I am new to this kinda stuff so any help would be greatly appreciated. I am looking into buy a bike. I am really interested in the GS500F. I have never owned a bike and from what I was told this bike is a good first bike. What kind of maintainence should I expect to have to do? How many MPG does this bike get? If anyone can give me some information about what I should look for when I go buy it, I would be very grateful. Also, would this model bike be a bad bike to buy used? If not what should I look for and what questions should I ask? Thanks for help. :o
In my opinion, it is best to buy used. Because you're a new rider, you WILL drop her. When it's used, you won't really care about a small scratch, but when it's new, you'll be kicking yourself all the way to wherever...
Also, have you taken the MSF course yet? If not, sign up ASAP
Oh, and Welcome!
Where can I take this MSF course and how much is it? Do I have to have the bike first?
Where are you located? Each state has different prices. If you're lucky enough, your state will be free. I live in MA and I paid $255 for the beginers course, but it was well worth it. I'd pay $1000 for the same class.
http://www.msf-usa.org/ is where you can get info on you state's locations.
You do not have to have a bike. All you have to have is a lerner's permit. They let you make your mistakes on THEIR bikes. :thumb:
What kind of stuff do they cover in this course? Will my insurance go down if I take it?
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 30, 2006, 06:26:32 PM
In my opinion, it is best to buy used. Because you're a new rider, you WILL drop her.
Ok.. I know they say "there are those who have gone down and those that will" But... I dont think all new riders are destin to drop their bike just cause they are new. This was my seccond year and 8,000 miles later I haven droped yet :thumb:
Lets not say "you will drop her" :icon_confused:
About your insurance, I guess it depends on your state. In MA, I get a 10% discount.
In terms of the class itself... They teach you the basics or riding the motorcycle, and also some techniques on how to avoid accidents (swerving, emergency stopping, etc...).
But IMO, the most important thng they do for you is teach you the CORRECT way to ride an mc. No bad habits.
Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 30, 2006, 07:38:16 PM
Ok.. I know they say "there are those who have gone down and those that will" But... I dont think all new riders are destin to drop their bike just cause they are new. This was my seccond year and 8,000 miles later I haven droped yet :thumb:
Lets not say "you will drop her" :icon_confused:
I also haven't dropped her yet. I've been riding for one year, with 6500 miles. And no a pothole doesn't count as being dropped. :)
Quote from: jpmire on August 30, 2006, 07:37:02 PM
What kind of stuff do they cover in this course? Will my insurance go down if I take it?
Yea... most think you get a "discount" for taking the course but my agent says that thats just BS... insurance is based more on your credit score than your driving record, classes or anything else.
The MSF is still a great idea weather you get a premium break or not :thumb:
Anyone care to show proof of the MSF insurance discount?
As for as MPG goes how much can I expect? I am trying to convince my fiancee that it will save us money at the pump because my big truck cost about $60 and I fill up 2-3 times a month. So...... I know "good luck on that one"! Anyway what kind of maintainence is required and is most of it self-serviceable? Thanks for the help guys. :thumb:
~50 mpg - more if you watch yourself ... or are always going downhill ... O0
Cool.
Srinath.
about 55 - 60mpg is average I would say. Deff better than any car you can buy for the same price as a GS :thumb: :icon_mrgreen:
with my mods below and ridin with tha 600s i get about 43-47 mpg and just road cruisin in 6th gear was 59.89mpg the last time i checked it and average street ridin is 46-54mpg but thats mostly it// o yeah this is a great bike and i have really enjoyed it being my 2nd bike plus many mods r starting to come out for it so it is a great choice--top speed on the odometer reaches 120 of 130 though but n e way i would definately buy the bike again if i had to do it over
Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 30, 2006, 07:46:57 PM
Yea... most think you get a "discount" for taking the course but my agent says that thats just BS... insurance is based more on your credit score than your driving record, classes or anything else.
I see you're pretty adament(sp??) about this credit rating affecting your insurance, huh? Have you heard yourself say this out loud???? Why would be financial status affect my auto/mc insurance?!?!?!? They have absolutely NO relation to each other. :cookoo:
About the discount.... Many threads ago, it has already been stated that living in a certain STATE(s) will get you a discount.
You want proof??? Here's you f-ing proof - directly from an insurance web site.
http://www.mcinsurance.net/discounts.htm
According to the website, they insure people in Connecticut - Rhode Island - Maine - New Hampshire - Colorado - Utah.
So there!!! Stop with the "there is no such thing as an MSF insurance discount"
:thumb:
GS is a great bike, they are almost bullet proof when it comes to engine life. You will still see alot of early 90's out there rolling along :thumb:. That being said buying used or new depends on you.
