I'm looking to get my first bike and found a good deal on a 98 GS500e.  It's a couple of states over, and before making the trip do you guys think I'll be able to fit comfortably on the bike?  I don't have a dealer within 80 miles of here or else I'd go check out one of thiers.  Do I need to be looking for something bigger?

thanks,

-M

I'm 6'4", 225 lbs, 36" inseam and fit my 2001 GS500 very well.  The tank of the '98 is slightly smaller, but shouldn't enter into your comfort factor any.

There have been comment in posts gone by that the GS500 is friendlier to the taller rider than the Kawasaki Ninja 500.  I had a problem with that bike's tank flair cutting into my thigh (as the foot peg position was too high for my lower leg).

But "fit" is a very personal thing, so be prepared to walk away if you don't feel comfortable.

thanks! Your reply is very encouraging.  My inseam is a couple inches shorter than yours also so I shouldn't have any problems.   

-M

Welcome, Mandres!

Isn't it absolutely amazing how versatile the Baby G is. This bike is just so darned universal! And easy to love! 

I hope you find that the GS you're thinking of works for you, Mandres! 

For short distance you are going to be ok.
If you are doing a few hours it might be a problem.
You are going to feel squished. 

Quote from: pandy on January 22, 2006, 01:56:49 PM
Isn't it absolutely amazing how versatile the Baby G is. This bike is just so darned universal! And easy to love! 

I hope you find that the GS you're thinking of works for you, Mandres! 

Damn right!  I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam.  Bike needed to be lowered a tad, but even at stock, I could still ride properly.

I'm 6'4" and the only problem I have is that my knees don't fit in the knee cutouts on the tank unless I put the balls of my feet on the pegs.  I think that can be fixed with a pair of rearsets.

I'm 6'6", 210 lbs...The bike fits me a whole lot better than I expected. Occasionally I see a really big guy on one of those little vespa scooter things....I definitely wouldn't fit on one of those 

You're gonna be squished some...but doable.  I'm 6' and the guy at the dealer commented how big I was for the bike.  But that's OK, it's just my starter bike to get me riding for a few months until I figure out what I *really* want in a bike. 

It did shock me today when I got on it, exploring the 6 grand and up side of the engine.  Before I could blink it was at 70...

I'm 6'5" tall, *never* had any issues with being too big for the bike. Even after 8 hours long days out on the bike, my legs have never cramped. My arse was sore as was the rest of me, but legs were fine albeit tired. I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs also.

6'1" 230 no problems

6'5", about 210, 36" inseam, no problems, no significant discomfort after 2-4 hours of riding.

the day I wanted to buy a motorcycle I was checking the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and the GS500.
I'm only 5'10", 187lbs, but almost inmediately discarded the Ninja after seating on it. too small even for me. Then I tried the GS and it seemed big and intimidating  . today it feels just a bit small 

6'2", um "portly" hehe, with a 32" inseam.  The bike fits great.  The tank fits my knees just fine, and I don't feel like my legs are too balled up.  Height is no problem at all.  I can almost flatfoot it while it's on the centerstand.  I kind of wish it were a couple of inches taller, but only when I first sit on it.  Once I'm moving, it feels just fine.  I need to up the pre-load on the rear shock, but I don't have the tool to do it with.  That will help the height thing.

I had the same experience with the Ninja 500 as Redshift. The tank cutouts were too low, and my knees and thighs hit them wrong.  Very uncomfortable.