I've had my GS for about 6 months and now that it's prime riding season, I'm finding that this bike may not be the one for me in the long term. Where I live, there aren't too many twisty roads, and I'm out in the suburbs where it isn't uncommon to regularly ride on 60MPH back roads. Cruisers are the big thing here because we have long stretches of interstate highways where you need some decent passing power at 80MPH. The GS can manage OK at those speeds, but if you're riding into a headwind with extra weight on the bike, it's challenging.
I'm tempted to upgrade to a 1000cc+ dual sport or sport touring bike. I want something that has a decent luggage aftermarket (hard panniers), plenty of top end power, and a FUEL GAUGE.
That being said, the GS can get along just fine and in the past 2 weeks I've covered about 600 miles of highway riding and had no issues. The used bike market here sucks so for me to get the bike I want, I would need to drop at least $6000.
So have I hit some practical obstacles that can't be conquered on the GS or are there some ways around these gripes?
cuz the gs is the best most awesome bike ever made! but realistically tho id wait if you have only been riding 6 months. 40 hp 489cc to 100+ hp 1000cc bike is a huge jump. i got my bike almost exactly one yr since ive gotton mine. another yr or two and ill be upgrading to a bike with the same riding position but maybe a 750. my bike scoots good enough for me right now to learn how to ride those curvy roads safely.
No.1: Because you love her so much!
No.2: The GS does have enough passing power at 80, just kick'er back to 4th (at least 5th) gear. In fact I've had her for a while, and still think that any more power is not needed for public roads anywhere. Seriously :)
Of course, one will always want more. But that will be true on any bike. The GS will cruise all day at 100mph if you want it to, provided that you don't forget to top up with some el cheapo oil if it has a bit higher milage and uses it. Not sure if you need more than that?
Adequate power? Check. Decent luggage available? Check. Fuel gauge? Tripmeter + manual petcock is all you need.
I'm 183,5 cm tall, have mild bar risers but that's all, recently covered 500 km's in one day (not on the highway), didn't have any pain or sore muscles afterwards...
I love my GS and I'm sure I don't want anything else in the near future, so I thought I would give you a few reasons why you don't need much else.. But if you don't enjoy it anymore, want something with more oomph and you can afford it (incl. the higher running costs!), then by all means, go ahead :thumb:
If you haven't rejetted and added an aftermarket air filter, maybe even exhaust, you're not getting the most out of it. When I rejetted the difference was absolutely astounding :icon_razz: I'd try rejetting, and then maybe gearing up by one on the front sprocket for the highways?
Quote from: rexpepper651 on May 15, 2014, 12:31:16 PM
cuz the gs is the best most awesome bike ever made! but realistically tho id wait if you have only been riding 6 months. 40 hp 489cc to 100+ hp 1000cc bike is a huge jump. i got my bike almost exactly one yr since ive gotton mine. another yr or two and ill be upgrading to a bike with the same riding position but maybe a 750. my bike scoots good enough for me right now to learn how to ride those curvy roads safely.
I've ridden 1200cc bikes before and had no problems controlling the power. I'm somewhat inclined to believe the extra power makes me safer since it gives me room to quickly get out of hairy situations. Most modern sport touring bikes include traction control and riding modes, which can help you acclimate to the extra power.
Quote from: Atesz792 on May 15, 2014, 12:57:14 PM
No.1: Because you love her so much!
No.2: The GS does have enough passing power at 80, just kick'er back to 4th (at least 5th) gear. In fact I've had her for a while, and still think that any more power is not needed for public roads anywhere. Seriously :)
Of course, one will always want more. But that will be true on any bike. The GS will cruise all day at 100mph if you want it to, provided that you don't forget to top up with some el cheapo oil if it has a bit higher milage and uses it. Not sure if you need more than that?
Adequate power? Check. Decent luggage available? Check. Fuel gauge? Tripmeter + manual petcock is all you need.
I'm 183,5 cm tall, have mild bar risers but that's all, recently covered 500 km's in one day (not on the highway), didn't have any pain or sore muscles afterwards...
I love my GS and I'm sure I don't want anything else in the near future, so I thought I would give you a few reasons why you don't need much else.. But if you don't enjoy it anymore, want something with more oomph and you can afford it (incl. the higher running costs!), then by all means, go ahead :thumb:
Not sure I agree on the availability of luggage. Our beloved Adidasguy literally had to scour the globe to find luggage racks for his bike, and Suzuki long ago quit selling the factory luggage rack. The desire for a fuel gauge comes into play when you are riding under conditions that include a headwind and extra weight. I am used to filling up at 160 miles on the trip meter, but once I have a weekend's worth of luggage and a 40mph headwind, I was bone dry at 100 miles on the trip meter. This was the trip where I was literally maxed out on the throttle at 75MPH to maintain speed on the interstate because of an uphill climb and heavy winds pushing me back.
