Hey Everyone,
First of all, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Brendan and I am fourteen years old. I live in Ontario, Canada and my passion has always been two wheels. I used to ride motocross when I was twelve but due to some knee injuries I had to sell the bike and focus my attention into professional kart racing, but that's an entirely different story all on it's own. I have always wanted to get back into motocross but I don't have the time or the money to do so.
Before long I will be sixteen. I basically have two options here: I can get my car licence and buy a car, or get my motorycle licence and buy a motorcycle. Either way I will probably end up with both licences, but I think a motorcycle would be way better for getting to and from high school and commuting around town. The insurance will cost less, it will use less of the fuel that is getting more expensive by the minute, and a motorcycle is a hell of a lot more fun than any car! I will always have a car available to use if the weather is bad or in the winter so that isn't an issue.
So yesterday I was checking out some entry level bikes from the big four, and the 2006 Suzuki GS500F really caught my eye. There isn't a better bang for the buck out there in my opinion, and it looks like it would be a really nice first bike. While I would love to be on a Suzuki Hayabusa or a Kawasaki ZX-14, it just isn't in the cards, and something like this would be way more practical. One of these in black and silver with a nice intake and exhaust would look nice and have more than enough power, too. I'm not looking to break any land speed records here. Of course, I would also do some custom modifications too. Even though I am young I have a ton of experience inside two-cycle and four-cycle engines and I tend to over-maintain things anyway, so that's not an issue here.
Anyway, I was just wondering first of all how everybody likes their Suzuki GS500's (especially 2001+)? Secondly I was just wondering out of curiosity how much you guys spend on insurance? I realize it will vary depending on location and age but I am just looking for a general idea. Thanks a lot and I hope to be posting here a lot, because it looks like an awesome forum.
-Brendan
About 15 bucks a month for the basic stuff. But I have a 1990. (That's US)
Best to stay away from those bikes (ZX-14 et al) for a long time. They should come with free body bags.
How do I like my GS? I don't, I LOVE MY GS500!!!!!
Welcome!
To answer your question. I personally think the GS is an awesome bike. Especially a first (road) bike. Insurance runs me about 35$(US)
but I am over 25, and live in Alabama.
Again welcome to the site. :cheers:
From your post it is hard to believe you are 14 yrs old. Most of the "adults" online cannot structure a paragraph half as well as you have.
The grammer police here are gonna love you.
Welcome!
You must be a fan of Octane Motorsports magazine, of which one of our members is the publisher: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=4200.msg21072#msg21072
Edit: Oops, Octane Magazine.
Thanks for the advice. I figure insurance will be around $50 CDN for me when I first get started, but after a few years of no incidents I'm sure it will go down a lot.
Yeah, I get that a lot...thanks. I guess I am pretty mature for my age. I work at Cameron Motorsports, which is basically one of the best karting teams in North America. I work at the shop building race karts, and I do rebuilds on two-cycle and four-cycle engines all the time. I also travel all over the USA and Canada so I am used to always keeping a professional appearance and that crosses over to internet forums I guess, too. I type like this on AIM and MSN too, by the way. I can type way faster using proper spelling and grammar than screwing around with all the little abbreviations and short forms.
For any of you who are interested, here is a recent picture of me racing at the Pepsi Grand Prix Of Barrie:
(http://www.photoartsinternational.com/racing/SRFKC3/F1K%20Junior/19/slides/BARRIERF233.JPG)
125cc two-cycle, figure 100-125 km/h on the straights depending on the track.
Nope, I havn't even heard of an "Octane Motorsports" magazine. It's my internet handle. I frequent over 10 forums and I am an administrator and moderator on many of them. Yes, I have a life too...hahaha.
Welcome! :cheers: :thumb:
Welcome! As 3imo alluded to, it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. For someone who's responsible and is comfortable on 2 wheels I think a motocycle could be a great choice for your first road going motor vehicle for the economic reasons you mentioned.
