Hi all,

Great site you have here.  Looks like the right place to come with questions when I finally buy my GS500.

Anyway, I have a few now.

How are the carbs on these bikes?  I am really sick of dealing with hard starts and other issues with my '79 KZ.  Yes, yes, I know it is a '79.  But, I'd like a bike that starts pretty easy and warms up relativly fast.

Also, how is the seating position on the 500F?  I know the 500E is pretty much standard, but I haven't had the chance yet to sit on the F.  I want to know is it all sported out or is it basically standard too?

Also, what things should I look for when buying a gs500?  I've bought bikes in the past, but are common problems with this bike that I should be on the look out for?

Hey, thanks for the help in advance.  Like I said, love the site and love the bike!

Welcome!

The seating is identicle.

These bikes don't really have hard starts, just a long warm-up time; jetting usually fixes that.  I only wait to a count of 60 to drive off.

I've found that even when its warm(not hot) that it starts alot easier with about half choke for about 10-15 seconds. Then mine is USUALLY ready to ride at that point.

The ergonomics are good on the GS500F( I've go an '05). I don't have any problems cruising down the highway in the 80-85 mile an hour range. Last time I did that i didn't even realize I was going that fast for quite a few miles.

I have the F model.

As far as i know, the seating postion is the exact same as the same year E model. The F model simply has plastics for some slight wind protection and for gsx-r looks.

It is comfortable to ride in the standard position if you're learning or commuting, but i think for more aggressive riding people like the clip on style bars for a more aggressive seating position similar to supersports minus the rearsets (well, not for some people on here i guess)

I'm not as flexible as I used to be so I'll save the rear-sets and clip-ons for the track .I like to sit up and see abit on the street. I'm even going to buy a taller bar(about 3/4 inch) to improve the comfort level for long rides

I like the standard seating position, it feels more comfortable and alert on the roads to me. *shrug*

Thanks for the replys, all.  Wow, counting to 60, 15-20 seconds!!  I usually have to wait at least five minutes for the old KZ to get ready to roll.  Then again it does need some carb work.  That's my thinking in getting a newer bike.  I'd rather be riding than wrenching.  Don't get me wrong, I like getting my hands dirty, but it seems to me that of lately that's all I'm doing with the Kawasaki.

Also, if anyone wants to put their .02 in on something else, how much should i expect to pay for a, let's say, 2000 or 2001 in really good shape?

Thanks again, all.

Patrick

welcome!

be aware that the body design changed between those years. The 01+ naked and the F are the same body style (the F obviously getting the fairing). The 89-00 model had different body: narrower, harder seat. all are basically the same seating position-standard as they get. Depeding on where you live and if it gets parked outside will determine if the bike's cold blooded nature will be an issue with you. Expect anything from one to a few minutes for bike to be warm enough to ride cautiously with partial choke...

No doubt about it, the GS is a cold-blooded machine.  If you live/ride in a cold climate it can easily take up to several minute to warm up.  The upside is that this quirk is related to the lean jetting in the pilot circuit.  Simply swapping the pilot jets up to 40s (which, by the way, all the non-US GS500s came with standard) makes it much easier to deal with. 

-M

Quote from: giftofthegods on April 15, 2006, 09:59:19 PM
...Also, if anyone wants to put their .02 in on something else, how much should i expect to pay for a, let's say, 2000 or 2001 in really good shape?

First off, welcome!  I got my 2000 GS with 6400 miles and in great shape (runs beautifully, just a few nicks and scratches here and there) for $1900.  It was a while before I came across this deal, but I think it was reasonable for both me and the seller.

Good luck

I guess all carburated bikes are a bit cold blooded to some degree.  I live in Seattle and would keep the bike inside.  Even a few minutes would be good compared to the KZ.  Again, thanks for your answers.   I am looking right now.  I'll post pics when I get my hands on one.

Thanks!

The weather here in OK doesn't spend a lot of time below freezing and I keep my bike in my garage, so your warmup time could be significantly different. I don't know what your're willing to pay or what is available in your area, so I can't be much help in the used market. My luck with used bikes is usually just inheriting someone elses problem. My only exception to that rule was my GoldWing.

I bought my GS of the showroom floor for 5000.00 even. That was my out the door price. Good Luck and happy hunting.

The best part of bike shopping is finding the right bike.

Thanks for asking these questions, I had wondered about some of them myself. I also have an older Kawasaki ('75 KZ400) that I've been riding for several years, and I am planning on upgrading to the GS500.
Tony