Quote from: Meuryn on May 15, 2014, 02:56:00 PM
If you haven't rejetted and added an aftermarket air filter, maybe even exhaust, you're not getting the most out of it. When I rejetted the difference was absolutely astounding :icon_razz: I'd try rejetting, and then maybe gearing up by one on the front sprocket for the highways?
I have already done those. I am running the K&N lunchbox, 24/65/145 jets, and have a Delkevic complete exhaust system. The front sprocket is a 17t which helps, but I think we tend to overmagnify the effect of a +1/-1 sprocket adjustment. I also weigh 225 with all my gear on, and I'm inclined to believe this bike was meant for a rider in the 165lb range.
Quote from: dinkydonuts on May 15, 2014, 03:04:12 PM
I have already done those. I am running the K&N lunchbox, 24/65/145 jets, and have a Delkevic complete exhaust system. The front sprocket is a 17t which helps, but I think we tend to overmagnify the effect of a +1/-1 sprocket adjustment. I also weigh 225 with all my gear on, and I'm inclined to believe this bike was meant for a rider in the 165lb range.
Aah, fair enough :) Being fairly lightweight (150lb ish) the mods made a lot of difference for me, but I can see how the 500 would struggle with a heavier rider
Well, a topcase, soft panniers, a tank bag + a 60L simple cylindrical bag (made esp. for riders) strapped on the rear seat could suit me for a month's worth of stuff (I only have the topcase though).
I understand the need for a fuel gauge in that situation you mentioned.
The 17t sprocket will make it more sluggish (though less buzzy on the highway, I know) so for a heavy rider (not picking on you, I'm about the same weight) it might not be the best idea. In fact I believe it could have caused the 75mph@WOT situation you mentioned.
Are you tall enough for that weight? If so, you might be ready for a V-Strom.
225 pfft .... I'm 300 ish geared up ... And in ALL situations EXCEPT longish up hills the bike has plenty of power to do the speed limit...
If you've got the itchy knickers for a big bike then accept the $ hit and get it... Just don't 'reason yourself around in circles for ages' ...
I want to get .... So MUCH WANT!!! ... A Yamaha FZ/MT09 .... Why? ... Cos it's HOON power! ... But I'll be trying to keep the GS500 as well .... For when I just want to trundle around quiet .. With a fairing! ... When I have the dollars for a MT09 ... It will be my 'party bike' ... And probably get me into trouble with the law ... But that's my acknowledged risk.
The bike has an interactive fuel gauge .... You fill up ... Ride till it hits reserve.. Switch ... And know you have 5 litres/quarter tank left and it's time to look for fuel soon ... ;) ... If you don't have or use the main/reserve function then of course it's gonna cause problems ... My bike HAS varied between 420km till switch to reserve and 270 km or so till switch .... All about how I'm using the bike .... You need a working reserve petcock! ... Not a fuel gauge ... ;)
Handle the power on a 1200 .... Yep ok ... Most people can ... It's the mindset and high end skills or lack thereof that will bring a rider undone... Not the engine size..
A number of my riding mates all have 1000's ... And most of the time we ride they are just hovering along above idle at 100km/h for fear if losing their licence .... Sometimes they squirt it and rocket away, then drop right back down again.... I don't hassle them about the following but "riding a bike with THAT much power and potential like a worried grandma most of the time would shaZam! me to tears!" ... The GS500 is still right there with them on most roads and most of the time ... And it waits patiently with me at the fuel station while they fill up AGAIN!!! .... Some days it's like riding with Jeremy Clarkson in his GT40!!
Extra power does NOT make you safer.... Just faster accelerating ... Riding skills and reaction ability makes you safer (somewhat ) ... Paying attention and situational awareness makes you safer (also somewhat) .. Doing trackdays makes you safer than power ever will ... No idiots in cars to start with!!
... Anyway ... Enough ramble .... You want a big capacity bike then just pull the damn trigger! ... Nothing anyone here says will change your mind if that's what you want and no one can pretend otherwise!!! .... You'll still end up missing some attributes of the GS500 , just as much as you love other attributes of a new ride.. :thumb:
One sentence, and I'm sure you've heard it before...
It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
It sounds like you've already made your decision and to that I say do what you gotta do.
I read somewhere that motorcycle riders are some of the most fickle people...that they tend to change (or add) bikes every few years. There is no shame in deciding you want something different or that your tastes have changed.
If you're gonna sell the gs, make sure to direct the new owner here. :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quick learner!
