I just started riding my 2009 gs500f yesterday. I've been having a blast, despite everyone telling me I would get tired of it soon. I somehow doubt that I will with it being my first bike at least for awhile. I was wondering however if any one had some advice on things to look out for as a new rider and for my bike.
See this message topic. Lots of replies there:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=57801.0
PS: You shouldn't find yourself bored. Bought my first GS500 in May 2010. Still love it.... so much I bought 2 more. I don't see myself switching to anything else for a long time. Plenty of power in a 500 plus so easy and fun to ride.
thanks for the quick reply, I need to hone my search skills lol.
Quote from: adidasguy on September 28, 2011, 02:02:38 PM
See this message topic. Lots of replies there:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=57801.0
PS: You shouldn't find yourself bored. Bought my first GS500 in May 2010. Still love it.... so much I bought 2 more. I don't see myself switching to anything else for a long time. Plenty of power in a 500 plus so easy and fun to ride.
I also got my 2009 in early summer '10.........18,500 miles since then...best purchase I've ever made.....look at a lot of other bikes...none can top the GS for what I want and need....
Cookie
some people never grow tired of it
i know a guy who rode has a GS and a GSXR600 but prefers to ride his GS anyday
Welcome! Anyone that has told you you'll get tired of it..has never owned one.
For me it's the whole, "I'd rather ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow." Which is what I think everyone on a super-sport that's not on a race track is doing, and some that are.
I know a guy that is "bored" with his 600 after 3 months. It's his first bike too. I caught a glimpse of him riding one day. Poor motorcycle. A 3 year old girl with training wheels would have made it happier. The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out. :dunno_black: :cheers:
Quote from: redhawkdancing on September 28, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out. :dunno_black: :cheers:
Start riding more with the sport bike crowd instead of the cruiser guys and you'll build your skills up :laugh: :laugh:
-Jessie
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 28, 2011, 06:59:28 PM
Quote from: redhawkdancing on September 28, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out. :dunno_black: :cheers:
Start riding more with the sport bike crowd instead of the cruiser guys and you'll build your skills up :laugh: :laugh:
-Jessie
I know a guy who rides a Electra Glide like a motoGP bike. He'll run circles around 99% of people with sport bikes. A motorcycle is a motorcycle no matter what type of motorcycle it is.
Also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWaq0zOaAVU&feature=related
Find me your typical guy on a squid launcher that has the dexterity and motorcycle knowledge that guy has that isn't:
http://www.dump.com/2011/02/24/unreal-control-on-honda-cbr600-video/
Most squids that run the twisties have horrible technique and barely scrape by with their lives. It's not common to see ANY motorcyclist run the twisties with good form, none the less a high-dexterity cone course. You should be learning from the RIDER not his RIDE. The same physics that apply to a sportbike apply to a cruiser.
I know I went off the deep end, but I've been looking for a reason to post these two videos since I saw them :P.
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on September 28, 2011, 07:18:04 PM
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 28, 2011, 06:59:28 PM
Quote from: redhawkdancing on September 28, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out. :dunno_black: :cheers:
Start riding more with the sport bike crowd instead of the cruiser guys and you'll build your skills up :laugh: :laugh:
-Jessie
I know a guy who rides a Electra Glide like a motoGP bike. He'll run circles around 99% of people with sport bikes. A motorcycle is a motorcycle no matter what type of motorcycle it is.
Also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWaq0zOaAVU&feature=related
Find me your typical guy on a squid launcher that has the dexterity and motorcycle knowledge that guy has that isn't:
http://www.dump.com/2011/02/24/unreal-control-on-honda-cbr600-video/
Most squids that run the twisties have horrible technique and barely scrape by with their lives. It's not common to see ANY motorcyclist run the twisties with good form, none the less a high-dexterity cone course. You should be learning from the RIDER not his RIDE. The same physics that apply to a sportbike apply to a cruiser.
I know I went off the deep end, but I've been looking for a reason to post these two videos since I saw them :P.
That was actually an inside joke at Redhawk. He went riding with Adfalchius and I last weekend and commented that it was a lot more spirited than the cruiser guys he normally rides with :)
I will agree the same physics/skill apply but the machines are built for 2 different purposes and have much different limitations. I'm guilty of forgetting that statement a few times when I've hopped on my old Shadow. I get reminded really quickly to alter my riding style after the exhaust pipes scrape in a turn :laugh:
-Jessie
Whoa! Those japanese riders are insane! I want to learn to ride like that.. Now that's skill.
Quote from: missk8t on September 28, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Whoa! Those japanese riders are insane! I want to learn to ride like that.. Now that's skill.
