Hey guys,
A little introduction to myself. My name is Jon, and I recently graduated college with a degree in Product Design. My passion for all things 2 wheeled started my freshman year of college, when a buddy and myself slaved some Chinese 2 stroke motors to old Schwinn cruiser frames. After that, I dabbled in electrifying motorcycles and bicycles, using lithium batteries and forklift motors. Long story short, I ended up selling my electric CB750 project to help me move across the country and look for work in LA.
I'm settled into my new left coast habitat, and the itch to get back into bikes is getting hard to ignore. I'm taking the riding class this summer through OCMT, and will hopefully get a bike in the near future. My lust for 2 wheeled things came from all of the beautiful (but I admit they are becoming tired and derivative) cafe racers, roadsters, and brat bikes on BikeExif and Pipeburn. The most common platform for those projects are almost always UJM bikes from the 70s and 80s.
I never really considered the GS500 until I came across this:
(http://www.ellaspede.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EB007-image1-900x600.jpg)
I admit that it's not exactly how I would do things, but I love the combination of vintage details with a more modern bike. I've been doing a lot of research and it seems like the GS500 is not too far removed from a UJM bike, with a pretty old school, simple engine, but more modern suspension and braking. I guess my question is, would the GS500 be a little too much for a first bike? My riding experience is limited to motorized bicycles, and riding a bicycle nearly every single day back and forth to work. It seems like a bike that I wouldn't really "grow out of", I'm not a speed demon (never even had a speeding ticket) or much of a hooligan, but it's small and nimble enough to learn on, but big enough to take onto the freeways if needed (atleast from what I read).
So what do you think? Is the GS500 a good place to start?
Thanks for your time and help!
-Jon
After/during your motorcycle course, try on a couple of different bikes including some smaller cruisers (Suzuki S50 Boulevard / Yamaha 650 V-Star) and Honda's CBR125 and 250, in comparison to the GS500 along with some bikes that are a step above like the FZ6R, 650 Ninja and SV650.
The point is the GS500 is nicely lightweight and compact yet still has enough gumption to deal with fast traffic.
Lastly, buy a used bike first to see if you like owning/riding a motorcycle, after which you can modify it to your liking or get something different or decide it's not all that and a bag of chips after all. I would suggest avoiding a. Heavy traffic and b. Canyon carving until you gain the experience and discipline to handle the types of situations you will be presented with.
Mostly, people grow out of the GS500 for the same reason most people grow out of cheap compact econo cars.
Wow, people have been so cautious about their replies...
Quote from: jpanichella on June 29, 2012, 09:10:46 AM
it seems like the GS500 is not too far removed from a UJM bike, with a pretty old school, simple engine, but more modern suspension and braking. I guess my question is, would the GS500 be a little too much for a first bike? My riding experience is limited to motorized bicycles, and riding a bicycle nearly every single day back and forth to work. It seems like a bike that I wouldn't really "grow out of", I'm not a speed demon (never even had a speeding ticket) or much of a hooligan, but it's small and nimble enough to learn on, but big enough to take onto the freeways if needed (atleast from what I read).
So what do you think? Is the GS500 a good place to start?
yes, I think it will be a great place for you to start, particularly given your levelheaded attitude.
only one word of caution: it's not so much in the 'modern suspension' department ;) depending on how much you weigh, you'll probably want to spend $100 or so to replace the springs at some point.
Other than that... happy riding!
GS500 is a great place to start. I just hit 1 year of ownership (and riding) 2 days ago, and have racked about 4,000 miles on it. Perfect bike to get comfortable on, and its really easy to work on. I did end up replacing my front and rear suspension about 4 months ago, but if you live in a city with decent roads, you won't have to do it unless you want to.
I would think so, It's my first street bike and doesn't seem too powerful at all, then again i grew up on dirt-bikes and what not so riding isn't new to me at all. That is one thing that i like about both the GS500 and the Kawasaki KE100, they are both relatively simple bikes to work on and havent changed alot so they have that kind of vintage look to them while maintainting power (well the KE100 isn't big on power, but it us fun to screw with!) but you seem like somebody who wont get into to much trouble, the GS500 wont give you that off-the-line wheelie power that a GSXR 1000R may, but it'll hold it's own on the highways
I've had a 2007 GS500F for 4 years, put 15,000km on it and generally loved every minute of it. I've ridden 1,500 km in 3 days on several occasions, so it's plenty comfortable, the fuel economy is excellent, and it's a fun wee machine.
