GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

My GS is the only bike that I have been on.  In highway traffic I feel like a hang glider coming into LAX.  On open highways I have no complaints but I feel like I could use more tug when there are cars everyfriggenwhere.  I live in DFW and traffic is bad.  Very bad.  Some times it is very bad even at 70+ MPH.

I was thinking of moving to an SV or maybe a Bandit for some highway acceleration.  Do you guys think that I would be making a mistake?   :dunno_black:  I use the bike for everything aside from getting to work.  If I am going to the corner store, I take the bike.  If I am going across town (highway) I take the bike.

Cheers,
RC

Go for it, they're both great bikes for how you ride. Both of those motors are great for all around riding, even the inline 4 in the bandit isn't a top end screamer like most sportbikes, but their weight and handling still gives them enough to be ridden sporty. Out of the two, I think I'd definitely prefer an SV, but the bandits have a really good record too, despite not having the 'cool points' that the SVs do. If you spend time on the highway you'll definitely appreciate a little more power, and the ability to accelerate without always having to drop down a gear or two.

+1 Both are fine choices.

If you find a reasonably priced Honda 919, consider that too. The riding position and appearance is similar to the GS. The engine is large (900cc vs the SV650) but it's midly-tuned at 100hp so it will cruise all day at 80 without heading problems and over-revving.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcd/2762894268.html

They look like this. This example is quite pricy at $6000 because it's barely broken-in. I've seen them pop-up in Pennsylvania for $3000

I find with my GS, after 80MPH you really have to keep that throttle open to get any faster.

Which sucks when traffic is flying around you at 90mph, or you're riding with your friends who are all cruising along at 100mph

On the GS I really cannot be stuffed riding the highway faster than 75. If cars want to go faster than that, then I let them. Sometimes I'll even plod along at 65 in the slow lane and let Everything go past me. Riding is so less stressful when you don't need to think how to weave through the melee of cars in front. The time saving is negligible as well.

Friends who ride at 100? Traffic at 90? Let them go man. Seriously. Even on my 919 I cannot be stuffed trying to keep up with traffic like that or "friends" who ride at those speeds. I just let them all go.

Michael

The GS does not accelerate very fast, i have learned that first hand. At stop lights random "sports cars" would gun it and sometimes i actually try to out-run them, needless to say, my GS fails miserably in that department.

But in terms of freeway, 80mph on a GS is sorta the comfort limit. or it sounds like it to me.

In my opinion, any bike that will exceed 100mph is "fast enough" for the highway. The GS500 is in that category.

However, if I was going to choose between the Bandit and the SV, I'd pick the SV hand over fist. The SV650 (or 1000 but those are hard to find/had reliability issues) is a great bike. While I haven't personally ridden one, I've always dreamt of owning one. For a time I owned a DL1000 which was a sort-of weird amalgamation with an SV1000 motor. I loved the motor in the bike, but that was the only thing I loved about it.

The Bandit won't ever match the SV's low-end torque, that's just the nature of v-twins versus 4-bangers.

SV1000 vs Bandit 1200 or 1250? Torque?

At those CCs torque numbers don't matter for street use. Both bikes will get up and go. Your only question would be, do I want to do it with vibes or without?

I Have ridden these bikes...

I'd choose the SV650n over the Sport version.
I'd pick the SV650 over the SV1000 for general purpose bike. The thou might be better on the highway (maybe) but it's a bit of a dog in the twists.
I'd take the 1200/1250 Bandit over the SV1000. But these bikes are overkill for in-town riding just to the local shops.

SV650 vs 1250 Bandit? Depends what Use it would be for? Commuting and some weekend riding, the SV. Weekends only, the bandit.

Other bikes which could do Commuting and Weekend are the Z750 and the Honda 919. Both have roughly the same performance specs. So it comes down to your own personal choice on ride comfort and handling. I pick a 919 over a Z750 on both accounts. Then again, I am bias - but went through this when buying the 919, which I keep for weekend use.

Michael

Lower-end torque translates into more "usable" power. Yes, any of those bikes will get up and go but you have to consider that the difference between v-twins and 4-bangers (aside from the obvious), is that they can generate almost all their torque at a very low RPM whereas 4-bangers must be "wound up" in order to generate their torque. This translates into an easier bike to ride, in my opinion.

:)

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 01:05:04 PMIn my opinion, any bike that will exceed 100mph is "fast enough" for the highway. The GS500 is in that category.

The problem is that it's BARELY in that category. Above 70mph you have to work the GS as hard as you can ~ in areas where gas is cheap, SUV's are everywhere and people drive fast it can be a pain in the ass to commute on.

I would love the GS if I lived in a place where it's 44hp 60+mpg engine and sub-400lb weight made it a joy to ride.

Don't forget the Bandit came in a 600cc version that was pretty much a naked Katana.

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 01:26:11 PM
Lower-end torque translates into more "usable" power. Yes, any of those bikes will get up and go but you have to consider that the difference between v-twins and 4-bangers (aside from the obvious), is that they can generate almost all their torque at a very low RPM whereas 4-bangers must be "wound up" in order to generate their torque. This translates into an easier bike to ride, in my opinion.

Dude, you haven't ridden them so STFU. Seriously. You've ridden a DL1000 which you were scared of. You haven't ridden these other bikes. You don't know what you're talking about. So please, keep your unknowing Opinions about their usability on the street to yourself.

4 bangers do not necessarily need to be "wound up" to achieve anything. Stop merely repeating stuff you just hear/read elsewhere. It only serves to perpetuate an untruth.

My 919 will sit at 4000rpm at 65. My GS will be over 5000 at that speed. Crank the throttle on the 919 and  WOOSH I am away from 4000 in a flash. Heck dawdling around in 4th at 37 I'm sitting on 3000 while the GS sits on 4000. Crank the 919 throttle at this low rpm and high gear and the bike will launch you. Redlines at 9500.

Same goes for the Bandit. That bad boy will easily take turns and corners two gears too high and just power right out without lugging the engine.

As I said, at those CCs the torque difference means nothing for riding on the street.

Sure, a dyno might show the SV produces torque lower down its rpm range. Again I say, this means nothing on the street for these CCs. The bikes in question are tuned for street riding. They have enough engine Grunt to ride the streets with ease, regardless of where the torque is better according to a dyno. The bikes in question do not need to be 'wound up' end of story.

And as someone who has actually ridden these bikes, as opposed to you, I can categorically say, they are ALL easy to ride. The SV650 and 1000, the 1250 Bandit, 919, Z750. All of them are easy to ride and none of them need to be 'wound up'. The 4 bangers will all readily pull you forward while idling if you let the clutch out. Same cannot be said of the GS.

@SAFE-T. at 70mph you do NOT need to work the GS as hard as you can. Maybe your one is a dog. But mine easily sits at 75 all day long and will easily go faster from there leaving it in 6th without needing to go WOT. Maybe yours is different.

Bandit 600 yes. Also 600 Hornet. Haven't ridden a Bandit 600 but yes to 600 Hornet. Didn't need to Wind It Up. Having said that, the Yamaha FZ6 does need to be wound up - but - without winding it up it already pisses all over the GS, so In Comparison it can also be ridden sedately and leave the GS behind. In comparison to the 600 Hornet is does need to be worked more. And certainly more than the SV650 - I'd pick the SV650 over those 600s as well.

Michael

Quote from: Rough Customer on January 28, 2012, 08:51:45 AM
My GS is the only bike that I have been on.  In highway traffic I feel like a hang glider coming into LAX.  On open highways I have no complaints but I feel like I could use more tug when there are cars everyfriggenwhere.  I live in DFW and traffic is bad.  Very bad.  Some times it is very bad even at 70+ MPH.

I was thinking of moving to an SV or maybe a Bandit for some highway acceleration.  Do you guys think that I would be making a mistake?   :dunno_black:  I use the bike for everything aside from getting to work.  If I am going to the corner store, I take the bike.  If I am going across town (highway) I take the bike.

Cheers,
RC

This is precisely why I'm upgrading to a 600/750 as soon as I get my shaZam! together. The GS500 is fun, but in the few times I've had to zoom ahead of someone to not get picked off, or to pass them quickly and efficiently, the GS500 needs a full crank of the throttle to get anywhere. Don't even get me started on the wind completely ruining any acceleration this bike has.