I would probably recommend getting a bike that's a few years old (and naked) because of the inevitable period of feeling too comfortable (and therefor crashing) that comes with being newly licensed AND with being new to a street bike. Let's face it, just about everyone has a few "incidents" within their first few months or years with a license, same with first few months/years on a streetbike. You probably have a jump start on most people since you experience on dirt bikes and go-karts, but you still don't have the experience with real traffic, ie. distracted drivers, drivers who don't see bikes, drivers who hate bikes, people who don't know how to drive, drivers that just do something stupid, etc. So all I'm saying is that something will probably happen and it might be a big deal or might be something little. Either way, you'll be happier it happened on a vehicle that might already have a scratch or two on it and that you didn't just drop $5000 (US) for.
I'll let the canadian members comment on insurance for the GS, I remember Canadian insurance recently reclassified the GS as a sport or super-sport bike, so the insurace just went up on it.
I'm sure just about everyone here is going to tell you that they love their GS500, I'm no exception. As for mods, there are lots of ideas floating around here and even a few racers that will let you pick their brains.
Whatever you decide, good luck and ride safe :cheers:
Thanks again for the advice.
I am well aware of the danger out there, because it is dangerous for sure. I am not too concerned though as I live in a small town and I probably wouldn't be riding very far. I'm not one to ride without full safety gear, either. To be honest with you, if I get this the day I turn 16 and get smoked by an 18-wheeler the first time I ride it and die instantly, then so be it. I just want to ride, and I am going to be responsible for sure because accidents do happen.
I can't really see myself buying a used motorcycle. Stuff wears out. Some stuff, such as engine and transmission internals are impossible to check until after you have bought it. The way I see it, it will usually cost you more in the long run to buy a used bike and with a new bike I can maintain it my way and ensure that everything is the way I like it before I even turn the key. I realize scratches and dings are bound to happen, but it's my first bike. If that happens, so be it. Although I am experienced and responsible enough that it shouldn't be a problem.
Do you guys think that Suzuki will still be making the GS500F in 2008+?
x
I'm not sure if you are kidding or what, but I made a search for a topic on general opinions of the Suzuki GS500F and general insurance costs but came up with nothing useful for either. I wanted to introduce myself anyway, so what's the problem?
x
But, he's a real good listener.
I'll add that I'm paying $75/year, liability only, 38yrs old, been riding 20, on a '94
Hahaha, that's cool. I figured you were kidding anyway. Sorry for kind of jumping on you like that.
you better wait for a canadian member to tell you the ins. prices....i think you butt is going to tingle....after they drive a mack truck up it to get $$$$(CANADIAN) FROM you
Yeah...I still remember this thread:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25994.0
:o :o :o
I pay about $600.00US for full coverage (at the highest limits available). My only wish for modern GS's is FI. I would have purchased a new GS500F if they were FI'd. :cry: But I'm pretty darned happy with my "alternative" Suzuki! :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: TadMC on September 11, 2006, 04:45:22 PM
No, its a joke, because sometimes new people will join, post a question, and a couple more bitter members will jump on em, and be search nazis.... im looking at you NGFL
anyway welcome to the club, and i have no useful advice so dont ask me...
WTF.. I'm not a search nazi. I only get pissed when people say something like "I'm too lazy to search, can you just tell me?" That pisses me off. Anyway, Brendan, welcome to the madhouse!
Im 17 and i pay 102 a year for full coverage ... BUT ... my dad has a bike and im on his insurance.
Just like tad i have no advice. so dont ask. i just kinda linger around. flirt with the ladies. and if i see somethings wrong with my bike, i ask. for the most part, not mentioning any names (pandy), every one is pretty cool.
To be considered uncool by Matty is a very good thing...kind of like Christmas in September! :thumb: :laugh:
Not rain on your parade..... And I don't know if anyone brought this up yet....
Have you considered that you can't really effectively ride the bike ALL year long? I live in MA, USA and I can't ride for about four months of the year. :cry:
Yeah, I guess you missed that part in my post.
I am getting both my car and motorcycle licence, and my parents have 3 cars between them, so I will pretty much always have a car in bad weather/winter.
Wow, the insurance up here looks like way more than I thought. I guess I'll have to keep researching.
Thanks guys.