My only complaint about it is that where I live (New Zealand) we have a lot of two lane highways without a lot of passing room. I find I really have to pick my place for passing large trucks, and I would appreciate having more low end torque to make passing a little less stressful.
I'm considering getting an SV1000 to solve that problem, but if I can manage it, I would love to keep the GS too.
Here's another cafed GS500
(http://www.sydneycaferacers.com/storage/FKC01.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325085195501)
(http://www.sydneycaferacers.com/storage/FKC06.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325085425472)
GS500 is learner friendly. :thumb:
Michael
Quote from: bucket_chemist on June 29, 2012, 03:22:16 PM
My only complaint about it is that where I live (New Zealand) we have a lot of two lane highways without a lot of passing room. I find I really have to pick my place for passing large trucks, and I would appreciate having more low end torque to make passing a little less stressful.
"low" end? what do you consider low end?!?!
I havent actually timed it, but I think I can do 0-60 in around "the book" time of 6 seconds. That's no 100HP monster, but it still blows the doors off most cars!!
Quote from: Phil B on June 29, 2012, 09:55:47 PM
Quote from: bucket_chemist on June 29, 2012, 03:22:16 PM
My only complaint about it is that where I live (New Zealand) we have a lot of two lane highways without a lot of passing room. I find I really have to pick my place for passing large trucks, and I would appreciate having more low end torque to make passing a little less stressful.
"low" end? what do you consider low end?!?!
I havent actually timed it, but I think I can do 0-60 in around "the book" time of 6 seconds. That's no 100HP monster, but it still blows the doors off most cars!!
The GS is not really a slouch but it could definitely be a bit faster. I know exactly what he means - I too found the lack of grunt especially frustrating or scary when it comes to trying to pass longer vehicles such as trucks and buses. Though, a smaller front sprocket would help a lot.
The SV is a great bike but not really something you want to try to learn on. The GS is kind of pushing it in terms of forgiving for newbs. If you've done the MSF the 500 will be a great experience. No MSF or other experience? Try a 250 instead.
Quote from: Kijona on June 29, 2012, 10:22:56 PM
Quote from: Phil B on June 29, 2012, 09:55:47 PM
Quote from: bucket_chemist on June 29, 2012, 03:22:16 PM
My only complaint about it is that where I live (New Zealand) we have a lot of two lane highways without a lot of passing room. I find I really have to pick my place for passing large trucks, and I would appreciate having more low end torque to make passing a little less stressful.
"low" end? what do you consider low end?!?!
I havent actually timed it, but I think I can do 0-60 in around "the book" time of 6 seconds. That's no 100HP monster, but it still blows the doors off most cars!!
The GS is not really a slouch but it could definitely be a bit faster. I know exactly what he means - I too found the lack of grunt especially frustrating or scary when it comes to trying to pass longer vehicles such as trucks and buses. Though, a smaller front sprocket would help a lot.
The SV is a great bike but not really something you want to try to learn on. The GS is kind of pushing it in terms of forgiving for newbs. If you've done the MSF the 500 will be a great experience. No MSF or other experience? Try a 250 instead.
Yeah, it's not the stoplight drag races that concern me. The GS is great for that. It's passing a 60 foot long truck loaded with 15 tons of logs on a narrow two lane highway that worries me.
Thanks for all the help guys!
I just got Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough and am already about 50 pages in. Great book for understanding the risks of riding, since I commute by train I'll probably have it done in a week.
mister: Thanks for the heads up on that bike, gives me a lot of cool ideas!
I'm pretty settled on the GS500. I'll look into suspension upgrades using the search. I've come across people using R6 shocks, and I've taken apart the forks on my CB750, so I think I will be capable of stiffening up the front suspension as well.
Quote from: jpanichella on June 30, 2012, 12:19:54 PM
I'm pretty settled on the GS500. I'll look into suspension upgrades using the search.
check the wiki.
wiki.gstwins.com
I find the GS500 can overtake just fine. Maybe y'all are in too high a gear when doing it or not timing the pass well at all :dunno_black:
Michael
I am interpeting 'low range' as under 5500 rpm, where the 487cc of air-cooled two-valve GS doesn't have enough giddyap to pass at will once you are already going over 100kmh/60mph. It will overtake if you shift down a gear or two and are generous with the happy handle, but it still takes some work ~ there is still no replacement for displacement.
