well not many of us can really comment on the market values in Ausieland, but I can tell you that if you can't afford to fix fairings, don't get an F.  I'd advise that you save as much money as you can and buy as old as you can.  Outside of that, it seems like the GS will fit the bill for you well.

As I've told a lot fo other folks, I've actually known people to guy either an EX500 or GS500 and never feel the need to move up.  They're very versatile bikes.

I'd recommend getting a GS500E that is about 5 years old.

That ought to drop the price reasonable and still be in good condition.
(especially if the bike has lived in a dry area)

There are no expensive fairings to break and you can get a windshield to make the bike more comfortable on the highway.

The GS 500 is a pretty capable bike for most uses.
It struggles a little with 2 up riding and touring with lots of gear,
but I can't say it has stopped me doing either.

I got a 2001 GS500 instead of an GS500F just in the off chance I'd drop the bike and I have to say it was a good choice.   :mrgreen:   Not to mention I spent a couple thousand less and still have a great bike.  Also since I know that the GS500 will not be my last bike why spend all the money upfront instead of saving some for the next one?  

Small(er) displacement bikes like the GS hold their value better in Europe and Australia that the States.

I would also recommend an unfaired E for your first bike. Though, if you are willing to accept that that first tip over is likely to be an expensive one, thats fine too.

Good luck!

+1 to the Nekid GS500...  The F just costs more...  And costs even more when you drop it and crack the plastics.

I bought my GS500F brand new with 2 miles on it. And I am enjoying every mile on it. Though it feels good to have a brand spanking new bike, if I were to do it all over again I would buy used F. For the simple reason that there are MANY used bikes with low mileage, You just have to search.

And yeah, I have droped it 4 times. Though not severe.

The first time I droped it was in my driveway, I guess I didn't have the kickstand fully engaged and down she went. The ball end piece of the clutch handle snapped off but it still works perfectly. Nothing happened to the farings, just a tiny scratch less than an inch big on the engine case.

The next two times was when I was taking her off the centerstand in the garage and she just leaned a little too far for me and I let her down gently. Again no damage to the farrings. Just a little embarassment.

The 4th time I was doing a u-turn in a culdesac and going less than 5 mph. I pressed the back brake in a patch of sand and down she went. A lot of embarassment there. But only got a tiny 1 cm scratch on the bottom of the farring and on the engine case. You can even tell, unless you really inspect it.

I really don't like the look of the E bikes because of their nakedness. Many here on the boards swear by nakedness and some do look nice. But me personally, I like the full faring look.

Also the GS is fully capable of your four reasons for wanting the bike. I do about 80% highway travel and it is nice for it. I want to move up to a bigger bike like many, but this bike is a blast and I plan to keep it till the wheels fall off. As many have said before, "It has more than enough power to get you into trouble".

i'd say go with the GS5 or an EX5.  Both will do you well for what you need.  I do believe the EX5 has more available mods for it.  So, that might add to the "life" or interest level of the bike.

Used would be a good route to go, unless you're really looking for a warranty.  Since you're short on money, it's all the more reason to go nekkid and used.

So, a used EX5 or GS5 will do you good.  Get whichever you can find cheaper.

Also, it was told to me:

Quote from: RoadstergalThe point was made - and I'm trying to remember who made it?  Pantablo?  Heck, I can't remember.  Anyway, it was a good point.  To the effect that, when you first start riding, there is often a very real sense of absolute terror at going those speeds without a seatbelt and metal around you, at leaning, at the crazy crap cagers pull, etc.  But you get comfortable at some point.  And many people equate this comfort with boredom and look for a bike that will terrify them again - instead of settling in now that they're comfortable and developing their skills.
Track days are good for that - it gives you a benchmark.  You can feel like you're pushing the bike's limits - and then an instructor passes you like you're going backwards, and you realize you're still working with your own limits.

Any bike, even a 250 will last a long time, as long as you keep working on your skills.

I got a brand new 05F as a first bike b/c I like the way the full fairing looks and they say it's better on highway rides (wind blocker). I dopped it once on the first day I got them when I was stopped at a stop sign, losing balance, got a very little scratch on the bottom of the engine cover but none on the fairing. The problem was solved once the bike was lowered.
I do have a fear of dropping and damaging the fairing everytime I ride (expensive to fix I hear) so if you don't care for the fairing, I would go with naked ones. Very good, reliable bike to learn on but MSF course is a must! I would go with used(few years)ones though, to save money.
Good luck! and let us know what you got.

