Ok, about 3-4 months ago, I thought I was growing out of my GS. I was cursing, because I couldnt trade it in, or sell just yet because it'd be a money sink. I'd ride it around thinking that the SV1000S would be a much better, faster, stronger bike.
Then one day it hit me. I was riding in some back streets, and I hummed through a 90 degree turn. I was so low I could have rubbed my ear on the ground (if I didnt have a helmet on). I stopped and looked back at the curve and thought, and I was like, " I havent even come close to pushing the limits of this bike"
Before I thought I was a decent rider,
Now I realize Im just learning!!!
noob
Quote from: Unnamed on July 02, 2006, 08:46:43 PM
noob
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Bastard
:laugh:
It was the same for me. When i was bored going in straight line i found out that curves are much more fun. I fell more and more in control of the bike and i like it.
Quote from: Unnamed on July 02, 2006, 08:46:43 PM
noob
He doesn't even know how to use the centre stand and he wants to upgrade :icon_rolleyes:
ah, the lightbulb just went on...Its impossible to explain that to new riders who are set on a 600cc sportbike, because they'll "respect the power"-laughable.
good for you, now ride the snot out of that gs...THEN upgrade.
I am a bit scared to push the bike to limits in cornering. Is there a way to know when you shouldn't lean more? Or is it just snap and you are down?
5000 miles or 6 months what ever comes last is a goo rule of thumb when moving up
Yes the GS is a fine little machine, but I can't help yearning for oh....
(http://www.ecossemoto.com/images/Gallery/Orangerightside.jpg)
A singer of sorts.
http://www.ecossemoto.com/intro.htm
Go there to understand the last sentence.
But I still have my first love...
http://www.z1000.net/UploadImages%5Czedone.jpg
Of course they are two liter, and one liter respectively, each putting out triple, even quadruple that of the GS. Also the Honda Hornet (CB919) putting out more than double. (Feels so nice to sit on!)
But the only reason I want these bikes is for the engine (or the fact that the first two are real easy on the eyes) and burning the hell out of the middle of the tire.
It occured to me the other day when I came at a hairpin WAAAY too fast and instead of panicking, I just leaned in and went over further than I ever had before, practically folding up my pegs. I stayed constant (but low) on the throttle and stayed of the brakes and really felt the GS and how it could be so fast.
Then the day after that i was out for a spirited ride on a local back road twisty bit and encountered a CBR600RR. He was having a little fun too, but through every corner I was gaining on him, and almost to my surprise, I didn't care! I was enjoying the ride! I still wasn't as far down as I had been when I hit that hairpin, and wasn't pushing for anything more than what was fun and relaxing.
The GS has more than I know how to get out of it right now, and when I have enough track time under my belt and have reached the limits of this bike, then I will buy myself something more capable. But I'll never trade it in, and I'll never give it up.
I love my GS :kiss3:
As far is what is far enough, When your foot peg touches that means you're pretty far down.
5000 Miles? That's a pretty quick upgrade cycle, I don't want to start a debate but I really think the GS has plenty to teach for 10k, 15k, 20k or heck as long as you are willing to learn.
Quote from: CirclesCenter on July 02, 2006, 10:55:10 PM
It occured to me the other day when I came at a hairpin WAAAY too fast and instead of panicking, I just leaned in and went over further than I ever had before, practically folding up my pegs. I stayed constant (but low) on the throttle and stayed of the brakes and really felt the GS and how it could be so fast.
Thats pretty much how I learned to exceed my limits, one baby step at a time. If you are smooth with the controls and your movements you can touch down plenty before actually finding the limits of the bike (and traction). But you dont have to find the limits of the bike to upgrade, although I agree 5k miles is short, even if they're quality miles. I did 10k before moving up and even then was shocked at the differential in power from the gs to the 600rr.
Quote from: pantablo on July 02, 2006, 11:56:09 PM
Quote from: CirclesCenter on July 02, 2006, 10:55:10 PM
It occured to me the other day when I came at a hairpin WAAAY too fast and instead of panicking, I just leaned in and went over further than I ever had before, practically folding up my pegs. I stayed constant (but low) on the throttle and stayed of the brakes and really felt the GS and how it could be so fast.