You can start by practicing doing full lock figure 8 turns in a parking lot. That's one of my ritual practices each spring when I'm dusting off my motorcycle skills. I find it helps to leave the clutch engaged as much as possible and drag the rear brake :thumb:
-Jessie
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 28, 2011, 06:59:28 PM
Start riding more with the sport bike crowd instead of the cruiser guys and you'll build your skills up :laugh: :laugh:
-Jessie
I knew that was coming! :thumb:
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 29, 2011, 03:17:16 AM
Quote from: missk8t on September 28, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Whoa! Those japanese riders are insane! I want to learn to ride like that.. Now that's skill.
You can start by practicing doing full lock figure 8 turns in a parking lot. That's one of my ritual practices each spring when I'm dusting off my motorcycle skills. I find it helps to leave the clutch engaged as much as possible and drag the rear brake :thumb:
-Jessie
That's a quick way to drop your bike. You want to feather the clutch appropriately, LIGHTLY drag the rear brake and feed it enough throttle to keep the bike up.
Also remember to only do one or two runs at the cones before you take a 10-20 min brake. Cone practice is a great way to burnout your clutch/rear brake.
Quote from: VegasRider on September 28, 2011, 01:56:20 PM
despite everyone telling me I would get tired of it soon.
If you get tired of riding ANY kind of motorcycle ... your doing it wrong :D
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on September 29, 2011, 08:45:44 AM
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 29, 2011, 03:17:16 AM
Quote from: missk8t on September 28, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Whoa! Those japanese riders are insane! I want to learn to ride like that.. Now that's skill.
You can start by practicing doing full lock figure 8 turns in a parking lot. That's one of my ritual practices each spring when I'm dusting off my motorcycle skills. I find it helps to leave the clutch engaged as much as possible and drag the rear brake :thumb:
-Jessie
That's a quick way to drop your bike. You want to feather the clutch appropriately, LIGHTLY drag the rear brake and feed it enough throttle to keep the bike up.
Also remember to only do one or two runs at the cones before you take a 10-20 min brake. Cone practice is a great way to burnout your clutch/rear brake.
That was actually something I picked up from the old Ride Like A Pro videos that are based in police motorcycle training. Feathering the clutch tends to make the bike more unstable, especially with new riders who tend to let the clutch out too quickly. Use what ever technique works best for you, that is just a tip I found that worked for me. Anybody can hold a bike up at speed, it is the slow parking lot manuevers that really show skill :thumb:
-Jessie
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 29, 2011, 10:55:14 AM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on September 29, 2011, 08:45:44 AM
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 29, 2011, 03:17:16 AM
Quote from: missk8t on September 28, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Whoa! Those japanese riders are insane! I want to learn to ride like that.. Now that's skill.
You can start by practicing doing full lock figure 8 turns in a parking lot. That's one of my ritual practices each spring when I'm dusting off my motorcycle skills. I find it helps to leave the clutch engaged as much as possible and drag the rear brake :thumb:
-Jessie
That's a quick way to drop your bike. You want to feather the clutch appropriately, LIGHTLY drag the rear brake and feed it enough throttle to keep the bike up.
Also remember to only do one or two runs at the cones before you take a 10-20 min brake. Cone practice is a great way to burnout your clutch/rear brake.
That was actually something I picked up from the old Ride Like A Pro videos that are based in police motorcycle training. Feathering the clutch tends to make the bike more unstable, especially with new riders who tend to let the clutch out too quickly. Use what ever technique works best for you, that is just a tip I found that worked for me. Anybody can hold a bike up at speed, it is the slow parking lot manuevers that really show skill :thumb:
-Jessie
And practice, practice, practice.
In other words, ride safe, ride often :thumb:
Dale
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 29, 2011, 10:55:14 AM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on September 29, 2011, 08:45:44 AM
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on September 29, 2011, 03:17:16 AM
Quote from: missk8t on September 28, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Whoa! Those japanese riders are insane! I want to learn to ride like that.. Now that's skill.
You can start by practicing doing full lock figure 8 turns in a parking lot. That's one of my ritual practices each spring when I'm dusting off my motorcycle skills. I find it helps to leave the clutch engaged as much as possible and drag the rear brake :thumb:
-Jessie
That's a quick way to drop your bike. You want to feather the clutch appropriately, LIGHTLY drag the rear brake and feed it enough throttle to keep the bike up.
Also remember to only do one or two runs at the cones before you take a 10-20 min brake. Cone practice is a great way to burnout your clutch/rear brake.
