GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Rhandom on October 01, 2008, 02:18:04 PM

Title: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Rhandom on October 01, 2008, 02:18:04 PM
I'm currently the proud owner of a 98 GS500E, and its done me well for the last 2 years.
My only real complaint is the lack of fairing, and the desire for another gear.

What is the recommended "next bike" for a very satisfied gs owner who's tired of being cold and wet.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: hotrodstu77 on October 01, 2008, 02:42:43 PM
GSXR!!! or the gs500F, or the GSX650!!!! all them are sweet
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 03:13:10 PM
My streetbike is now an '07 FZ6 (they made some adjustments between '06 and '07 that I thought were very worthwhile).  6-speed, plenty of smooth power.  The goofy pointed fairing does an excellent job of keeping the wind off of my hands as well as the rest of my body.  It has the upright seating position of a standard like the GS, but still will do twisties just fine.  It takes Givi hard bags.  I've toured on it, I've gone camping with it, I've commuted and run errands on it.  It has very long valve check intervals.  It's reliable as all get-out.

I've considered others - and tried others - and this is the one that works the best for me.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 03:14:27 PM
FZ.

(http://www.roadstergal.info/7_20_08/4741.jpg)
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: tussey on October 01, 2008, 03:23:42 PM
sv650

SEX FOR MY EYES :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2006models/2006-Suzuki-SV650b.jpg)
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: bikejunkie223 on October 01, 2008, 03:35:46 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 03:14:27 PM
FZ.

(http://www.roadstergal.info/7_20_08/4741.jpg)

My pants just got a bit tight with that pic....
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: ohgood on October 01, 2008, 03:46:55 PM
the fz6 is a more revvy bike, tons more power than a gs

the sv650 is a torque monster compared to the gs

the vstrom is a pig (loveable) compared to the gs, more power

the gladius ? who knows, we'll see soon enough !

i'd go for the sv650 simply because it's known reliable, tough, torquey, and flickable.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 04:04:26 PM
I've had SV650s, and although I liked 'em, I find the FZ to be a more practical streetbike.  I like that it's both upright and faired (with the SV, you have to choose one or the other), and the suspension doesn't have that SV brake dive (at least, on the '07 - suspension was one of the aforementioned improvements).
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: simoniz on October 01, 2008, 04:29:19 PM
Try a Kawasaki Ninja 650 - I have one and they are loads of fun.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: theUBS on October 01, 2008, 08:43:42 PM
Homely though it maybe, I'd still like to give the Versys a try...
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 09:01:04 PM
I'd take a Strom before a Versys.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Danny500 on October 01, 2008, 09:07:41 PM
Kawi Ninja 650R... That or possibly a GSXR...

Try finding a good windshield for the GS, even an air-foil or splitter of some sort if you don't like the big windshields.

Dan
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: theUBS on October 01, 2008, 09:10:13 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 09:01:04 PM
I'd take a Strom before a Versys.

Any particular reason you'd prefer the V-Strom?  Not that I was headed out the door with my money in hand, I'm just interested to hear someone else's reasoning.  :thumb:
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 09:47:51 PM
I like the character of a V-Twin over a parallel.  I've ridden the 650R, and it doesn't do much for me; I don't think a detuned version of it would do too much more.

That being said, I don't own either.  ;)  I want a sport tourer or a dualsport, not something that can't decide which it wants to be.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Danny500 on October 01, 2008, 10:25:51 PM
Well in that case... Concourse... Busa... Ninja ZX14...

I'm sure you could tour on one of those... at like... 200mph...

:thumb:

Dan
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: bikejunkie223 on October 01, 2008, 10:40:00 PM
^ yeah but all of those are ugly as hell! For my next bike I'm probabbly gonna go:

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200r&bikeSection=urban

or:
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=2008r1200gs&bikeSection=enduro

(http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3867/namibiaorange5817210tg3.gif) (http://imageshack.us)


for my next bike
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Danny500 on October 01, 2008, 10:44:16 PM
Not bad!

Dan
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: hotrodstu77 on October 01, 2008, 10:48:02 PM
eeeewwwwwwww bimmer! just kidding my dad has always wanted one....
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: theUBS on October 01, 2008, 10:52:55 PM
Quote from: bikejunkie223 on October 01, 2008, 10:40:00 PM
^ yeah but all of those are ugly as hell! For my next bike I'm probabbly gonna go:

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200r&bikeSection=urban

or:
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=2008r1200gs&bikeSection=enduro

(http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3867/namibiaorange5817210tg3.gif) (http://imageshack.us)


for my next bike

I have a friend that just got the R 1200 GS.  He bought it used--2005 I think.  He bought it in Manhatten and made a road trip home to Dallas.  ...talk about spending some time in the saddle to get familiar with your new ride. 

