my question is stated in the title, does the gs500 have enough power to get a 230 lb rider around?  Im looking for a motorcycle to scoot around town and to maybe hit some twisties later on. thanks in advanced.

you should have no problems

No worries with that. The International Standards Organisation, ISO part of the U.N. Swiss-based sets MINIMUM standards for testing etc and according two them a passenger or person weighs 75kilos, as the GS has two seats it must have done all it's tests, safety and otherwise with a load of 150k (about 330lbs) Individual countries can impose a higher standard but not lower, it would not surprise me if the U.S. has a higher standard.

The 75k is used internationally when calculating fuel requirements in aircraft, stability in passenger vessels etc, If memory serves me correctly the U.S. airlines use a higher figure.

I think you will find the GS exciting enough on the twistees.

No sweat. I've got you by 10 lbs and it doesn't bother the GS a bit.

NOOOOOOOO, YOU NEED A BUSA!!!!!!!!!
:mrgreen:

The GS500F is okay for heavy riders, but it may be too short for tall riders.

I weigh about 180 and my GS500F has more than enough power for me.  I can ride at 60 mph at about 5000 rpm in sixth gear.  The redline is about 12,000, so the engine is not working hard.  I don't think that an extra 50 pounds would be a problem.  My bike is 100% stock.  The GS500E and the GS500F have identical engines, so my comments would also apply to a GS500E.

The seat height of my bike is about 31 inches.  The bike goes down about one inch when I sit on it.  Since I have a 30 inch inseam, that is ideal.  If you are tall then the GS500 might be too small for you.  My suggestion for a tall rider would be to purchase a suzuki DR650SE.  That bike has either 35 or 33 inch seat height (you can buy special "low seat option").  The DR650E is physically large, but the engine is not too powerful.  So it would be ideal for a tall beginner.

I cruised past the 200 mark a while ago and the GS hauls my lard butt around fine.

im bumping 275, (yes im back to diet and workout so its starting to head down again) and my engine is getting tired, it will still pull me to 100mph just fine.

My 92 doesn't have any issues stretching my arms when I get on the throttle, and I'm a 245lb beginner.