has anyone actually riden these two bikes and can give
me an honest opinion and comparrison? i read a
comparisson from 2004 but i'm guessing things may have
changed a little since then. both bikes on paper seem
to be very similar. i've sat on both and they seem
fairly equal. the suzuki lets me sit a little more
upright. of course this is only a simulated riding
position. it may be a little different actually riding
the bike. both bikes are in the same price range as
well. any tips? hints? ideas? i've noticed a lot of
people seem biased towards whatever bike they own or
what they started on when they give advice to newbies
for first purchases. i have also heard that the gs has
fuel delivery problems in stock form and that the
front springs aren't very good in stock form on the gs
as well. i don't want it to cost me more to maintain the
bike than the bike itself costs. if you could give me
some maintence costs ideas too that would really be
helpful. thanks for your time.
GS 500 please, the kawi is a POS.
Cool.
Srinath.
The ninja, or EX500, has a little more power and is water cooled with 4 valves / cylinder and a little bigger in displacement. The GS is air cooled and has 2 valves / cylinder - simpler. I went with the GS because it was simpler design, less to break, and looked more recent than the ninja. It really comes down to your preference.
Do some searching and you will find that this topic has come up a lot. Some are worthless because a person wanted an opinion just to tell us all we are retarded for choosing GSs because the EXs were more powerful. In the end it is going to come down to your preference, mine was easier maintainance is a good thing.
Either way you cant really go wrong. Both bikes are great starter bikes. and the comparison you read in 04 is actually still valid as the designs for these bikes have not changed much over time.
The GS would be easier to work on just because it's air cooled and you don't have to worry about a radiator. Prior to the GS I never worked on a bike before but working on the GS was very easy. Did a rejet, swaped rear shocks, installed progressive, oil changes and little things here and actually enjoyed working on the bike.
The suspension on the GS should be changed to at least progressive springs in the front about $80.00 and a katana rear shock off of ebay $30 or $50ish. The factory jetting is lean if your not going to be changing the exhaust or air filter you can leave it as it is.
If you do change the exhaust and air filter you will have to rejet but that's either bike you buy. As far as fuel delivery problems I have never had a problem, just do the regualr maintance like your supposed to and the bike will run forever.
I would say get the bike that you feel the most comfortable on. If it's your first bike I would say get a used bike instead of a new one.
Take a survey here and almost everyone will tell you the GS is better. Take a survey on a ninja board and they'll almost all tell you the ninja is better. You're call.
The only things I can think of offhand...
- The GS is more modern looking, the ninja looks somewhat dated
- The GS is cheaper used, especially those even better looking naked models which is what you really should buy
- The ninja has a lower seat height, may or may not be desireable
- The GS is air cooled, the ninja is liquid cooled. I don't really think this makes a huge difference other than the GS is a beast to warm up, but has one less fluid to change and one less thing to break
- The ninja has more power, but both bikes are considered 'slow'. Either is fine for a beginner.
- A lot of people seem to actually prefer the ninja 250 over the ninja 500...
That's all I got. I'd buy either one, for a learning bike I honestly can't see one major reason to choose one over the other. I like my GS but the main reason I got it was because they were a lot cheaper on the used market. $1700 for my GS vs $2500 for an equivalent ninja 500. Of course I've never ridden a ninja 500 so I can't really say what the actual riding experience is like compared to the GS. Both bikes are pretty much 20 year old technology, proven and reliable, and I would expect both to pretty much have the same maintenance requirements, with the exception that the GS doesn't need any radiator coolant or maintenance.
thanks for the posts guys. i'm a new rider and this will be my first bike. i've taken a safety course allready and have my endorsement. now for the bike. i'm just trying to do as much research as i can and make the best decision possible. i figured the best way to find out about the bikes was to ask people who own them right?
I don't think much, if anything at all, has changed on either bike since 2004.