That was actually something I picked up from the old Ride Like A Pro videos that are based in police motorcycle training. Feathering the clutch tends to make the bike more unstable, especially with new riders who tend to let the clutch out too quickly. Use what ever technique works best for you, that is just a tip I found that worked for me. Anybody can hold a bike up at speed, it is the slow parking lot manuevers that really show skill :thumb:
-Jessie
You are correct. Most videos recommend holding the clutch as steady as possible. I suppose "feathering" really depends on the maneuver. There's more feathering at timed runs. Now that I think about, when I practice I hold the clutch as steady as possible. It's only when we're going balls-to-the-wall on the police cone runs that I end up feathering (to make time).
That being said, circles still intimidate the hell out of me. Going from a 12 foot offset weave into a circle leaves a lot of room to screw up. I'm still learning how to get through that one quickly :p.
That being said I'm not an expert. I just ride cones with a guy who turns a Electra Glide into a sportbike. I've got plenty of learning left.
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on September 30, 2011, 09:31:18 AM
I've got plenty of learning left.
I cut my teeth riding motocross and harescrambles as a kid and got into street bikes as a teen so I have been on 2 wheels for a long time and I still have plenty more to learn and by no means consider myself an expert, just proficient. I still like to read up and watch training videos when I have time. I like to pass along tips that have worked for me but every rider has to decide for themselves what works best for their riding style. I still want to get better at stunt riding and trails riding while my body is young enough to recover from the inevitable tumbles ;)
Back to the original poster: I would recommend avoiding shifting in turns until you get really comfortable working the clutch and shift lever, especially 1-2 shifts. I've seen a lot of newbs (and done it myself) doing a turn from a stop and end up in neutral instead of second :oops:
-Jessie
[POST HAS BEEN REMOVED BY USER]
I went for a ride with a bunch of 1kers on the GS. Yep, they were all like, "it's carbs and air cooled" blah blah blah. After a quick 45 minute dash where they wondered where I was until they caught me on the straights about half way into it cause I won't speed like they do, they expressed their respect to the bike when we pulled up. Sure, after that they just all did their 40kph over the limit and got places before me - but in the end, only a few minutes ahead.
I still ride with 'em on my 919 and it's still the same - they go roaring off and I lag behind doing my thing. They get done for doing 40 over the limit and lose their license for six months before getting it back clean, I don't get booked. Strangest group to ride with.
Michael
Quote from: VegasRider on September 28, 2011, 01:56:20 PM
I just started riding my 2009 gs500f yesterday. I've been having a blast, despite everyone telling me I would get tired of it soon.
It's been 72 hrs. now...get tired of it yet :icon_question:
not at all. I cleaned and lubed the chain today because I wasn't sure how long ago it was done and I had some spare time to kill :cool: but the bike is a lot of fun, at least for a first bike, and I am able to make mistakes on it and not be in the hospital because of them. I did get to thinking though, how do you know when your truly ready for another bike. Not that I am anywhere near that point but will I just go out one day, possibly a year from now, and come home with a brand new bike only to feel I am not ready?
Quote from: VegasRider on October 06, 2011, 09:10:46 PM
not at all. I cleaned and lubed the chain today because I wasn't sure how long ago it was done and I had some spare time to kill :cool: but the bike is a lot of fun, at least for a first bike, and I am able to make mistakes on it and not be in the hospital because of them. I did get to thinking though, how do you know when your truly ready for another bike. Not that I am anywhere near that point but will I just go out one day, possibly a year from now, and come home with a brand new bike only to feel I am not ready?
You'll know. You won't have any fears of anything, you've rode through a few seasons of rain/snow/heat and done fine, your throttle/shifting is steady and consistent (this is the major thing), and your confidence on any bike is super high. Everything you do on a bigger bike is magnified two times. Whereas you might be able to accidentally dump the clutch at a stop light and jerk your GS500 around you'll quickly 12 o'clock a 600RR for example.
Good luck, don't push your limits. Don't try and be a Casey stoner, or Valentino Rossi. Always wear your gear and just enjoy it. I started riding in march with my GS and I love it. Enough acceleration power and nice handling and good range.
Quote from: VegasRider on October 06, 2011, 09:10:46 PMWill I just go out one day, possibly a year from now, and come home with a brand new bike only to feel I am not ready?
A year from now ? Maybe.
Most people find the plain-vanilla character of the GS get's boring after awhile. There are just too many other bikes out there that have so much more zip that eventually you can't help yourself ~ you have to try one.
One day you may or may not get another GS. There are lots of people out there with more than one motorcycle who have learned to appreciate the simplicity of their GS500, or who have chosen to enhance what the GS is good at and stop worrying about what it's not.
