GS500 vs VX800

[gs500vroom]

Any thoughts on this topic?  Better bike for a beginner?  Anyone ride the VX?  How does it compare?

[Rema1000]

I saw a VX800 while I was shopping for the GS.  
Didn't ride it (hadn't taken MSF yet), but lets see..

Torquey... no need to downshift to pass on the freeway.
The fork isn't so steep as the GS, and makes the bike seem long to me.
The bench is flat, like the old GS's.
The HP curve is flatter, and peaks at 52 or so.  More than the GS, but less than the SV650/Strom650.
The VX is way heavier: like 530 lbs instead of 405!  I'm guessing that it's not too flickable .  
Shaft drive.  Nice when cruising.  Normally I'd say less fun for aggressive riding, except that the engine will more than make-up for that, over the GS.

It's not sold anymore, but the engine is the same is the Intruder, and most of the rest is the same as the Marauder (in U.K.), so you can get engine parts here, and suspension/body/fairing from the U.K. ($$).

Read the FAQ at
http://vx800.net/faq/

I've got an open invitation to buy a decent one for $1500, so I could probably sell the GS and buy the VX.  But I got the GS because it seemed like a safer bet as a first bike, and I have kept the GS, because I have a feeling that the GS is just more fun.

[JohNLA]

A few hardcore couriers around here ride the 800, and they say they are very low matenence.

[BigRedMonkeyButt]

I had the Intruder 800 - same engine.

Tons of torque, nice to ride, and always enough power.
They dont rev high, but still plenty power.

If it had some cornering ability I'd still have it, instead of my SV650.

Oh, BTW - they are heavy.

[JLKasper]

Speaking as a former VX800 owner...

I'd second what most everybody has commented on.  It has a great engine with plenty of roll-on passing ability, and it wasn't terribly cold-natured.  The brakes were adequate, but not outstanding.  Yes, it was heavy and felt all of it, especially at low speeds.  The stock suspension was set up nearly as soft as a GS's, which when combined with the extra weight caused plenty of unwanted excitement in corners.  

I bought a used '91 model in 1994.  I owned it briefly, and was sideswiped by a little smartass on a scooter who decided to change lanes lanes without signalling or looking,  just as I was overtaking him.  My balance was thrown off, and I NEARLY saved it.  It fell, causing $600 in damage.  The little $hit stuck around long enough to see I was OK, and bolted before the cops arrived.  I took this as a sign from God to get off motorcycles, and it worked for eight years.

If the saddle was an inch lower or my legs were an inch longer, I would have avoided dumping it.  If you're longer than a 30" inseam, you might not have trouble.  I would definitely invest in  premium suspension upgrades at both ends before ownership (you might have shock fitment issues with the sidecovers that covers the tops of the shocks).  The VX came stock with premium Metzeler bias tires; I wouldn't trust anything less, given the weight of the beast.  I would say look for a Bandit 1200 instead, but they weigh just as much.  YMMV.