the 500 is no more any way, for kawi. its now replaced by the 650

The Ninja 500 is back again for 2007 and there's no telling how long it will be offered.

It's been many years since the Vulcan 800 came out to replace the original mid sized Vulcan 750 and the 750 was still with us thru 2006.  The Ninja 500 will live as long as it sells.

If I were to buy a brand new 500 this year, I'd have to change my name to exJack.      I'll try to hold out for the return of the naked GS500 to the US market but I won't try to hold my breath till that happens.   

Motorcycle News Review (7/04):

http://mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/NinjaGScomparo07a.pdf#search=%22ninja%20500r%20vs%20gs500f%22

Stats:

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/new_vehicle_compare.asp?vehicle1=37796&year2=2007&mfg2=4&vehicle2=38086&go=Go



-Patrick

Wow, I didn't realize that the ninja had an extra 12hp  that's quite a bit more. Screw the GS, get the ninja. also only needing to inspect the valves every 12,000 miles is a major bonus. If I were to get a brand new beginer bike the ninja 650 or suzuki sv 650 would probally be a better choice. The difference in your payments wouldn't be too much more and they still aren't too powerfull for a newbie in my oppinion.

Great article, twinlove.  I think I'll go for the Ninja (if I can find it) or maybe an older 600cc bike... thoughts?

Quote from: Mhaddy on October 08, 2006, 09:54:26 AM
Great article, twinlove.  I think I'll go for the Ninja (if I can find it) or maybe an older 600cc bike... thoughts?

Please don't make your choice based on that MCN comparo, it's about the worst job I've seen in any publication ever.  Here's a thread from another forum where I've made several posts concerning that MCN comparo:

http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=6920&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Like I stated before, I prefer the naked GS500 and would buy another, but if I wanted a new one right now and since the only choice now is the fully faired F model of the GS then I'd most likely go with the EX500 due to it's 10 extra HP and better performance level. 

Here's a comparo of 10 bikes from the Cycle World 2003 Buyer's Guide that I like better:   

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/CWDealsOnWheels/?action=view&current=deals1.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1

If you want a different opinion from Cycle World, maybe TOMIMOTO will post that newer comparo refered to above. Guess they didn't like the F as well as the older naked model either.

I recently came across this 500R for $2900 CDN, is this a good deal?

QuoteBlack with teal graphics. Vance & Hines exhaust, new battery, recent tune-up & rear tire. Stored in heated underground garage. Lady driven. Bike Looks Good Runs Great! 22,000 km.

For a first bike, I've read that it's better to go used rather than new because it's a "learning" bike and bound to be dropped or the like.  My other option that I was looking at was a brand new '06 GS500F for around $7000 "out the door".  Thoughts?  Thanks guys - I really love this forum, you guys have all been so helpful - almost makes me want to buy a GS500F just to be apart of this community .

Nice bike, you should go for it. Looks like it was well taken care of, too. Is this your first bike? Watch out when something is "lady driven"... that can be a bad thing .

I prefer everything about the GS over the EX, except that the Ninja has four valves per cylinder. I would get which ever one was available cheapest, though.

I just bought a 2001 gs with 2000 miles. It has been great. I commute 70 miles per day. I haven't had any problems with power, etc. I bought the bike because it was bigger than the Kawasaki, and more comfortable (I am 6'2"/190 lbs). The springs are a little soft, but doesn't bother me much. I haven't noticed that the bike doesn't keep its line. It goes straight, and goes where its steered. One thing I noticed about the mag. reviews is that they are written by very experienced riders. Personally, I can't imagine why I would need more hp, or more speed. I never ride 90+ mph. 75 is the tops, and it passes cars at that speed with no problem. You do have to downshift, but for me that's part of the enjoyment. Otherwise, this bike is great. I know people who love their kawasaki as well. Both are great bikes. As far as the review, it seemed to me that they found the two bikes comparable in most categories / with slight edges to the kawasaki. Both bikes run forever, so hop on them, see what you like, and off you go.

p.s. one great thing about the gs is this forum. Very helpful for just about any issue or question. I didn't find the same for the kawasaki, but I am sure there is one.

I JUST GOT MY GS. IT IS THE FIRST SUZUKI I HAVE EVER HAD I HAVE HAD 4 KAWASAKI' AND AN HD SPORTSTER AND I HAVE A VULCAN 500 AND A ZL900 ELIMINATOR NOW BUT I LOVE THE GS AND WILL RIDE IT OVER THE OTHER BIKES ANY DAY. I LOOKED AT THE NINJA WHEN I GOT THE GS BUT IT'S SO UGLE WITH THE FRONT FAIRING THAT WAY SO FOR ME THE GS WAS IT