I've been on an SV650, I've seen a few bandits, and I've rode around on a few 600s as well. They're all solid choices. If you're going to streetfighter your bike the SV650/Bandit is the way to go.

Quote from: mister on January 28, 2012, 12:14:41 PM
On the GS I really cannot be stuffed riding the highway faster than 75. If cars want to go faster than that, then I let them. Sometimes I'll even plod along at 65 in the slow lane and let Everything go past me. Riding is so less stressful when you don't need to think how to weave through the melee of cars in front. The time saving is negligible as well.

Friends who ride at 100? Traffic at 90? Let them go man. Seriously. Even on my 919 I cannot be stuffed trying to keep up with traffic like that or "friends" who ride at those speeds. I just let them all go.

Michael

I ride in similar traffic Monday-Friday. Every single day I wish I had more acceleration to get to the front of the pack (safely) so I COULD cruise and not worry. In real traffic you want to be as close to the front as possible.

The main argument here is it's not easy to defensively maneuver the gs500 in a situation where giving it throttle is your only option. Such as if you're 3/4 of the way up the side of a car in your lane and he starts merging. Braking will bring you back and get you hit from the side (and the back), so dumping the throttle for a second to clear the rest of the car is your only safe option. This isn't a "The gs500 is too slow I can't do 120 mph all the way to work" argument at all.

Where the hell are people going 90 mph on the freeway?  :police: I've crossed the US and never needed to go above 65 mph, even when the speed limit was 75 mph. You know you don't have to be the fastest vehicle on the road? It will save you the speeding/reckless driving ticket.

Quote from: Dr.McNinja on January 28, 2012, 02:31:02 PMSuch as if you're 3/4 of the way up the side of a car in your lane and he starts merging. Braking will bring you back and get you hit from the side (and the back), so dumping the throttle for a second to clear the rest of the car is your only safe option.

I had this happen Thursday, thus this thread.   :2guns:

Inline 4s can definitely be tuned for good midrange and better low end. That triumph speed four I used to own had a great lower end. It actually felt pretty similar to my Buell in the low rpms, but just kept powering on through to the 14k redline when the Buell stopped at 7200rpm. My friend had the same triumph I did, so I got to try his back to back with my Buell, and honestly the buell really didn't feel that much stronger in the bottom end, and the triumph definitely had more kick up top.

I wouldn't hesitate to own another I4, even though I like riding in lower RPMs, you just have to make sure you get the right one. I'd say the biggest difference between the Vtwin engine of the Buell and the I4 engine of the Triumph, is that the triumph always felt like a stretched rubber band. You could feel the tension in the motor just making you want to push it. The Buell motor just felt way more relaxed. It still had power, and would still move fast, the power just wasn't quite as in your face. Hard to explain. There was a big difference at highway speeds though. Even though the Buell was 984cc, it still didn't really want to cruise much faster than 65-70mph. I was always going too fast on the triumph, but anything over 65mph and it felt like the Buell was spinning too fast. Something to consider when you're shopping, that bike was meant for twisty back roads, just because something has twice motor doesn't mean it's gonna go twice as fast.

I'd love to own something like a TL1000S or an RC51 next time around, but twins aren't as easy to come by, so I'll see what pops up when I'm ready for another bike.

Our GS500F would do 190km/h, but it took its time after 175 or so. 70mph is around 130km/h, so you are getting into the upper end of the GS's performance envelope. All I know is my wife hated having the slowest bike in the group. I borrowed it one day and rode it for 9 hrs at speeds up to 170 km/h, so it's do-able. But her FZ6R is considerably more powerful and a lot less work to ride, and can pass other traffic without even trying hard. Not in the same (minor) league as the GS at all.

Not all inline 4 motors are alike either ~ you really have to do some reading. I have been quite impressed with the tuning of Yamaha's FZ6R ~ needs to be re-geared a bit for extended travel, but has nice roll-on performance in the mid-range. Power seems to fall off after 9,500 rpm but I rarely want to spin it that hard anyway so I don't feel I'm missing much.

I rode the CBR900RR that Honda's 919 engine came from. I really liked it, but it was criticized in the motorcycle press as being "too tame" compared to the competition. 

Quote from: mister on January 28, 2012, 02:05:52 PM

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 01:26:11 PM
Lower-end torque translates into more "usable" power. Yes, any of those bikes will get up and go but you have to consider that the difference between v-twins and 4-bangers (aside from the obvious), is that they can generate almost all their torque at a very low RPM whereas 4-bangers must be "wound up" in order to generate their torque. This translates into an easier bike to ride, in my opinion.

Dude, you haven't ridden them so STFU. Seriously. You've ridden a DL1000 which you were scared of. You haven't ridden these other bikes. You don't know what you're talking about. So please, keep your unknowing Opinions about their usability on the street to yourself.

4 bangers do not necessarily need to be "wound up" to achieve anything. Stop merely repeating stuff you just hear/read elsewhere. It only serves to perpetuate an untruth.

My 919 will sit at 4000rpm at 65. My GS will be over 5000 at that speed. Crank the throttle on the 919 and  WOOSH I am away from 4000 in a flash. Heck dawdling around in 4th at 37 I'm sitting on 3000 while the GS sits on 4000. Crank the 919 throttle at this low rpm and high gear and the bike will launch you. Redlines at 9500.

Same goes for the Bandit. That bad boy will easily take turns and corners two gears too high and just power right out without lugging the engine.

As I said, at those CCs the torque difference means nothing for riding on the street.

Sure, a dyno might show the SV produces torque lower down its rpm range. Again I say, this means nothing on the street for these CCs. The bikes in question are tuned for street riding. They have enough engine Grunt to ride the streets with ease, regardless of where the torque is better according to a dyno. The bikes in question do not need to be 'wound up' end of story.

And as someone who has actually ridden these bikes, as opposed to you, I can categorically say, they are ALL easy to ride. The SV650 and 1000, the 1250 Bandit, 919, Z750. All of them are easy to ride and none of them need to be 'wound up'. The 4 bangers will all readily pull you forward while idling if you let the clutch out. Same cannot be said of the GS.

@SAFE-T. at 70mph you do NOT need to work the GS as hard as you can. Maybe your one is a dog. But mine easily sits at 75 all day long and will easily go faster from there leaving it in 6th without needing to go WOT. Maybe yours is different.

Bandit 600 yes. Also 600 Hornet. Haven't ridden a Bandit 600 but yes to 600 Hornet. Didn't need to Wind It Up. Having said that, the Yamaha FZ6 does need to be wound up - but - without winding it up it already pisses all over the GS, so In Comparison it can also be ridden sedately and leave the GS behind. In comparison to the 600 Hornet is does need to be worked more. And certainly more than the SV650 - I'd pick the SV650 over those 600s as well.

Michael

"STFU"? Excuse me, have I hit some sort of sore spot with you? Is there a reason why you feel the need to be crude and crass towards me? I am entitled to my opinion just as you are yours - but telling someone to "STFU" because you don't like what they're saying is just juvenile. If you don't agree with me, that's fine. I could honestly care less. I could also care less whether I'm right or you're right or if we're both wrong. That isn't the point. Being right your whole life doesn't mean anything if you've treated everyone like trash. Think about that.

If you keep up this incessantly insolent behavior towards me, I'm going to block you. Since I started posting you've made a POINT to harp on me and frankly, I'm sick of it.

You're one of the older members here. Start acting like it.

I don't think it's worth debating the power of the GS500 ~ it is just one of the bike's weak areas. Accept that it is an underachiever whose limitations are what they are and everyone will be a lot happier. 

GS500 is a great around town bike.. I'm afraid when I move up north It wont make it all the way up in one trip, cause I'd want to push it an extra MPH and it will just be screaming... lol Once I get my bike cleaned up and pretty. I might be selling it.. OFC after stacking on some miles over the summer. but I'm one of those power hungry newbs you can say. it doesn't have that "Special" pull. Now I drove a 95 camaro before I got my GS500. so I'm looking for the same pull. the 95 topped out around the same as the GS500. but it had WAY more pull at low end, thats all I care about.

