Let me start off by apologizing for the questions I'm going to ask, but I tried to do a search and no matter how I worded it, I always got 42 pages of results.

I'm looking to get my wife her first bike and the GS500 is one of the top contenders.  I'm wondering what the differences are through the years other than paint and the fairing of late.  Or is that it?

I did a search on ebay for GS500 and it only came back with 66 items.  Is that a reflection of parts availibilty?  I wouldn't think so since the bike has been around for such a long time.

Is there anything I should know about the bike?  I understand the engine is pretty rock solid.  I've heard complaints about a mushy front end.  What about the brakes?  Any common problems?  How's the mpg?  What about range on a tank of gas.  Is it comfortable for an all day ride?  How's the aftermarket support?

Well, I guess that's enough questions for now.  Thanks in advance.

Clint

In the future, make sure you select the "search for all terms box"

Mostly the same through the years.  '89 had clip ons, '01+ got a bigger gas tank, different seat, and different carbs, '04+ fairings and oil cooler.  A few other little things have changed, but for the most part color is the only thing that changes every year.

Try a few different variations on ebay: gs500, gs 500, gs500e, etc.  Parts are also available here in the F/S section and at boneyards.

Yup, mushy front end unless you are really light like me, but still kinda mushy.  Engine takes a long time to warm up, but can be rejetted to fix this if you care.  Occasional fuel starvation problems, but that has to do with the petcock or vacuum lines.  I get 45-50mpg around town and 60+ on trips.  I took my GS on a 3000 mile trip without too much discomfort, and I'm not the only one who's done it, so I'd say the GS is comfortable enough.  Not much aftermarket, but if you look around here long enough you'll find lots of DIY mods that can make the bike how you want it.

Hope you wife gets a GS500, I'm sure she'll enjoy it

here a thread on differences between model years

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10844

Parts?  You want PARTS?  That was the wrong question to ask buddy. :mrgreen:

Post a WTB in the "for sale section" and you'll likely get 10 people trying to hustle a gas tank or brake caliper.  Of course, there will be a little post-whoring mixed in.

The basic engine has been the same for close to 20 years.  Parts availability isn't an issue.  If you can't find it used here, it doesn't belong on a GS.

The engine isn't rock solid.  It's nuclear-weapon-proof.   :mrgreen:

Comfort depends on size.  If you're short and can stretch out you can go a looooong way.  (Far more than on a 600 SS)  We have riders here up to about 6'7" if I recall correctly.

The front end fix is simple.  Either shim the stock fork springs with PVC pipe (There's a how-to on that) or install progressive rate springs.  ~$80  It's still no gixxer front end, but it's much improved.

You're looking at the aftermarket support.  Who needs manufacturers anyhow?  We do it all ourselves.   :mrgreen:

55-60 MPG is pretty common.  Depends on speed, and how much you like the throttle.

Now buy a damn GS and stay the hell away from that POS they call the "Ninja".  

the ebay search  gs500*  having the astrick will bring up all variations of the gs's

Thanks for all the replies.  

I've noticed a lot of talk about progressive rate springs.  Is there a reason why I haven't seen any mention of straight rate springs?  I have an FZ1 and the general concensus at that owner's forum shows a preference to straight rates.

Clint