I didn't know exactly where to post this so this seemed like as good a place as any.
After much ado and going around in circles between the 650 Ninja, a Hyosung, and the GS500f I finally got the GS in April. It was great at first but soon the novelty wore off. The suspension is too soft to inspire confidence, the looks are questionable, and it's gotta be a hundred pounds heavier than my wife's Ninja 250 but doesn't have that much more power. I didn't really like the bike.
And then I adjusted the rear suspension, changed the brake pads, and opened up the throttle a bit. I'm in love again! It's not a perfect bike by any means, but the GS is an awesome little bike. It will do everything I want a bike to do with a few minor mods. It's comfortable, cheap, gets great gas mileage and I haven't even done anything serious to it! I plan to rejet and go progressive this winter but that's just the first step of the evolution.
I was recently lurking at the Hyosung MB and someone made the comment that the GS500 is a bland, boring bike. I guess if it's fun to have the engine cut out on you on the highway and spend more time waiting for your bike to get out of the shop than actually riding it is boring, then the GS isn't really fun.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributes to this site for helping me see how great my "boring" little bike can be.
Hey man, I remember your early posts; I'm damn glad you got your GS working better. The stock suspension is JUNK, so I do hope you'll upgrade both front and rear. Do that, then rejet and balance your carbs, and you might be surprised at just how well the GS works. Since you can't modify the ignition advancer on the '04+ models (not AFAIK, anyway), improving the suspension and carburetion seem like the most effective mods available to you. Add some good tires, get everything lubed and adjusted properly, and you'll be looking for twisties every day...
and maybe a 15t front gear, and it will be a night and day difference :thumb:
according to cycle world's jun 08 article the 250 ninja weighs 382 lbs and puts out 27 hp. according to this web site the gs weighs in at 383 lbs and puts out around 43-47hp. as for looks, got yourself a 89 triple and clip ons and that will really help it allot. i hear much about the soft suspension...its not a sport bike guys. i don't know if you have the naked or faired version, i have the faired. i will take on the suzuki 650 or the ninja 650 and give them a good run for their money. how? because i have been riding and racing since i was 11 and i am now 45. it is not so much the bike but the rider. the hyosun or united motors has a great look to it. i don't know much about long term so i can not comment on that. i know i have ridden a few and i liked them. but like with any new company there are risks about performance and support. oh back on making your gs pretty and performing better. i have braided brake lines, charcoal custom wheels, katana mirrors, led short stalk front indicators, led clear alternative integrated tail light, woodcraft rear-sets. i use synthetic oil and change it every 500 miles. i also use high test gas. i have left the carb alone as well as the petcock. so far no problems and i love my gs and the performance....hope this helps.
frankie you were recommending the um bikes like they were the best/ anyhtinginparticular change your mind? ( curiosity)
all i did was pass on what i thought of one and all of a sudden i am their biggest fan...no i just passed on what i thought of one.