GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: bwink on December 07, 2004, 01:50:25 PM

Title: rider size
Post by: bwink on December 07, 2004, 01:50:25 PM
I plan on getting a 04' this Mar. or Apr.   I love the looks of the bike.  I plan on using mine to comute each day 60 miles roundtrip to work.  The wonderful thing is that I am going to pay for the bike  with the money that I save from not driving my Jeep (17 mgp).

I am a little worried about the size of the bike.  I am 6'2' and 190lbs.  I want to compliment the bike and not look awkward on it.  Is this the bike for me?

Also, I have read a few post where you can lower the bike, well, how about raising it?

Love the site and look forward to hearing from you all...
Title: rider size
Post by: pantablo on December 07, 2004, 02:16:26 PM
Plenty of people here your height/weight with stock bikes. more important than you complimenting the bike visually is that you can learn to ride well and ride smooth. Dont worry about what you look like on this bike. You'll have others, this isnt your last bike.

You can swap out the rear shock (which is budget/crap anyway) with a stock shock from a katana and that raises the rear 1"-1.5". An SV shock is a bit of work, is no better than stock (except newer), is not exactly a direct swap but will raise the rear about 2". Check my site for a how-to on the sv shock and some shock info.

One thing to consider also is that you should factor in about $60 for progressive suspension fork springs. the bike really needs them. My site has a real easy install for that too.

good luck.
Title: rider size
Post by: scratch on December 07, 2004, 04:07:18 PM
And when you change out the springs you can slide the fork legs down through the triple clamps to gain a little more ground clearance, I mean, height.
Title: rider size
Post by: pixelmonkey on December 07, 2004, 04:48:22 PM
6'2" and 205 rider here

there are ways to raise the bike, but give it a few weeks of riding before you change anything.

katana shock and stiffer fork springs are a best suggestion
chris<pixelmonkey>:D
Title: rider size
Post by: Aznboytpk on December 07, 2004, 09:10:19 PM
6'0''  195lbs
Title: rider size
Post by: Dragonfly on December 07, 2004, 09:54:40 PM
I am 6'2" 220lbs... 230 with the holidays here.

I have some knee problems and I find that to be the only issue with the bike. Not enough room from seat to peg..
Other than that The bike fits very well!!
The suspension is a deffinet weak spot but is easily fixable with only minor investment.. under $100 if you go cheap, and under $500 if you go high end.

The Gs is an awsome all around bike, and is a perfect "beginer" bike.
It is also a bike that as you progress with your riding skill it will grow on you very much!

Good luck
Micah
Title: rider size
Post by: Neko on December 08, 2004, 12:14:17 AM
5'16" and 185lbs. I was a little worried about my height and this bike, but when I got it I found I didn't have any real problems. Just sit back a little farther on the seat. 8)
Title: rider size
Post by: bwink on December 08, 2004, 07:14:16 AM
well guys,

I had the one reservation about the gs500.  It is gone.  "IF" I feel awkward on the bike, I know how to solve the problem.  You guys gave me some good advise.  I checked the "how to" web sites and even with my limited mechanical know how, I could follow the step by step instructions.  I checked out ebay and saw that it would not cost a lot either.

Again, thanks!