Ofc I want something that tops out around 150mph. Not because I wanna travel at that, but because I want to sit in 4th gear doing 75 without the bike even trying. Aka saving gas too. GS500 is also a great gas bike, its like a smart car in the bike world :D

Quote from: mister on January 28, 2012, 12:14:41 PM
On the GS I really cannot be stuffed riding the highway faster than 75. If cars want to go faster than that, then I let them. Sometimes I'll even plod along at 65 in the slow lane and let Everything go past me. Riding is so less stressful when you don't need to think how to weave through the melee of cars in front. The time saving is negligible as well.

+1. The GS500 does not have sufficient "authority" on the local interstates / parkways to travel in the far left lane or stay above local automotive commuting speeds. I commute on them anyway, but I'm ride at speed limit to +10 over and getting passed. I'm fine with that.

I could buy a bigger bike just for this reason, but, meh, I don't care.

Never had a Bandit 600 but I've had a few Katanas that I loved.  Great all around bikes.  The Bandit 600 is the same engine so it should be just as solid.  I still have an '06 SV650 in my stable and it is a decent bike too, just not a bike I've ever been "thrilled" with.  I wouldn't mind owning a Bandit 400 at some point but that is a bike you have to tach out.  I've had a couple CBR 600's and since the Hornet is derived from them I have to imagine they are nice bikes too.  Mister has already sung the praises of the 919 so I don't have anything to add there.  Sometimes you can stumble on a Suzuki VX800 cheap if you like the standard bike feel of the GS.

I regularly commute on small bikes (Nighthawk 250, XT225, DR200 and the GS) so I know the pains of not having a lot of power.  I will say it does improve your defensive riding skills.  In fact, I like to start each riding season on the Nighthawk so I get back into my defensive riding groove quickly.  My fast bikes are more for pleasure riding.  I have improved with age but I still find I have a tendency to ride like an ass when I have a powerful bike in rush hour traffic   :oops:

-Jessie

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on January 28, 2012, 05:44:21 PM
Never had a Bandit 600 but I've had a few Katanas that I loved.  Great all around bikes.  The Bandit 600 is the same engine so it should be just as solid.  I still have an '06 SV650 in my stable and it is a decent bike too, just not a bike I've ever been "thrilled" with.  I wouldn't mind owning a Bandit 400 at some point but that is a bike you have to tach out.  I've had a couple CBR 600's and since the Hornet is derived from them I have to imagine they are nice bikes too.  Mister has already sung the praises of the 919 so I don't have anything to add there.  Sometimes you can stumble on a Suzuki VX800 cheap if you like the standard bike feel of the GS.

I regularly commute on small bikes (Nighthawk 250, XT225, DR200 and the GS) so I know the pains of not having a lot of power.  I will say it does improve your defensive riding skills.  In fact, I like to start each riding season on the Nighthawk so I get back into my defensive riding groove quickly.  My fast bikes are more for pleasure riding.  I have improved with age but I still find I have a tendency to ride like an ass when I have a powerful bike in rush hour traffic   :oops:

-Jessie

I think of it like this "it isn't me riding like an ass, its them driving like a cager" if you don't like Motorcycles going past you in traffic, instead of trying to turn into them, trying to kill them. Get a motorcycle and join the "I'm getting home first club"

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 05:12:28 PM
GS500 is a great around town bike.. I'm afraid when I move up north It wont make it all the way up in one trip, cause I'd want to push it an extra MPH and it will just be screaming...

As long as the GS has oil, it will handle just about any punishment you can give it.

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on January 28, 2012, 05:44:21 PM
  I've had a couple CBR 600's and since the Hornet is derived from them I have to imagine they are nice bikes too.

That could be another option to look at too. A F3 CBR600 would be a good bike for the highway. Not as aggressive as the RR's. The engines in them are near bullet proof too.

Quote from: Twisted on January 28, 2012, 06:55:07 PM

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 05:12:28 PM
GS500 is a great around town bike.. I'm afraid when I move up north It wont make it all the way up in one trip, cause I'd want to push it an extra MPH and it will just be screaming...

As long as the GS has oil, it will handle just about any punishment you can give it.

:cheers: to that!

Buy a TL1000, its like a GSTwin on crack.. Or LSD, or meth, or herion. Or all of them all in one night. :D

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 09:09:48 PM
Buy a TL1000, its like a GSTwin on crack.. Or LSD, or meth, or herion. Or all of them all in one night. :D

SV1000 is almost the same, and more ergonomically friendly. Also, the SV is much cheaper to insure versus the TL and it's also more likely to be found. There aren't many TL's floating around.

SV1000: 420lbs dry, 120HP and ~75lb-ft of torque
TL1000"R": 435lbs dry, 135HP and almost 100lb-ft of torque.

There's also a TL1000"S" which is a cross-over between the TL and SV.

TL1000"S"
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/42/IMG_0361.JPG/250px-IMG_0361.JPG)
TL1000"R"
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/TL1000R_Y-B.jpg)
SV1000
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg/250px-Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg)

The TL1000"R" is the closest thing to a Honda RC51 that Suzuki has made. :)

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 06:25:16 PM
I think of it like this "it isn't me riding like an ass, its them driving like a cager" if you don't like Motorcycles going past you in traffic, instead of trying to turn into them, trying to kill them. Get a motorcycle and join the "I'm getting home first club"

But that's the thing, there is no "getting home first" prize.  It's not like I'm heading home to do something important.  Gee, I have to be home in time to catch that 2 and a half men re-run!?!?  There's no reason I should be weaving in traffic or cutting people off.  Just because I have the acceleration and size to do it doesn't make it right.  That gives all of us a bad rep and it shows poor self control on my part.

-Jessie

Quote from: Bluesmudge on January 28, 2012, 03:40:25 PM
Where the hell are people going 90 mph on the freeway?  :police: I've crossed the US and never needed to go above 65 mph, even when the speed limit was 75 mph. You know you don't have to be the fastest vehicle on the road? It will save you the speeding/reckless driving ticket.

Why other cars do? I don't know. Probably to get to their destination faster.

As for me, sometimes I like to go fast. However I also like taking it easy and just cruising on my 500 sometimes.

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 09:19:26 PM

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg/250px-Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg)

The TL1000"R" is the closest thing to a Honda RC51 that Suzuki has made. :)

I had a short love affair with a RC51 (technically called a RVT1000R).  If the TL1000 is anything like the RC51, the ergonomics are horrible for day to day riding.

-Jessie

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on January 28, 2012, 09:40:06 PM

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 09:19:26 PM

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg/250px-Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg)

The TL1000"R" is the closest thing to a Honda RC51 that Suzuki has made. :)

I had a short love affair with a RC51 (technically called a RVT1000R).  If the TL1000 is anything like the RC51, the ergonomics are horrible for day to day riding.

-Jessie

I've never ridden the TL1000 but I rode a friend's RC51. Extremely cramped and "sporty". My wrists begin to hurt after about 15 minutes. Worse, in my opinion, than a gixxer. The motor felt almost identical to my DL, though it felt like it had a substantial amount of power over the DL. The DL might be a tad more torquey but I had lowered the gearing on my DL.  :dunno_black:

Personally, I didn't like the RC...I'd rather have something like an SV. That's just me though. I think I'd rather have a gixxer than an RC, comfort wise.

I think the TL1000"S" is more like the SV1000... if I understand correctly, the TL1000"S" and "R" are worlds apart.

I'm still dying to ride an SV. I'd also like to take a ride on an old 1986 VFR750 and a newer VFR800.

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 09:19:26 PM

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 09:09:48 PM
Buy a TL1000, its like a GSTwin on crack.. Or LSD, or meth, or herion. Or all of them all in one night. :D

SV1000 is almost the same, and more ergonomically friendly. Also, the SV is much cheaper to insure versus the TL and it's also more likely to be found. There aren't many TL's floating around.

SV1000: 420lbs dry, 120HP and ~75lb-ft of torque
TL1000"R": 435lbs dry, 135HP and almost 100lb-ft of torque.

There's also a TL1000"S" which is a cross-over between the TL and SV.

TL1000"S"
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/42/IMG_0361.JPG/250px-IMG_0361.JPG)
TL1000"R"
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/TL1000R_Y-B.jpg)
SV1000
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg/250px-Suzuku_SV1000S.jpg)

The TL1000"R" is the closest thing to a Honda RC51 that Suzuki has made. :)

LOL! RARE? I see them on my local craigslist up all the time, there is 3 up right now for under 5 grand! Send me the money, ill buy you one. All have titles too! :D

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 10:15:44 PM
LOL! RARE? I see them on my local craigslist up all the time, there is 3 up right now for under 5 grand! Send me the money, ill buy you one. All have titles too! :D

Show me. I can't find any in FL. You are in Florida, aren't you?