Thats pretty much how I learned to exceed my limits, one baby step at a time. If you are smooth with the controls and your movements you can touch down plenty before actually finding the limits of the bike (and traction). But you dont have to find the limits of the bike to upgrade, although I agree 5k miles is short, even if they're quality miles. I did 10k before moving up and even then was shocked at the differential in power from the gs to the 600rr.
Oh really? I have probably put 10miles on my gs500 since I got it 2 weeks ago (riding in a parking lot a couple days). 0-60, I don't think I would want any more power (well except between 0-15mph).. And I don't think I want to go over 50mph much...
I am thinking I would do a r6 just for the looks :) .. but would prefer the gs500's performance (lack of performance if you will)..
Anyways, just typing this out because I am tired.. I am sure I am the only person in this boat :)
Quote from: domas on July 02, 2006, 10:41:47 PM
I am a bit scared to push the bike to limits in cornering. Is there a way to know when you shouldn't lean more? Or is it just snap and you are down?
Well, I took a 90 degree turn at about 25 yesterday, and put a peg down.. didn't realize it, and wasn't trying to. Just working on my cornering technique. And I've only got 750 miles under my belt...
I live in traffic congested Northeast. The GS was the perfect bike for me when I bought it in 1990. 16 years later the traffic congestion seems to have multiplied by 50!!! I moved out into the "country" 13 years ago to get away from it all and now it's a giant suburb. Traffic 24 hours a day. The GS is fast enough 0-60 and thats about all your going to get around here before braking on traffic. Less traffic at night but you dont want to outrun your lights and got to be carefull about the deer.
If I lived in a different part of the country, like say Nebraska or Utah that has long expansive highways, I'd probably have a liter bike to soak up the miles.
Chris
Perhaps it's the evolution of motorcycling for me; but I'm just starting to enjoy the curves. My favorite corner so far is the one coming out of my work, it's a wide 90*degree left-handed turn down a slight hill and taken at rather low speeds (Second Gear). Every time I go around it I try to get myself lower than the time before - if only I had an "instant replay" camera from an outside observer, it's really difficult to tell how low I am. I'm not scraping pegs but it feels like I should be :) The tires look worn too, not too much left for chicken strips.
See i live in Nevada, land of highway 50.
And a bunch of other lonely little two lanes, and a few roads with NO speed limits.
I'd love to stretch out a liter bike on those.
Quote from: domas on July 02, 2006, 10:41:47 PM
I am a bit scared to push the bike to limits in cornering. Is there a way to know when you shouldn't lean more?
Hard parts start to grind.
...or at least, that's what they told me in the MSF. :icon_mrgreen:
People who say they would rather not buy a GS500 because they don't want to become bored with it after six months are missing the point of motorcycling.
Boredom is the sign of an uncreative mind. If you want to scare yourself to stay interested, then you shouldn't be riding.
The GS500 is a great bike to learn on. Eventually you may become curious about other bikes, or your tastes for riding may change. These reasons are legitimate for trading the GS in for other rides. But boredom -- not one of them.
RedShift: That was a positively BRILLIANT post. :thumb:
Thanks. It's well rehearsed. :)
Quote from: RedShift on July 03, 2006, 06:03:34 PM
People who say they would rather not buy a GS500 because they don't want to become bored with it after six months are missing the point of motorcycling.
Boredom is the sign of an uncreative mind. If you want to scare yourself to stay interested, then you shouldn't be riding.
The GS500 is a great bike to learn on. Eventually you may become curious about other bikes, or your tastes for riding may change. These reasons are legitimate for trading the GS in for other rides. But boredom -- not one of them.
Dude, I applaud you for that. Utterly brilliant.
I've got 8500 miles under my belt and am only planning on upgrading next year. Next winter, to be precise. I ride roughly 1000 miles a month, so should have at least 20,000 miles under my belt. I haven't touched pegs once, nor do I want to. As dgyver put it, "The only time my pegs touch down is if I crash."