If you're that starved for power already, you need to re visit your riding technique. I'm sorry if that sounds rude, but it's true. As others have said, rejetting will yield very satisfying results if you're not afraid to twist your wrist a little more that 10 degrees.
Don't let the cruiser guys get to you, because chances are, their big twin cruisers don't make much more power than your bike is capable of once weight is factored in.
Another thing to think about, if someone on a gs500 can keep up with the 600cc sportbikes at most track days, who's to say it cant do it on the street when you're usually not going much faster than 70 in a straight line? The "need" for a liter bike is purely psychological 99% of the time, and is also part of the daily duck measuring contest.
Whatever you choose to do, remember all your gear...no matter what bike it's on. /lecture :thumb:
You will always have to work harder to make your GS 'keep up'. Not because it can't, it just takes more effort ~ downshift/gas it/build revs/shift up/etc.
A bike with more displacement will be easier to ride in your environment, in which case you should enjoy it more. There are lots of 600/750/800/900cc bikes in the used marketplace in good condition that should easily fit the bill for under $5000. I don't know what you are going to find with traction control or other electronic gadgetry for $6000..., but fuel injection and ABS are useful and widely available in your price range, though.
Why not to upgrade? Maintenance costs. The GS costs literally nothing to maintain. I put $700 into mine, and half of that was mods. I put 9k on the bike in 9 months, and I bought it needing a lot of work too
I've never found the need for "passing power" when I'm already going 80 mph, but if that's truly something you need, you are probably on the wrong bike.
Quote from: MarkB on May 16, 2014, 08:44:21 AM
I've never found the need for "passing power" when I'm already going 80 mph, but if that's truly something you need, you are probably on the wrong bike.
You're welcome to visit the southern U.S. anytime. Not uncommon for interstate traffic to be 85MPH (in a 70) with people passing at 90-95MPH.
Down in Texas, there are toll highways that have a posted speed limit of 85MPH.
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/10/24/fastest-road-in-america-opens-to-motorists-in-texas/
I suggest waiting until the fall/winter to buy a used bike. Prices are generally lower when the riding season slows down. Although, I'm not up to speed on the climate in your area.
No shame in upgrading.
In the meantime, why don't you look into Motorcycle Gymkhana? It's huge in Japan and starting to gain traction here. It's essentially parking lot time trials. You'll improve your handling and braking skills and meet other riders.
Upgrading costs money. So if you don't want to spend money, don't upgrade.
Hi guys
Don't get me wrong - I absolutely LOVE my GS. And I agree that it's a very easy/cheap bike to maintain. I mostly ride in San Francisco and on the neighboring freeways. It's always tons of traffic here and I appreciate how easy is the low speed handling of the GS. Lane splitting is legal here and I do it for 80% of the miles I put in.
However - my friend has a Kawasaki GTR1000. I took it out for little spins now and then and it's fun. It comes with 100hp at the expense of extra weight. When riding hand-in-hand at lower speeds I was actually winning on the GS. But if you're talking about taking a long ride with a passenger and luggage - now the extra weight you put onto a large bike - is a smaller % addition. Hence lower drop in performance.
A heavy bike is easier to handle at high speeds, and the passenger gets a much more comfortable ride. It gets windy here in SF, especially on bridges. And again - I was more comfortable pushing that heavy Kawasaki through the cross wind, than I am on my GS. But I would never be able to split lanes the way I do, so I'm sticking to my bike. It doesn't mean though, that anybody upgrading to a larger bike lacks skills or is going to kill himself. If I were to regularly drive 90mph on a windy highway, with luggage, I would probably upgrade to something bigger, too.
Remember, bigger bikes cost more to run. Simple example, spark plugs. On my Honda VFR750, the plugs are expensive and take almost a whole morning to change. On the GS, slightly cheaper (coupled with the fact that there are only 2) and 5 minutes to change. We won't even start to talk about doing the valve clearance. One of the unnoticed advantages or the GS is that the relative lack of power means you aren't replacing tyres every 6 months.
Although it's not an issue for me, insurance may be higher too
That said, get a bigger bike if you want. But if you can keep the GS do so, if it's a good one it will be worth more to you than what you would probably get for it.
I had same reasons as adidasguy. the ride fits perfectly for its use. parts are fairly inexpensive etc and available. that being said, only upgrade when you are ready. that is a HUGE upgrade
Pacific Coast 800!
It won't have everything you want, but it will have everything you need.
http://www.pc800buysell.org/
(http://www.pc800buysell.org/chaddhamiltonpcs.jpg)
Built-in luggage!
40-55mpg, ride the interstates all day, carve the canyons when you want.