Quote from: SAFE-T on October 08, 2011, 09:24:01 AM
Quote from: VegasRider on October 06, 2011, 09:10:46 PMWill I just go out one day, possibly a year from now, and come home with a brand new bike only to feel I am not ready?
A year from now ? Maybe.
Most people find the plain-vanilla character of the GS get's boring after awhile. There are just too many other bikes out there that have so much more zip that eventually you can't help yourself ~ you have to try one.
One day you may or may not get another GS. There are lots of people out there with more than one motorcycle who have learned to appreciate the simplicity of their GS500, or who have chosen to enhance what the GS is good at and stop worrying about what it's not.
I agree, the character of a STOCK gs is really mundane and boring. It's quiet and very lawnmower like. Also, the general amount of shaZam! I get from the people with 600RRs+ is unrelenting at best. I've pretty much gone lone wolf on rides just because every time I ride with the "big bikes" they feel it's their job to dust me to show me how underpowered my bike is and then give me shaZam! about it when I meet them at the place we're going. I can keep up with them (and if I had more balls - pass them) in the turns if I wanted. But I'd still get a tremendous amount of shaZam!. Once I get a 15T front sprocket here in the next 6 months when I need to buy a new chain and get my new jardine full + pods installed the bike will have some real character. It won't sound like as much of a push over.
My pride was kind of hurt when some @$$hole pulled my bike out of the crowd and said it looked like the most awkward standard bike ever. It made me want to rip off the fairings and spend all my money turning it into a cafe racer (it's roots). It hurt my pride so bad actually I rode the rest of them way home contemplating riding it this weekend or just putting it up for the winter. I don't think I could ever follow through with boxing my bike up for the winter though. I love riding too much - even if I do get endless shaZam! for it.
It takes some self control not to make up for engine power with a jaw-breaking left hook however. The gs500 teaches you more than just riding ability, it's teaches you how to keep your ego in check. The more you stay cool and collected during the learning phase, the humble you'll be when you move on to bigger better things.
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 08, 2011, 03:01:40 PM
My pride was kind of hurt when some @$$hole pulled my bike out of the crowd and said it looked like the most awkward standard bike ever. It made me want to rip off the fairings and spend all my money turning it into a cafe racer (it's roots). It hurt my pride so bad actually I rode the rest of them way home contemplating riding it this weekend or just putting it up for the winter. I don't think I could ever follow through with boxing my bike up for the winter though. I love riding too much - even if I do get endless shaZam! for it.
1. You need to find a crowd of
real riders. Or no crowd at all.
2. Grow a set, man! I mean no offense. But if an @$$hole's comment about your bike hurts your pride.... Spend some time riding and building your confidence. And keep riding up until Christmas. That'll put some hair on your chest!
Quote from: Paulcet on October 08, 2011, 05:23:23 PM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 08, 2011, 03:01:40 PM
My pride was kind of hurt when some @$$hole pulled my bike out of the crowd and said it looked like the most awkward standard bike ever. It made me want to rip off the fairings and spend all my money turning it into a cafe racer (it's roots). It hurt my pride so bad actually I rode the rest of them way home contemplating riding it this weekend or just putting it up for the winter. I don't think I could ever follow through with boxing my bike up for the winter though. I love riding too much - even if I do get endless shaZam! for it.
1. You need to find a crowd of real riders. Or no crowd at all.
2. Grow a set, man! I mean no offense. But if an @$$hole's comment about your bike hurts your pride.... Spend some time riding and building your confidence. And keep riding up until Christmas. That'll put some hair on your chest!
That's right. Hang out with REAL riders that LOVE bikes and are not such bigoted a-holes.
I've had scary Harley guys come up to me on the beach or the ferry and show real interest in Suzi. They ask questions about how agile it is and how fast it accelerates. Their bikes are big and heavy, slow to accelerate. Sure, they're great for long trips and making noise. They know that and we really had nice talks about bikes and the differences between their big one and my nice little GS500.
Today on the ferry there was a dude with a Kawasaki something red crotch rocket. His riding buddy? A newbie with a 150 scooter!
Here, we don't care what you have. All bikes are good bikes. There is no reason to be ashamed of your GS500 (or even a 150 scooter riding with a liter crotch rocket!). One of my rising buddies today has a Honda 1300 chromed out big arse cruiser. We love riding together.
Like we say - find some real bikers to hang out with.
Now get out there and RIDE! Your GS500 is a great bike. Take pride in your bike.
