New Rider, First Bike - A 2005 GS500F

[JoeBart324]

Hi all! I'm a new rider who just purchased my first bike, a 2005 GS500F. I did a lot of research on beginners bikes since I wanted to make sure I didn't get in over my head. Everything I read pretty much pointed to either a Ninja 250 or a GS500. The 250 worried me a bit in that it may not be able to handle freeway speeds too well and that it might not handle a heavier guy like myself exceptionally. Couple that with the fact that everything I read about the GS500 said it was an extremely tame bike with a nice, linear power curve and decent handling despite the soft suspension and I had myself gravitating toward the Suzuki. In addition, the GS500 seemed like a bike that could carry me into more intermediate riding.

The problem was in my area (central valley in California) Ninja 250s are dime a dozen while the GS500s are somewhat more rare and carry a premium. However, within a week after completing my motorcycle safety course and getting my M1 license, a 2005 GS500F popped up on Craigslist with 6,700 miles on it for $2,000. I decided to check it out and it seemed to be in exceptional condition. The bike was first owned by a Suzuki mechanic, who then sold it to a wonderful lady who thought the bike was a bit too much for her. Too heavy and she didn't feel comfortable on it. She did ride it at least once a month and when I purchased it, the bike had all new fluids except gas. I made sure to check and all of that and did check the tank for rust. Nothing seemed out of sorts so I jumped on it.

I know everyone here absolutely loves pictures so here is my "new" GS500F. Please excuse the disaster of a garage as my wife and I are in the midst of a very late spring cleaning and there is much to be cleared out.

[yamahonkawazuki]

welcome aboard really only flids you need to worry about is fuel and , brake and motor oil. doesnt get much easier than that ( well distilled watter in battery if its got the old school type . and odds are if its been done to a gs its covered on the forum at some location
Aaron

[JoeBart324]

welcome aboard really only flids you need to worry about is fuel and , brake and motor oil. doesnt get much easier than that ( well distilled watter in battery if its got the old school type . and odds are if its been done to a gs its covered on the forum at some location
Aaron

That's what made me so excited about this bike is the previous owner had clearly just changed all the fluids. They're all as clear as can be and the correct color. Couple that with low mileage and I'm pretty excited about the bike. It has been a joy to ride so far and I couldn't be more happy with it.

[ShowBizWolf]

Welcome to the site JoeBart324!! Congrats on the first bike purchase! 

I am glad you love your GS and found the forum. Aaron is right, this place has everything 

[Big Rich]

Welcome to the site Joe!

While the fluids may all be top notch, what about the brake lines themselves? If they are stock rubber lines, they are due for a replacement (I would suggest braided lines front and rear - search ebay). Was the brake fluid flushed with everything else? And do you know when the valves were checked last?

[JoeBart324]

Welcome to the site Joe!

While the fluids may all be top notch, what about the brake lines themselves? If they are stock rubber lines, they are due for a replacement (I would suggest braided lines front and rear - search ebay). Was the brake fluid flushed with everything else? And do you know when the valves were checked last?

Thanks for the welcome!

The brake lines are indeed stock and replacing them is something I do want to get done. The seller said everything was flushed and changed but I'll likely do it all again shortly anyway.

The mechanic that previously owned the bike checked the valves before he sold it but that is something I should probably do just to make sure. I know this site has plenty of links for shims and tools so I'll be looking into that soon.