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 10:19:18 PM

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 10:15:44 PM
LOL! RARE? I see them on my local craigslist up all the time, there is 3 up right now for under 5 grand! Send me the money, ill buy you one. All have titles too! :D

Show me. I can't find any in FL. You are in Florida, aren't you?

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2799326021.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2773038556.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/bik/2772563329.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2768025619.html

The first one is the most legit one I think. :) I run across these almost daily. I'm kinda addicted to craigslist tho.

Man, this thread is intense. I don't know how long you have been riding, but I have seen other riders jump to a quicker and more powerful bike early on because they were afraid of traffic, and they found that, in retrospect, finding a few buds to convoy with or just practicing more highway driving and calming it down was what they really needed.

oh, and

Quote4-bangers must be "wound up" in order to generate their torque.

hey now, I drive a tiny four banger pretty often, and it generates 230+ftlbs of torque at 1800 rpm.
Well, i guess its a diesel, and that's cheating.  :flipoff:

Quote from: SAFE-T on January 28, 2012, 04:47:01 PM


I rode the CBR900RR that Honda's 919 engine came from. I really liked it, but it was criticized in the motorcycle press as being "too tame" compared to the competition.

That's one of the few 'older' bikes I'd still love to have. It wouldn't be the same aggressive supersport anything like modern bikes, but it would make an awesome street bike. I rode one around a warehouse parking lot once. I wasn't even going crazy, I just held the throttle in 1st gear and the front end just smoothly floated itself up into the air. They're good looking bikes too.

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 10:27:22 PM

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 10:19:18 PM

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 10:15:44 PM
LOL! RARE? I see them on my local craigslist up all the time, there is 3 up right now for under 5 grand! Send me the money, ill buy you one. All have titles too! :D

Show me. I can't find any in FL. You are in Florida, aren't you?

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2799326021.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2773038556.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/bik/2772563329.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2768025619.html

The first one is the most legit one I think. :) I run across these almost daily. I'm kinda addicted to craigslist tho.

Ironic that most of them are either painted or wrecked. I can't find a single one in ATL and I've been looking for months.

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 11:04:03 PM

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 10:27:22 PM

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 10:19:18 PM

Quote from: J_Walker on January 28, 2012, 10:15:44 PM
LOL! RARE? I see them on my local craigslist up all the time, there is 3 up right now for under 5 grand! Send me the money, ill buy you one. All have titles too! :D

Show me. I can't find any in FL. You are in Florida, aren't you?

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2799326021.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2773038556.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/bik/2772563329.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/2768025619.html

The first one is the most legit one I think. :) I run across these almost daily. I'm kinda addicted to craigslist tho.

Ironic that most of them are either painted or wrecked. I can't find a single one in ATL and I've been looking for months.

Like I said, first one looks most legit, plus a lot of times dealerships paint the bikes because the fairings have been cracked or something, because around here... People go to MSF courses, and then their ready for 1000cc bikes, buy from dealers ride for 1000 miles, sell back to dealers/private sell.

When I move up, it will likely be to one of these:

Ducati Monster 696
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Ducati%20Monster%20696%2010.jpg)

Although, I will admit, if I can find a cheap deal on one of these I may pull the trigger:

Kawasaki ER-6n
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THQ4CpvpuxQ/TgueHNATxrI/AAAAAAAAD2A/e9PLSFNcmFo/s1600/Kawasaki_ER_6N_2009_31_1024x768.jpg)

QuoteWhen I move up, it will likely be to one of these:

buy me one too. perferably a 99.

Quote from: shonole on January 28, 2012, 11:55:21 PM
When I move up, it will likely be to one of these:

Ducati Monster 696
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Ducati%20Monster%20696%2010.jpg)

Although, I will admit, if I can find a cheap deal on one of these I may pull the trigger:

Kawasaki ER-6n
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THQ4CpvpuxQ/TgueHNATxrI/AAAAAAAAD2A/e9PLSFNcmFo/s1600/Kawasaki_ER_6N_2009_31_1024x768.jpg)

The Ducati is a great choice. You may pay a bit more for one but they're a great lil bike. Even the 796 and 1100 Monsters are a good step up from the GS.

The ER6 not so much IMO. Take one for a test ride first before you pull the trigger on one. I was very disappointed when I got to ride one. In fact I could not wait to get back on my GS.

No offense but that ER-6N is ass ugly, in my humble opinion. Too many jagged lines and weird curves.

when I get the $$ one day, ill buy a ducati 848 evo.. for now I'll stick with my GS500f.

Quote from: Kijona on January 29, 2012, 12:39:37 AM
No offense but that ER-6N is ass ugly, in my humble opinion. Too many jagged lines and weird curves.

Looks better in person, if you haven't seen it.

Truthfully, I'd be happy with a full fairing Ninja 650.  Surprisingly comfortable and a blast to ride.

If you want a bigger more powerful bike to ride, go get one and enjoy it; but if you need one to cope with freeway traffic maybe you need to learn to do it with your GS first before moving up.  :dunno_black:   If you're doing it in 6th gear try running in fast traffic at high speeds in 5th gear and downshifting to 4th for passing if necessary, a stock GS doesn't redline in 4th until over 100 mph.  I know guys who have bought bigger cruisers just so they wouldn't have to downshift for hills when riding 2 up but riding a GS is about shifting gears while flicking it about. 

Years ago I traded my CB400 1st bike in on a CB750 after 6 months of riding because it had no guts on the freeways but when I got my 1st GS500 many years later I discovered the fun of riding one everywhere, on the freeways, in the mountains, day long high speed Interstate trips, everywhere. 

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 11:04:03 PM


Ironic that most of them are either painted or wrecked. I can't find a single one in ATL and I've been looking for months.

The TLS was one of the bikes that earned the nickname "widow maker", it had some suspension issues that made it a little unpredictable at times. It's still one of my favorite bikes though, I'd probably just looking investing in a steering damper.

Quote from: Kijona on January 28, 2012, 09:50:04 PM


I've never ridden the TL1000 but I rode a friend's RC51. Extremely cramped and "sporty". My wrists begin to hurt after about 15 minutes. Worse, in my opinion, than a gixxer.

I think the TL1000"S" is more like the SV1000... if I understand correctly, the TL1000"S" and "R" are worlds apart.

The rc51 is also known to be one of the worst 'street' bikes there is. They're great bikes, but when people talk about sportbikes that are literally race bikes with headlights and quieter exhaust slapped on, the rc51 is at the top of that list. I think Honda pretty much just threw it into showroom floors so they'd have something to compete against Ducatis, and then Suzuki had to make the TLR because everyone else did. The TL has an amazing motor though.

As far as the difference between the TLR and the TLS, the TLR is a superbike and the TLS is a street bike, just like comparing a gsxr to a katana. The TLS is a lot more capable than a katana though. As far as comparing a TLS to an SV, a TLS is basically an SV1000S one generation before, same bike though. In case you've never noticed the style similarities between the TL1000S and the first generation SV1000S, it'll give you a better idea what the bike was meant for, I just wish Suzuki had made a naked TL1000, but that's an easy home project.

1st gen SV650S:

(http://images.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/yankeeharley/vp2156115_1.jpg)

TL1000S:

(http://p1.bikepics.com/2012/01/22/bikepics-2335512-full.jpg)

I have a GS500 and a Ninja 650R (mechanically the same as the ER-6N).

In my experience, the GS is just fine on the highway, even in 70mph zones, if you cruise in 5th and downshift to 4th to pass.

The 650R has more HP and torque than the GS; you don't need to stay geared-down or downshift at freeway speeds.  However, it doesn't handle quite as well as the GS.

On the freeway, neither can keep up with my friends on their supersports.  In tight traffic and on twisties, though, those guys end up behind me.

I used to ride a ZL600 Eliminator (I-4), which absolutely ROCKED on the freeway.  However, at city speeds you had to keep that I-4 screaming to have any kind of immediate throttle response, a marked contrast to the GS and 650R parallel twins.

