Honda making a modern GS500?

[tt_four]

and by 'usually', remember when Ducati tried to pass thing thing off?? 

[Twisted]

You don't like the 999? I wouldn't say no to one.

[madjak30]

I did do a thread on this weak bike. I know I did one elsewhere, might not have duplicated it here. Frankly, it's hard to get excited about a 670cc bike only putting out the same hp as a gs500. Can't get excited about extra torque without hp to match.

Michael

I only posted this because of all the whining everyone seems to do that there is no updated version (although they are complaining that Suzuki hasn't done it...).  As for the performance part, everyone here seems to tout the mantra of...the performance of the GS500 is all you need, why would you need more?...and I think this bike addressed the one short coming that I found while riding the GS, lack of torque...I don't need a bike that goes over 160kph (100mph), but I do require one that will maintain 120kph (75mph) and would prefer to not have to shift down two gears to do that...this bike was made for the commuter in mind with an ear open to the environmentalists in the crowd...low consumption and low emissions...it isn't meant as a replacement for the 919, SV650/Gladius, CBF600, Ninja 650R...it's an in between step from the 250cc bikes to the 600cc or better bikes that lots of people gravitate towards.

I just think it is a great bike for a beginner, or someone who is just using the bike for utility and economic reasons...Honda reliability & build quality, decent price, Honda re-sale...but it's not meant to be a sport bike or a muscle bike, it has the same goals that the GS500 had 23yrs ago...provide a decent option to get into the sport that is reasonably priced and reliable...it isn't a sexy bike that people are gonna drool over, but I think it is a good option for a beginner...

I know everyone expected the mfgs to come out with 400cc bikes to meet this need, but look at the stereo type that a small bike gets...GIRL BIKE...bigger is better right? How are the sales for the Ninja 400R? I think most opt for the 650R...so Honda  come out with a mildly tuned 670cc that will last forever...better in my opinion than a 400cc that is wound tighter and may not have the same longevity...

Just sayin' 

Later.

[tt_four]

You don't like the 999? I wouldn't say no to one.

Ooh I wouldn't say no to one, but I still think they're ugly. Not the ugliest, but Ducati from the that older 916 style, which is largly accepted as the most gorgeous motorcycle ever designed, and then went straight into that 999 bodywork. The newer ones are looking better again, but I definitely don't consider the styling to be that bikes strong point.

[tt_four]

I just think it is a great bike for a beginner, or someone who is just using the bike for utility and economic reasons...Honda reliability & build quality, decent price, Honda re-sale...

Everything you said in that post is definitely 100% accurate. It's pretty much everything people on this forum say they want, all wrapped up in a 'big' bike that they can ride without having to get the depressing looks when they say they ride a 500. I'm not huge into displacement, and even though my buell had less HP than a 600cc sportbike, it was nice just to be able to say "it's a 984cc v twin" and have people give me the nod of approval, instead of having to discuss the figures and explain what the bike was really about. I was happy to if someone was interested, but that's all some people care about, and it's nice to give them a number and have them walk away. Even with the low torque, it would be nice to get a GS that's just a little more modern. Aside from the updated fairing, it's still the same GS with the steel frame, 37mm forks, same controls. So even if this bike isn't making big hp numbers, it would be nice to get a few things like nicer controls, digital gauges, fuel injection(not sure if it has it or not) just so you can feel like you're riding in the 21st century.

[TonyKZ1]

This new bike from Honda sounds pretty good to me. As for the "a 'big' bike that they can ride without having to get the depressing looks when they say they ride a 500." I sure understand that, when someone asks what bike I ride or which one is mine, I answer Kawasaki Ninja, then they ask what size.... 250. Sometimes they just nod, sometimes they ask why such a small bike..

The only problem I see with it, is one of the same reasons that Canada got the Ninja 400, insurance premiums. I've got State Farm and they seem to only go by engine cc size, 250-400, 500-600, 650- and so on. The insurance premium for 500cc bike is twice and the 650 is 3 times as much as my 250. Makes me wonder how some people can afford insurance on the 900-1200cc bikes.
Tony

[mister]

Price is a killer. Almost double that of a gs. I don't see the few extra things as being worth double the money of a gs

Michael

[Juan1]

The Honda is low horsepower, but the Honda lacks the low weight, simple construction, and low price that make the GS500 a wonderful bike.