GS: Looks cooler, easy to work on, built like a tank, tech from 1978
EX: More power, watercooled, more complicated, tech from 1989
IMO, the BEST thing you can do is to look for both models USED... Get the one you can afford that's in good shape... If you end up with a GS, then you can ask questions here... If you end up with an EX, then you can ask questions on the EX forum. :thumb:
I bought an 06' GSF for, as many have mentioned, it looks WAY more modern. Im also 6' so the higher seat was nice too.
I havent done any upgrades besides a touring windshield (with custom decal) and getting saddle bags and a tank bag.
I think next summer I may do the muffler etc..
So IMO the GSF. Im not a GS nut by any means but the Ninja does look old.
i'm a shorter guy, only 5'5 maybe 5'6 with my work boots on. when i sat on the GS i was comfy.....but my toes barely touched on both sides at once. i have heard that lowering a bike messes with the handling. i have no intentions of going to the track anytime soon however. i just want it to ride back and forth to work and the occassional 5 hour trip to my buddy's house up north. could i lower the GS, say an inch or so, without having serious reprocussions?
dude, just ride the GS as it is. You don't need both feet on the ground. I'm 5'3, with a 28" inseam, and I ride it just fine. You put your left foot down at stops, and keep your right foot on the peg, covering the rear brake.
Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on May 30, 2007, 01:12:00 PM
dude, just ride the GS as it is. You don't need both feet on the ground. I'm 5'3, with a 28" inseam, and I ride it just fine. You put your left foot down at stops, and keep your right foot on the peg, covering the rear brake.
Listen to nick, hes the Resident midget.
Ive got a buddy whos got a Ninja 500, and he said he regrets not going for the GS.
The GS is my first bike, and I love it, really easy to learn on and really forgiving.
thanks for the input. my wife gave me good input too. she said i looked better sitting on the GS. our wives are always right aren't they? :laugh: anyways. i may go with the GS. what about maintenence costs? i've heard that first maintenence can be expensive. i really want to buy a new bike but i will keep my eyes open for good used ones at the dealer as well.
... Here's something you probably didn't know... Real ninjas ride GS500s... Keep that a secret....
Quote from: jserio on May 30, 2007, 01:22:40 PM
i've heard that first maintenence can be expensive. i really want to buy a new bike but i will keep my eyes open for good used ones at the dealer as well.
To echo RVertigo, just go with a used one whichever bike you decide on. I spent about 1K on a 1990 with 8,000 miles on it and then bought about $1000 in gear and I still have plenty leftover for other stuff, compared to the 5K for a new one. Not much has changed on the bike since 1990, FWIW.
You'll lose your butt on a new one and at the end of the day we'll both be riding the same bike. That said, it's your money. If you have your heart set on a new 500 go for it.
Hmmm first time service can get expensive. . .doest matter if it's the ninja or gs. When you buy your bike asked the service manager how much the first service is going to cost. Also you can do it yourself it's not very hard, oil change, adjust the chain and makeing sure all the bolts are nice and tight.
Oh different dealers will charge diffently for the 1st service too. I'm almost sure I paid less than $200 for my first service. . .and my nephew paid $250ish for his first service.
As long as we're echoing... I'm gonna echo LPC2104 echoing me...
GET A USED ONE! You won't feel nearly as bad when you drop your used bike... Plus, if you decide you want a different bike, it's MUCH easier to sell a used bike for close to what you paid.
Then you don't have to worry about first maintenance... Only fixing/replacing the things that need to be attended to... Usually tires, chain/sprocket, oil change, valve adjustment.
Changing the chain is pretty easy and changing the sprockets isn't much harder... And, while you're messing with the sprockets you can pull the wheels off and get new tires... Oil change is easy too (as long as you know not to over-tighten the oil-filter-cover-nuts).
Who knows, you might luck out and find a used bike that doesn't need any fixing. :icon_mrgreen:
thanks. i'll keep my eyes peeled.
Ninjas are just really... really ugly.
the more i think about the two bikes the more i'm leaning towards the GS. true, the ninja has more power but i'm a new rider so i wouldn't use the xtra power anyways. i like the more modern looks on the GS. and i'm glad i posted that question here. i had previously thought that since the GS was air cooled that it would have a shorter engine life. i never realized that having an air cooled engine also meant one less thing to maintain or have break etc. call me dumb. i really appreciate the info i've gotten here. it has really changed my perspective of the bike.