Also GS is great to find out what type of bike do you want. It is kind if in the middle of others. Little bit sports bike, little bit twin cruiser, and with that upright seating you can even find links to dirt bikes.
After trying GS for reasonable time, you can say: i want sportier seating and more power, or i want more low end power and relaxed seat position. I see GS as a neutral bike that will formulate your taste and riding skills (after enough miles).
After GS course you can go out and safely ride any bike on a market and choose it not only from sexy looks.
Quote from: pandy on July 03, 2006, 06:20:36 PM
RedShift: That was a positively BRILLIANT post. :thumb:
I agree. I will be using that quote somewhere, I'm sure...Boredom is the sign of an uncreative mind...I love it.
By all means. No copyright on that phrase.
It's based on the logic that you can have fun on any bike, and if the fun seems to be gone, you may need to "kick it up a notch". Press a bit harder in the corners, drive a little harder on the exit, run a little higher on your tach before shifting, the mind is the limit.
You don't need another bike for that. You just need to think about your riding skills and how to make them better. It's something everyone on a motorcycle should be doing.
Enjoy the Ride. :thumb:
Quote from: CirclesCenter on July 02, 2006, 10:55:10 PM
I really think the GS has plenty to teach for 10k, 15k, 20k or heck as long as you are willing to learn.
You are not kidding. Just rev it and it's another animal.
The damn thing is really quick in the turns but you should see my KLR250.
On the other hand you should see my neighbor on his 10 speed bicycle.
He takes the turns even quicker.
Friend of mine borrowed a Hayabusa for a week.
Bike scared him because he's the type that, if the damn thing goes 186 you have to go to 186.
No fun having all that horsepower and you can't use it was his say on the matter.
I love it when people say they have out grown a GS and you ask them ... and like they bought it with 11,234 miles and it now has 11,567 ... woweee they do 333 miles and they've out grown it ... yea it took them 3 years to do it too ...
Cool.
Srinath.
:laugh: Too often True. :laugh:
Well then heck i have wildly outgrown my GS if that milage is a guide :) I need me one of them Hi a boos a thingy's...
Actually like you all have said. Instead of aiming for top speed. The bike takes well to suspension modifications and can be a nice lightweight corner carver
I think to truly outgrow the GS is something like this:
The GS is great, absolutely fantastic, at doing what it was designed for. It was designed to be a budget sport bike and commuter bike. It was designed as a low-powered beginner bike that would teach a newbie how to ride properly and make the most out of the power he had. However, as soon as you start to push it beyond what it was designed to do it begins to show its faults. If you're riding it like a sportbike it just doesn't perform like a sportbike should sometimes. It's a starter bike and a commuter bike. Yeah you can have a lot of fun on it no doubt, but even if you are it's still a starter bike.
If your scraping pegs...your 130/70 will have no chicken strips...
I just got my license and GS a little over a month ago. I've managed to put ~1500 km's on it so far, mostly city riding and one distance ride out to the mountains last weekend (600km round trip). The bike has been easy to handle (big confidence boost), tons of fun in the corners and the mountains were a blast. Even riding at 70 - 80mph for 2-3 hours wasn't bad. The gf has a Gixxer 600 and while she's walking away from me while I'm at full throttle, I think a bigger bike would be nice. However I realize I'm nowhere near ready for that kind of power yet and I haven't even come close to pushing the limits of my GS. Maybe next year.......
Jenkins
me the only reason why i would go to the 600cc...... 1 for lookes mostly love there fearing alot more then the gs
2. a lil more for accelaration dont care about top speed more acceleration lol
3. cause i love honda cbr600f4i 2002-03 red and black
those are the only reasons but i still love my gs its really capable for a 500
Alpha,
I agree with what you say but must suggest a clarification to your statement:
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on July 04, 2006, 10:32:39 AM
... It was designed as a low-powered beginner bike that would teach a newbie how to ride properly ...
Rather, the "bike allows the rider" to learn the proper skills at a respectable pace. The motorcycle does not teach anything. It does not demand or encourage. The rider learns the characteristics of the bike.