Quote from: adidasguy on October 08, 2011, 06:06:01 PM
Quote from: Paulcet on October 08, 2011, 05:23:23 PM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 08, 2011, 03:01:40 PM
My pride was kind of hurt when some @$$hole pulled my bike out of the crowd and said it looked like the most awkward standard bike ever. It made me want to rip off the fairings and spend all my money turning it into a cafe racer (it's roots). It hurt my pride so bad actually I rode the rest of them way home contemplating riding it this weekend or just putting it up for the winter. I don't think I could ever follow through with boxing my bike up for the winter though. I love riding too much - even if I do get endless shaZam! for it.
1. You need to find a crowd of real riders. Or no crowd at all.
2. Grow a set, man! I mean no offense. But if an @$$hole's comment about your bike hurts your pride.... Spend some time riding and building your confidence. And keep riding up until Christmas. That'll put some hair on your chest!
That's right. Hang out with REAL riders that LOVE bikes and are not such bigoted a-holes.
I've had scary Harley guys come up to me on the beach or the ferry and show real interest in Suzi. They ask questions about how agile it is and how fast it accelerates. Their bikes are big and heavy, slow to accelerate. Sure, they're great for long trips and making noise. They know that and we really had nice talks about bikes and the differences between their big one and my nice little GS500.
Today on the ferry there was a dude with a Kawasaki something red crotch rocket. His riding buddy? A newbie with a 150 scooter!
Here, we don't care what you have. All bikes are good bikes. There is no reason to be ashamed of your GS500 (or even a 150 scooter riding with a liter crotch rocket!). One of my rising buddies today has a Honda 1300 chromed out big arse cruiser. We love riding together.
Like we say - find some real bikers to hang out with.
Now get out there and RIDE! Your GS500 is a great bike. Take pride in your bike.
I do appreciate the motivation, ill never quit riding. Ive since gone lone wolf, I hope to find a crew down here. The amount of power hungry squids in Vegas is kind of depressing however.
Yeah stuff the haters they'll be dead on in wheelchairs from highsiding pulling out if their local maccas car park. Meanwhile you'll sail past on the GS.
GS500, Honda 1300, Honda 150 scooter, Kawasaki crotch rocket. (Guess you can't see the Kawasaki back there).
No fighting here.
Maybe you're hanging our with the wrong crowd.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Vashon%20Island%2011-08-2011/ferry_11_08.jpg)
Quote from: Paulcet on October 08, 2011, 05:23:23 PM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 08, 2011, 03:01:40 PM
My pride was kind of hurt when some @$$hole pulled my bike out of the crowd and said it looked like the most awkward standard bike ever. It made me want to rip off the fairings and spend all my money turning it into a cafe racer (it's roots). It hurt my pride so bad actually I rode the rest of them way home contemplating riding it this weekend or just putting it up for the winter. I don't think I could ever follow through with boxing my bike up for the winter though. I love riding too much - even if I do get endless shaZam! for it.
1. You need to find a crowd of real riders. Or no crowd at all.
2. Grow a set, man! I mean no offense. But if an @$$hole's comment about your bike hurts your pride.... Spend some time riding and building your confidence. And keep riding up until Christmas. That'll put some hair on your chest!
First, you need to create some ready-made comebacks for this crap squids might wanna give you.
"Sure mate, your bike can sh!t all over this. But this bike is only for people who don't have something to compensate for"
"I'd let you ride it but the power will underwhelm you"
"Dude, this bike is so pathetically slow, I regularly get passed by mopeds. In fact, I dream of the day I can ride as fast as a moped. So what's your point?"
"This is a naturally aspirated 487cc bike that's built with 20 year old technology and you're trying to big note yourself? Get a friggin life you dork.
And my favorite...
"Fark off idiot."
I also like to call Them out... "I'm sorry, are you trying to big note yourself in front of your mates? Trying to raise your self up by trying to put other people down. Is that it?"... "I mean, seriously, why else would you try to belittle me and my bike in front of all these people if you weren't trying to be a big shot?" "You're not a big shot, you're a cockhead who just showed everyone how much of a cockhead you are."
You get the idea.
But really, like has been said, find other people to ride with. There's plenty out there who don't have such egos to stoke.
Michael
You're joking about people picking on you for your GS?
I get nonstop compliments even though I have a dent in the gas tank
Time to find a new group
The people I know who ride bikes have put crap on my GS because it's nothing flash, but you know what I say to them?
"I'd rather have a bike that was designed years ago and never changed then one that was designed last year and keeps having teething problems. Also, my GS is perfect for me, I'm learning and it's got enough grunt to get me where I want to go but also enough forgiveness that I don't crash. So piss off and go pick on a Harley rider, oh wait... you are one. :icon_lol:" :flipoff:
Just remember, it's not the size of the bike that counts. It's how you use it. :thumb:
In the end it's stil a 500cc motorcycle (shhhhhhh no one tell it's our gstwin secret). Still moves faster than a 250 and just about any production car, and handles with the best of em? How bout you ask ole mates who hang ship on your bike what there last service, and tyre cost them on there fancy R1's, gsxr's, hybusa's, and vtr1000sp1's? Not to mention insurance. Then :flipoff: them I'm off to take my girl to a fancy restaurant while your stuck here in your local fast food carpark.