Oh yeah, and with the GS500 you get something free, that no other bike offers...
... This forum! :bowdown:
Happy hunting.
Cheers,
J
I Wouldnt call the Ninja 500 a Ninja , the Gs *the Naked One
Is much meaner, just streetlooking appeal , Handles Really well ,
Handling Outweights Brute Power , and it does accarate very quick , ive neva had a Problem smoking Cages,
Get The Gs !!
it sounds like non of you have even ridden both much less owned both. i had a '02 gs for 2 years and an '03 ex for 3. this is some comparisons ive made.
naked gs looks best followed by ex then '04+ gs.
maintenance wise, is it really that hard to drain a radiator??? NO!
if seat height is a problem, get longer links and a strap till you gain confidence.
if you wreck do you really wanna pay for new fairings. i took my ex lower fairing off on day 1.
my ex top speed is 137. gs was 118. more power will get you out of sticky situations easier.
ive found more aftermarket parts for the ex if you like to mod but they are out there for the gs.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!
get what you think you'd like most. if you can test drive both. just dont have any regrets
Quote from: alerbaugh on May 30, 2007, 04:40:47 PM
it sounds like non of you have even ridden both much less owned both. i had a '02 gs for 2 years and an '03 ex for 3. this is some comparisons ive made.
naked gs looks best followed by ex then '04+ gs.
maintenance wise, is it really that hard to drain a radiator??? NO!
if seat height is a problem, get longer links and a strap till you gain confidence.
if you wreck do you really wanna pay for new fairings. i took my ex lower fairing off on day 1.
my ex top speed is 137. gs was 118. more power will get you out of sticky situations easier.
ive found more aftermarket parts for the ex if you like to mod but they are out there for the gs.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!
More Power , Im Sure The Gs is quicker being lighter, and more torquer , and how does going 20 mph faster , get you out of sticky situations ? I like lookin good on my gs :P
Edit: i mean off the line , thats where it counts
EX == Faster
GS == Cooler Looking
That's about as simple as it gets.
Both bikes are a good choice and very forgiving... The 10 extra HP isn't gonna make you flip over or poop your pants... They're both very mild, very light, very flickable, very good beginner bikes...
But, get a used one. ;)
Befor we get to the bikes themselves, let's touch on who you're going to get on with. Those EX folks are a really good bunch, just as the gals/guys here are. They'll go out of their way to send you a part, FIXED, by their own hands, just like here. They'll meet you for their favorite weekend ride, and show you the sites. They'll answer emails, help out, and give you motivation for your next 'project' on your bike(s).
Now then, the bikes aren't that different.
Riding the ninja means you have a little more power.
Riding a naked GS means it looks better, with less wind protection.
They handle about the same, get close to the same MPG, and maintenance is easy-cheeze on both. Parts are a plenty and cheap. I've seen guys with EX's in California upwards of 50,000 miles and still loving it. I've seen GS's with the same.
If you're really torn, find a way to rent each ?
They both rock IMHO. :thumb:
I did not have experience with the Ninja 500 but did own (new) an 04 Ninja 250. Sold it last May and bought a GS500F in Oct 05 (new). Biggest difference I noticed was in the 17" wheels vs 16" wheels (on the Ninja). I was a little disappointed in that there was not much power difference and had I known would have gone with the GS500F to start with. Sold it last Sat. as I purchased a Katana GSX600F (03) off Ebay. I really like the Katana even though it is somewhat maligned...I think it's great and can't beat 4 carbs and cyl. vs 2. It is HEAVY though and 06 was the last yr of active production. You may someday move up to a 600 or 750 and really notice a difference.(http://i14.tinypic.com/4m0ou4y.jpg)
2nd post. This is the current yellow rocket ship; the GS served me well and it's already at the dealership in Cuyahoga Falls, OH (State 8). BTW sold it for $3500 and the kid there said they'll sell it for $3900-4100.(http://i12.tinypic.com/538gpb4.jpg)
My ex had a 500 ninja and i have a gs both were 01's i found that the ninja handled alot better. I don't know how her ninja is running but my gs is still kicking. One big thing is i have the 01 so i have let a few people learn on mine. If then drop it with the case gaurds no real damage. The ninja has alot of plastic to scratch or break. So really go with which ever you like the looks of. the ninja has the old GS beat on looks. But the gs is a tank.