As said, it provides an interesting balance of features that will entertain new and seasoned. It's a great all round road bike. :)
Quote from: RedShift on July 04, 2006, 02:03:47 PM
Alpha,
I agree with what you say but must suggest a clarification to your statement:
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on July 04, 2006, 10:32:39 AM
... It was designed as a low-powered beginner bike that would teach a newbie how to ride properly ...
Rather, the "bike allows the rider" to learn the proper skills at a respectable pace. The motorcycle does not teach anything. It does not demand or encourage. The rider learns the characteristics of the bike.
As said, it provides an interesting balance of features that will entertain new and seasoned. It's a great all round road bike. :)
Yes yes, I understand that a clarification (or correction, even) is needed on that.
You're clarification is just what I meant. Thank you! The GS is a very forgiving bike, which can allow a new rider to learn the joy of motorcycling as fast as he or she feels comfortable doing so. However, it can be fun to a more seasoned rider due to how flickable it is (a combination of skinny tires and various other factors).
A great bike for what it was designed for, no doubt.
if you guys ask me..... yes people make fun of my bike because its a 500 and they say the f is for females..... but i dont care cause its my bike my pride no one can take that away from me lol..... and also when i bought the bike my first thing i thought was is that every one told me ill sell it really fast cause of not enough power..... well it surprised me for a lil 500 when i first got it i thought wow this thing is powerfull... now im constantly trying to surpass myself.... im at my limits and not the limits of the bike.... i think to out grow a bike if there is such a thing is when you can get to the limits of the bike and that my friends takes a lot of time
i only know one guy that can be at the limit of any vehicule he ownes like car or bike... and still yet wouldnt be able to be the best so i think its impossible to out grow of a bike..... just add some mods to it make it interesting for yourself
Hey, Pantablo:
What year is your CBR600RR? I have got my eye on an '03 with like 2300 miles on it. Do you think this is a good bike? Were there any problems that year that I should keep my eyes open for?
Thanks!
Redshift: There is one thing about your post that rings most true: the best reason people move to a different bike is curiosity. I'm very curious about other bikes. I want to sample all of them.
Quote from: Jake D on July 05, 2006, 12:04:49 PM
Hey, Pantablo:
What year is your CBR600RR? I have got my eye on an '03 with like 2300 miles on it. Do you think this is a good bike? Were there any problems that year that I should keep my eyes open for?
mine's an 04-same as 03 except different colors available. thats low miles for an 03. they're bombproof, but several people on the 600rr.net boards complain of rectifier problems on the 03. might stem from riding in hot weather with brights on (plus fan, etc draining the battery faster than the rectifier can charge it). Not as widespread as I make it out to be but isnt an anomaly either. not so on the 04 for some reason. no CCT problems to speak of. Solid bike throughout IMO.
It is at a local dealer. It belonged to one of their mechanics. I guess he never rode it. $5999 for it. I figure they would take my SV on trade. They are also extending a warranty on it unil like 2009. It is yellow and black.
Does that sound like a deal to you?
Quote from: melloGS on July 04, 2006, 10:43:12 AMIf your scraping pegs...your 130/70 will have no chicken strips...
When 2up, you hit the center stand before the pegs
and before the edge of the tire. :o
Quote from: RVertigo on July 05, 2006, 12:33:34 PM
Quote from: melloGS on July 04, 2006, 10:43:12 AMIf your scraping pegs...your 130/70 will have no chicken strips...
When 2up, you hit the center stand before the pegs and before the edge of the tire. :o
LOL yes even with 2 skinny butt girls on the bike.
Scared the shaZam! out of the wife... I wasn't scared at the time... I was thinking about spending the rest of my life listening to, "Look what you did to my leg you A-Hole." THEN I was scared. :o
I took a good mm or two off right side the center stand... Really stupid... I started into the corner to narrow and too hot (Which would have been fine solo, but didn't cut it 2up). :nono: I rode like a saint from then on. :oops:
Quote from: Jake D on July 05, 2006, 12:32:08 PM
It is at a local dealer. It belonged to one of their mechanics. I guess he never rode it. $5999 for it. I figure they would take my SV on trade. They are also extending a warranty on it unil like 2009. It is yellow and black.