Quote from: rebel_rocket on October 09, 2011, 02:08:39 PM
You're joking about people picking on you for your GS?
VegasRider, great thread you got here.
Some observations on the GS. . .
While no one has ever disrespected my GS500F to my face, I have certainly taken my share of abuse for it here on the internet.
I think it all started long ago when magazine reviewers kept calling it a "beginners bike".
I have also been told it's a rust bucket, (my 5 year old GS has no rust).
I have seen it referred to as a "girls bike", (my wife & daughter don't seem to like or dislike it compared to my other bikes).
It has been stated that it is woefully "underpowered", (heck, you want underpowered? Take a ride on my DL1000 anyplace below 4000 RPM. Now THATS underpowered!).
Two final thoughts. . .
1.) If at all possible, when you do buy a bigger bike, don't sell your GS500. Hold on to it. It will be the absolute best "second" bike you'll ever own!
2.) The most dangerous thing you'll ever do on a motorcycle is ride "un-alone".
Regards,
-Ej-
"Beginners bike" is just another way of saying it handles so easy and is so forgiving that you won't get into trouble (i.e. wrapped around a tree) when riding it. It means it was designed really well and riding it is very easy and you're like "one with the bike".
Would I want a bike that takes lots of practice to learn to ride? No.
Another come-back:
"I love my GS500. It is a real blast to ride. How do you feel about your bike?"
PS: I've had many people come to me in a parking lot and say "I used to have a GS500. I loved it. Then I moved up to a bigger bike. I really miss my GS500. Cool bike you have there!"
For my city riding the gs500 does what it needs to and more. I know I'll be happy for quite some time. Not to mention I have an extended warranty until april of 2013 ha :)
Quote from: redhawkdancing on September 28, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
I know a guy that is "bored" with his 600 after 3 months. It's his first bike too. I caught a glimpse of him riding one day. Poor motorcycle. A 3 year old girl with training wheels would have made it happier. The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out. :dunno_black: :cheers:
Poor 600 has no more worries in this world! :cry: The kid is okay though! :cheers:
Quote from: redhawkdancing on October 11, 2011, 05:58:28 AM
Quote from: redhawkdancing on September 28, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
I know a guy that is "bored" with his 600 after 3 months. It's his first bike too. I caught a glimpse of him riding one day. Poor motorcycle. A 3 year old girl with training wheels would have made it happier. The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out.
Poor 600 has no more worries in this world! The kid is okay though!
Hate to stray off topic but. . .
Yeah, I too have been baffled by some riders that get bored (or even depressed) over their current motorcycle.
I have a couple of 1970's mopeds that are a blast at only 50cc.
So Geez, I wonder what's not to like about a 600cc anything? :dunno_black:
Quote from: Electrojake on October 11, 2011, 02:27:57 PM
Quote from: redhawkdancing on October 11, 2011, 05:58:28 AM
Quote from: redhawkdancing on September 28, 2011, 06:47:44 PM
I know a guy that is "bored" with his 600 after 3 months. It's his first bike too. I caught a glimpse of him riding one day. Poor motorcycle. A 3 year old girl with training wheels would have made it happier. The GS5 can be plenty fun and go plenty fast, you just have to learn how to ride the thing. I'm still figuring that part out.
Poor 600 has no more worries in this world! The kid is okay though!
Hate to stray off topic but. . .
Yeah, I too have been baffled by some riders that get bored (or even depressed) over their current motorcycle.
I have a couple of 1970's mopeds that are a blast at only 50cc.
So Geez, I wonder what's not to like about a 600cc anything? :dunno_black:
IMHO: He's not actually bored with it. All his Mates have liter bikes and such. So he has to come up with some Sounds Good reason to want what his mate's have. So, in this case, it's boring. But could have equally been any number of Reasons.
Michael
Thread jack again.
Saw this picture of a bike in Costa Rica. Why can't I get one of these here? Be a great child for Suzi.
I love my GS500's. I don't see a need for a bigger bike. But a little puffer like this would be fun for tooling around the neighborhood. Little bikes like this are popular in other countries for commuting. I guess we have different ideas here and always want something bigger - rather than something cheap and practical. I don't see any reason to get rid of my GS500's. However, if I could get one of these it would be a fun 4th bike.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Assorted/0e54e8f1.jpg)
Down here in Brisbane (And the rest of Australia too) we had these Yamaha Scorpios...