One of the interesting experiments here is the Honda CBR125. If you have absolutely zip for experience and aren't going to ride above 90km/h max, it's like a motorized bicycle, with just enough power to stay with traffic. We bought one for my wife when she started riding again after a 10yr break. Later she got a GS500 and an FZ6R. There are multitudes of low mileage CBR125's for so cheap you can own it for a season and still sell it for what you bought it for. It's not for everyone, and if the mechanics of buying and selling bikes is too much of a hassle, stick with the GS or 650Ninja.
Progressive springs up front, '06 R6 shock in the rear. Much stiffer, falls into turns more precisely, doesn't nose dive with brakes or otherwise bottom out. Not great for new orleans and the endless potholes and crap.
Quote from: jpanichella on June 30, 2012, 12:19:54 PM
Thanks for all the help guys!
I just got Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough and am already about 50 pages in. Great book for understanding the risks of riding, since I commute by train I'll probably have it done in a week.
mister: Thanks for the heads up on that bike, gives me a lot of cool ideas!
I'm pretty settled on the GS500. I'll look into suspension upgrades using the search. I've come across people using R6 shocks, and I've taken apart the forks on my CB750, so I think I will be capable of stiffening up the front suspension as well.
Sounds like a good idea, once you're done with the book i'm interested to see if you still want a GS500
I emailed this guy and he said he still has the bike for sale. He said the PO dropped it, it looks like a minor scratch and dent. Otherwise, it seems like a reasonable deal, think I should talk him down to something like $750?
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcd/3120607636.html
After finishing the book I have no concerns going forward with getting a GS500, they seem to be well regarded and reliable bikes.
If it has a clean title and starts than I'd say it's worth $750. though I'd offer $500 first. That being said, I still recommend a smaller displacement bike for newbies. Though compared to bigger bikes the GS500 might not seem like it has a lot of torque, in the real world you can easily get yourself in trouble and fast. The GS500 is in the same range as many high-end sports cars to 60 mph and the bike will do over 100 mph. To me, these are not newbie numbers. Learning on a smaller bike is soooooooo much less stressful and FUN! You can concentrate on learning to ride on a lightweight bike with very manageable power. I learned on a 1973 Honda CB125 and LOVED it, then moved up to a Honda CB200 (I was in my classic 70's bikes phase), then to a Ninja 250 a year later, road that for a couple years then bought a CB360, (then bought a maxi scooter, a Honda Silverwing 600) then went back to bikes and bought a 2009 TU250 and finally to the GS500F. I "mastered" riding on small bikes and it paid off.
Quote from: SAFE-T on June 30, 2012, 04:03:11 PM
I am interpeting 'low range' as under 5500 rpm, where the 487cc of air-cooled two-valve GS doesn't have enough giddyap to pass at will once you are already going over 100kmh/60mph. It will overtake if you shift down a gear or two and are generous with the happy handle, but it still takes some work ~ there is still no replacement for displacement.
I don't know. I still have no issue overtaking with the GS500. See my video of multiple passes on a rural road http://youtu.be/8pXUfvzSx2k - note rpm / speed range. All bikes will struggle to overtake if you are in the wrong gear. Larger displacement only means you can be lazier with gear selection.
Michael
With the small amount of on road experince that inhave with the gs it seems to have plenty of power for passing, today i decided to play with the acceleraion and was pleasently suprised. I do have a lot of dirt bike experience and perhaps thats why, but i think the gs500 isnt to powerful for a first street bike.
#5063
That seems a good price to me. Based on what GS500's are going for up here, a decent running one is like $1400 or more.
The scratches can be fixed. carbs cleaned. New emblem on the right side cover.
As for power, even in 6th gear at 60 mph I can accelerate pretty fast with a twist of the wrist. I always can stay with the liter bikes on group rides. I find the 5.5k or 6k rpm is a good start to a nice power curve. open the throttle and she takes off.
Very happy with the GS500 for power and ease of riding. I did a 10 hour day to Mt. Rainer, twisties on the mountain, long ride home. About 200 miles in all. Loved it. Never ever wished I was on anything different.
Hey JP! I was following your electric cb750 on DTT.......shame you had to cut it loose.
I certainly can't add anything about owning a GS500, but it is the bike I recommend to everybody.
Quote from: FredSled on July 12, 2012, 09:33:43 PM
... then went back to bikes and bought a 2009 TU250 and finally to the GS500F. I "mastered" riding on small bikes and it paid off.