well, i just couldn't help myself guys. last night when i got done chattin here i went to a local suzuki dealer's website and did an on-line finance application for the a GS500. :) i haven't heard back from them yet though but i got my fingers crossed. i want one so bad i can hear it in the garage now, feel the wind on my way to work or wherever. i even dreamed about it last night. ahhh....guess we'll see what happens. i'll keep you guys posted.
No used one then? :icon_confused: Did you look on Craigslist in your area?
i just searched all craigslist listings in ohio. one bike. 2004 model. $4000. i can get a new one for 5k...so why spend 4k on a 3yr old bike???
Thats why I bought new. The used ones were only about a grand less than a new one and the new one comes with a warranty.
If I was on a used bike Id never be planning a 13 hr iron butt ride for June.
The used one's are only slightly cheaper if you look at one's a year or two old. I paid $1700 for my 96 with 3,500 miles on it. Needed nothing except new tires (although I did a lot of preventative maintenance just to be safe). That's a steal compared to $5,200 for a new one which is pretty much an identical bike, only it has all that extra plastic everywhere :)
i just want to ride. you have no idea how hard it was to get off the bike at the dealership when i sat on one. i should have done the finance app that day but the kids and wife were with me and the kids couldn't keep their hands to themselves. you know how it is.....at least the other fathers of young children out there do. so i am at home, waiting....somewhat patiently to hear back. if they say no finance for me it's okay to cry right?? :cry: lol. i will let you guys know as soon as i know.
Quote from: jserio on May 31, 2007, 03:37:55 PM
i just want to ride. you have no idea how hard it was to get off the bike at the dealership when i sat on one. i should have done the finance app that day but the kids and wife were with me and the kids couldn't keep their hands to themselves. you know how it is.....at least the other fathers of young children out there do. so i am at home, waiting....somewhat patiently to hear back. if they say no finance for me it's okay to cry right?? :cry: lol. i will let you guys know as soon as i know.
I know the feeling, it's hard to wait but it makes a lot more sense. I just can't justify the cost of the new 500's. $5200 for a new GS? When a new SV650 is $5,999? Doesn't make any sense. $1700 for a used GS, now we're talking :)
I dunno about your market, but I've seen GS500s and EX500s come and go on Craigslist for under $2K... :dunno_white:
Well, just be happy with what you get and don't be too upset when you drop it.
I bought a '98 GS500e a few months ago. Great bike, I really like it. I test rode a couple, as well as a couple of Ninja 500's. Both felt pretty good, I'm short of inseam and heights seemed pretty similar to me, I was slightly more on the balls of my feet on the GS. The Ninja didn't really feel all that much more powerful to me(maybe SLIGHTLY, but I wasn't like HOLY COW), so I wouldn't buy one over the other based on power.
I agree with the suggestions to buy used, you can get a much better more powerful bike than either of these 2 new for only slightly more money... where these bikes shine is bang fer buck used. Buy a good used one, ride/enjoy the snot out of it, and then sell and upgrade.
I bought the GS because it was naked, and I got a good deal. I don't like either with plastics, though I would give the faired GS the nod in the looks depatment. Both are good choices as beginner and getting back into riding, I'm having a blast on mine.
Quote from: RVertigo on May 30, 2007, 12:50:39 PM
I don't think much, if anything at all, has changed on either bike since 2004.
GS: Looks cooler, easy to work on, built like a tank, tech from 1978
EX: More power, watercooled, more complicated, tech from 1989
Correction: EX tech is based on half of a 1984 900 Ninja motor, and the GS is from the '77 GS400.