(http://i.imgur.com/us1B0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/7baoG.jpg)
They are 225cc single cylinder. The side stand comes up automatically once the bike is uprighted - has caught out quite a few people who go to put the bike back down only to discover the stand is up.
Anyway. They don't sell them down here any more cause we really need larger bikes for longer commutes and for shorter commutes the scooters take over. So it was a bike in the middle of a category/market that looked like it belonged in the Philippines or some country like that were such bikes are the norm. Sales sucked big time. The bike was canned.
Michael
Quote from: Electrojake on October 11, 2011, 02:27:57 PM
Hate to stray off topic but. . .
Yeah, I too have been baffled by some riders that get bored (or even depressed) over their current motorcycle.
I have a couple of 1970's mopeds that are a blast at only 50cc.
So Geez, I wonder what's not to like about a 600cc anything? :dunno_black:
So true! I guy at work bought in a '79 DT100 dirt bike he didn't want anymore. Me and the other guys there that ride have been having a blast with that thing!! We are all vying for the "wheelie king" title :laugh:
-Jessie
Quote from: mister on October 11, 2011, 04:33:03 PM
In Australia we had Yamaha Scorpios...a 225cc single cylinder. They don't sell them down here any more cause we really need larger bikes for longer commutes and for shorter commutes the scooters take over.
A crappy road system is no place for an R1. Likewise, a 12 hp bike has no place in the high-speed traffic environment of North America.
Even worse, bikes like the Scorpio cost twice what you would pay for a used GS500F.
I rode a 125 one summer while I was between bike #11 and #12. It was pathetic, and although I'm glad I was forced to ride it because now I know what it's like, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for most people. I suppose there are a handful of riders for whom a microbike is perfect, but for most of us the 52hp of the GS500 is about the minimum.
Quote from: SAFE-T on October 29, 2011, 04:22:36 PM
Quote from: mister on October 11, 2011, 04:33:03 PM
In Australia we had Yamaha Scorpios...a 225cc single cylinder. They don't sell them down here any more cause we really need larger bikes for longer commutes and for shorter commutes the scooters take over.
A crappy road system is no place for an R1. Likewise, a 12 hp bike has no place in the high-speed traffic environment of North America.
Even worse, bikes like the Scorpio cost twice what you would pay for a used GS500F.
I rode a 125 one summer while I was between bike #11 and #12. It was pathetic, and although I'm glad I was forced to ride it because now I know what it's like, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for most people. I suppose there are a handful of riders for whom a microbike is perfect, but for most of us the 52hp of the GS500 is about the minimum.
...52 hp? Maybe at the engine, but what is it at a wheel? It's around 30. A 600cc-1000cc bike is the perfect bike for a modern road. Not only do you have plenty of power to get in front, around, and through traffic, you have top of the line braking and suspension systems and larger diameter wheels. Top of the line braking and suspension saves lives and the POS they pass as "braking and suspension" on the gs500 walks the line between dangerously lacking and functional. The wheels on the GS500 are large enough to not get sucked into highway cracks (a problem with 250s I've rode) but small enough to not be very forgiving. The large back wheel on a 600-1000cc bike is perfect for unpredictable road conditions. High traction, high reliability.
That being said a 500cc bike is a great bike to learn on. It teaches you to make do with absolute bottom-of-the-bin bargin parts so when you get on an expensive bike you can appreciate and maximize the use of the high quality parts. I'd be willing to argue with anyone in terms of road safety in a competition between a 500cc bike and 600cc or 1000cc bike driven by a proficient and safe rider the 600cc-1000cc bike will be the safer motorcycle hands down. Responsibility is the only variable here.
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PM
...52 hp? Maybe at the engine, but what is it at a wheel? It's around 30. A 600cc-1000cc bike is the perfect bike for a modern road. Not only do you have plenty of power to get in front, around, and through traffic,
funny, I have no problem doing that on my GS500 as-is
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PM
you have top of the line braking and suspension systems and larger diameter wheels. Top of the line braking and suspension saves lives and the POS they pass as "braking and suspension" on the gs500 walks the line between dangerously lacking and functional.
MORE braking, on a high powered 600, without ABS, is just as likely.. no, make that more likely.. to find the person over the handlebars and run over, if they are inexperienced. that makes them less safe.
The wheels on the GS500 are large enough to not get sucked into highway cracks (a problem with 250s I've rode) but small enough to not be very forgiving. The large back wheel on a 600-1000cc bike is perfect for unpredictable road conditions. High traction, high reliability.