The best overall power-and-response moto I've ever ridden was a 675 Daytona (inline-3).  Powerful at low RPMs, insane at high RPMs.  Only the ergonomics keep me from getting one, but the Street Triple sure looks sweet...

The TL-S had some chassis and steering stability issues. Wheelbase was shorter than the GSXR, so it was easy to wheelie. Erratic like the 1st gen. CBR900 and YZF-R6 were.

Quote from: SAFE-T on January 29, 2012, 10:34:39 AM
The TL-S had some chassis and steering stability issues. Wheelbase was shorter than the GSXR, so it was easy to wheelie. Erratic like the 1st gen. CBR900 and YZF-R6 were.

A common upgrade to the CBR900RR was to swap out the 16 inch front wheel for a 17 incher.  A steering stabilizer was another good addition to help prevent a tank slapper.

-Jessie

Quote from: SAFE-T on January 29, 2012, 10:34:39 AM
The TL-S had some chassis and steering stability issues. Wheelbase was shorter than the GSXR, so it was easy to wheelie. Erratic like the 1st gen. CBR900 and YZF-R6 were.

good lord people are crazy about the tl1000 this week ? go ride one on the same roads you enjoy flicking your gs around. you'll love it, hate, and possibly die on it all in the same trip. this is not a bike for new riders. <--- read that again.

as far as teh bickering between folks, this is gstwins, there are standards. apologies are in order.

to the OP: over 75 is not a fun place on a gs. actually, over 60 or so or any speed on the interstate is not fun, on a gs. the wind is annoying, there is no ground cover to protect your from it (interstate) and if cars are traveling 90mph, find a different road.

bikes with more mass will be more comfortable lon the i-states, but the ride will still suck.

reference: i've had the gs cruising on mountain roads and steep hills 2up without feeling i needed more power. it's the wind that is the annoyance, simply because the gs is light. find a bike like the vstrom, ninja650, or one of the yamahas inline 4. ride it. if it's not exactly what you're looking for, keep riding your gs and bypass the interstates for a while.

I bought my GS because I wanted a good starter bike that I could learn how to ride on without having to worry about massive power sliding out the rear wheel, or expensive repairs/maintenance

It's performed in this function well, but I think I'm ready for something a bit faster.

The TL-S is an interesting bike ~ I know people who own them and appreciate it's Jekyll and Hyde personality. I think its flaws far are too great for me to ever be interested in one.

At present, I think the Yamaha FZ6R is the closest 'next step' after the GS500. 

Not to argue but according to Wikipedia, the TL"R" was the one that didn't do too well because of its reputation as a "widow maker" although I guess they both could have had the same issue?  :dunno_black:

Ninja 650R, V-Strom 650, GSX650F

Quote from: Kijona on January 29, 2012, 12:08:39 PM
Not to argue but according to Wikipedia, the TL"R" was the one that didn't do too well because of its reputation as a "widow maker" although I guess they both could have had the same issue?  :dunno_black:

I thought I read that too, and then realized I read it wrong:

The TL1000R's sibling, the TL1000S, was widely known as a "widow-maker".[3] Some riders crashed, and blamed the bike's instability. Although Suzuki claimed that they fixed this problem on the TL-R, the reputation stuck and Suzuki reported "sub-optimal" sales on both TL models. The TL1000R was also criticized by many in the motorcycle press for being overweight,[1] and is faulted for its rotary damper rear suspension.

The rotary damper rear shock on the TL's (S and R) was a good idea poorly implemented. The reservoir was positioned too close to the rear exhaust header and highly prone to overheating, which led to a loss of damping ~ several race teams replaced it with a conventional shock at great expense but by then Suzuki had abandoned it as a race platform.

Quote from: MysterYvil on January 29, 2012, 10:20:30 AM
I have a GS500 and a Ninja 650R (mechanically the same as the ER-6N).

In my experience, the GS is just fine on the highway, even in 70mph zones, if you cruise in 5th and downshift to 4th to pass.

Yup. Or if you're like me, "cruise" in overdrive, aka 6th gear, and enjoy the 58mpg that comes from running at 5k rpm all the time, rather than getting all worked up over showing off to the cars around you.



And PS to the post about getting left behind at stop lights by cars... erm...
Unless the "stop light" in question is a drag strip, "you're doing it wrong". Aint the bike's fault.
Poke around the web, and you'll see that the gs500's 0-60 times are quoted as 5.x seconds.

There arent that many cars around that can beat that.
If you're getting left behind all the time, either your bike needs an overhaul, or you need some quickstart lessons.

I quite liked the way we had the GS setup ~ we had to sell it to pay for the FZ6R we bought to replace it, and I would buy another one except there are better bikes out there for the same price. This wasn't the case when we were looking for the GS for my wife in 2008, who needed a lighter and slimmer bike that wasn't a 250. 

Some days I would pick the GS to ride over my VFR800 ~ it was just nice to ride. Eventually it's archaic feel would get to me and I would go back to the more modern VFR but I was more impressed than I thought I was going to be with the GS500F, particularly since I didn't like the 'F' model when it came out. I would easily ride it coast-to-coast, but I also know I would probably not enjoy it all the time.

Quote from: ohgood on January 29, 2012, 10:58:39 AM

good lord people are crazy about the tl1000 this week ? go ride one on the same roads you enjoy flicking your gs around. you'll love it, hate, and possibly die on it all in the same trip. this is not a bike for new riders. <--- read that again.

as far as teh bickering between folks, this is gstwins, there are standards. apologies are in order.

Seriously, try to test ride any bike you buy. It's pretty easy to idealize a bike in your head, and pick something that isn't right for you. That's what I was trying to explain when I talked about my buell on the highway, but think I got off topic. It was a 984cc bike that I thought was going to be perfect for me, but it just.... wasn't. I would've known that had I test rode it, but I didn't. I got a ride 5 hours from a friend and got dropped off at the dealership, so I already knew I was riding it home before I left that morning. Some bike owners won't let you test ride, some want you to bring cash in case you crash it. Either way, I've never ridden another bike that handles as easily as the GS. The Buell had the same kind of controls/seating position, and my supermoto is 150lbs lighter, and neither of them seem to want to be thrown through a corner as easily as the GS. They've got their own strong points though.

As far as the bickering, I agree, that was a little unexpected from this forum... :nono:

We're getting a little off topic here too by the way, don't buy a TL1000S, any of the 'tuned for the street' 600s would be the way to go. See if you can find a used Triumph Speed Four. I had one from about 2003-2005, and it was an awesome bike for the street. Would keep up with any of the sportbikes out there, but had the low/mid range to make a good street bike, plus they kept the bodywork to a minimum, and it was one of the best handling 600s of it's time. Haven't ridden many of the newer ones to compare.

There was a time that I looked at the TL1000.  Do some research about them, they are borderline dangerous.

I know what you're saying about the GS500's lack of grunt.  Last month I bought my second GS after I found one for cheap on Craigslist.  I had great memories of my first GS500, but after owning an FZ6 (and crashing it) as well as my 1982 GPz750, I think I'll sell my GS500 once the weather and resale market start to heat up.  The GS500 is great for around town, but it lacks that extra punch above 60.

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:27:03 AM


The TLS was one of the bikes that earned the nickname "widow maker", it had some suspension issues that made it a little unpredictable at times. It's still one of my favorite bikes though, I'd probably just looking investing in a steering damper.

There is only one true widowmaker

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Kawasaki_750.jpg/800px-Kawasaki_750.jpg)

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:32:55 PM

Quote from: ohgood on January 29, 2012, 10:58:39 AM

good lord people are crazy about the tl1000 this week ? go ride one on the same roads you enjoy flicking your gs around. you'll love it, hate, and possibly die on it all in the same trip. this is not a bike for new riders. <--- read that again.

as far as teh bickering between folks, this is gstwins, there are standards. apologies are in order.

Seriously, try to test ride any bike you buy. It's pretty easy to idealize a bike in your head, and pick something that isn't right for you. That's what I was trying to explain when I talked about my buell on the highway, but think I got off topic. It was a 984cc bike that I thought was going to be perfect for me, but it just.... wasn't. I would've known that had I test rode it, but I didn't. I got a ride 5 hours from a friend and got dropped off at the dealership, so I already knew I was riding it home before I left that morning. Some bike owners won't let you test ride, some want you to bring cash in case you crash it. Either way, I've never ridden another bike that handles as easily as the GS. The Buell had the same kind of controls/seating position, and my supermoto is 150lbs lighter, and neither of them seem to want to be thrown through a corner as easily as the GS. They've got their own strong points though.