If you plan on keeping the bike for a long time buy new. I know it's hard to say weather or not you will keep a bike a long time but be honest with yourself. Buying new then trying to sell it a year or two later you will take a nice hit to the wallet in depreciation value.
On the other hand buying used then riding it for a year to two then selling it to buy a new bike. You will probally be able to sell it for almost what you paid for it, maybe more depending what kind of deal you got.
Here is the maintanence plan http://www.gstwin.com/maintenance_info.htm . If you get a haynes or claymer manual you will be able to do all the maintenance yourself. Really it's not hard. Alot of people here do all their own maintence.
MPG. I get about 50mpg average. Alot of that will depend on how you ride, if your kind of spirted rider you will get less, and if you grany ride you will get more.
MSF course An posted the link already, no bike needed they supply the bike and sometimes even a helmet. Personally I'd bring my own helmet tho. Some states if you pass the MSF then you don't have to take the DMV test for your moto license and you WILL get an insurance drop.
Buying a used bike. Hopefully take someone with you that know's about bike's, post up where you live maybe a member close to you would be willing to go with you to look at a few.
and finally welcome to the board alot of useful info here stay safe and have fun. :cheers:
Yeah the GS is a pretty good first bike. It's capable of crusing at 80mph all day and still getting 55 MPG. Maintenance items include checking the valve clearances every 3,500 miles (I went 9,000 miles before checking them and they were still fine) which is easy to do yourself, except that if it needs to be adjusted it requires a special tool, but you can order it for about $20. Everything else is pretty standard and minimal. It seems like the engine is often the last thing to die on these bikes, the finish quality on the frame, fasteners, and components is low so watch out for rust on older models, especially in the tank. Forks are another weak point, the springs are too soft and the seals go out relatively frequently, but this isn't too difficult to remedy. The bike, even the brand new ones, are basicly an unchanged design since 1989, so they are very simple and used parts are easy to find and cheap (search ebay). I do all the maintenance myself and anyone with any mechanical knowlege and a repair manual shouldn't have any trouble doing all the work themselves. Plus this forum is a great resource for advice.
One last thing is in regards to reliability, it of course depends on how well cared for the bike is, but I haven't been too anal and I've had my bike for about 13 months and put 11,500 miles on it and It hasn't broken down or left me stranded once. It's a 1999 model that had 9,500miles on it when I bought it and now has 21,500miles. Most reliable vehicle I've ever had.
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 30, 2006, 08:52:33 PM
Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 30, 2006, 07:46:57 PM
.
You want proof??? Here's you f-ing proof - directly from an insurance web site.
http://www.mcinsurance.net/discounts.htm
According to the website, they insure people in Connecticut - Rhode Island - Maine - New Hampshire - Colorado - Utah.
So there!!! Stop with the "there is no such thing as an MSF insurance discount"
:thumb:
I never said there is no such thing
Calm down
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 30, 2006, 08:52:33 PMI see you're pretty adament(sp??) about this credit rating affecting your insurance, huh? Have you heard yourself say this out loud???? Why would be financial status affect my auto/mc insurance?!?!?!? They have absolutely NO relation to each other. :cookoo:
http://affinity.progressive.com/auto_insurance_center/101/credit.asp
http://www.insurance.com/Article.aspx/My_Credit_Affects_My_Car_Insurance_Rate/artid/32
:flipoff: :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 30, 2006, 07:46:57 PM
Quote from: jpmire on August 30, 2006, 07:37:02 PM
What kind of stuff do they cover in this course? Will my insurance go down if I take it?
Yea... most think you get a "discount" for taking the course but my agent says that thats just BS... insurance is based more on your credit score than your driving record, classes or anything else.
The MSF is still a great idea weather you get a premium break or not :thumb:
Anyone care to show proof of the MSF insurance discount?
Can't really "proove" it, but I just got my rebate from my ins.company last Thursday and took the MSF in mid-July.... mabey different states have their own rules, but we do get a discount here in Canada, even for cage drivers who take driving school. I did find that not all companies give the discount, State Farm here in Canada, at least the office I spoke to offered none and to top it off they only took in 3 new bike accounts per month... so you have to go on a waiting list and all... :bs: if you ask me.
Yea... that is very strange
8k in 2 years .. 6.5k in 1 year !? you guys let her sit in the shead to much !!!!! i feel for you gs :cry: but mine probly hates me just as much as it hates you for not riding her . :P i'v got almost 13k and i still have tell late nov. when i have my one year :laugh:
All this bickering aside ...
