Hi everyone
I'm about to take my motorcycle driverslicense and I'm thinking of buying a GS500. The GS500 had a major facelift in 2000 (?) with a larger tank and a new tail.
Has anyone tried to ride both? Are there any major differences? When I look at the old and the new bike, for some reason the new version appears bigger/larger. Is this correct?
The new bodywork seems a bit "bulgier" but it may be an illusion caused by the shape of the seat - which is a definite improvement over the old one, which gets pointedly uncomfortable after an hour.
The fuel tank on the 2001+ models holds an extra gallon or so, and the carbs are updated (better?). The frame is apparently the same as before, but the newly-designed plastic side panels mount to it differently.
Keep in mind that there are a LOT more pre-2001 GS500s in the US than 2001-2002 models. And since they are no longer being imported (to the US) this translates to possible availability-of-parts problems down the line. Of course, that should only apply to the parts that were updated in 2001.
Quote from: soren_ladegaard
Has anyone tried to ride both? Are there any major differences? When I look at the old and the new bike, for some reason the new version appears bigger/larger. Is this correct?
Hi Soren,
the difference between the two is minor, especially riding them. The 2001+ model is wider at the tank and seat/bodywork. Seat is more comfortable on newer models. Carbs are bigger and the body is redesigned...updated really. Other than that they're basically the same bike.
even the differences that exist (besides the body work) are very minor.
I just finished putting together one bike out of an '89 (first year available) and an '02 (last year available)
there are little differences (example: the '89 has no slot on the fork sliders for gaurds.) but it really is the same bike.
OT!!
Hey Kerry -- nice unicycle work there.
I have one the same size. Used to have a six footer ages ago.
Jake