I just picked up a GS500 K2 (2002) for a reasonable price.  I was riding my wife's (yes, I hate to admit it) 1982 Honda CB750 prior to that.  The GS500 was a dream come true.  Very nimble in town and out of town.  Also had enough gusto without scaring the hell out of you.  It is the perfect all around bike.  I wish I had one when I was younger and starting out because it's not just a beginner bike, you can enjoy it on a bunch of levels.  I am also living in Ontario and was going to get humped by the insurance company that covers my car.  I have heard that State Farm gives pretty good rates on bikes but I am with Rider's Plus.  They had a really good rate and only deal with bikes.  The nice thing about the GS is that they aren't listing it up there with the black listed bikes.  (Shy away from an R or an X in the bike title they make the insurance companies drool)

I am paying around $650/year for full coverage.  I've been driving for a while longer than you but I am sure with some good experience your rates will fall.

Ok, first off.  That was very well written, 14, are you sure.  Haha, just kidding.  Anyway, I used to have a gs and it was awesome, I paid something like 23 a month for two bikes.  I live in the US so it like 19% dif I think then yours, we went to alaska this summer and went to the bank to get Canadian money for our American money and we came out ahead actually, haha, not really, but the number amount is more.  But ya, the gs is an excellent bike to get as a first bike.   If I were you I would buy an earlier model bike with no fairings if you plan to upgrade, possibly one that needs work and they you could get used to working on a bike.  Good luck.

Okay, sweet. It sounds like insurance is cheaper than I thought then.

Yep, I'm only 14...

Like I said, I'm not crazy about a used bike. They're pretty much dirt cheap new anyway so why not?

Thanks again guys, awesome people on here!

By the way, when I raced motocross nobody but me ever touched a bolt on that bike from the day I got it onwards. I tore it down to the frame/engine every week and built it all back up making sure everything was perfect. Now even with my race karts I still do all the work myself when all the other drivers have their fathers/mechanics to do it. I can work my way around a motorcycle pretty well, so that's no worry for me. I refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to. Most of them are basically glorified parts changers who scam you into spending more money. There are some exceptions, but that seems to be the general way of doing things. Plus spending $50+/hour for labour is ridiculious.

Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 08:32:52 PMI refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to. Most of them are basically glorified parts changers who scam you into spending more money. There are some exceptions, but that seems to be the general way of doing things. Plus spending $50+/hour for labour is ridiculious.

You'll fit right in around here


As far as the potentially high insurance on the GS, have you considered a DRZ-400SM or something similar?  I assume the ins. would be cheaper and they are supposed to be a lot of fun, but not as good for high speed and distance

I pay $500 a year full coverage in Texas at 24 years of age.  My driving record is less than stellar.  I'm living on a 04 500F.  I love my bike.  It's not perfect like some might lead you to believe, but it is a very nice bike.  Get it new if you can.  You're right, they are pretty cheap.  I got mine OTD for 4,600 used from a dealer.  At the time, my friends thought I was an idiot because they spent twice that much on super sports that they could "grow" on.  Two months later, I'm riding circles around them with a pocket full of cash. 

Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 07:42:06 PM
Yeah, I guess you missed that part in my post.

pwn3d!
you'll definitely fit right in here octane. impressive for a teen. welcome to the site! Nice karts!

Quote from: Jarrett on September 11, 2006, 10:55:37 PM
At the time, my friends thought I was an idiot because they spent twice that much on super sports that they could "grow" on. Two months later, I'm riding circles around them with a pocket full of cash.

brilliant. simply brilliant. THAT, my friend, is how I got to be where I am....

Paying about $500 US but I'm old and married  . 

GS is a great bike, fun to ride and very comfy.  I have a GSXR 750 but I still ride my GS almost everyday 

Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on September 11, 2006, 08:32:52 PM
I can work my way around a motorcycle pretty well, so that's no worry for me. I refuse to give my money to a mechanic at a dealer unless I absolutely have to.

This brings a tear to my eye.  There is hope for the next generation.   

I see that you race on asphalt--i race karts on dirt down here in south georgia where the women are hot and tha bikes are fast///but n e way i love my gs500f i pay about $356 a year for full coverage and get the best gas mileage at school while being able to outrun pretty much anyone here---i would definately reccomend the bike

OctaneMotorsports - welcome!  glad you found us and hope you stay a while.

You sound like a great ambassador for teenagers (man there's hope!).  I know and have come across adults older (much in some cases) then you who aren't nearly as mature and balanced, so you're off to a great start at such a young age.  Keep it up and only good things will come.

I'm also in Ontario, in my 30's, with a good driving record.  While I considered rolling into plans with our cars, house and other things, I ended up getting insurance stand alone for the GS, just liability and low $500's for the year.   

Always shop around – if possible, see what can be done about getting in with any of your parents insurance plans (even if they don't ride, just look into whether or not you can be added on any of their existing plans for possible cheaper rates compared to you alone) and consider things like full coverage vs liability (depending on your priorities) and different deductible rates.  Ask lots of questions and eventually you'll find something that works for ya.


Btw – what part of Ontario are you?

Good luck with everything and looking forward to reading about your progression with getting started and with riding and modding.

You know, I always get surprised at the insurance rates some of you all are paying to keep a GS on the street.  I'm paying $135 a year for a comprehensive insurance plan through State Farm with a $250 deductable.  I'm 28 and have one infraction on my car driving record (ran a red light, should have disputed it, didn't have time) and the company isn't considering the bike a 2nd vehicle; I'm not receiving a multi-vehicle discount through SF.

Enough of that off-topic noise, good luck Octane, the GS500 is a great bike to learn on, I've had mine on the road for just a few weeks and really enjoy the purchase; the downsides I've experienced are because mine is 14 years old and I don't think it's been very well maintained by previous owners.  Plural, the last kid tried riding, didn't take to it, and I don't think he picked up a wrench once in the 8 months he owned it.

Wow, you guys really are too nice - thanks a lot for the compliments!

I was looking at the Suzuki DRZ-400 SMC, too. Looks like a sweet ride for sure. I will see what the going rate for insurance is closer to the time and decide then, although the GS500F looks really tempting.

 I just got a 2001 GS500 2 days ago. I really like it. And I did find out what 340 lbs of dead weight feels like as well. I guess I can pick it up with ease. It rides very well and is very nimble. It also does not seem like a mechanical nightmare, so you would be able to do maintenance on it fairly well.  It is comfortable for long rides. I think it would be a great starter bike for you. Insurance will run me about $180 to $200 a year, but that is in Florida. Hope this helps.

Thanks, sounds good.

Here's what I want:

2006 Suzuki GS500F (Black/Silver)

-K & N Lunchbox Air Filter
-Jardine Full Exhaust System

-Black Custom Painted Rear Fender
-Stainless Steel Brake Lines
-Carbon Fiber Rear Hugger
-Remove Stock Fairing
-SV650 Headlight
-SV650 Mirrors
-LED Indicators
-Fenderectomy

I'm sure that list will get a lot bigger as time goes on!

i think this kid has some money.

x

Tad your helmets on backwards. 

LOL you guys...

Eh, I don't have that much money. I am just good with the money I have. All that stuff will come one at a time.

I don't have any new PM's man, you can always email me or hit me up on AIM or MSN.

The quarter fairing? You mean the one on the headlight on the '05-'06 SV650? No. I want one from a 2004, just a straight headlight. I think it'd look awesome.

x