[tt_four]

Makes me wonder how some people can afford insurance on the 900-1200cc bikes.
Tony

Liability coverage.... chances of you causing a lot of damage to a car in a crash are pretty slim, so as long as they don't have to pay for your bike when you crash it, they don't have to charge you too much. That's also a good reason to shop around. I know some companies go by engine size, but a lot go by the style of the bike, as some are obviously more likely to end up wrapped around a guard rail than others.

I know how you feel, one of my first bikes was a ninja250 that I put 14k miles on. It was a great bike and a ton of fun, but it was definitely lacking in the cool factor and I pretty much stuck to myself when I rode. It was nice when I moved up to a 600 because it was so much easier to be motorcycle-social.

[madjak30]

Price is a killer. Almost double that of a gs. I don't see the few extra things as being worth double the money of a gs

Michael

I agree somewhat...the price isn't stellar, but it isn't bad...the 2010 GS500F was $7199 here, but that was the last year for the bike (it isn't on the website past '10)...but this bike has fuel injection, 50% more torque, is better on fuel, is taller (I know you all think it is the perfect height, but I found the pegs a little close to my butt), has ABS...I'm not saying it is perfect, far from, but I think it would be a pretty good commuter...plus I like the look of it.

But let's be real, I'm keeping my MT-01...with it's higher consumption, smaller tank, higher insurance rates (1670cc...bragg much??  )...but if I was looking for a commuter, do it all bike...this would be in the running...the Ninja 400R would be another, mostly because of price $6999 (but I find the pegs tight as well...but it's cheaper than the GS500F and is FI)...

This Honda is more along the lines of the Versys or V Strom 650...similar torque, but less power by about 15Hp and similar in pricing...the more I think about the pricing, the less I like it...but I was impressed with the bike...I think maybe it was the storage and fuel consumption that impressed me the most...??

Later.

[tt_four]

...but I was impressed with the bike...I think maybe it was the storage and fuel consumption that impressed me the most...??

I think that's more storage than you get in the back of an old Srad, and that storage space still makes that bike one of the most appealing sportbikes out there to me, even if it was introduced 15 years ago. The thought of barely ever needing a backpack again just sends my head spinning.

[john]

and by 'usually', remember when Ducati tried to pass thing thing off?? 

I almost puke in my mouth when I look at it.  Never liked it.  Thought it was the ugliest duc made in years.

[shonole]

and by 'usually', remember when Ducati tried to pass thing thing off?? 

I almost puke in my mouth when I look at it.  Never liked it.  Thought it was the ugliest duc made in years.

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

[BrianKD]

The style of this Honda in the OP does indeed, as someone else said, have way to many contrasting angles and lines. There are shards of plastic fairing slapped here and there with no continuity. The headlight shape is a drooping eye; just woke up, it has a hangover and feels ill.

Are designers trying to emulate streetfighters? Do they think that's what the kids want? "Let's make the bikes resemble the bruised and dented stunters. Those bikes always harvest millions of hits on youtube. They must be cool."

[tt_four]

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

[redhawkdancing]

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

They had a Panigale at the DC bike show last week. It was on a pedistal so you could only look at it. That thing has the best workmanship I have ever seen in a street bike.  Everything was polished and pristine like a work of art!   

[shonole]

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Agreed.  There's just something.. off.. about it.

[Twisted]

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Agreed.  There's just something.. off.. about it.

Maybe it is the price tag for us mere mortals.

[tt_four]

Maybe it is the price tag for us mere mortals.

haha, I know wht the issue is, I just didn't want to be overly picky. The tail is too flat for it's round shape. It's needs a beefier tail. Skinny bodywork fits on angular bikes, but curved bikes need to have a little substance to them so the curves work right. I think if the bodywork wrapped under the seat better it would look perfectly normal to me.

[tt_four]

It does look good in this picture though, I think it depends on the angle you see it at.