TU250 - Wicked fun commuter bike, and fuel injected! I had a chance to ride one for a week. Riding position if very close to the GS500 too. I really wish they would release the TU450 in the US, as it seems the only thing the TU250 was missing was another 200cc.
- Bboy
Don't get wound too tight over whether or not the GS500 is capable enough. It's adequate in a greater way than some of the smaller alternatives, although compared to more powerful bikes it's just adequate. As others have noted, it's still faster than a lot of cars, though just adequate in the bike world. But you could own one for your entire life and be happy ~ lots of people on the forum have ridden and/or owned bigger faster bikes and still appreciate the G5500.
Quote from: adidasguy on July 12, 2012, 10:47:33 PM
#5063
That seems a good price to me. Based on what GS500's are going for up here, a decent running one is like $1400 or more.
Man, that kills me how bike prices vary that much depending on geographical location. Here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania I bought my '09 GS for $3,400. Granted it was from a cycle dealer in early spring. But still western PA is an expensive area to purchase a motorcycle.
-Mike
The GS500 is a great bike to learn on or to have fun on. I have had cruisers and sport bikes. My last one before the GS500f was a Katana 1100. It was a very fast bike, but I learned speed isn't everything. The GS500 is one of my favorite bikes. Quick enough for the highway, easy maneuverability, descent gas mileage, parts are easily available. And they look good.
With any bike always watch out for the other guy! Read the posts here, I enjoyed the article on "the pace" here in the forums. Counter steering is also a good topic.
Good luck!
Quote from: jpanichella on July 12, 2012, 06:27:29 PM
I emailed this guy and he said he still has the bike for sale. He said the PO dropped it, it looks like a minor scratch and dent. Otherwise, it seems like a reasonable deal, think I should talk him down to something like $750?
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcd/3120607636.html
a word of caution.
You say "dropped it", the post says "laid down".
Those things sound way too gentle :) Given the scratches on the tank, a more accurate description sounds like,
"crashed, at speed".
(Where speed somewhere above 20mph, possibly?)
So.. get it, if you plan to possibly put a lot of work into it. It's telling that the guy describes it as "a project bike".
Otherwise... save more money, and buy something in better condition.
Quote from: mister on July 12, 2012, 10:00:56 PM
I don't know. I still have no issue overtaking with the GS500. See my video of multiple passes on a rural road http://youtu.be/8pXUfvzSx2k - note rpm / speed range. All bikes will struggle to overtake if you are in the wrong gear. Larger displacement only means you can be lazier with gear selection.
Michael
My comment about wanting more torque wasn't meant to slag the GS. I have had mine for 4 years and I love it.
Most of the roads I ride around here are two lane highways, littered with logging trucks and the like, with short opportunities to pass. So, I'm talking about passing much larger, and longer, vehicles than were in your video.
You think my gear selection is lazy, and imply I don't know what gear to be in to pass, but I just find it comforting to know that I don't have to downshift at 100km/h to get around a vehicle in front of me.
Bucket, actually my post was directed at Safe ;)
We too get long trucks called B-Doubles. One large prime mover towing 2 trailers. I have had no problems passing them on the GS. Yes, the pass is quicker on my 919, but I do not pass where things are so tight it would only be capable on my 919. At that little vision ahead the pass is dangerous on any bike.
The laziness is a fact I am also guilty of. One gear too high on the 919 and the bike pulls anyway. Not so on the GS where correct gear is very important when making a pass.
Michael
Quote from: mister on July 13, 2012, 03:22:15 PM
Bucket, actually my post was directed at Safe ;)
We too get long trucks called B-Doubles. One large prime mover towing 2 trailers. I have had no problems passing them on the GS. Yes, the pass is quicker on my 919, but I do not pass where things are so tight it would only be capable on my 919. At that little vision ahead the pass is dangerous on any bike.
The laziness is a fact I am also guilty of. One gear too high on the 919 and the bike pulls anyway. Not so on the GS where correct gear is very important when making a pass.
Michael
Hey, I need to pull my head in a bit. Got up on the wrong side of the bed, I guess. We're all friends here. :cheers:
I'm thinking pretty hard about an upgrade to an SV1000, just for the torque. If my bank account allows it, I'll keep the GS too. It really is a fun wee machine.
Quote from: Big Rich on July 12, 2012, 10:57:25 PM
Hey JP! I was following your electric cb750 on DTT.......shame you had to cut it loose.
