Hi,
I'm a brand new member and completely new rider.
I'm looking for a first bike... and so far here are my options, starting with the gs500f
1. 2008 GS500F - 1,500 miles - $3300
My primary reason for the post is I would like to know if that is a good deal. Seems like it to me, with the MSRP at $5,400 (though there is a local dealer that will sell them new at $5,000) and the bike is practically brand new. I'm also posting the other bikes i'm considering just to get some opinions if people think they may be a better deal. I'm really just looking for opinions as far as value (getting a good deal) not which bike is better or anything else.
2. 2006 Hyosung 650R - 4,000 miles - $3000 (possibly a little less)
3. 1999 Suzuki SV650S - 6,500 miles - $3,100 (probably a little less)
4. 2007 Suzuki SV650S - 6,000 miles - $4,000
Thanks for you opinions in advance.
GS500F :thumb:
Yeah, seems like a reasonably good deal. Go for it.
It's not a bad price at all. But you can try to offer a little less anyway. ;) Bring cash - offering less than the asking price with cash in hand always goes over better.
Make sure it's had the first service done. Make sure it's in good, uncrashed, unabused condition.
thanks for the advice everyone.
I would try to get it a little cheaper, but the bike is over an hour away and he said he would deliver it. Which is nice because that is a hell of a first ride. I have my license but i got it through a motorcycle begining rider course so i haven't even been on the road yet. I think it would be hard to get him down much more with that in mind.
A lot of people tell me "you'll grow out of a 500 in a year". What do you guys think of that statement?
I have been riding for like 14 years and I love the smaller bikes. You will only grow out of it if you want to. I just don't want to. :cheers:
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 08:52:43 AMWhat do you guys think of that statement?
Bullcrap.
If you ever feel you're outgrowing it, spring for a trackday. Weep as an instructor on a 250 blows by you like you're standing still.
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 08:57:53 AM
I have been riding for like 14 years and I love the smaller bikes. You will only grow out of it if you want to. I just don't want to. :cheers:
so what are the pros and cons of a small bike?
what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 08:59:02 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 08:52:43 AMWhat do you guys think of that statement?
Bullcrap.
If you ever feel you're outgrowing it, spring for a trackday. Weep as an instructor on a 250 blows by you like you're standing still.
I guess i needed to hear that, the whole 'you will grow out of it' thing always seemed like a meat head statement to me.
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:06:02 AMso what are the pros and cons of a small bike?
what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?
Low weight = better handling.
Big weight = more stability in a line.
Low horsepower = more fun legally on the street, forces you to learn more in a track situation, better mileage.
More horsepower = things happen faster when you twist the throttle.
Power can be intoxicating, but like any intoxicant, moderation is key.
Edit - I will say there is a certain power level where the freeway becomes dicey, because you're topped out just to keep up with traffic. The GS500 is above this.
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 09:09:45 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:06:02 AMso what are the pros and cons of a small bike?
what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?
Low weight = better handling.
Big weight = more stability in a line.
Low horsepower = more fun legally on the street, forces you to learn more in a track situation, better mileage.
More horsepower = things happen faster when you twist the throttle.
Power can be intoxicating, but like any intoxicant, moderation is key.
Edit - I will say there is a certain power level where the freeway becomes dicey, because you're topped out just to keep up with traffic. The GS500 is above this.
:thumb:
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 08:59:02 AM
always seemed like a meat head statement to me.
Proby the same folks that ride in shorts and a t shirt with sandles :nono:
good answers. I have been thinking even if i did move up to a larger displacement bike i might keep the 500 (or 250, was considering the 2008 ninja 250 and hyo 250 as well) just to save on gas. Although the SV650S is supposed to get 55 MPG.
So even riding for 14 yrs the 500 has enough power to put a smile on your face? I mean it will still out accelorate just about any car right?
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:06:02 AM
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 08:57:53 AM
I have been riding for like 14 years and I love the smaller bikes. You will only grow out of it if you want to. I just don't want to. :cheers:
so what are the pros and cons of a small bike?
what are the pros and cons of a larger bike?
I agree with what's been said above, and would also like to add that the GS is crazy easy to work on. I'd never worked on any of my other vehicles before I got the GS and it has been a pretty painless experience so far. I doubt you could find a bigger bike that would be as simple to work on. Also, the GS is already faster than most any car you'll run into on the road, so I don't think you're going to outgrow it. It is not like you'll be continually passed by everyone else going faster than you or anything like that...
Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 09:24:25 AM
Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.
I no street racer but I do like to have fun now and then.
