Hello, I was wondering if the Suzuki GS500 would be a good first bike for me to ride. Any suggestions/comments would  be appreciated. Thanks

its a great first bike. you would be better off with the unfaired version since most newbies end up dropping a bike at least once. have you ridden a bike before, or any dirt experiance?

I'd say that the GS is a great first bike to own; but for your first ride, it would be even better to take a local MSF course.  They're easy, fun, and you get to learn the basics on some really easy GN125s, etc.  If you take the MSF course first, then you're much less likely to dump your own bike later on.  See http://www.msf-usa.org/ for a course in your area.

So... take the MSF, then get the GS500!

Great first bike, second bike...anytime bike. I'm teaching my son how to ride the White Owl because it is such a sweet, forgiving, fun little scooter. Not so much power to spit you off the back if you give too much throttle, but plenty enough to make you grin from ear to ear. I love that little GS and this forum too.

C.......

I think the GS500 will work out great for you. I haven't been on any bike in about 12+ years until just 2 weeks ago. My first thought was, "Man, this thing is going to be too easy to ride". But after getting crazy with the throttle going through the backyard it does seem to have a considerable amount of power.   :lol:

Derek

Thanks for the replys guys. they helped sway my choices towards the right direction. No racergirl, i have never touched a bike! always been a dream of mine, and now that im 21 im gonna pick it up as a hobby. Im planning on taking the MSF course  though before i even think about looking around for one. Ill keep ya posted! Thanks.

gs 500 was my first bike after i took the MSF course. I am glad I chose it. it is docile when you need it to be, but it has some guts as well. I was well practiced by the time i graduated to my VFR 800.

MSF first..

Look for a used GS500E, this is the unfaired version.  It will make a great first bike.  I picked up mine at the end of January.  I find the power under 5-6,000 RPM to be very predictable. Bike is light with nice balance. Good brakes. I am also taking the MSF course during the first 2 weekends in April.  Good luck!

Now there's a can of worms:  how to pick a good used bike.  Got a lot of time to do the research?  Or have a trusted, knowledgable friend who can help?

Good luck.
--Mike D.

Thanks for yout replys guys. any new riders in san diego that still need to take the MSF course? figure it would be a cool thing to have a fellow hometown rider with me.