Hey guys. I'm new to this whole motorcycle business. I've got my learners, haven't taken the MSF course yet, but I plan to. Been practicing on my father-in-law's Yamaha 220 dual sport out on the country backroads.

I'm shopping around for a beginner bike, and like everyone else I think, have landed on 1) the Kawasaki Ninja 250R or 2) the Suzuki GS500F.

They both have their pros and cons. The 250 is lightweight, cheap on initial cost and parts, and darn reliable (from everything I've managed to read). Apparently it's a fun bike as well... seems a lot of people that buy them keep them around even after purchasing larger bikes. However, the frame size feels a little small (I'm 6"), and there's very little wind protection.

The GS500 is a much better fit for my size, and has better wind protection (or so I imagine, given the fairings), and  is also very reliable. But, it costs $2000 more, and has twice the engine. Most people would consider that a good thing, but power is not an issue for me. I have no desire to race, or to even ride fast. My biggest fear is that the 500 may be too much power for me to start off with.

 ARG! decisions, decisions. Would anyone like to offer some advice? Thanks!

~SM

GS500F.

Tie one of your arms and legs to one bike, and your remaining limbs to the other.  Have your friends on the bikes take off in opposite directions.  The bike dragging away the most body parts is the one you should go with!    :lol:

I'd go for a used bike.  You'll get a better deal because of depreciation, and you won't feel so bad if you ding it up.

Oh, and go for the GS, it's a great bike  

It won't be too much power for you, especially if you get one that's in the break-in period (it sounds like you're talking about buying new due to the $2000 price diff you mention). I am dying to get over 600 miles, but it takes time; time well-spent getting used to the idiosyncracies of the bike and your skills. I feel like the last 450 miles have really molded me into a better rider, and a lot of it is thanks to the fact that I can't take it through the powerband yet.

And you'll like the GS a LOT. I was also considering the Ninja 500, but I am more than happy with what I got. Excellent bike overall. I suppose I'm biased, but you'll love it.  

(to themaffeo)

*chuckle* Should have known that was coming! I realize I'm posting in a 500 forum, therfore opinions are probably going to be a little biased. But, please try to consider my situation first, k?  
~SM

Quote from: SwordsmanI have no desire to race, or to even ride fast.

Not yet anyways. Just wait for that to come.

Quote from: SwordsmanMy biggest fear is that the 500 may be too much power for me to start off with.

That is a debate that will rage on until the end of time. A lot of people here started off on the gs, myself included. As far as being too much, I don't know. Any bike can kill you if you don't respect it, even the ninja 250. Personally, I think that taking a MSF (or similar) class before you ride is more important than starting off on a 250. They teach you the basics on thier bikes (which are tiny 250s that are easy to manuever) so it isn't the end of the world if you drop one. Get the one that you feel more comfortable sitting on. Unless you are 6'6" and 300lbs, the 250 will move along fine, so don't worry about that.

Whichever one you end up getting, I would suggest getting a used one unless you just have to get a new one. Most people drop/crash their bike within the first year and dripping a new bike hurts a lot more than dropping an old one.

Also, GET GEAR AND WEAR IT! Get a good, new helmet that fits you well, jacket, gloves and pants. It will cost you $ now, but what is your body worth? Boots are good, too but they don't have to be motorycycle specific. Just as long as they're sturdy, leather and go past your ankle.

Good luck on your purchase, and hopefully you'll get a gs.

the ninja250 is too slow...period...

I started on an '04 Ninja 250 and I'm glad I did.  I had never ridden before and the 250 had enough power to make me happy as a new rider.  The MSF course teaches you a lot, but its only a couple days of riding.  You really learn how to ride once you get your license and get out on the street and the 250 is perfect for that.  It doesn't have a lot of power but it is hella fun to ride.
Now saying that I now own a '91 GS500 which I LOVE riding.  Why did I upgrade... cause after awhile I wanted more power.  Not a lot, but a little more.  
You may not want speed right now, but you may later, which means if you start off with a 250, you may be buying another bike within a year or 2.
So I love the GS500, would I have wanted to start off on it... maybe.  But I definately do not regret starting with the Ninja 250.

i'd say the gs, lately they have been going on ebay in the 3500 range for 04's.  the motor is a low torque design that is very beginer friendly and unless you have some Napolean skills  your not going to be doing power wheelies.   in all reality i don't feel that the ex has the power to safely manuver on the highways, whare as the gs also has a minimal amount it is enough in my opinion.  

oh and on the ninja you'd look like a monkey f%$king a football.  