Does that sound like a deal to you?
thats just on the top of the range I've seen 03's sell for. Is it stock or does it have goodies on it (liek slip on exhaust, etc). that and the rextended warranty makes it a pretty good deal.
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on July 05, 2006, 11:35:33 AM
if you guys ask me..... yes people make fun of my bike because its a 500 and they say the f is for females..... but i dont care cause its my bike my pride no one can take that away from me lol.....
I'm a new GS owner, got it in April and rebuilt the carb and put new tires on (great info here on the high idle when warm). No MSF yet, they are all booked up but I practiced in parking lots and passed the test w/100%. Put on 75-100 miles on the last 5 weekends. People have made fun of me about how small it is (but they don't even own a bike at all). Personally, I love the bike, handles well, enough power to get me up the hills around Cleveland and get going faster than cars. Can't forget to mention only 100 dollars to insure for a year. Maybe an upgrade one day, but fun and learning now.
Quote from: dweh54 on July 05, 2006, 06:58:59 PM
... People have made fun of me about how small it is (but they don't even own a bike at all). Personally, I love the bike, handles well, enough power to get me up the hills around Cleveland and get going faster than cars. Can't forget to mention only 100 dollars to insure for a year. Maybe an upgrade one day, but fun and learning now.
Yeah, I've had that line thown at me as well.
A Gold Wing rider that was parked beside be came when I was putting my gear on. Asked me how I liked my "little bike". I told her it was a hoot to ride, fits in a 6'x4' space with two cars in my two-car garage, gets 65 MPH on the highway and costs practically nothing to insure. Don't recall we said much to each other after that.
(Musta hit a nerve with one of my plus'es.) :)
Quote from: dweh54 on July 05, 2006, 06:58:59 PM
People have made fun of me about how small it is (but they don't even own a bike at all).
Those people are morons!! :2guns: :2guns:
I've recently discovered that the GS wear's two hats.
The beginner/teacher hat and the fun toy hat.
If you're just beginning to ride, the GS wears it's beginner hat. It is responsive, and the geared in a very obvious manner. If you pop it down into 1st gear when you shoudln't have, the GS will let you know much more than a 600ss bike will. If you're not in the correct gear, the GS is likely to let you know much more clearly than most other bikes.
I find that the GS is very particular about what gear you select and how you treat the throttle. When i ride other bikes thottle and gear control isn't really even an issue because the GS kind of forces good throttle control and gear control on to you. You could argue the same about a faster sportbike, but i highly doubt you'd get the chance to use all of the gears and all of the rpm range like you can on the GS.
If someone already knows how to ride or is beginning to get confident, they may ride other bikes. The gs doesn't mind if you ride other bikes becuase it has something different to offer. It is certainly not the fastest bike to ride, but if you know what you're doing the GS corners with the best of them and has that 'flickable' quality that is loads of fun.
I don't really have a problem riding with 600s on my GS. The GS is just as quick and arguably quicker in the corners, and not that often do you get to really open it up on the street... so the GS works just fine for me.
Quote from: pantablo on July 05, 2006, 03:07:19 PM
Quote from: Jake D on July 05, 2006, 12:32:08 PM
It is at a local dealer. It belonged to one of their mechanics. I guess he never rode it. $5999 for it. I figure they would take my SV on trade. They are also extending a warranty on it unil like 2009. It is yellow and black.
Does that sound like a deal to you?
thats just on the top of the range I've seen 03's sell for. Is it stock or does it have goodies on it (liek slip on exhaust, etc). that and the rextended warranty makes it a pretty good deal.
Bone stock. I'll go by there and have a look.
Quote from: RedShift on July 05, 2006, 07:06:13 PM
...gets 65 MPH on the highway...
If you really flog it, you should be able to get up to at least 70 MPH. :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: aaronstj on July 06, 2006, 10:17:56 AM
Quote from: RedShift on July 05, 2006, 07:06:13 PM
...gets 65 MPH on the highway...
If you really flog it, you should be able to get up to at least 70 MPH. :icon_mrgreen:
Is that with the NOX kit?