I just picked up a GS500 K2 (2002) for a reasonable price. I was riding my wife's (yes, I hate to admit it) 1982 Honda CB750 prior to that. The GS500 was a dream come true. Very nimble in town and out of town. Also had enough gusto without scaring the hell out of you. It is the perfect all around bike. I wish I had one when I was younger and starting out because it's not just a beginner bike, you can enjoy it on a bunch of levels. I am also living in Ontario and was going to get humped by the insurance company that covers my car. I have heard that State Farm gives pretty good rates on bikes but I am with Rider's Plus. They had a really good rate and only deal with bikes. The nice thing about the GS is that they aren't listing it up there with the black listed bikes. (Shy away from an R or an X in the bike title they make the insurance companies drool)
I am paying around $650/year for full coverage. I've been driving for a while longer than you but I am sure with some good experience your rates will fall.
Ok, first off. That was very well written, 14, are you sure. Haha, just kidding. Anyway, I used to have a gs and it was awesome, I paid something like 23 a month for two bikes. I live in the US so it like 19% dif I think then yours, we went to alaska this summer and went to the bank to get Canadian money for our American money and we came out ahead actually, haha, not really, but the number amount is more. But ya, the gs is an excellent bike to get as a first bike. If I were you I would buy an earlier model bike with no fairings if you plan to upgrade, possibly one that needs work and they you could get used to working on a bike. Good luck.
Okay, sweet. It sounds like insurance is cheaper than I thought then.
Yep, I'm only 14...
Like I said, I'm not crazy about a used bike. They're pretty much dirt cheap new anyway so why not?
Thanks again guys, awesome people on here!
By the way, when I raced motocross nobody but me ever touched a bolt on that bike from the day I got it onwards. I tore it down to the frame/engine every week and built it all back up making sure everything was perfect. Now even with my race karts I still do all the work myself when all the other drivers have their fathers/mechanics to do it. I can work my way around a motorcycle pretty well, so that's no worry for me. I refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to. Most of them are basically glorified parts changers who scam you into spending more money. There are some exceptions, but that seems to be the general way of doing things. Plus spending $50+/hour for labour is ridiculious.
Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 08:32:52 PMI refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to. Most of them are basically glorified parts changers who scam you into spending more money. There are some exceptions, but that seems to be the general way of doing things. Plus spending $50+/hour for labour is ridiculious.
You'll fit right in around here :laugh:
As far as the potentially high insurance on the GS, have you considered a DRZ-400SM or something similar? I assume the ins. would be cheaper and they are supposed to be a lot of fun, but not as good for high speed and distance
I pay $500 a year full coverage in Texas at 24 years of age. My driving record is less than stellar. I'm living on a 04 500F. I love my bike. It's not perfect like some might lead you to believe, but it is a very nice bike. Get it new if you can. You're right, they are pretty cheap. I got mine OTD for 4,600 used from a dealer. At the time, my friends thought I was an idiot because they spent twice that much on super sports that they could "grow" on. Two months later, I'm riding circles around them with a pocket full of cash.
Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 07:42:06 PM
Yeah, I guess you missed that part in my post.
pwn3d!
you'll definitely fit right in here octane. impressive for a teen. welcome to the site! Nice karts!
Quote from: Jarrett on September 11, 2006, 10:55:37 PM
At the time, my friends thought I was an idiot because they spent twice that much on super sports that they could "grow" on. Two months later, I'm riding circles around them with a pocket full of cash.
brilliant. simply brilliant. THAT, my friend, is how I got to be where I am....
Paying about $500 US but I'm old and married :cookoo:.
GS is a great bike, fun to ride and very comfy. I have a GSXR 750 but I still ride my GS almost everyday :thumb:
Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 08:32:52 PM
I can work my way around a motorcycle pretty well, so that's no worry for me. I refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to.
This brings a tear to my eye. :) There is hope for the next generation. :thumb:
I see that you race on asphalt--i race karts on dirt down here in south georgia where the women are hot and tha bikes are fast///but n e way i love my gs500f i pay about $356 a year for full coverage and get the best gas mileage at school while being able to outrun pretty much anyone here---i would definately reccomend the bike
OctaneMotorsports - welcome! glad you found us and hope you stay a while.
You sound like a great ambassador for teenagers (man there's hope!). I know and have come across adults older (much in some cases) then you who aren't nearly as mature and balanced, so you're off to a great start at such a young age. Keep it up and only good things will come.
I'm also in Ontario, in my 30's, with a good driving record. While I considered rolling into plans with our cars, house and other things, I ended up getting insurance stand alone for the GS, just liability and low $500's for the year.