Check insurance on both bikes for ya. Progressive.com does online quotes that can at least give ya an idea of how much it's going to cost.
Wow, it amazes me that so many people prefer the old GS! I mean, the look is growing on me but the whole reason I'm getting a GS in the first place is because I want a sport bike that won't kill me to learn on. I can sorta empathize with jserio in that I'll probably end up buying from a dealership (hopefully used) just because it seems easier to finance that way.
On that note I have to leave for work but good luck with the financing jserio and keep us posted.
Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 08:28:32 AM
Wow, it amazes me that so many people prefer the old GS! I mean, the look is growing on me but the whole reason I'm getting a GS in the first place is because I want a sport bike that won't kill me to learn on. I can sorta empathize with jserio in that I'll probably end up buying from a dealership (hopefully used) just because it seems easier to finance that way.
On that note I have to leave for work but good luck with the financing jserio and keep us posted.
The look doesn't make it a sport bike :) They may look a lot different but the difference between a 1990 GS and a 2007 GS is basically nothing other than the extra plastic. Neither one is a sport bike, which is why it's a good learner.
I'm not a fan of all the plastic myself, but it was probably a wise move on suzuki's part. Here they've got this 20 year old technology that no one is really buying (in significant numbers) and it's cheap enough that they can't really justify retooling it and making it a more modern starter bike. What can they do to boost sales? Simple, just leave everything the same but throw some plstic on there to make it kinda look like a Gixxer. Now they can attract the 18 year old kids who want a sportbike but can't afford the insurance. Really a pretty good idea from a marketing standpoint, I just wish they still offered them naked.
jserio if you have not gotten your bike yet you should really try www.lendingtree.com or capitalone.com and do an online app.
The thing to do is ask for a loan of $8500, thats the minimum. Buy the bike have the dealer cut you a check for the difference. Mail the check to the leander with your first months payment.
Example
Bike cost $5000 get a loan for $8500
Get check for $3500 back from dealer
Send check back to with your first months payment.
The reason for this is because lendingtree will find you the lowest interest rate it can. While suzuki will only offer you 12.95%
and like I said most lenders the lowest amount they will offer is $8500.
Oh check different dealers in your area for the best price. . . I think I paid $4700 OTD or maybe it was a little less.
The dealer closest to me wanted $8700 for my wife's GSXR 600 but I went to a different dealer and got the same bike for only $8300
I got a loan for $4200 at my credit union... 7.5%... Not too bad.
$1800 8.9 at Huntington bank.
Quote from: Johnny5 on May 31, 2007, 04:32:16 PM
I agree with the suggestions to buy used, you can get a much better more powerful bike than either of these 2 new for only slightly more money... where these bikes shine is bang fer buck used. Buy a good used one, ride/enjoy the snot out of it, and then sell and upgrade.
+1,000,000
If you need to finance a new one you really shouldn't do it, for a GS or EXO anyway. Save up 1000-2000 and get a used one. If you have money to blow, go ahead and buy a new one but if you don't have the cash you're really making a mistake here. Just my .02.
It's really not that great of a bike for 5K when for only a little more one can get a much better bike.
For most of us, the GS is a great learning tool and nothing more.
Quote from: LPC2104 on June 01, 2007, 10:52:28 AM
Quote from: Johnny5 on May 31, 2007, 04:32:16 PM
I agree with the suggestions to buy used, you can get a much better more powerful bike than either of these 2 new for only slightly more money... where these bikes shine is bang fer buck used. Buy a good used one, ride/enjoy the snot out of it, and then sell and upgrade.
+1,000,000
If you need to finance a new one you really shouldn't do it, for a GS or EXO anyway. Save up 1000-2000 and get a used one. If you have money to blow, go ahead and buy a new one but if you don't have the cash you're really making a mistake here. Just my .02.
It's really not that great of a bike for 5K when for only a little more one can get a much better bike.
For most of us, the GS is a great learning tool and nothing more.
Wow, that's a bold claim if true. I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike. If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money. I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).