As far as the bickering, I agree, that was a little unexpected from this forum... :nono:

We're getting a little off topic here too by the way, don't buy a TL1000S, any of the 'tuned for the street' 600s would be the way to go. See if you can find a used Triumph Speed Four. I had one from about 2003-2005, and it was an awesome bike for the street. Would keep up with any of the sportbikes out there, but had the low/mid range to make a good street bike, plus they kept the bodywork to a minimum, and it was one of the best handling 600s of it's time. Haven't ridden many of the newer ones to compare.

I have been reading along for the suggestions but not replying much.  The XB series Buell (In particular the 984) is on my short list.  What did you not like about that bike?

RC

Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 01:15:46 AM

There is only one true widowmaker

Haha, those bikes looked crazy, unfortunately they were before my time so I don't know a ton about them. One of my other favorites is the 04-05 zx10r. That bike would do 115mph in 1st gear, and even the current zx10 isn't as fast as the 04-05 was. So many people killed themselves on it that Kawasaki figured maybe they should tone it down to make up for the stupidity of some of their customers.

Quote from: Rough Customer on January 30, 2012, 05:46:18 AM

I have been reading along for the suggestions but not replying much.  The XB series Buell (In particular the 984) is on my short list.  What did you not like about that bike?

RC

I sent you a book I just wrote in the last 10 minutes via PM. I tend to ramble when I get on the topic of one of my bikes, so I figured I'd not clog up this post.

I sold my '01 GS500 (my first bike) back on August '10, having put almost 8k miles on it.

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:32:55 PM
Either way, I've never ridden another bike that handles as easily as the GS. The Buell had the same kind of controls/seating position, and my supermoto is 150lbs lighter, and neither of them seem to want to be thrown through a corner as easily as the GS. They've got their own strong points though.

When I sold my GS500, I also owned an '03 Yamaha YZF600R, an '07 SV650N, and an '08 Suzuki DRZ400sm at the same time, and I rode them back to back for comparison. What I remember about the GS was that the steering was light, the power was super beginner friendly and confidence inspiring, but overall the handling "feel" was a little dead/wooden, not as 'lively" as the other bikes with better suspension. The GS is physically the smallest, with the lowest seat height, and that helped with it's beginner friendliness. I really didn't like that the modern sport-touring tires aren't available for GS's rim sizes. Handling-wise the YZF600R feels a little heavier (but has much better suspension/brakes), the SV650N is at least the same but have better tire options, and the DRZ400sm is way quicker and livelier, especially on very rough and twisty roads.   

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:32:55 PM
Haha, those bikes looked crazy, unfortunately they were before my time so I don't know a ton about them. One of my other favorites is the 04-05 zx10r. That bike would do 115mph in 1st gear, and even the current zx10 isn't as fast as the 04-05 was. So many people killed themselves on it that Kawasaki figured maybe they should tone it down to make up for the stupidity of some of their customers.

I thought most literbikes, including the '05 ZX10r, would go up to around 90 mph in first gear (very tall), but not quite 115 mph... Anyway, two of the biggest surprise I got from my ZX10r: 1) the motor is powerful enough to give me tunnel vision at above half throttle, but when I ride it "normally" the bike is just a nice a kitty cat, i.e., docile, without unexpected evil tendencies; 2) the handling feels razor sharp without being jittery. Turn the head, dip the shoulder, and the bike turns like it's laser guided. It totally killed my previous mis-conception that sportbikes with low clip-ons don't turn as easily/quickly as standard bikes with handlebars. Having said that, I can't ride the ZX10r as quickly as the SV650/DRZ400sm in the hills yet because the 10r's power is less forgiving and intimidating on very tight roads.   

Quote from: Gary856 on January 30, 2012, 10:16:24 AM
What I remember about the GS was that the steering was light, the power was super beginner friendly and confidence inspiring, but overall the handling "feel" was a little dead/wooden, not as 'lively" as the other bikes with better suspension.
 
I thought most literbikes, including the '05 ZX10r, would go up to around 90 mph in first gear (very tall), but not quite 115 mph...

The suspension definitely leaves a bit to be desired. The one thing I've always noticed about the GS between riding other bikes is that there just doesn't seem to be any resistance. I guess I wouldn't say it's the best handling bike, but it definitely has it's own handling. I've had other bikes that handle well, but after riding the GS for a while and trying something else, I tend to forget that I really need to slow down, pick a line, lean into it and go. The GS just seemed to steer through a turn as if you were in some video came grom the 80s. I've caught myself almost running off the road once or twice because I'd get on another bike and wait too wait to react and panic thinking "I forgot I'm not on the GS anymore!!"

I'm not sure what most of them do, and I've never ridden an 04 zx10, I just remember that being one of the years that kawasaki decided to go crazy and make a stupid fast bike, and then promptly toned it back down to normal liter bike stats. I remember reading one long magazine review some guy wrote after riding on back roads, highway, all the way up to 115, various other stuff, then at the end of it he mentioned that he did the whole thing in 1st gear.

I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   :woohoo:

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   :woohoo:

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

They are a very good bike. They are actually only one tenth of a second slower down the 1/4 mile than the z1000 so they are very capable. The only bad feedback I have heard on them is that the seat can get a little hard after a while in the saddle.

Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 01:15:46 AM

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:27:03 AM


The TLS was one of the bikes that earned the nickname "widow maker", it had some suspension issues that made it a little unpredictable at times. It's still one of my favorite bikes though, I'd probably just looking investing in a steering damper.

There is only one true widowmaker

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Kawasaki_750.jpg/800px-Kawasaki_750.jpg)

omg wicked. my neighbor had one in the early 80's. i remember very distinctly it was either spaaaa pppppaaaa with a nice idling chainsaw rhythm, or it was I AM DEATH COMING AT YOU AT 200 MPH MUHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!! and not much in between. i'll very nervously bow and take two giant steps back if anyone foolishly offers me the keys to to try out out. i want to live a few more bikes worth of time.  :thumb:



OP - congrats on deciding on a z750, i love them naked bikes. :-)

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   :woohoo:

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Rough, I've ridden quite a few Z750s. Here are my writeups for what it's worth

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619586#msg619586
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620574#msg620574

Michael

Quote from: mister on February 04, 2012, 12:08:09 PM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   :woohoo:

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Rough, I've ridden quite a few Z750s. Here are my writeups for what it's worth

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619586#msg619586
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620574#msg620574

Michael

I just saw your post here.  Great info as all of those bikes are on my maybe list aside from the Bandit.  It feels to top heavy to me.  I finally got my tax return yesterday so I took that z750s for a ride.  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 10, 2012, 03:55:32 PM

Quote from: mister on February 04, 2012, 12:08:09 PM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   :woohoo:

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Rough, I've ridden quite a few Z750s. Here are my writeups for what it's worth

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619586#msg619586
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620574#msg620574

Michael

I just saw your post here.  Great info as all of those bikes are on my maybe list aside from the Bandit.  It feels to top heavy to me.  I finally got my tax return yesterday so I took that z750s for a ride.  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

I heard someone suggest a DL650, and that would probably suite you more. However, I must warn you that the DL's are very heavy, and a lot of that weight is up high. My DL1000 was so tall and heavy I couldn't even get the pig on its centerstand. I'm about a hair or two shy of 6 feet tall with a 29" inseam. That might've been the issue but, who knows?

How about an SV650? Decent power and it's down pretty low in the RPM range. Lots of people love their SV's, some are "bleh" about them. I don't think I've heard anyone say anything overtly bad about them, however. Don't ask me though, I haven't owned one.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 10, 2012, 03:55:32 PM
  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

Vtwin with plenty of mid range and more bottom end than you could ever need!

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GmlJ2al7e_k/SwvFX6CK9RI/AAAAAAAAHqU/lEl8CfsB3eQ/s1600/Buell+XB+12+Editione+Diavolo+2.jpg)

z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

Also look at the 2 valve Ducati Monsters from the 800 up. All great upgrades from the GS and plenty fast enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear. Don't believe the myth that they cost more to maintain. That only applies to the 4 valve Ducati's especially the SBKs. Service intervals are the same as a Jap bike except for the belts which will cost you around $150 every two years.

