a lot of features the GS500 doesn't.  I bought a gs500 though because I couldn't find a nice 500r in my price range.  And I owned one years ago so I was sure I liked it, I've only ridden the 500r a few times.  The gs500f does have better wind protection if you are going to be taking it on the highway.

The KLR vibrates like crazy on the highway, I hated it after a few minutes.  It won't have any mechanical problems doing it though.

The V-strom is a fun bike, but I really don't like how it feels in a turn (curve), I think the gs500 handles better.  The v-strom feels more powerful though because it has a lot more torque (and probably a little more HP).  I also really like the seating position on the v-strom.  It gets a ton of buffeting wind on the highway though.  Can't comment on the GSX650F, except that its not that interesting - just another inline-4 jap sportbike. Edit - nevermind, this is different than what I was thinking.  The GSX650F looks like a pretty interesting bike!  Probably way more expensive than a GS500 though.

There are not a lot of options for mounting hard bags to the gs500f, I think I'll just end up going with soft bags.  If you just want a top case thats easier than sidebags but still pretty expensive.

[mister]

YOU absolutely Must be comfortable on the bike.

Discomfort = annoying = distracting = not paying attention to the road like you should cause you're focused on trying to be comfortable.

The Vstrom doesn't have a center stand either. But they can be bought and added as an Extra.

Take the Vstrom, 650F and the GS for a spin and see which one you're the most comfortable on.

Michael

[007brendan]

If you're thinking about a 650f, you might as well spring the few extra bucks for a gsxr600.  Prices are way down on those around here too.

[Twism86]

If you're thinking about a 650f, you might as well spring the few extra bucks for a gsxr600.  Prices are way down on those around here too.

Well i would tend to agree with that but it depends on how you want to ride. Aggressive all day, turning, leaning and going fast, get the GSXR. If you want a more relaxed ride and comfortable position get the F. Still plenty fast and will handle great.

[adidasguy]

Tried the Ninja 500 and GS500 at the dealer. I felt more comfortable on the GS because the gas tank on the Nina was wider at the knees. Longest trip on the GS500 was 90 miles each way. No pain. Felt very comfortable the whole way. The GS500 is so easy to ride that it makes riding tons of fun.

Test rode a GSX650F. Nice and rides easy like the GS500. Couldn't justify the added cost. On sale here for $6999. Hard cases can be put on it. The GS500 can have hard side cases, too.

Test rode a GSXR600. Seat too high. Bars too low. Designed for high speeds so not good to city traffic. Not comfortable. Not very forgiving on riding - as indicated by the necessity of a shock on the steering column to prevent uncontrolled wobble (just watch the videos on YouTube of crashes and see how the GSXR can easily get out of control) My gym trainer has a GSXR1000 and says it is fun but not good for slow speed commuting and very uncomfortable riding position for long trips.

A) You must feel comfortable on the bike.
B) You want a bike that YOU control (aka GS500 or GSX650F). Not a bike that controls you and you have to work to ride it (any GSXR).
C) Don't worry about what others think of your bike. Its YOUR bike. Ride what YOU like. I've had guys with big liter bikes, fringed leather and even Harleys give me complements on my GS500! So don't buy a GSXR just to impress your friends.

Now I have 2 GS500s. The GS500F 2009 and a naked 1992 with the factory clip ons for that sportier GSXR fun factor.

Those are my 4 cents worth. (inflation!)

[rger8]

Depending on what your going to do with it it seems as if you just cant beat a GS 500 for a simple, practical all around great machine. I think it's very underrated in this world of mucho CC's! I have a 2006 F model. Had a KLR 650 and it's a great bike if you are going to do both road and off-road, but if your going to stay on the street I would hang with the GS. It handles great and gets killer mileage. It's relatively light as well. I call it my Minnie sport touring machine From what Iv'e read the Ninja 500 is great as well but I like the looks of the GS F model and it's fast enough for me. Good luck

[elader]

Guy I ride with who has a big BMW touring bike wants to buy a GS500F like ours for 'fun riding'. I think that says a lot.

[johnny ro]

You can buy a brand spanking new ninja 500r for $3600 at Nault Kawasaki in NH. They have leftover 2009 650Rs for $2,000 more. They are a good place, price aside.  Nault is OK.

My new (got it tonight) 2006 V-strom 650 has a centerstand. Also a madstad windshield bracket and huge shield. I don't need earplugs while riding, for first time in life- I am sitting in a quiet bubble. Bars are up there where I want them. Legs not cramped. Seat does not suck (its from 1000 strom.) This bike would be fine to run to Colorado and back from Boston with no further mods except luggage.

It feels more powerful because it is more powerful. If it takes say 20 hp to go 60 mph on a aero-dirty bike, and the GS has 40, and the DL has 65, the GS has 20 on tap and the DL has 45 on tap. It does feel like double + when you whack it open at speed. Its tuned to pull off idle, unlike 600x4s with 100hp. It is much faster than an FZ6 below say 8k.

Its bigger and more comfortable and nobody talks about upgrading its suspension over on VSRI. The Suzuki 650 v-twin is one of the best engines out there, anywhere.

The GS500F will stay in my garage, though, its fine for 30-90 minute rides. Its tight and nice and mellow and fun and comfortable once set up for your body and posture. It now takes the place of my EX250F8, which was fun but actually too small.  That one took the place of my SRx250 which had my knees up by my elbows but was really really fun.

The new GS650 is a great bike, but apparently needs some uncorking, engine-wise. I think older bandit 600 is more compelling, money being an issue.

[yurtinus]

After a summer of riding - if I were to do it over again I would have held out for a wee strom. I love my GS, but am really hankering for some adventure touring and bike camping (dirt roads and fire roads).

All things considered - the GS500 has been around for 20 years. It's doing *something* right!

[grahamlocklin]

I have a GS500f (2007) and a Vstrom 650 (2006). I'm 5'6" - 5'8" I think... about 180lbs.

The GS500f has all the pep I need, I find a bit short at times (I guess I got used to the vstrom), it is NOT a good bike for two up in my experience. Its great on gas and sounds nice.

The vstrom is a bit tall. Its great for two up if you can handle the top heavy bike + a person. Its okay on gas, gets about the same as my 09 Altima, so not the best. Vstrom sounds rough at idle compared to the purr of the GS.

Make sure you fit whatever bike you choose. I just barely fit the vstrom.

The Vstrom does throw the air at the top of your head when you ride so it isn't also comfortable. The GS has a nice lower fairing so you legs are out of the wind and that is very nice if you live in Ontario this time of year .

Anyways, GS500f is a really nice commuter bike... the vstrom is a really nice trip bike with lots of hard luggage options.

well gtg, time for a lunch break motorcycle ride.zzzoooom

[Twism86]

well gtg, time for a lunch break motorcycle ride.zzzoooom

Those are always fun. Especially trying the balance a sub on your crotch. 

[mister]

well gtg, time for a lunch break motorcycle ride.zzzoooom

Those are always fun. Especially trying the balance a sub on your crotch.  

Speaking of Balancing



This ain't no Jared... he does all the Subway Balancing on the Inside



And just for discussion

Segway... the Early stages...



Michael