HELP ME CHOOSE!!! which bike to keep :(

[cheeterpasteen]

(this is really just to see peoples opinions, im going to make my mind up soon and want some feedback/food for thought)


I have to sell one of my two gs500f to go on a trip around north america. I need the money, and honestly only ride one of them. The first one I got was a 2006 with major carb issues. It also still has a neutral switch problem that I have diagnosed. I have fixed it up with the intention of selling it but now that its running smooth I REALLY REALLY like it! This bike has only 4500 original miles.


The other contender is my 2007 gs500f. I bought it off of a guy who had lowsided into a ditch, destroying the plastics and gauge cluster. I paid 800 for it, cleaned the carbs and threw on a digital speedo/tach. Later on I swapped the front end with a katana 750. This bike has about 14,000 miles and is at its limit before a valve adjustment. It has the advantage of a yoshimura exhaust. It feels a bit more powerful but thats probably my imagination feeding off of the exhaust note.


I put the black bike up on craigslist for 1700 yesterday and have had 20 plus texts about it. I have people coming tomorrow and I am almost positive it is going to be sold if i let it go. WHAT SHOULD I DO!! I have been riding the black bike to work for a few days, I really like the fairings and very clear gauge cluster. The naked bike feels very sporty with its set up but I can't always clearly see tach as it is tiny. I feel the naked bike has a tad more power and a better suspension up front/ brake system. I am just at a loss. I've never been so 50/50 on anything before haha

it sucks to have choices.. 

[jacob92icu]

The gs500 is meant to be naked, that being said, I really like fairinged bikes... So this is a tough pickle. I would need more pictures of the two, but right now I am leaning towards the naked one

*Edit* plus you could always try and transfer front fairings. The naked one has clip ons, which is a good enough reason to keep it over the other one in my opinion.

Sad day for you my friend

[cbrfxr67]

I like the fairings.  Naked one looks good too.  I'd keep the one that I felt more confident with.  Either way, you win.  GS ftw

[Janx101]

Fairings! .. For a long trip! ..... But whichever bike runs best and has least issues ... Have fairing on that bike! .... 

[BockinBboy]

Stock bikes are easier to sell than modded bikes.   

- Bboy

[gsatterw]

Swap the exhausts, keep the faired.

[adidasguy]

Why ask us? Isn't it really which one YOU like?

FYI: I don't like the naked one. No front fender. Looks like something missing with the headlight so low and no gauges. Maybe a cowling fairing would help it. I don't like that bike. Suggest putting stock gauges & fender back on and selling it.

[NjDan]

Which bike is going to benefit you in the long term and which one will give you less headaches ....just my 4 cents

[ohgood]

keep the one with the kat front end, and buy a flyscreen (small or medium sized windshield) for your trip. get a front fender, you're gonna need it.

why do i say use the non faired bike ? because the 8" light is better at night, easier to get to to change bulbs or slap a cover on, etc

i'd also suggest putting some bark busters (or anything similar that will block the wind) for your hands. just one drop without them and you'll be missing a clutch or brake lever. tired bikers drop bikes

if you're coming through birmingham, al, i'll take you to barbers' motorsports, stealth camp somewhere near, and provide you with a place to service your bike while you're here.

and take 1000 annoying camera shots while you're just trying to focus on maintenance.

very cool thing you're going to do. enjoy and document it well !

[mustangGT90210]

Put the fairings on the bike with the katana front end. Return one to stock, and sell it. Keep the yoshi pipe and the kat front end on whichever you keep!

[racinmason85]

I'd say keep the fairing bike.  The lower mileage sounds better. Plus if you get tired of the fairings,  just take them off like i did.  Personally i would switch the clip on style bars over to the fairing bike and the exhaust and sell the naked bike.  Good luck however you decide.

[cheeterpasteen]

I really appreciate all the feedback. I still can't choose! I've put 50 plus hours into the both of them and I love them both the same. Its like having twins and having to put one up for adoption.. 

I really think i'm going to keep the faired bike and swap the exhaust. I feel that the naked bike will sell quick. Im going to make a frankenstein out of the two with all the best parts and sell the other. Unless the lady coming tomorrow morning will give me 2 grand for the black bike that is.. 

Maybe i should just sell both and wait till I get back from this trip to get larger cc sport tourer. Thats what im really looking for I think. an fz8  yeah....

[aniyn]

If you want to go touring, get a touring bike. There's no point in spending money on a bike you're not going to want long term. I'm probably moving up to an ST1100 this spring for the same reason.

If you already have people coming to look at a bike, backing out after they show up would be a pretty duck move. Otherwise I would say to pull all the after-market stuff you want and put it on one of the bikes, and keep that one.

[cheeterpasteen]

yeah i think im going to call it off for the people tomorrow. I would hate to show up to a jacked up price or something different than pictured myself. I might end up not owning a gs at all soon.. Im going to sleep on it for a few days. I think I rushed making decisions. Its surprising how much of a big deal this is to me. 

Thanks folks!