All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere? I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike. Can anyone help clear this up?
Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 02:43:14 PM
Wow, that's a bold claim if true. I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike. If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money. I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).
All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere? I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike. Can anyone help clear this up?
Some people upgrade after the GS. Some people keep riding them forever. A lot of people upgrade but keep the GS around, because despite being low in power it handles pretty darn good and is a lot of fun. No one can say which it will be for you.
The point being made is that a lot of people start on a GS because it's low enough in power to be safe for a new rider, but fun enough to learn on for a year or two. And I completely agree that a new GS is a waste of money. Less than $1000 more will get you a brand new SV650. That pricing makes no sense... Unfortunately the SV is a bit much bike to start on for a lot of people, hence the GS is the better choice. But at that price... You ride it two years, you sell it for maybe $3000. That's a big hit. Especially when you consider that for $2k you can get the same bike (minus the plastic) and sell it again in a year or two for about the same you paid.
The GS will last. The question is how long until you start to crave more power. For some people it's a year or two, for others it's never...
Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 02:43:14 PMWow, that's a bold claim if true. I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike. If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money. I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).
All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere? I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike. Can anyone help clear this up?
It really depends on you... GS has plenty of power for me for the long haul, especially on winding roads and city driving. The ONLY place I find myself wanting more power is on the Highway... but that's really only a mental thing, I think... I just would rather have my revs be able to be lower at highway speeds. GS is a very good tried and true bike.
**Edit: Or what Debtman said! He said what I was trying to... LOL
Yes... The life expectancy of the GS depends on the rider. If you want to "Keep Up" with your GXSR buddies or do wheelies, you'd better buy two GSs... One for wheelies and one to "Keep Up."
You can mod the GS to have more power (rejet, Pipe, intake)... Then you can mod it to have more low end or more top end (Front Sprocket Swap)... It's friggen wicked in the twisties... It rules in the city... It's fun at the track... BUT... It's lame as hell over 90-95 MPH. :icon_rolleyes:
So....... You CAN do wheelies on the GS if you mod it for less top end and more bottom power... You CAN get to 70 faster than nearly every car on the road... But, you will never hang with GSXRs running in straight lines... Never. If you want to Slay some Giants, then take 'em to the twisties... Practice hanging off... Get good at riding.
I own two bikes... A 1500cc Cruiser (Mean Streak) and the GS. They do different things... I love both for the things they do.
The Gs Is A fun bike , and it looks really good , its kool when u modify them , eg , Jim's Green Gs , is One of the sexyest bikes ive eva seen , depends , if you like streetfighters , it has the perfect frame for it , the naked ones anyways , and its a nimble little girl ,
Id Pick The gs Over the 'Ninja'
If the zx 12 is A Smooth Assassin , The 500 Is His Dead Nan
I agree with what everyone has been saying. Some people ride the GS and never get a bigger bike, some have gotten bigger bikes just to get another GS while others moved up to a new bike and besides reading this forum never looked back.
Taken care of the GS will last forever. . . ask how many people on this forum alone have Gs that are mid to late ninties. It's just a matter of maintance and taking care of it.
I'll probally get flamed for this one, but IF you are level headed with good common sense and you can control your right hand. You could start on either the Ninja 650 or the SV's.
In my oppion the GS is a great bike to learn on and to work on your riding skills, but if your worried about buying new and wanting something else in a year or two, I'd say buy an 04 or 05 ( you mentioned earlier that you liked the sportbike look ). If you really want new I'd consider the Ninja 650 or the SV.
i've been hearing pro's and cons for lots of bikes. on this forum and other places as well. i hear a lot of good arguments and find a lot of nice bikes for decent money. i'm halfway tempted to just flip a coin ya know? or maybe put a finance app in at all the bike places and go with who responds first.
It's a great bike...for now. You won't keep it forever. See my above posts with pictures. Beautiful GS500F sold last Sat. Katana GSX600F...for now...maybe forever; I really like it!
SEE PAGE 2 for pix.