Always shop around – if possible, see what can be done about getting in with any of your parents insurance plans (even if they don't ride, just look into whether or not you can be added on any of their existing plans for possible cheaper rates compared to you alone) and consider things like full coverage vs liability (depending on your priorities) and different deductible rates. Ask lots of questions and eventually you'll find something that works for ya.
Btw – what part of Ontario are you?
Good luck with everything and looking forward to reading about your progression with getting started and with riding and modding.
You know, I always get surprised at the insurance rates some of you all are paying to keep a GS on the street. I'm paying $135 a year for a comprehensive insurance plan through State Farm with a $250 deductable. I'm 28 and have one infraction on my car driving record (ran a red light, should have disputed it, didn't have time) and the company isn't considering the bike a 2nd vehicle; I'm not receiving a multi-vehicle discount through SF.
Enough of that off-topic noise, good luck Octane, the GS500 is a great bike to learn on, I've had mine on the road for just a few weeks and really enjoy the purchase; the downsides I've experienced are because mine is 14 years old and I don't think it's been very well maintained by previous owners. Plural, the last kid tried riding, didn't take to it, and I don't think he picked up a wrench once in the 8 months he owned it.
Wow, you guys really are too nice - thanks a lot for the compliments!
I was looking at the Suzuki DRZ-400 SMC, too. Looks like a sweet ride for sure. I will see what the going rate for insurance is closer to the time and decide then, although the GS500F looks really tempting.
I just got a 2001 GS500 2 days ago. I really like it. And I did find out what 340 lbs of dead weight feels like as well. I guess I can pick it up with ease. It rides very well and is very nimble. It also does not seem like a mechanical nightmare, so you would be able to do maintenance on it fairly well. It is comfortable for long rides. I think it would be a great starter bike for you. Insurance will run me about $180 to $200 a year, but that is in Florida. Hope this helps.
Thanks, sounds good.
Here's what I want: :)
2006 Suzuki GS500F (Black/Silver)
-K & N Lunchbox Air Filter
-Jardine Full Exhaust System
-Black Custom Painted Rear Fender
-Stainless Steel Brake Lines
-Carbon Fiber Rear Hugger
-Remove Stock Fairing
-SV650 Headlight
-SV650 Mirrors
-LED Indicators
-Fenderectomy
I'm sure that list will get a lot bigger as time goes on! :icon_mrgreen:
i think this kid has some money.
x
Tad your helmets on backwards. :cookoo:
LOL you guys...
Eh, I don't have that much money. I am just good with the money I have. All that stuff will come one at a time.
I don't have any new PM's man, you can always email me or hit me up on AIM or MSN.
The quarter fairing? You mean the one on the headlight on the '05-'06 SV650? No. I want one from a 2004, just a straight headlight. I think it'd look awesome.
x
i once sent tad a PM. its was nothing but emoticons. and he said he didnt know what it ment. f%$king duck.
P.S. tad thiers a little invention called a razor. check it out.
x
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
hey Buddha Loves You look at my posts and then look at your posts.
thiers something called kitty cat. go get some.
x
Quote from: manofthefield on September 11, 2006, 09:03:46 PM
Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 08:32:52 PMI refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to. Most of them are basically glorified parts changers who scam you into spending more money. There are some exceptions, but that seems to be the general way of doing things. Plus spending $50+/hour for labour is ridiculious.
You'll fit right in around here :laugh:
I was thinkin the same idea.
im sorry tad. 8)
Quote from: TadMC on September 12, 2006, 07:34:17 PM
come on, dont tard farm this guys first thread
HAHAHA, oh man that's funny! :cheers:
Quote from: Jarrett on September 11, 2006, 10:55:37 PMAt the time, my friends thought I was an idiot because they spent twice that much on super sports that they could "grow" on. Two months later, I'm riding circles around them with a pocket full of cash.
Ya know what i'm sayin'...
Welcome to the site bro. The GS is my first bike...and it will be a great bike for you to get for your first. Here in Ohio, you can get on the road at 15, with a motorcycle.
Hey Octane - If you live anywhere in Southwestern Ontario I can tell you that you won't get bike insurance for less than $1000/year, and that's liability only. I'm 29 with a full M license, clean record, 2 years riding, and I pay $850 for liability. Unfortunately in Canada the insurance rates are ridiculous. It wouldn't surprise me if your insurance was $1500 or more for liability. But it's probably still cheaper than insurance on your own car. My first car, when I was 17, cost me $3200/year liability only - it was a small 4 cylinder, 4 door sedan that was only worth $1000!