Quote from: Unnamed on July 06, 2006, 01:40:43 PM
Quote from: aaronstj on July 06, 2006, 10:17:56 AM
Quote from: RedShift on July 05, 2006, 07:06:13 PM
...gets 65 MPH on the highway...
If you really flog it, you should be able to get up to at least 70 MPH. :icon_mrgreen:
Is that with the NOX kit?
Oops!! Yeah, ya caught me with a typo. That should have been MPG (Gallon, not Hour). Geez, am I embarrased. :oops:
Quote from: RedShift on July 06, 2006, 03:25:56 PM
Quote from: Unnamed on July 06, 2006, 01:40:43 PM
Quote from: aaronstj on July 06, 2006, 10:17:56 AM
Quote from: RedShift on July 05, 2006, 07:06:13 PM
...gets 65 MPH on the highway...
If you really flog it, you should be able to get up to at least 70 MPH. :icon_mrgreen:
Is that with the NOX kit?
Oops!! Yeah, ya caught me with a typo. That should have been MPG (Gallon, not Hour). Geez, am I embarrased. :oops:
WOW!! Now THAT's power!!! :laugh: :kiss3:
Oh hey you changed you avitar back to the old one
Closest thing to a hammer I have...plus, it's one Phae :kiss3: found for me. :laugh:
yeah i have the guys at work saying you just got a scooter... they call the gs a scooter i say its cause your jalous cause you dont have a bike lol..... then im to them well you 4 wheelers are to slow there like yeah want to race im like my lil 500 will eat your 700 on drag race...... and hes like not if i run you of the road im like yeah your scared of a lil 500 ha ha ha
I was riding around town last night when a guy on a white cbr pulled up next to me at a light. We gave the offical nod. He asked me if this was the gsf. When i said "ya its the gsf500", He asked me if i had a hard time getting the training wheels off. ............duck
That is a d*ck move.
I actually got some stop light approval from a 'Busa owner the other day. He gave me the nod and said, "Nice bike. Is that an SV?" Looking at his 'Busa, I just said, "Yeeeeaaa." But I didn't actually finish the word.
Awkward.
Seriously, people who make size jokes have got to be insecure or overcompensating for something. I've never had a rider I respect make fun of my 500. Plenty of squids though. One guy on his Katana 750 (that he's had for over 2 years) couldn't keep up on a group ride up Kingsburg Grade (6% grade, 15 miles, very curvy).
If anyone makes fun of the size of my bike, I just figure that they're a squid who doesn't know how to ride and uses his power as a crutch through turns. The really good riders can respect someone who starts out conservatively.
Quote from: Sakuraba on July 07, 2006, 06:20:42 AM
I was riding around town last night when a guy on a white cbr pulled up next to me at a light. We gave the offical nod. He asked me if this was the gsf. When i said "ya its the gsf500", He asked me if i had a hard time getting the training wheels off. ............duck
Next time, tell him that yes, you still have them cuz you figured he'd be needing them. :thumb:
Quote from: BaoQingTian on July 07, 2006, 10:12:22 AM
Seriously, people who make size jokes have got to be insecure or overcompensating for something. I've never had a rider I respect make fun of my 500. Plenty of squids though.
Absolutely. Every single rider I respect has told me what a great bike it was. Before I got a bike, I had several riders say (copmletely independantly), "Do you know what you need? A GS500."
Quote from: Sakuraba on July 07, 2006, 06:20:42 AM
I was riding around town last night when a guy on a white cbr pulled up next to me at a light. We gave the offical nod. He asked me if this was the gsf. When i said "ya its the gsf500", He asked me if i had a hard time getting the training wheels off. ............duck
what a duck. where are you located? I know of only a few riders with a white 600rr (not a stock color) and if I find them on 600rr.net I'm going to give them shaZam! for having a small pee pee...
A GS is overrated as a beginer bike ... many many better bikes out there.
Once you get past that learning nonsense ... its a great commute bike, a second bike, and its a great canyon carver ... fun to flog ... easy to maintain.
beginers that must must must have a sportiest beginer bike ... are posers and deserve to be beaten with the nearest stick ...
I cant be seen on a cruiser ... Posers ...
Cool.
Srinath.