new guy Central IL here.

[ninjeff]

Hey folks. Happy to be here! I'm in central illinois. Name is Jeff.
I haven't purchased a gs500 yet, but i am actively looking to.
I started riding in 2006 when i purchased a brand new Kawi 250ex. Rode it for 3 years before i had to sell it for the $$$ due to being laid off.
Since im in a much better (knock on wood) job now and financially back on my feet, i've been really excited to get back into riding.
I've been toying with what kind of bike to get next, from another 250 to an ex500, 650r, gs500 or even an older cbr600.
I was leaning towards another 250 because i still feel like it had a bit to teach me, although i was yearning for a bit more "oomph" towards the end of my time with it. Then i thought, "hey, might as well make the leap to a 600!" but, honestly....i dont need that much power.

Then i found this website whilst poking around and i have to say.....i think the decision is final. I'm on the search for a GS500. 
It fits all the criteria i need. A bit bigger than the 250, but not insane "trouble" causing power. Its sporty, but not back breaking, its been around awhile so it has a good parts base, and can be customized to suit my needs.
Not to mention, after reading almost every post (on the first few pages of all the subsections) this community rocks.

As a testament to how you guys run this place i couldnt really find one negative thread, no flaming, no trolls, no making anyone feel bad for doing this-that-or-whatever. Just a brigade of helpful people sharing  a mechanical romance with the GS500. I have to say, it was a bit contagious.


I'm in central IL. The Bloomington/Normal area. I'm an IT guy by day for an amazing company, a musician by night, and the shop manager at Sudden Impact Paintball on the weekends. Hopefully i can chase down a good gs500f (i'd like an "F" but i'd take the right "e" as well) within the next month or so and meet some of you folks on the road!
You'll be seeing a lot of me

[bombsquad83]

Awesome man!  I'm in Normal too.  Welcome to the forums.  PM sent.

[ninjeff]

pm replied to!

See? What an awesome place! Only here 5 minutes and already finding locals to hang out with.

[bombsquad83]

What are the freakin' chances man...crazy.