QuotePacific Coast 800!
it does have everything you need, including a buttload of ugly! :flipoff:
(beauty, beholder, eye, you know, I know.)
My bud went from a gs500 to a 2014 street triple R. less than $12k after everything
its like the GS500 but different, and better
haha. Yeah, it is definitely not the sexiest bike out there, but hey - you can't see it while you're riding it! :icon_eek:
Quote from: jsyzdek on May 19, 2014, 05:40:50 PM
haha. Yeah, it is definitely not the sexiest bike out there, but hey - you can't see it while you're riding it! :icon_eek:
But,
people can see it when you ride it, and more to the point they can see
you when you ride it! :icon_eek:
:laugh:
The GS500, at least in my opinion, is economy to the core. It's cheap to run, cheap to operate, cheap to maintain, and cheap to repair.
If you want more performance, then I honestly think you just have the wrong bike. Not that I think the GS is slow by any means, it sure dominates a lot of smaller engine bikes and even beats many bikes with the same or similar displacement (I'm looking at you, Buell Blast), but I think the only niche the GS500 really fits is "economical commuter".
Better than smaller bikes because it's not left in the dust on the expressway, better than larger bikes because it's more nimble and can even easily be brought inside of a building through a normal doorway by one person (ask me how I know).
I can't lift my bike by myself, but I can lift the front/rear end up off the ground which can be handy when parking it in a weird spot.
Is it a little laggy when loaded up with a passenger or lots of luggage? Maybe, I wouldn't know. I use mine to get to work and back and run errands so at the most I have a heavy backpack on and it seems to do just fine with that.
Would I get a bigger bike, in other words "upgrade"? Yes. I'm digging the Buell M2s currently but I have a few other bikes I'd be interested in upgrading to.
Would I ditch the GS? Not unless I had to!
Quote from: Watcher on May 20, 2014, 07:29:35 AM
Better than smaller bikes because it's not left in the dust on the expressway, better than larger bikes because it's more nimble and can even easily be brought inside of a building through a normal doorway by one person (ask me how I know).
Pics or it didn't happen!
Quote from: Funderb on May 19, 2014, 04:20:59 PM
My bud went from a gs500 to a 2014 street triple R. less than $12k after everything
its like the GS500 but different, and better
I went from the GS to the Street Triple R myself, 2012. I still really miss the GS but I dont have the space to keep both bikes without putting the GS out to pasture. While she was an outdoor bike in upstate NY her winter hibernation spot was taken by the Triumph. I also knew she wouldn't get ridden as much as she would want and that just makes her cranky..... ;)
Learn to ride the GS as best you can, not just well. Its an easy bike to ride well but to really push it you need more than 6 months in the saddle, I knew I did. After two years, lots of windy roads and plenty of miles I was able to say I was ready to move on. I never did much highway cruising though. There are still some twisty roads by me that I was able to ride just as fast or FASTER on the GS than my Triumph with way more than twice the power (and a little extra weight... where it counts).
In the end, bikes are toys and buy what makes you most happy. Just dont put yourself in debt for it or grab more throttle than you can handle. Ride safe, smart and watch out for everyone trying to kill you. If you move on, you will probably be happy but find that you miss the quirky little GS once and a while.
Quote from: brickerenator on May 20, 2014, 12:01:14 PM
Quote from: Watcher on May 20, 2014, 07:29:35 AM
Better than smaller bikes because it's not left in the dust on the expressway, better than larger bikes because it's more nimble and can even easily be brought inside of a building through a normal doorway by one person (ask me how I know).
Pics or it didn't happen!
Ha! Well, my bike is in pieces at the moment so that's not happening. But the machine shop I work at (and where the bike currently resides) often has the overhead doors blocked by vehicles and other equipment (a construction company also uses the building). If I wanted to bring the bike in due to bad weather, wanted a climate controlled area for service, or was just winterizing it I would often bring it through the front door and through the office into the shop. :thumb:
It was always easier and less time consuming than clearing the overhead doors.
Reason I will never sell my GS500 is because it is my first bike. People who know me, know I love cars/motorcycle and engines in general. Later after college(currently senior is HS) I will have more income to buy the bigger engines I want. But because the GS500 is what had me started on bikes I think I will regret selling it. Plus the ability is transform it into anything a rocket with clip on or standard cruiser with windshield. I just love it to much.
Not my first bike to own, but first one to do a restore/modify. Fell in love with this little one from the first ride. Every little trinket or repair is making her look better day by day. Nerve knee how much fun this bike could be i actually regret that i considered selling her. Plus i promised her to my daughter
There is no excuse for what I'm about to do
QuoteIt's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
+100