Now the R 1200 R, that's just sexy--especially in Black!
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: fred on October 01, 2008, 11:05:39 PM
I want an R 1200 GS Adventure. It would be totally sweet!
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: AyeKay on October 02, 2008, 05:24:56 AM
I'm leaning towards an CBR600 F4i

Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: DoD#i on October 02, 2008, 06:15:02 AM
Quote from: Rhandom on October 01, 2008, 02:18:04 PM
My only real complaint is the lack of fairing, and the desire for another gear.

What is the recommended "next bike" for a very satisfied gs owner who's tired of being cold and wet.

A 17 or 18 tooth sprocket and a big honking plexifairing. Here's gsjack's:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/02GS500wPlexi2.jpg)

Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: surf.seppo on October 03, 2008, 01:17:14 PM
I'm gonna second the r1200r. It's hands-down the sexiest bike BMW makes now. Still has the same basic engine layout as the post-WWII /2 series (although it's closer based on the /5 that followed them ... just with modern tech like an oil cooler).

BMW also has that new range of single-cylinder urban bikes. Wacky styling, but .. hey ... that's what Mr. Bangle over at BMW seems to be doing nowadays.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Jackstand Johnny on October 03, 2008, 04:17:24 PM
Quote from: tussey on October 01, 2008, 03:23:42 PM
sv650

SEX FOR MY EYES :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2006models/2006-Suzuki-SV650b.jpg)

I second that.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: bikejunkie223 on October 03, 2008, 10:30:24 PM
Yeah, I need this next:
(http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/792/cristalgraymetallic8161br4.gif) (http://imageshack.us)

I'll likely do hard bags and a trunk too so we can do a bit of touring
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: shiznizbiz on October 04, 2008, 07:56:16 PM
Ive seen two 1250 bandits in two days now.  The night clerk at a hotel had a black one with some hard cases on it. Looks freaking great.  Then I went to pick up a tinted shield for my helmet today, and a guy pulled up on a sweet red one with a chin spoiler and monoseat and a rear hugger.  It was freakign sweet.   
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Teek on October 05, 2008, 12:25:20 AM
We went by a moto shop in Ventura today, I sat on one of these, it is neat and a bit rad but too heavy and too much power for me, there is a 900 also but I have not seen one.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/2850/picture/5220/picture/5219/ (http://www.gizmag.com/go/2850/picture/5220/picture/5219/)

Then I saw an older Monster, a '97 750, 10K miles, pearl yellow, twin CF cans, CF side plastics, a black Corbin seat, low and lean, immaculate, if price was no object that would be the bike I would take next. In fact if I'd had the money I'd have rented a truck and brought it home.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/2009-ducati-monster-696-review-77793.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/2009-ducati-monster-696-review-77793.html)

I heard about the Gladius today from the store owner, I'm looking fwd to seeing one in person.

But right now I still love my little GS!

And you Bimmer voters must be watching Long Way Down right now, hmm??   ;)
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: natewesselink on October 05, 2008, 12:56:12 AM
i second the cbr600f4 ive ridden one inbetween 2 rides on my gs
no offense to die hard gs lovers but the cbr600 makes the gs500 feel utterly gutless in turns and in overall power
plus it sounds reallly good if you get a nice exaust system on it (its too damn quiet for me stock)
one drawback on the cbr is that its a very high strung bike and the handlebars rattle severely around 3000 to 5000 rpm but above that its butter
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on October 05, 2008, 01:25:51 AM
883c or 1200, wiht a windshield, or an xb9s,  :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: clarkekent on October 07, 2008, 08:53:44 PM
Ever check out the Triumph Street Triple 675?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s232/clarkekent13/08_Triumph_StreetTriple-089.jpg)(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s232/clarkekent13/3edit.jpg)
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: theUBS on October 07, 2008, 08:59:58 PM
Quote from: clarkekent on October 07, 2008, 08:53:44 PM
Ever check out the Triumph Street Triple 675?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s232/clarkekent13/08_Triumph_StreetTriple-089.jpg)(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s232/clarkekent13/3edit.jpg)

I know I haven't.  Honestly, who would want a sexy, powerful, naked, hooligan bike?  :cookoo:





:laugh: :laugh:  I'd probably already have one in my stable if I had the cash laying around!
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: bikejunkie223 on October 08, 2008, 06:45:50 AM
Yeah, those are cool but I keep finding myself leaning towards a sport-tourer that can still carve corners like the bimmers or a Honda Interceptor VFR:

(http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1190/interceptor3373840hq0.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


That's tight right there- V4 with VTEC (variable valve timing and lift for those that have always wondered) Single sided swingarm, undertail exhaust. Hotness IMO
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: fred on October 08, 2008, 08:21:10 AM
That is a nice bike. I'm a huge sucker for undertail exhaust...
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: theUBS on October 08, 2008, 11:52:15 AM
Quote from: bikejunkie223 on October 08, 2008, 06:45:50 AM
Yeah, those are cool but I keep finding myself leaning towards a sport-tourer that can still carve corners like the bimmers or a Honda Interceptor VFR:

(http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1190/interceptor3373840hq0.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


That's tight right there- V4 with VTEC (variable valve timing and lift for those that have always wondered) Single sided swingarm, undertail exhaust. Hotness IMO