Recreational_Anxiety,
Yeah, I figured it'd be in the $1500+ range. I also figured that a car would cost about the same, if not more. $1500-$2000 isn't really a whole lot anyway. I'd rather spend the money and have a motorcycle anyway. It's the most fun you can have with your pants on.
Also, just a quick question for you. Is the GS500 rideable and decently comfortable on the less than perfect roads we have here in Southern Ontario? And, have you found any really good riding areas around here?
Hey Brendan,
I live just north of Toronto, 36 years old, been riding for 14 years and paying $485 per year for my GS and my ZX6R was $750 for liability, fire and theft. As far as GS, I think it is a perfect bike, not intimidating and a lot of fun. But insurance for a youg lad like you will not be pretty and if you live anywhere near M postal code (Canadians know what I'm talking about) might as well forget it until you are much older.
Good luck,
Doug.
Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 13, 2006, 02:09:02 PM
Also, just a quick question for you. Is the GS500 rideable and decently comfortable on the less than perfect roads we have here in Southern Ontario? And, have you found any really good riding areas around here?
Yes, its a great commuting bike - especially for around the city. It's quite comfortable (once you replace the front springs). I can ride it on the highway for a couple of hours quite comfortably, although I do start to get a little sore after about 2 hours of constant riding - but I think that's going to happen on most non-cruiser bikes.
As far as riding areas, we don't have the greatest roads so you've got to take what you can get. I usually just start riding and try to get myself lost by taking lots of sideroads and detours - sometimes you discover some nice roads by accident.
Depending on where you live I could try to reccommend some rides. What is your postal code?
N3W 2M2.
Just outside of Hamilton.
Not worry until I get the bike though, lol. I already know of one really nice road in Dundas that I have always wanted to ride on. It's kind of dangerous and sketchy though... :laugh:
N3W 2M2
is that on mars? :laugh:
Hey there,
I just recently bought a 06 GS500F and live near Kitchener, Ontario. It seems like all the amercan people are getting a real deal on their insurance because I can't find insurance for $600, try adding a $1000 bucks on that and we are up to par. However, this is the first bike that i have owned and been insured on, but after some searching that was the best that i could find. I'm 25 and married and i know that the age and married status helps me out (a little). But it can only go down, as long as my record stays clean.
Hope that helps you out. You can always go online and get a quote, try http://www.kanetix.ca/motorcycle-insurance and see what you come up with.
Take er easy
This sounds so familiar to when i was first deciding what bike i wanted. When i was 16 the choice wasn't too difficult. At 16 your only allowed 50cc's of power so most choose a scooter but i spent more time searching and found a proper geared bike with 50cc. Rieju RS1. So that carried me to 17 where your only allowed 125cc of power unless you do your full motorcycle test. I chose to do this and currently own a zxr400. I would really recommend the 400's especially bikes such as the DRZ400 or similar. With your knowledge of motorcross bikes you would find that bike and others very similar to work on giving you an even greater advantage. Plus they have slightly less power (usually) meaning cheaper insurance and they also have less bodywork to smash up. It also would have a similar seat position to a motorcross bike and ergonomics which would be a fantastic advantage because if the bike feels very comfortable to start with it means you can spend more time concentrating on the new stuff like traffic.
I nearly had a DRZ, then SV650 or GS500 but settled on the ZXR400. Great bike - its a shame they appear to be so hard to get over there in the states, the import 400's. All the big names had one and they have great performance - most rivaling the SV's and much newer bikes, also cheap to buy and easy to get parts for. You just have to be aware that many have been raced.
Good luck in finding the right bike and welcome!
ps. im 17 and pay £532 sterling per year TPFT
Teamquik,
I don't know who you are insured with, but you may want to look at Rider's Plus. They only insure bikes and have cheaper rates than pretty much all other normal insurance companies. I have also heard that you can get cheaper rates by switching to State Farm but they want you to bring at least one car over with you too. Both companies have offices in Ontario and are reasonable. My wife saved $250 a year by switching to Rider's Plus.