Just to get an idea of where the bike stands against other bikes:
Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns. Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:35:01 AM
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 09:24:25 AM
Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.
I no street racer but I do like to have fun now and then.
Just to get an idea of where the bike stands against other bikes:
Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns. Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?
I think it can hold it's own but like I sed it's the rider not the bike.
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:35:01 AM
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 09:24:25 AM
Yep. I have had lots or bikes and any bike has power. I just like to ride the bike not have the bike ride me.
Heck I am looking at a 78 Honda cb400t Hawk now. It's not how big the bike is it's how you ride it.
I no street racer but I do like to have fun now and then.
Just to get an idea of where the bike stands against other bikes:
Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns. Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?
Just go to a twisty section and watch him cry as you pass. The GS can handle twisties really really well.
This is sort of a dumb question and it could be eaisly answered by going and looking at one (but i don't think any local dealers have on in stock), but is there anything snazy about the instrument panel? Indaglo at least?
Seems like a stupid thing to nit pick about, but I think the instumentation on the Hyo 650 looks really cool. Digital Speedometer and a digital fuel gauge.
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:35:01 AM
Say you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns. Is the GSXR going to completely pull on you like the 500 might a car or would the 500 do respectably and fade slowly?
I would think the 500 would actually beat a Gzxr 600 off the line cause its a 2 cylinder, but then the 600 would catch up and smoke the 500 in the end. :dunno_white:
Anyone find this to be true? :dunno_white:
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:35:01 AMSay you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.
And you both get plowed by the car that mistimes running a stale yellow.
I'm in no hurry to leave from a light. I don't let the cars run over me, but I let the Ricky Racers go. They're easy to pass in turns. Hell, they're easy to pass on freeway onramps.
Quote from: TwoWheelRida on September 30, 2008, 09:46:03 AMI would think the 500 would actually beat a Gzxr 600 off the line cause its a 2 cylinder, but then the 600 would catch up and smoke the 500 in the end. :dunno_white:
I don't know how a GZXR would do. :p But any I-4 race bike is going to be faster everywhere than an aircooled 500 streetbike -
given equal riders.
Riders are almost never equal. Especially when it comes to the demographic that tends to buy 600 race replicas.
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 09:46:29 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:35:01 AMSay you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.
And you both get plowed by the car that mistimes running a stale yellow.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :thumb:
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 09:46:29 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:35:01 AMSay you pull up to a light and there is a GSXR there. You're both jack asses so you gun it when the light turns.
And you both get plowed by the car that mistimes running a stale yellow.
I'm in no hurry to leave from a light. I don't let the cars run over me, but I let the Ricky Racers go. They're easy to pass in turns. Hell, they're easy to pass on freeway onramps.
really, the 500 will hold a line that much better then a GSXR? why is that? Is is just because it is lighter? and does 100ccs really make it that much lighter? normally i would think it would have to do with suspension but I doubt the 500 has a better suspension then the gsxr (but i could be wrong).
I said we would both be jackasses :icon_mrgreen:
I think i have a pretty healthy fear of my own inexperience and other drivers lack of attention. Very right of you guys to point that out though :cheers:
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:51:51 AMreally, the 500 will hold a line that much better then a GSXR? why is that? Is is just because it is lighter? and does 100ccs really make it that much lighter? normally i would think it would have to do with suspension but I doubt the 500 has a better suspension then the gsxr (but i could be wrong).
A GSXR has better suspension and more motor. A GS500 is a better daily streetbike by a long shot.
Just because a bike is faster on the track doesn't make it a good bike for every purpose. IMO, a lot of what makes a race replica fast on the track makes it a bad daily driver.
Just because a bike is faster on the track doesn't mean the owner can ride it. It's more fun to learn to wring the neck of a 'slow' bike, and then, if you get really good at it, get a race bike as well and race.
A lot of people buy race replicas because they think it makes them fast. It doesn't. Kenny Roberts starts his racing school candidates out on little dirtbikes.
If I could offer you any advice on a new bike, it would be to stay away from the dealerships and buy off of ebay or craigslist. Get something cheap so that when you drop it (and you definitely will) it won't be nearly as big of a deal. If you're brand new, IMHO, you should get a nice older bike for less than $1500 and ride until until you get some experience and then possibly think about getting something newer and/or more powerful.
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 09:58:31 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 09:51:51 AMreally, the 500 will hold a line that much better then a GSXR? why is that? Is is just because it is lighter? and does 100ccs really make it that much lighter? normally i would think it would have to do with suspension but I doubt the 500 has a better suspension then the gsxr (but i could be wrong).