Quote from: tt_four on February 10, 2012, 07:09:15 PM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 10, 2012, 03:55:32 PM
  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

Vtwin with plenty of mid range and more bottom end than you could ever need!

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GmlJ2al7e_k/SwvFX6CK9RI/AAAAAAAAHqU/lEl8CfsB3eQ/s1600/Buell+XB+12+Editione+Diavolo+2.jpg)

I can't find a Buell 12 in my price range.  :(

Quote from: mister on February 11, 2012, 02:48:34 AM
z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

The z750s is a vibrating mother also.  I am still tempted to go grab it but I want a nekked.  I did not get to ride it all that much.  It did have a can on it and who knows if it was tuned.

Quote from: Twisted on February 11, 2012, 03:21:01 AM
Also look at the 2 valve Ducati Monsters from the 800 up. All great upgrades from the GS and plenty fast enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear. Don't believe the myth that they cost more to maintain. That only applies to the 4 valve Ducati's especially the SBKs. Service intervals are the same as a Jap bike except for the belts which will cost you around $150 every two years.

I have considered this.  A buddy told me his 750 was an electrical nightmare.  He builds race bikes for a living so I tend to believe him, but that is the only street bike he has ever known so who knows.

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2001-Ducati-Monster-900ie-S-102132697

Even with some practice and going light on the handlebar grip, I'm horribly uncomfortable at 60+ mph on my gs500e with or without traffic.  I'm glad to read I'm not the only one. 

Quote from: Phil B on January 29, 2012, 02:54:13 PM

Quote from: MysterYvil on January 29, 2012, 10:20:30 AM
I have a GS500 and a Ninja 650R (mechanically the same as the ER-6N).

In my experience, the GS is just fine on the highway, even in 70mph zones, if you cruise in 5th and downshift to 4th to pass.

Yup. Or if you're like me, "cruise" in overdrive, aka 6th gear, and enjoy the 58mpg that comes from running at 5k rpm all the time, rather than getting all worked up over showing off to the cars around you.



And PS to the post about getting left behind at stop lights by cars... erm...
Unless the "stop light" in question is a drag strip, "you're doing it wrong". Aint the bike's fault.
Poke around the web, and you'll see that the gs500's 0-60 times are quoted as 5.x seconds.

There arent that many cars around that can beat that.
If you're getting left behind all the time, either your bike needs an overhaul, or you need some quickstart lessons.

I'm terribly slow off the start.  Any tips?

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 13, 2012, 08:40:34 AM

Quote from: Twisted on February 11, 2012, 03:21:01 AM
Also look at the 2 valve Ducati Monsters from the 800 up. All great upgrades from the GS and plenty fast enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear. Don't believe the myth that they cost more to maintain. That only applies to the 4 valve Ducati's especially the SBKs. Service intervals are the same as a Jap bike except for the belts which will cost you around $150 every two years.

I have considered this.  A buddy told me his 750 was an electrical nightmare.  He builds race bikes for a living so I tend to believe him, but that is the only street bike he has ever known so who knows.

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2001-Ducati-Monster-900ie-S-102132697

That is a nice Monster. It already has the Termi pipes (aural heaven) and has the Ohlins shock and adjustable Showa forks being a S model. And very low miles. The 900s are damn near bullet proof engines too.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 13, 2012, 08:35:16 AM

Quote from: mister on February 11, 2012, 02:48:34 AM
z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

The z750s is a vibrating mother also.  I am still tempted to go grab it but I want a nekked.  I did not get to ride it all that much.  It did have a can on it and who knows if it was tuned.

Z750s? I thought you were looking at a naked plain old Z750?

Okay. Something is def wrong here. First you say the bike has no mid range and then say it vibes like a mother. NONE of the Z750s I rode were like this. Not the 2004, 08 or 2010. They ALL had smooth throttle and acceleration in all speeds and no untoward vibrations. Pass on that one.

As for Electrical Nightmare, what does that even mean? IN what specific way was this bike an Electrical Nightmare? I have never heard of it being anything other than reliable. Sounds like you buddy bought a lemon or something a PO had done some backyard work on, or may have had submerged.

Michael

OP - sv650 or vstrom , done.

There are two sv's asking $2K (asking!) Within driving distance from me. Vstroms are usually higher priced and run into the ground (people ride the piss out of them) with 70000 miles before they are sold.

The 750s you test rode, was broken. Find another and test ride. You should be happy with that bike.

As far as buells, exotics,  mmm, ya, no. Stick to jap bikes and enjoy the oil changes, cause that's all you do besides ride.

In my experience, some bikes feel more vibey in comparison to the current bike you are used to, and sometimes a particular bike just has more vibration ~ I have noticed this on SV650's and VFR800's.

Quote from: mister on February 14, 2012, 03:48:14 AM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 13, 2012, 08:35:16 AM

Quote from: mister on February 11, 2012, 02:48:34 AM
z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

The z750s is a vibrating mother also.  I am still tempted to go grab it but I want a nekked.  I did not get to ride it all that much.  It did have a can on it and who knows if it was tuned.

Z750s? I thought you were looking at a naked plain old Z750?

Okay. Something is def wrong here. First you say the bike has no mid range and then say it vibes like a mother. NONE of the Z750s I rode were like this. Not the 2004, 08 or 2010. They ALL had smooth throttle and acceleration in all speeds and no untoward vibrations. Pass on that one.

As for Electrical Nightmare, what does that even mean? IN what specific way was this bike an Electrical Nightmare? I have never heard of it being anything other than reliable. Sounds like you buddy bought a lemon or something a PO had done some backyard work on, or may have had submerged.

Michael

I do not think the plain z750 ever made it to the states.  And it vibrates a bit through the bars (I should have specified) because the engine is a stressed member.  I have read that bar end weights cure the problem.  I am following up... call it a second interview, on an '03 Z1000 today.  I checked it out a week or so ago and have been haggling.  We are at $2,700 so I think it is time to pull the trigger. It will need a front tire and new rearviews.

He said the was always having problems with the switches on his duc, clutch switch, sidestand switch, but again he is used to race bikes and race cars so street oriented wiring harnesses kind of piss him off in general whether it is a bike, a mustang etc.

Quote from: jimigalahad on February 13, 2012, 02:16:58 PM
I'm terribly slow off the start.  Any tips?

The one thing that I really like on the GS is launching from a stoplight. Here's how I do it. Give the engine about 1/2 turn and slip the clutch at 4K. As soon as you're moving and the chain has tension drop the clutch the rest of the way and give it as much throttle as you can manage. You should get a nice, smooth and brisk launch this way. Don't slip the clutch for longer than a few tenths of a second - the point is to get the driveline tensioned and the rear wheel moving slightly. Then you should be able to drop the clutch and take off without roasting the rear tire.

Unless the cager next to you is seriously launching his car I doubt he'll be able to keep up with you until about 40 or so.

I think all bikes are electrical nightmares. If there's a wire on it, I think it's got too much wiring. If he's used to track bikes, maybe he got tired of the lights and all of that mess.

Quote from: ohgood on February 14, 2012, 04:20:36 AM

As far as buells, exotics,  mmm, ya, no. Stick to jap bikes and enjoy the oil changes, cause that's all you do besides ride.

That's not true, despite other shortcomings, the Buell needed the least maintenance of any bike I've owned. The valves are self adjusting, there's not even a chain to lube. As long as there's oil in the bike it'll run great. There isn't even any coolant to deal with.

I do love Japanese bikes, and I understand passing on the Buell for something else considering I sold my for a yamaha, but maintenance certainly wasn't the issue.

Quote from: ohgood on February 14, 2012, 04:20:36 AM

As far as buells, exotics,  mmm, ya, no. Stick to jap bikes and enjoy the oil changes, cause that's all you do besides ride.

Jap bikes need more than just oil changes just like exotic bikes. Like I was telling the OP, my Ducati has the same service intervals as my GS, you check the valves at the same intervals as a GS. Seems to be this big myth that everyone thinks that a bike not made in Japan is going to bankrupt you. It just is not true. I too just like tt four love the Japanese bikes but I do not think they are the be all and end all. There are so many great bikes out there. Also I can understand that exotic bikes are not everyone's cup of tea.