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PMI'd be willing to argue with anyone in terms of road safety in a competition between a 500cc bike and 600cc or 1000cc bike driven by a proficient and safe rider the 600cc-1000cc bike will be the safer motorcycle hands down. Responsibility is the only variable here.
Road safety is not a competition: it's a state of mind. A safe rider, is a safe rider, whether that's on a 600cc, 500cc, or 250cc.
Contrariwise, an unsafe rider, will only get into more trouble, faster, on a faster bike.
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PMA 600cc-1000cc bike is the perfect bike for a modern road.
Too bad the ergonomics on them are so bad short rides are all their good for, and if you say
"dude I rock my 600 on 500 mile day rides all the time" all I have to say is "enjoy your youth" :cheers:
Picture a 600... with handlebar risers on it
:woohoo:
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on October 29, 2011, 09:29:16 PM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PMA 600cc-1000cc bike is the perfect bike for a modern road.
Too bad the ergonomics on them are so bad short rides are all their good for, and if you say "dude I rock my 600 on 500 mile day rides all the time" all I have to say is "enjoy your youth" :cheers:
Don't forget the 599 and 919 Hondas :thumb:
-Jessie
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on October 29, 2011, 10:33:43 PM
Don't forget the 599 and 919 Hondas :thumb:
-Jessie
Both not sport bikes....agreed
EDIT: or the FZ6 FAZER
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on October 29, 2011, 09:29:16 PM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PMA 600cc-1000cc bike is the perfect bike for a modern road.
Too bad the ergonomics on them are so bad short rides are all their good for, and if you say "dude I rock my 600 on 500 mile day rides all the time" all I have to say is "enjoy your youth" :cheers:
BMW K1200GT
FJR1300
Norge
ZZR600
All based entirely on their sportbike counterparts designed around comfort rather than aerodynamic efficiency. Note I said bike and not only "sportbike". In every case I have ever seen (and wikipedia can confirm this loosely) every bike great than 500cc in displacement has much better handling and higher quality parts. The braking system on most sport touring bikes is akin to their sportbike counter parts (and usually better, in that respect).
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on October 29, 2011, 10:33:43 PM
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on October 29, 2011, 09:29:16 PM
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 06:48:38 PMA 600cc-1000cc bike is the perfect bike for a modern road.
Too bad the ergonomics on them are so bad short rides are all their good for, and if you say "dude I rock my 600 on 500 mile day rides all the time" all I have to say is "enjoy your youth" :cheers:
Don't forget the 599 and 919 Hondas :thumb:
-Jessie
I love my 919 (http://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/bonjour/bj11.gif) TOP bike it is :thumb: :thumb:
Michael
Out there in the real world, the GS does the job and will often surprise the big boys.
Just challenge any dickhead on a crotch rocket to a road race if you can set the course........When they agree, specify a route of around 350 km and involving some dirt roads. Most of them won't want to ride that far, won't go near dirt, and anyway they'll have to look for somewhere to refuel and you won't!
Like a guy who was trying to impress me recently with his iphone (yawn). I said "Try this with your iphone!" and pushed my old POS Samsung off the table on to the tile floor. That shut him up. :D
Quote from: Dr.McNinja on October 29, 2011, 11:40:48 PM
BMW K1200GT
FJR1300
Norge
ZZR600
the ZZR600 seems to have interesting parallels to our GS500, in that it was still carbed in an era of fuel injection... and it too, stopped having new US releases in 2008
With no fuel-injected direct replacement, seems like.
The ZX6R was sold at the same time from 2003-2008 already, so, seems like that allegedly has a different design purpose.
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on October 29, 2011, 10:48:46 PM
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on October 29, 2011, 10:33:43 PM
Don't forget the 599 and 919 Hondas :thumb:
-Jessie
Both not sport bikes....agreed
EDIT: or the FZ6 FAZER
Years ago a fellow motorcycle instructor told us that along with dual-sport motorcycles, some manufacturers also made dull-sport motorcycles, those being of reasonably high-performance, but without the more extreme riding position of supersport motorcycles, nor the added accessories of sport-touring motorcycles.
He was joking, but the idea stuck with me.
Quote from: SAFE-T on November 10, 2011, 09:53:27 AMYears ago a fellow motorcycle instructor told us that along with dual-sport motorcycles, some manufacturers also made dull-sport motorcycles, those being of reasonably high-performance, but without the more extreme riding position of supersport motorcycles, nor the added accessories of sport-touring motorcycles.
He was joking, but the idea stuck with me.
Even the sporty looking GS500F is just a UJM, or a sheep in wolves clothing.