I have heard complaints that I want too much for my bikes not just GS'es ... pretty much anything else.
Guess what, they save 200 bucks buying from somone else and say ... oh ... this needs a carb clean and a valve adjustment. Whoo hooo ... not only do they dont know how to do it, they also have lost their 200 bucks twice over taking it to a dealer, and then run the risk of getting a frucked up mechanic mess up something.
When someone who does his own work - not just me, several excellent rider/wrenches here and on other sites, dont nickel and dime him, go over on a saturday morning and ask him to show you to yank off the carbs, adjust the valves, the spark plugs and the oil and exhaust and heck if you want ... the wheels and brakes. Cos trust me, before long you'll be doing all of this. So now not only do you know its done, you also know how its done and your $$ will seem like it was returned a 100 times over.
So guess what, I'd say, if its been maintained and he can show you everything on it, I'd say its worth it. Yea take pics or video and you can take market share from Kerry ... O0 ... yea put him right out of business Yea ...
Cool.
Srinath.
I really appreciate all of the information that you guys have provided for me. I talked my fiancee into letting me get one so hopefully Saturday I will be riding home on my new bike. Any advice on the first ride home (you know... does and don'ts). Also do I have to have my motorcycle endorsment before I can purchase the bike?
You don't have to. But please, God, get a license before you ride the bike home.
As for the first ride home, you really should attend a course or at least have a friend show you how to ride in a parking lot (the class is definately a good idea). As for needing an endorsement, that depends on your state. In Washington you can go to the department of liscencing and get a motorcycle permit without needing to take a test. (you may need to take a written test, but you have plenty of time to read the pamphlet while you wait in line) . The permit will allow you to ride for 90 days in order to practice for your drive test, but you can't carry a pasenger or ride at night.
Weather legal or not, I'm sure you'll get it and ride it home anyways, so just take it easy and go slow. If people tailgate you, just gradually slow down and pull over or wave them by, don't let anybody make you do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. Also, go easy on your rear brake it's easy to skid it, and many beginers do this. Always expect drivers to do the most stupid thing possible (remember they ARE trying to kill you) and always keep an esape route open. Remember to cancel your turn signal, drivers may expect you to turn if you leave it on when you don't mean to and they may pull out in front of you.
When you get home sign up for a class and find some empty roads/parking lots to practice on.
Also, I'm sure you can find your DMV or DOL website that will tell you your states laws.
Be safe :cheers:
When I go get it I will take the back roads home since the dealer is about 5 miles from the house. Then I will get it registered Monday and see about the license after that. In the mean time I will practice driving and stuff like that up and down the roads in my subdivision. Sounds like a winner???
Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 31, 2006, 08:20:28 AM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 30, 2006, 08:52:33 PMI see you're pretty adament(sp??) about this credit rating affecting your insurance, huh? Have you heard yourself say this out loud???? Why would be financial status affect my auto/mc insurance?!?!?!? They have absolutely NO relation to each other. :cookoo:
http://affinity.progressive.com/auto_insurance_center/101/credit.asp
http://www.insurance.com/Article.aspx/My_Credit_Affects_My_Car_Insurance_Rate/artid/32
:flipoff: :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from FIRST website...
Quote
What is a credit rating?
Credit ratings are different from insurance credit scores. A credit rating is based on your ability to repay amounts you have borrowed, whereas an insurance credit score simply measures how well you manage your finances.
Now this makes sense... I thought you were talking about actual credit ratings (bankrupcies, debt, etc...). You made it sound like if I was broke with bad credit, I wouldn't have to pay as much. :laugh:
Sorry for the confusion.
Quote from: jpmire on August 31, 2006, 06:41:09 PM
When I go get it I will take the back roads home since the dealer is about 5 miles from the house. Then I will get it registered Monday and see about the license after that. In the mean time I will practice driving and stuff like that up and down the roads in my subdivision. Sounds like a winner???
If you have ridden a bike before sure. If you have not then hell no. Ask the dealer to deliver the bike to your house, most dealers will do that. When I bought the GS the dealer delivered it with all my gear too :thumb:. And for free. Don't know where you live but in Ga you don't need a license to buy a bike.
After that then yes ride it around your subdivision, before taking off learn the friction zone of your clutch. Practice shifting, there's a little green and white handbook that comes with the bike, read that before riding has a few pointers and tips in there.
Good luck on getting your new bike and have fun.
In all honesty, if you have never ridden a motorcycle before, your chance of getting home without damaging it (or yourself) are rather low. Most people stall the bike the first few times they try to take off in gear, and you really don't want to do that if there is traffic around. I don't care much about the legal aspect, but I'd hate to see you drop that beauty.