A GSXR has better suspension and more motor. A GS500 is a better daily streetbike by a long shot.
Just because a bike is faster on the track doesn't make it a good bike for every purpose. IMO, a lot of what makes a race replica fast on the track makes it a bad daily driver.
Just because a bike is faster on the track doesn't mean the owner can ride it. It's more fun to learn to wring the neck of a 'slow' bike, and then, if you get really good at it, get a race bike as well and race.
A lot of people buy race replicas because they think it makes them fast. It doesn't. Kenny Roberts starts his racing school candidates out on little dirtbikes.
I guess my question is: given equal riders the gs500 could take the same turn faster then a GSXR 600?
I think so.
Quote from: tripleb on September 30, 2008, 10:06:52 AM
If I could offer you any advice on a new bike, it would be to stay away from the dealerships and buy off of ebay or craigslist. Get something cheap so that when you drop it (and you definitely will) it won't be nearly as big of a deal. If you're brand new, IMHO, you should get a nice older bike for less than $1500 and ride until until you get some experience and then possibly think about getting something newer and/or more powerful.
that was exactly my plan from the begining. I wanted something old and cheap for the very reasons you mention. Then someone made the statement that things go wrong on old machines and on a motorcycle that could be deadly. That makes a lot of sense to me and I think its worth the extra investment.
Of course, my cousin bought a brand new bike and it had a devastating mechanical failure. According to him, the brake like was too close to the tail pipe (I can't remember what kind of bike it was but it was a cruiser) and that caused the brake to engage on its own. I don't know if thats really true but i guess even a brand new bike might have its problems, though probably far less often then older bikes.
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 10:09:37 AM
I think so.
well thats really cool, a friend of mine kept telling me the lighter bikes are better in the twisties, i thought he just meant they were eaiser to manuver, I didn't realize that meant you could actually ride them a little faster.
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 10:07:43 AMI guess my question is: given equal riders the gs500 could take the same turn faster then a GSXR 600?
Stock for stock, no.
Riders will never be equal, or races would be boring. You'll be a better rider for starting on a smaller bike. I'm not all that by a
long shot, and I still pass 'faster' bikes on the track.
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 10:14:05 AM
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 10:09:37 AM
I think so.
well thats really cool, a friend of mine kept telling me the lighter bikes are better in the twisties, i thought he just meant they were eaiser to manuver, I didn't realize that meant you could actually ride them a little faster.
Just take it easy untill you know what you can and can't do. (stupid hurts) :cheers:
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 10:20:34 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 10:07:43 AMI guess my question is: given equal riders the gs500 could take the same turn faster then a GSXR 600?
Stock for stock, no.
Riders will never be equal, or races would be boring. You'll be a better rider for starting on a smaller bike. I'm not all that by a long shot, and I still pass 'faster' bikes on the track.
I really think that is true too.
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 10:20:58 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 10:14:05 AM
Quote from: cafeboy on September 30, 2008, 10:09:37 AM
I think so.
well thats really cool, a friend of mine kept telling me the lighter bikes are better in the twisties, i thought he just meant they were eaiser to manuver, I didn't realize that meant you could actually ride them a little faster.
Just take it easy untill you know what you can and can't do. (stupid hurts) :cheers:
Point taken.
Are the 650s i listed in the first post bad choices for a beginner bike? the extra 150 ccs really makes the 650's a heavy bike and the 500 a light one?
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 08:30:59 AM
Hi,
I'm a brand new member and completely new rider.
I'm looking for a first bike... and so far here are my options, starting with the gs500f
1. 2008 GS500F - 1,500 miles - $3300
Thanks for you opinions in advance.
That seems to be a killer price for a near new bike. Check that it hasn't been dropped or involved in an accident.
Quote from: SteveM on September 30, 2008, 11:19:10 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 08:30:59 AM
Hi,
I'm a brand new member and completely new rider.
I'm looking for a first bike... and so far here are my options, starting with the gs500f
1. 2008 GS500F - 1,500 miles - $3300
Thanks for you opinions in advance.
That seems to be a killer price for a near new bike. Check that it hasn't been dropped or involved in an accident.
good idea i'll have to do that, can you just check it through carfax? and by checking to see if its down - the only way to do that is check for bad scratches etc?
I see in the maintenance section of this forum that there are a lot of things to be done in the first schedueled maintenance.
If he tells me that he did not have that done how bad is that? It would be worth it to get it done ASAP if he has not correct?