I think you already have your mind made up, you came to a Message Forum called GStwin do you think we will say yeah get the ninja. Just kidding good luck on your pick Im glad I got the GS and im 6'4  

If there is a POSSIBILITY of Interstate travel go with the GS.  You live in Rome, so you've probably at least driven through the ATL in a car, so you know you have to drive 80 or you get run over.  Now imagine you are invisible, and you can't quite make 80 mph.  Scary huh?   That is what it will be like on the Ninja.  The GS still isn't the best on the interstate, but it can do it competently and safely.  Now if all you are going to do is ride backroads either will be fine.  Yes, I'm biased towards the GS.  I love this bike, and I never want to get rid of it.  If you are worried about the GS having too much power don't.  You only go as fast as you want to go.  Remember YOU control the throttle.  The issue is whether or not you can control yourself.

another vote for GS500
it has just enough power to be fun and also a very mild personality...eventhough there is no wind protection (on E model) anything below 70 feels great, above that you do get beat up by the wind a bit
and do yourself a favor and buy cheaper used bike......but it is your decision at the end

stock GS will keep you happy...then once you feel you need to 'upgrade' a bit...slap on a pipe, pod filter, jet kit, sprocket......you'll have a completely 'new' bike...

Compare the GS500F to the Ninja 500, not the Ninja 250.  You'll outgrow the 250 in no time, and at 302 lbs, you'll get blown off the highway.  

As far as Ninja 500 vs. GS500F, I think they're both great starter bikes.  I've got the GS500F and my friend has the Ninja 500.  

You'll likely be happy with either, but sit on them both.... that was all it took to make my mind up.

which ever one feels better to you

get the GS500E the F looks like ass

30 y/o back into motorcycling.  picked up a 96 500e back in April- 700+ safe miles to date and enjoy the mellow characteristics of the 500.  many of those miles I've done on GA 400 at 80 mph and the 500's power is adequate.  I don't see the limited power as too much of a shortcoming cause it's there if you need to wind it up to 8-10k revs, but be aware that it's not too torquey.  With all due respect to 500e enthusiasts, in thinking of my 2nd bike I like the Ducati monster 620 or SV 650-naked all the way.  Enjoy the ride!

Quote from: Frostthe ninja250 is too slow...period...

ditto. i've ridden 2 of them.  a 92 and an 04.  slow as mollasses in january.  with a gs there is lots more room for improvement. its not too much.  i never rode dirtbikes or quads or motorcycles before i got mine and i did just fine.  you will reach the limits of the 250 sooner than expected/desired.  dont even think about crusing the highway on 250.  its straight up boring.

do you mow the grass on a lawn tractor? That's about as thrilling as the ninja 250 gets....

I was in your seat about 2yrs ago and couldn't decide between the ninja 250 [which I could get for new at $2k , a used gs500E or ninja 500 used]. After comparing dyno curves the 500's power really isn't felt until 5k-6k rpm's. Having taken the MSF course and never seeing any rpm's over 3.5k I figured ok I can handle it.....First time out on my "new" used bike was nerv racking and I swear I  was shaking when I pulled back into the drive way because I had gotten out of 3ard gear [woooo hoooo] but had to come to a quick stop and locked up the rear tire. Didn't lay it down or nothing but just scared the *^&* out of me.

AFter you "break-it-in" and get a feel for it  you'll want to try to lean it down further and further and go faster quicker.......It's just a law of nature that boys and their toys must play.....

gs500 baby!  yes, i have broken mine but that was due to a lil bit of negligence and LOTS of abusive riding.  the 250 is pretty crappy, and you'll outgrow it very quickly.  if you're gonna invest in a bike, between those two options, choose the 500e or f... also keep in mind that in the same price range you can get a 99-02 sv650.  it's a far better bike and has such great, street friendly power that you can't get tired of it.  true it has twice the power, but overall it's a better ride.  not to disrespect the GS (it's a great learning bike), but its power is weak and needs constant gear shifting for reasonable speeds.  just my opinion, i may be wrong.... A-train