Fairings are an expensive fix. $200 for the plastic, and like $185 for the tape on it.

Welcome!

While I also suggest getting a used E, or unfaired, model for the reasons everybody has already stated above, you could get away with buying new if you accept the idea that the fairings may be damaged, or at least scratched, if at all (you're not trying to crash). If they do get destroyed, you then have the option of making it into a naked bike, which will make you a little more intimate with the bike replacing all the parts yourself.
Also, they sell Kawasaki Ninja 250's with full fairings all the time. I bought my little 250, brand new, knowing full well I was going to crash it. When I did (each time), I was lucky and only scratched things up. The question you have to ask yourself is: Is it, or will it, be worth it (the experience)?

I bought a used gs500f as my first bike.  I wanted a faired bike.  It had already been dropped and had some scrathes on one side.  And someone had keyed the front.  I did my best to repair and disguise the scratches.  I was *so sure* I was gonna break the newbie rule and not drop my bike.

Of course, I dropped it.  Of course, on the opposite side of where it was already scratched.

Was it an expensive fix?  No, because I didn't fix it.  I bought one new plastic snap-in screw thingie that broke off, but I just leave the scratches.  The top of one lower dosent line up exactly right.  Oh well, I'll probably just drop it again.  Non-motorcycle people still walk up to it and say "woah, nice bike" and not "jeeze, how'd it get so scratched up?"  I would have felt bad if the bike had been new and pristine...I just try to think of it now as 'custom'...

Hi Everyone,
  I did reply to this earlier but I think it got lost somewhere in the server change..     anyway, after reading your replies and having now done my learners course I will be aiming for a naked second hand GS. I will hopefully be having a look at a bike tomorrow - 2003 GS500, 18000 Klms. Asking price is $6900 (Aussie) but the salesman  might be able to do me a special deal    ( 'Just for me!!"?- I feel very special.) for A$6300.    Blue/Silver

I will have a more experienced friend with me who will hopefully stear me in the right direction.

Thanks again for the advice, Although I did want you to talk me into buying a new bike   

I will let you know how I go.

Cheers
Jim

I have just purchased a brand new GS500F, because it looks hot! and its the biggest bike I could get on my L's here in Australia other than the restricted Hyosung.

Having never driven a geared bike before I was amazed at how easy it was to pick up and go.

By buying a brand new bike it has restricted my temptation to do crazy speeds as I have to keep it below 5000rpm till its broken in  which is a good thing for my saftey.

I was realy keen to buy new but tha old tale of everyone dropping their bike turned me off...  The difference between a 2003 and a brand spanking new new bike isn't that much..    $8250 New..   $6300 used with 18000 Ks   no new warranty....hmm...

$1950... 

Saving 23% is never bad.  The lack of warranty would be a concern for the new rider, but you shouldn't have any problem so long as your target hasn't been played with (a.k.a. all stock).  If true, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

If it feels right, go for it. 

Mate I was in your same boat.

I went the new bike as not only does it have a warranty, but I know it has good tyres, good brakes and will be looked after from day one.

Mine ended up $8900 on the road (bike, rego, dealer delivery, green slip) plus got a good deal on accessories too by purchasing them all together.

Great choice I hope you got the proper color [black-silver]. I paid $ 6595.00 in CANADIAN dollars in may of 05. [ out the door ] This included the first service.JUST got it back from the dealer and had  the top end done under warranty [ cam end play].It cost SUZUKI CANADA about $ 800.00 to fix . I cannot ride till spring as we are knee deep in snow at this time . Iam having fun onthe snowmobile and 4 wheeler.    CHEERS!

Sorry mate, I got the 2005 Blue and White. I prefer it 

Its a very easy bike to learn on, lovin it to bits.

Contrary to the popular opinion on the board so far, I say...  if price isn't much of an issue then

GET A USED 'F'.   
The first thing you should do with it is remove the side fairing and lower fairing (SV style!).  (Leave the upper so that you'll still have the mirrors)

If you're like me, after you learn how to ride the bike, you'll be happier with a more faired sportbike with a modern look.  IMO, the fairing will make selling the GS a lot easier to any potential new riders looking for somethign with a crotch rocket look.