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 11:21:47 AM
Quote from: SteveM on September 30, 2008, 11:19:10 AM
Quote from: paxfaux on September 30, 2008, 08:30:59 AM
Hi,
I'm a brand new member and completely new rider.
I'm looking for a first bike... and so far here are my options, starting with the gs500f
1. 2008 GS500F - 1,500 miles - $3300
Thanks for you opinions in advance.
That seems to be a killer price for a near new bike. Check that it hasn't been dropped or involved in an accident.
good idea i'll have to do that, can you just check it through carfax? and by checking to see if its down - the only way to do that is check for bad scratches etc?
There is no way carfax would know about a bike getting dropped unless the insurance company got involved, which is unlikely. Just check for scratches, mismatched paint and stuff like that. It should be fairly obvious if it has been dropped, especially if it is an F, scratches in the faring are pretty hard to fix.
A couple of points:
1: The GS is the perfect beginner bike- it is very easy off the line, the powerband is broad, and not as peaky as the 600cc boy-racer bikes, and the riding position is not as extreme- much better to cruise than a full-on sportbike. Also, it's fast enough to go from 0- illegal in around 5 seconds but won't ride away without you with a firm twist of the throttle.
2: It's more fun to ride a slower bike fast than to have a super-fast bike you can only ride slow.
That's my opinion, your results may vary...
"Every time I think I need a faster bike, I downshift one gear and twist the throttle all the way"
The GS is the perfect: beginner bike, city bike, avoid-speeding-tickets bike, easy to work on bike, bulletproof bike, etc etc. And if you buy a naked one, it wont be a big deal if you drop it. If/when I move on from the GS, it will be for a bike better suited to highway riding and possibly for newer/more updated looks, such as the FZ6 or Ducati Monster. That's it.
Quote from: AFMO on September 30, 2008, 03:30:57 PM
"Every time I think I need a faster bike, I downshift one gear and twist the throttle all the way"
The GS is the perfect: beginner bike, city bike, avoid-speeding-tickets bike, easy to work on bike, bulletproof bike, etc etc. And if you buy a naked one, it wont be a big deal if you drop it. If/when I move on from the GS, it will be for a bike better suited to highway riding and possibly for newer/more updated looks, such as the FZ6 or Ducati Monster. That's it.
I can't disagree with any of this. The only thing I can add is that it is pretty easy not to drop the bike as a beginner so don't have any reservations about getting an F. Of course now I'll probably wipe mine out on the way home after having said that...
the sv650s weighs less than the gs500f.
and in your situation it might not hurt to use the 'search' feature for some of the questions you have, there is a lot of useful info on this forum.
also if you just search for "review/specifications" of whatever bike you are looking for in google, you might be able to find a lot of answers too.
GL on your purchase.
I'd go with the gs500, and maybe an older model (04+ if you like the fairing version) for cheaper.
Quote from: Roadstergal on September 30, 2008, 09:09:45 AM
Edit - I will say there is a certain power level where the freeway becomes dicey, because you're topped out just to keep up with traffic. The GS500 is above this.
Amen... I used to have a CM200T that topped out at 65 on a good day... NO FUN ON THE HIGHWAY...
The GS500 can cruise at 80-90 all day and not complain at all.
Dan
Quote from: bikejunkie223 on September 30, 2008, 04:37:02 PM
Quote from: AFMO on September 30, 2008, 03:30:57 PM
"Every time I think I need a faster bike, I downshift one gear and twist the throttle all the way"
The GS is the perfect: beginner bike, city bike, avoid-speeding-tickets bike, easy to work on bike, bulletproof bike, etc etc. And if you buy a naked one, it wont be a big deal if you drop it. If/when I move on from the GS, it will be for a bike better suited to highway riding and possibly for newer/more updated looks, such as the FZ6 or Ducati Monster. That's it.
I can't disagree with any of this. The only thing I can add is that it is pretty easy not to drop the bike as a beginner so don't have any reservations about getting an F. Of course now I'll probably wipe mine out on the way home after having said that...
I've had my GS500E less than a month and have dropped it twice... once broke the clutch lever, second broke the brake lever... now they don't match... lol. :cookoo:
Dan
The GS is a pretty good bike, and it is pretty forgiving for most n00b mistakes, AND can indeed remain quite fun for years to come. I think the deal is pretty good--especially delivered--providing he's not hiding anything from you that would certainly devalue the bike. The later model SV also isn't priced too bad if it's been maintained. I wouldn't buy anything Hyosung makes for a while yet though. They're still a few years behind in overall quality. Good luck to you! :thumb:
Wheew- made it home without eating it- figured I had jinxed myself...