The reason I wanted a japanese bike wasn't the maintenance, the biggest plus is the availability of parts. You can go on ebay and find multiples of pretty much anything, and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Quote from: tt_four on February 15, 2012, 07:48:50 PM
The reason I wanted a japanese bike wasn't the maintenance, the biggest plus is the availability of parts. You can go on ebay and find multiples of pretty much anything, and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Parts price/availability and soft aluminum ended my love affair with Ducati.  Along those lines but definitely off topic, we had a Porsche Cayman traded in at work and sent it down to the Porsche dealer for an oil change.  $320 for an oil change!?!?!  Definitely a rich persons toy!

-Jessie

I recall being told by a friend who used to work in auto sales that 80% of Porsche owners say they would not buy another one

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 15, 2012, 08:13:58 PM

Quote from: tt_four on February 15, 2012, 07:48:50 PM
The reason I wanted a japanese bike wasn't the maintenance, the biggest plus is the availability of parts. You can go on ebay and find multiples of pretty much anything, and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Parts price/availability and soft aluminum ended my love affair with Ducati.  Along those lines but definitely off topic, we had a Porsche Cayman traded in at work and sent it down to the Porsche dealer for an oil change.  $320 for an oil change!?!?!  Definitely a rich persons toy!

-Jessie

Porsche oil, for sure. $50 a quart.

Jap bikes are best ,had a new triumph 900 2005 cylinder head problems from new and no oil in forks or rear brake fluid yet all the assembly checks were ticked .Thinking it was bad luck i then invested $18,000 dollars in a new 2006 Triumph Tiger 995 i, another heap of pommy junk .boiled from day one ,had to replace 2 front disce"s by 5000km next had to replace rear wheel and hub  because of bad machine tolerances ,would you believe 3mm at the middle of the wheel hub .now its Jap all the way 40,000 km of total reliability.

Quote from: twinrat on February 15, 2012, 11:10:51 PM
Jap bikes are best ,had a new triumph 900 2005 cylinder head problems from new and no oil in forks or rear brake fluid yet all the assembly checks were ticked .Thinking it was bad luck i then invested $18,000 dollars in a new 2006 Triumph Tiger 995 i, another heap of pommy junk .boiled from day one ,had to replace 2 front disce"s by 5000km next had to replace rear wheel and hub  because of bad machine tolerances ,would you believe 3mm at the middle of the wheel hub .now its Jap all the way 40,000 km of total reliability.

Bad luck for you. Triumphs are a pretty reputable company and it sucks you got a few lemons. I do like the Japanese bikes but if they were as reliable as you say half the post in this forum would not exist   :icon_mrgreen:

From what I can see, the problems with the GS start to develop as soon as people start messing with them. Add a crash or two, know maintenance and riding abuse and you are bound to get issues.

Triumphs cop a bad rap because they tout themselves as something kind of special - British Steel and all that - and yet some of their bikes have the most silly problems. And what makes it worse is, the OEM parts are highly priced - and - the importer in Aust carries no stock so all parts need to be ordered from England As Needed.

Michael

I dunno but jap and euro bikes seem to be on par, maybe the euros are a little further ahead. Certainly on the style front.

Quote from: twinrat on February 15, 2012, 11:10:51 PM
Jap bikes are best

I had a triumph for a few years, loved the bike but again it was nothing but stupid problems. The biggest issue there is the dealer network. There's only 1 triumph dealer in the area and they're a nightmare. They were originally a bmw dealership, so no real hope from the start, but then they got triumph, now they have Ducati as well, and it's just a showroom of nothing but arrogant asshats. All of the stupid problems could have been resolved by a competant mechanic, but unfortunately they don't have any and nobody there wanted to try.

1 recurring problem was the chain eating through chainguards and grinding into my swingarm. Simple problem, the cog and chainring were too small, which put too much pressure on the chain guide. I explained this to them a number of times, they would just keep saying "we can't keep replacing these every time they go.....". Then fix the PROBLEM! Eventually the next year of bikes came out and had the same gear ratio, just done with higher sprockets(+1/+3), and as soon as I pointed it out they pretty much had to stop denying it wasn't a probem and they fixed it. There were various things like that which were all so stupid and simple, but they made you fight to the bitter end to get them sorted. If it was a used bike I would've done it myself, but I bought it brand new and had a warranty, so I felt compelled to make them do it. I wouldn't hesitate to grab a Speed Triple if I found a good deal on one, but I would be doing 100% of my own work, and buying parts entirely from the internet.

They can design a bike that's just as nice, and as fun to ride as a japanese bike, I think the issue is that they're not as big, and without the turn around and high output there are stupid little problems like that which just slip through.

They have their own strong points though. There are no naked bikes as good as the speed triple, just doesn't happen! The Z1000 is a nice bike, that new cb1000r looks cool, but they're no speed triple. Even that 2003 speed four I had is still better than any japanese naked bike you could buy now that it's 2012. Naked bikes is just a market that japanese manufactures don't really take serious. They're all just downgraded versions of their sportbikes with older motors in them. Triumph has the modern engine and same quality of suspension and parts on their nakes bikes as they have on their sportbikes, same as Buell and Ducati.

Those problem with Triumph are bad quality control totaly .the design is on par with the japa's ,but at least you can get decent service and parts with jap bikes .If you have problems with jap bikes its because those of you out there who tinker with things you dont know very little about cause them, or sell them on because you dont actually know or have the experience and tools to fix them properly.

Quote from: twinrat on February 16, 2012, 11:15:49 PM
.If you have problems with jap bikes its because those of you out there who tinker with things you dont know very little about cause them, or sell them on because you dont actually know or have the experience and tools to fix them properly.

I think that can be applied to any bike.

Absolutly right twisted

with the right hand tools, anything is easy to work on.

Until you got a stuck bolt.

Here is my new toy.  :)

A member mentioned the 919 being like a GS but more of it.  I couldn't agree more.  I love the torque.  I feel much better armed against 80MPH DFW highway traffic.  I am loving it.  Stock aside from some slip on cans and a PC3.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/jubx49.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/dnjzw6.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/25f7hpd.jpg)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/14cfbjn.jpg)


Yep, pretty similar.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/6f4ahz.jpg)

 Mister is gonna cream his pants! Very nice bike and a very good choice. Check out a few of his vids - http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelrossonline?feature=g-all-c

It is a nice bike man.  It had 6,200 miles on it when I bought it yesterday.

RC

Quote from: Twisted on February 17, 2012, 04:35:43 PM
Mister is gonna cream his pants! Very nice bike and a very good choice. Check out a few of his vids - http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelrossonline?feature=g-all-c

His already creaming and doesn't know it, in another thread foxtrot tango was talking bout the 919.

Looks great! still really like the color. Looks good parked next to the GS!

SCORE! (https://www.ultimateeditionoz.com/forum/images/smilies/hands.gif)

Rough, what a gem of a bike you got yourself. Now get on over to Wrist Twisters http://www.wristtwisters.com/forums/forums.php for all your 919 needs. There are other 919 forums but this one is the best and most friendly - like the gstwins of the 919 world  :thumb:

Michael

Quote from: tt_four on February 17, 2012, 11:40:31 PM
Looks great! still really like the color. Looks good parked next to the GS!

It took roughly .5 of a day for the color to grow on me.  In the sunlight it is absolutely beautiful.  Looks sweet under artificial light too.  Not so great in pictures.

Mister, thanks for the link.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 17, 2012, 04:21:14 PM
Here is my new toy.  :)

A member mentioned the 919 being like a GS but more of it.  I couldn't agree more.  I love the torque.  I feel much better armed against 80MPH DFW highway traffic.  I am loving it.  Stock aside from some slip on cans and a PC3.

Yep, pretty similar.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/6f4ahz.jpg)

Awesome bike!  Wish I could find one like that in my neck of the woods.

Thanks man!  One thing I love about it is that every time I get on the GS it is even more fun.  The GS and the 919 really compliment each other.

What neck of the woods would you be in?

RC

Gainesville, FL.  There is actually a fair amount of bikes to choose from on craigslist here in town but rarely a 919.

Unless you ride one you'll never know just how good a jump from the gs500 the 919 really is. Of course I could be bias :-)