I've had my GS for 3 years and have no plans for selling it. Lots of other bikes look like fun or maybe look prettier, but the GS ain't bad and it put's a smile on my face every time I swing my leg over. Maybe I'm simple or maybe I just enjoy being able to use everything the bike has to offer, probably not even... And this forum is the best thing ever O0
Quote from: jserio on June 01, 2007, 05:35:45 PM
i've been hearing pro's and cons for lots of bikes. on this forum and other places as well. i hear a lot of good arguments and find a lot of nice bikes for decent money. i'm halfway tempted to just flip a coin ya know? or maybe put a finance app in at all the bike places and go with who responds first.
If you're going to flip a coin, at least try picking by what's most comfortable first.
i do have to say that so far the GS is the most comfy bike i've sat on. only one was comfier......and i had to get off it cuz i know it's too much bike for a beginner. it was a 2005 Honda CBR1000RR. it was used. and obviously by a short person like myself because i was able to put more of my feet down on both sides than i can on the stock GS. pulled it up off the sidestand just fine too. dealer helped me simulate riding position by helping balance the bike. ergos were fairly nice too. man...i was in heaven. "sigh" maybe someday, but not for awhile.
Quote from: manofthefield on June 01, 2007, 06:15:03 PM
I've had my GS for 3 years and have no plans for selling it. Lots of other bikes look like fun or maybe look prettier, but the GS ain't bad and it put's a smile on my face every time I swing my leg over. Maybe I'm simple or maybe I just enjoy being able to use everything the bike has to offer, probably not even... And this forum is the best thing ever O0
Quote from: jserio on June 01, 2007, 05:35:45 PM
i've been hearing pro's and cons for lots of bikes. on this forum and other places as well. i hear a lot of good arguments and find a lot of nice bikes for decent money. i'm halfway tempted to just flip a coin ya know? or maybe put a finance app in at all the bike places and go with who responds first.
If you're going to flip a coin, at least try picking by what's most comfortable first.
First off, thank you all so much for all the responses; it's really reassuring.
Honestly I think I'm "simpler", too. I don't speed (excessively) in my car even though it has a little get up and go so I don't imagine I'll ever need to go over 100 mph on a bike. I have a Honda Civic and never felt the urge to modify it in any way (mostly too lazy or broke) so I think I'd most likely be a casual rider.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd like to join a biker gang and all, but not the kind that rides fast. I'd like to join a decent rider gang that focuses more on hitting people with metal poles and chains and stuff, ya know? Seriously though, I don't want to race or customize a bike; I just want to commute and have fun on the weekends.
As far as buying used, the only reason I'll have to go through a dealership is that if I can get in on a deal (i.e. low payments early) then I can afford to ride this year. Otherwise I'll wait until next year when I can pay cash or at least have a really good down payment.
Again, thanks for all the feedback and hopefully I can be like manofthefield and buy the GS to keep for good.
Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 02:43:14 PMWow, that's a bold claim if true. I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike. If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money. I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).
All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere? I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike. Can anyone help clear this up?
Though your name was familiar, just gave my opinion on that over at:
http://www.sportbikes.net/forums/showpost.php?p=2939812&postcount=11
Quotethe only reason I'll have to go through a dealership is that if I can get in on a deal (i.e. low payments early) then I can afford to ride this year.
If you really need to get a loan to buy a bike, try to get approved for a loan through a bank. That way you could buy used and you'd have super low payments. Even if you do decide to go through a dealership, you can oftentimes get better deals if you bring cash or an outside loan, which is as good as cash to the dealer/seller.
I don't feel like reading this, possibly because I am f%$king drunk... But here is what I think...
-My 1998 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4x4 2.4L 4cyl is slow - motorcycles are not slow - Thus if its a motorcycle your cool.
-Graduated licenses are cool; if you disagree go to london england or paris france (US residents who's bike majically extends the thier penises 7 inches to a total of 7.2 inches total), those f%$kers are crazy, judge for yourself.
thus my conclution is start with a used lower displacement bike and graduate yourself to 'new to you' used untill you can responsibly ride and take care of you dream bike. It just yeilds a better rider to start small and work your way up.
edit:
Drunkin intervention - dictated by me - typed by my wife: this all means get whichever tickles your pickle better.