You can't save money by buying a bike if you already have a car...lol
Bikes need maintenance that cars don't need: tires (every 7-12k), chains, gear, GEAR!
Then you have comfort issues...cold weather..hot weather..
you gotta have the love of riding to ride.
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 31, 2006, 06:45:19 PM
Quote from: scottpA_GS on August 31, 2006, 08:20:28 AM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 30, 2006, 08:52:33 PMI see you're pretty adament(sp??) about this credit rating affecting your insurance, huh? Have you heard yourself say this out loud???? Why would be financial status affect my auto/mc insurance?!?!?!? They have absolutely NO relation to each other. :cookoo:
http://affinity.progressive.com/auto_insurance_center/101/credit.asp
http://www.insurance.com/Article.aspx/My_Credit_Affects_My_Car_Insurance_Rate/artid/32
:flipoff: :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from FIRST website...
Quote
What is a credit rating?
Credit ratings are different from insurance credit scores. A credit rating is based on your ability to repay amounts you have borrowed, whereas an insurance credit score simply measures how well you manage your finances.
Now this makes sense... I thought you were talking about actual credit ratings (bankrupcies, debt, etc...). You made it sound like if I was broke with bad credit, I wouldn't have to pay as much. :laugh:
Sorry for the confusion.
Ok not to keep stealing this thread but. That (Insurance Credit Score) Comes from your credit report. and is still based on your credt.
This is also on that site:
"To determine an insurance credit score for you, we take information from your credit report and assign a value to each factor."
"Insurance credit score, which is based on how well you manage your finances, is one of these characteristics."
Now this part is what I know you.. and I find funny:
"It's a fact that people with better credit scores tend to have fewer accidents."
My credit is HORRIBLE! and I have no accidents and no tickets EVER ! and I have been driving for 15 years!
I think its funny that they use the words "Fact" and "tend to" in the same sentence :laugh:
:bs:
Yea true, but if you have a bike ... you need a car or turck ... for when it strands your ass 100 miles from home. Or in my case 15 miles from home.
In any case, people have 2 cars, one for each adult member of the house, one of those can definetly be a bike. heck if 3 people live in a house and are all equal sharing caring people, they can prolly get by with one rickety old car and 3 bikes between them. My brother when he lived with us - we made it fine with 2 bikes and a truck. In any case a bike is a great second car O0 ... and a third and a fourth. just dont have a VW or some other serious clunker as the "car". Decent one maybe a truck of somehting with a tow capacity.
Cool.
Srinath.
Quote from: banner on September 01, 2006, 01:24:54 AM
You can't save money by buying a bike if you already have a car...lol
Bikes need maintenance that cars don't need: tires (every 7-12k), chains, gear, GEAR!
Then you have comfort issues...cold weather..hot weather..
you gotta have the love of riding to ride.
I beg to differ... I've been able to save LOADS ever since I got my bike last year. You are correct with the maintainance stuff, and you forgot insurance, but did you think about GAS? Before I got the GS, I gassed up my cage about twice a week at $40 each. I gas up the GS two or three times a week (three when I just go out riding a whole day) at $10 a pop.
This adds up quite a bit. I was shocked to see how much I had in my bank account after the bills. And I didn't decrease my spending habits. I am actually SPENDING MORE online.
Well guys as of 10 o'clock today I will be the proud new owner of a 2004 Suzuki GS500F. I found a smokin deal from someone who lives about 45 minutes from my house. The bike only has 5100 miles and I am getting it for $3500. I wanted to buy a new one but the bank decided not to tell me that if I did it would have to be fully covered. And that just wasn't happening. And I REALLY REALLY wanted this bike, so I found one used. He has all the paperwork from every maintainence and oil change he has done since he bought the bike. I am going pick it up and load it in the back of my truck. I have a friend who has been riding for years and he told me that he would teach me how to ride. I am registered to take a class next weekend. I will post up again after I get home ride the bike for awhile. Thanks for all the help. :thumb:
WOW!!!! I LOVE THAT BIKE. IT IS FREAKIN SWEET.
Congrats! Have fun (and be safe!)
3d
The guy told me it was stock. He bought the bike for his girlfriend but she was to short to ride. He also as a cruiser. He said he would rather fix up his cruiser that the gs. Anyway I have been riding this bike for about 4 hrs now I feel very comfortable riding. At first I had a little trouble taking off while turning. But after stalling out a couple of times I finally got the hang of it. I appreciate all of the advice and help that everyone has given to me. You guys made me feel good and comfortable about buying this model bike. Thanks again guys. :thumb: :)