I certainly can't add anything about owning a GS500, but it is the bike I recommend to everybody.
Hey Big Rich! It's a shame I never finished it, but another guy named Alex picked all the parts up to convert a Katana. I'll keep you updated on how it goes.
Quote from: BockinBboy on July 13, 2012, 06:04:28 AM
Quote from: FredSled on July 12, 2012, 09:33:43 PM
... then went back to bikes and bought a 2009 TU250 and finally to the GS500F. I "mastered" riding on small bikes and it paid off.
TU250 - Wicked fun commuter bike, and fuel injected! I had a chance to ride one for a week. Riding position if very close to the GS500 too. I really wish they would release the TU450 in the US, as it seems the only thing the TU250 was missing was another 200cc.
- Bboy
I dig the TU250, but unfortunately they don't pass CA emissions.
Quote from: Phil B on July 13, 2012, 11:10:49 AM
Quote from: jpanichella on July 12, 2012, 06:27:29 PM
I emailed this guy and he said he still has the bike for sale. He said the PO dropped it, it looks like a minor scratch and dent. Otherwise, it seems like a reasonable deal, think I should talk him down to something like $750?
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcd/3120607636.html
a word of caution.
You say "dropped it", the post says "laid down".
Those things sound way too gentle :) Given the scratches on the tank, a more accurate description sounds like,
"crashed, at speed".
(Where speed somewhere above 20mph, possibly?)
So.. get it, if you plan to possibly put a lot of work into it. It's telling that the guy describes it as "a project bike".
Otherwise... save more money, and buy something in better condition.
Noted, I guess it comes down to seeing it in person. I may pass on it until I have a more permanent residence, but sometimes I get excited to see a decent deal.
OP: I actually was in a similar boat to you! I got a '93 GS500E with 5,xxx miles on it for $450 and it has been a great project bike that is up and running now. Just had to do some carb work and fuel work and then it was good to go. I agree with some of the earlier posts, definitely a sensible bike to work on!
The biggest issue I have had is that the fuel delivery system seems to be a little suspect, but that can be fairly easily replaced/fixed (I'm in the process of doing that now, actually).
Good luck, hope it works out!
Michael, I agree with you about the overtaking. I have ridden many powerful bikes that are fun to ride but that I would not consider owning. It is great to have bags of torque and power for overtaking but I feel that it makes me a lazy rider (just a passenger really). I enjoy the fact that I have to actually "ride" my GS and think about what is going on around me and "plan" my overtaking moves. The bike reqiures input from me the get what I want out of it rather just doing everything automatically. When I was buying my bike it was a toss-up between the GS500 and a Honda 600 Hornet. I rode both twice and decided that the Honda was brilliant in the way it did everything perfectly but I could just put it in 6th gear at 40kph and leave it there all day. I would soon get bored with that. The GS made me work for my ride and rewarded me with lots of fun.
Macka
Quote from: prmas on July 14, 2012, 01:09:29 AM
Michael, I agree with you about the overtaking. I have ridden many powerful bikes that are fun to ride but that I would not consider owning. It is great to have bags of torque and power for overtaking but I feel that it makes me a lazy rider (just a passenger really). I enjoy the fact that I have to actually "ride" my GS and think about what is going on around me and "plan" my overtaking moves. The bike reqiures input from me the get what I want out of it rather just doing everything automatically. When I was buying my bike it was a toss-up between the GS500 and a Honda 600 Hornet. I rode both twice and decided that the Honda was brilliant in the way it did everything perfectly but I could just put it in 6th gear at 40kph and leave it there all day. I would soon get bored with that. The GS made me work for my ride and rewarded me with lots of fun.
Macka
That's a good way to put it, you can either get a bike that drives you, or you can get a bike you ride (if that makes sense to you). it's like luxury vs performance, you go for a ride in luxury cars, but you drive a performance car.
Hey guys,
I'm checking out a bike that looks to be in good shape, but the owner says this:
"motor runs, but makes a tapping noise at high rpm. May need new top end or valve adjustment?"
It comes with enough aftermarket accessories and the price is low enough to make me interested. Is it a valve issue? Cam chain?
Did he say how many miles are on it and when the valves were done last?
The bike is an 89 with 12K miles on it. I assume the valves were never done.
I would like to think it just needs a valve adjustment .........but you just don't know until you do it.
Sorry JP, wish I had a better answer for ya.