Ok i didnt read the whole thread here but heres my opinion. The EX500 isn really a sportbike. It "fairings" it uses are more cosmetic the funtional. The 07 GS F series I have now, its Fairings do what a fairing should do. I have owned a couple ex500, and so far, even with the oil leak I have, the GS has been more reliable, comfortable, and better looking than the Kawasaki.
I get comments on it EVERYWHERE I go. Someone stops to check it out, riders who had a GS remember and share tips and stories, Kids crowd around at my sons school, and lets dont talk about bike night at Hooters. Everyone likes it cause its not the cookie cutter GSXR, R1, or Busa that everyone seems to have. Good bikes all, but, the GS has an effect on the public. Non riders think its a bigger bike and it look awsome, then you tell them how much smaller it is and how much better it handles due to the size and torque. Ive sold at least 6 GS500F bike for the dealer in the past 2 weeks. At my dealer we get 100 store credit for every referal that makes a sell.
But the point is Ive now owned both, and I feel more pride in the GS than any of the 20 something bikes Ive owned. :icon_mrgreen:
The Ninja is a fire truck. Air-cooled is the trump card for me. Less to replace and fix potentially. Simpler.
I have a Kawi Concours, it runs nice but is extremely poorly designed- valve adj. are a nightmare. As a lot of other maintenance chores. I can't speak for Ninjas, but look at all of the stuff in the way of the valves.
Neither one is "fast". Get a Gixxer if you want speed.
I read your tread (or skimmed it anyway)
What i smell from you is that you dont want to be a power ranger on a bike, so nakid bike is perfect for you.
Now, ive never ridden a ninja (nor do i want to) so I'll give you my thoughts on what i ride.
You say you're simple and just want to ride and have fun (with your swinging chain and all) definately get the GS 500 USED! It an aswome bike, and built like a brick - you cant go wrong. I bought mine at $1,800 cash.
My first ever bike is a fuel injected 2006 Ducati monster 620 ($5,800) and i love it. - its my daily commuter (just because it warms up faster) & Short freeway ride. Butt hurts in about 1hr.
My second bike (yes second) i bought is the carburated 1999 GS 500 ($1,800) and i love it.... its my long freeway ride & fun bike. There is just something about that i so much fun & gives me a nice humble grin. i think the price has something to do with it.
With that said, the GS give me a BiG-O grin as i ride in the highway feeling like im in a chair racing im my living room and feeling like im James Dean. It just so damn cofortable and fun. It handles extremely well and you never have to fear it with over-powering you, even if you slam the trottle to the max. Its a perfect starter bike that i hardly think you will grow out of unless you travel in the freeway alot and need to cut in front of crazy speeding cars vs chilling and letting them pass you (recommeded on any bike).
Now if you really really WANT to spend $6,000 then buy yourself a USED Ducati monster - Bought mine at $5,800 with only 728 miles. With the ducati monster I feel like an street fighter, an evil/modern version of James Dean, speeding everywhere i go waiting for my ticket and that curve on route 46. maitenece is more for this one if you wimp out and pay for it, but I learn to do my own, (I get the cool mechanic smell as a bonus - chicks love it) Same type of bike, you just have to point your nose up a bit.
Both get plenty of attention.
to sum it up. I've had my best experiences on the Suzuki and my worst on the Ducati and i plan to ride both to the ground.
I considered the Nimja 500. I had ridden the ninja but not the GS. I chose the GS for 2 reasons.
#1 - I knew it had a long reliable history and was simple.
#2 - It looked modern.
I do like the Ninja 500 engine a lot, however the styling is stale. The Ex 500 needs to be refreshed but I doubt it will be any time soon because they are still selling and I don't think Kawi wants it to take sales from their new 650R.
500 cc is all I need and if im gonna do it in style and comfort in 2007 Suzuki gets the sale.