PDX-I doubt it has anything to do with height. Its just a fluke sometimes. You might be turning right and as you accelerate you see something you didnt before and touch the brakes...if you're barely rolling then touching the brakes will likely set you off balance...almost happened to me once like that.

My first was rolling into a parking spot and not noticing the palm frond on the ground (it was dark). tire slid out from under me while almost stopped.

Second was bike stuttering from running out of gas as I tried to accelerate turning from a dead stop.

third time was trying to start from a dead stop as I was parked on a sloping surface and once I let got the brake bike started to fall and I panicked. I should have gassed it a bit to get the bike up...oh well. that was after riding a year too!

I got a brand new GS500F three months ago having never ridden before and its been awsome. Fantastic bike to learn on, and the "keep it below 5000rpm till you do 600 miles" break in rule keeps you out of too much trouble.

But I also believe, only get it if you can touch the ground easily whilst sitting on it. A bloke down my street got one on my recommendation but he couldn't reach the ground easily and dropped it when he had to suddenly stop at a pedestrian crossing.

I know this is a rather silly reason but I got an E model because the F looked too much like a tiny version of a 'real' sportsbike.  It's the same reason I don't like the Kawa EX500; it looks like they tacked fairings onto what is obviously a standard-styled motorcycle. 

-M

I've dropped my GS500 several times.  Part of it was just trying to get used to the extra weight.  I used to commute to work by bicycle, and could get away with having my front wheel turned when stopped.  On the 400 lb GS500, if your front wheels are turned too far the bike falls.

Some of the times I dropped the bike I was trying to push my limits.  I was practicing very tight turns and dropped it a couple times there.  I also did sort of a skidpad-like exercise, and rolled off the throttle by mistake and went down.  That's the last time I made that mistake!

Other times: getting the bike on/off the center stand.  Practicing braking and locking the front brake.

The GS500 is made for new motorcyclists.  It's a very durable bike, and hard to damage.  I've never broken a lever, footpeg, or turn signal.  If you manage to damage the bike, it's usually cheap to fix, since it has existed virtually unchanged for what? 17 years?

Pretty much agree with the above.  If you drop it you drop it.  It's a bike, and they don't stay up by themselves.  Smooth starts and stops, and a little forethought go a long way to keeping it upright.   

I'm 5'6" and never dropped

So it looks like size is irrelevant in dropping the bike.

Well I guess it must be the training wheels I put on it then...

It's good to drop it once.... then you know whether or not you can pick it up again.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.   

GS500, F or E, is the best starter bike going.  And I'm not the slightest bit biased 

Im have layed down my GS due to the lack of physical strength. I am 6'. Never "dropped" it

I dropped my GS. I admit it. but she  deserved it. I got up got dressed and ready for a nice ride, ya know.  chillin
But when I start her, she gives me all kinds of attitude. "I'm too cold" 'too dirty" too this too that. ya ya bullshit.

so I dropped her, Yeah! and I'll do it again, if she tries being all cranky in the morning again. just you wait and see. that b*tch

Quote from: 3imo on February 28, 2006, 07:12:12 AM
so I dropped her, Yeah! and I'll do it again, if she tries being all cranky in the morning again. just you wait and see. that b*tch

GS abuse!!! Do you know that this is a crime in 47.5 states!? 

I'm filing a report with the MATF (Motorcycle Abuse Task Force)

Quote from: pantablo on February 27, 2006, 04:41:57 PM
I doubt it has anything to do with height.

or weight, i'm 5'2 110lb, 28" inseam so im on my toes -- dropped my '89 twice my first week and have been fine in almost a year now.