That'd be a great bike, but I'd have to have risers or some sort of tube bar for longer lasting comfort.  I like a lot of Honda's stuff--automotive and powersport.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Teek on November 16, 2008, 12:21:26 AM
I've ridden the Honda 599 several times, isn't it basically a detuned CBR F4? Standard seating position? Don't import them anymore? I think
2006 was the last year. Over twice the horsepower of the GS, civilized but slick as snot, and not too horribly expensive used a couple years old.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Cusimano on November 16, 2008, 06:05:29 AM
GSXR!!! really wow im surprise people actually would say that. since the gs500 and gsxr is nothing a like. sv650s or honda 599 have the similair riding styles vs laying on the tank like the gsxr is. just my 2ยข id go with sv650s or honda 599, that is if you really do like your gs500 just wish it had more fairings and the extra gear feel.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: 905mike on November 16, 2008, 04:32:12 PM
GSXR600? R6? sheesh!?

i'd say go w/ a Bandit 650 or FZ6 or Ninja650R.
i'm leanin' towards the Ninja650R as my next ride.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: shiznizbiz on November 16, 2008, 05:57:22 PM
fz-1.....muahha hahahahah haha
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: lilwoody on November 16, 2008, 07:41:10 PM
This will be my next bike after I get my last kid through college or they all become magically independent.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y299/liloody/BMW_F800_Front_Rt_3-4.jpg)
BMW F800ST, I really like they way this bike looks and it's a paralle twin.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: fred on November 16, 2008, 08:57:31 PM
Quote from: lilwoody on November 16, 2008, 07:41:10 PM
This will be my next bike after I get my last kid through college or they all become magically independent.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y299/liloody/BMW_F800_Front_Rt_3-4.jpg)
BMW F800ST, I really like they way this bike looks and it's a paralle twin.

Very nice looking bike. I've never seen one of those before... I'll have to look out for them now.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: chipster on November 17, 2008, 08:45:06 AM
 Someone above laughed, but I  did move up from GS500 to a FZ1.  I was looking for FZ6 and found a FZ1 at a price and condition I couldnt pass up. It is a BIG jump in power but handles great. I only got a week of riding on it before the temps dropped. It may have more power than I want but I'll give it a few months. I know I can sell it for more than I bought it and drop down to a FZ6 or a Honda. Man is it a smooooooth ride though !!!
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: shiznizbiz on November 23, 2008, 01:03:55 AM
Quote from: chipster on November 17, 2008, 08:45:06 AM
Someone above laughed, but I  did move up from GS500 to a FZ1.  I was looking for FZ6 and found a FZ1 at a price and condition I couldnt pass up. It is a BIG jump in power but handles great. I only got a week of riding on it before the temps dropped. It may have more power than I want but I'll give it a few months. I know I can sell it for more than I bought it and drop down to a FZ6 or a Honda. Man is it a smooooooth ride though !!!

That would be me laughing, but in a meniacal sort of way as though saying....it be da shaZam! my nizzle. 
I got a chance to sit and rev one at the dealership, and i came oh so close to getting instant bonerage.  I love the fz1 for some f%$king reason.  I cant place it.  Its that kind aof unexplainable feelign a guy has when hes asked why he loves his fat ugly Buddha Loves You of a girlfriend.  He cant explain it.
Love....you cant explain it or prevent it.  It happens when it happens for a reason.
With that said. Im feelign the big jump when i do decide to do the step up.  idk, dont ask why.  Stupid, idk, crazy, idk. :cookoo:
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: bikejunkie223 on November 25, 2008, 12:05:25 AM
Fz1 is a really nice motorcycle. I'd rock one. :thumb:
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on November 25, 2008, 02:09:32 PM
I'll get one if they put the big bang in.

My current plan is just to wait for a squid to bin an '09 R1, then shoehorn the engine into my FZ6.   :cheers:
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: shiznizbiz on November 25, 2008, 11:15:54 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal on November 25, 2008, 02:09:32 PM
I'll get one if they put the big bang in.

My current plan is just to wait for a squid to bin an '09 R1, then shoehorn the engine into my FZ6.   :cheers:
Whats this big bang you speak of
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on November 26, 2008, 02:40:13 AM
Quote from: bikejunkie223 on October 01, 2008, 03:35:46 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal on October 01, 2008, 03:14:27 PM
FZ.

(http://www.roadstergal.info/7_20_08/4741.jpg)

My pants just got a bit tight with that pic....
you ought to see its rider  :icon_twisted: , but alas, shes married  :mad: :mad: :laugh:
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: Roadstergal on November 27, 2008, 08:57:59 PM
Quote from: shiznizbiz on November 25, 2008, 11:15:54 PMWhats this big bang you speak of

An I-4 with each con rod 90 degrees from the one before.  It's like a twin in grunt, but an I-4 in screaming power.
Title: Re: I <3 my GS, but
Post by: shiznizbiz on November 29, 2008, 06:47:32 PM
im thinking i get the picture.