Hello all, I am new to the GS500 world.  I wanted to say hi to everyone.  My name is Tom Mann and live in Jacksonville, FL. 

I have been around antique motorcycles all of my life, Indians specifically.  I bought my first modern motorcycle back in April.  It is a Yamaha YX600 Radian.  I have enjoyed riding it although it really has been mainly back and forth to work.

The recent cold has prompted me to look into a bike with a full fairing.  I like sport-tourers, but not really able to afford one.  I was looking at the r/c GSX-Rs we got for the kids for Christmas and got to thinking about the GS500F.  I personally do not want a 'true' sportbike.  I like the standard riding position, but want a fairing and cannot spend more than about $4000.

Anyway, my big question is whether I can be happy with a GS500F?  Does the fairing really provide good wind protection, I know not like a Goldwing, but has to be better than a naked?  Is the engine powerful enough to keep me happy?  I am used to old v-twin cruisers and lately an inline 4cyl making about 60hp.

Anyway, thank you for having in as part of your group, and I hope that my experiences will be positive and satisfying.

welcome

I don't know what will keep you happy but my personal oppionin is the GS is a great all around bike.  The fairing does a decent job of protecting the riders from the wind.  If you get the double bouble shield it does an even better job.  Doing 80 to 90 on the Hwy is np the GS can handle that.   It's stable on the highway.  Easy to turn on the city streets.  I have done 200 mile round trips and was comfy for the most part, but the seat did make my butt sore.

Thats probally my bigest complaint about the GS is the seat  I'm sure others will chime in alot of people have luggage racks on the GS and use more like a tourer bike.  

If you want to get an older GS you can also put a windscreen on it, I have seen a few people here that have done that.

Welcome to the forum hope you get a GS and stick around.
Dave

Welcome from a former Jax resident!

I don't own a late model "full bodied" GS. I have 2 1/2 '90 models.

Srinath may have ridden both types, but I am certain others will be along shortly to give you a good review.

As far as engine power is concerned, she's no drag bike, but it is better than a 250 Nighthawk.
We even have people complain about some problems at 90 + mph.

Perhaps some of our FLA members could let you test drive in a parking lot to get a feel for the GS mill?

Fairing - bleeh - over rated.
It does make the bike run higher top speed (figure 115 corrected) and its quicker from 65 and up cos its all aero's from there on up ...
Luckily a GS full fairing doesn't make maintenence too much worse. Just for that, I'd give it a 
Cool.
Srinath.

My $0.02, maybe worth $0.01, maybe redudant but:
- the position is a little more sporty and less upright that you'd expect.  Having no fairing lets the wind take some weight off your wrists
- plenty of power, IMHO (150lbs, left my "need for speed" 15yrs down the road behind me).  A marvelous thing to behold through 50-60mph, but I couldn't care less above 60mph.
- cold hearted - it isn't much fun until it's really warmed up (a full 15mins and 5-10 miles), but then it's an absolute jewel, really wanting for nothing, IMHO

Have fun, let us know what you get yourself into (or onto...)

Wow you guys are pretty quick on the responses.  That is a comforting feeling.

You have set my mind at ease on my concerns.  Basically I don't want to buy a bike and then 6 months down the road, wonder why I did.

I like my Radian, she has been good to me, but being my first modern bike, I have learned a few things.  For daily driving I would like a little more protection.  My commute is in slow back roads traffic, so aerodynamics is not of the primary concern.  I do like the idea of trying some sport touring next year and the long hauls without wind protection are draining.

I would love a good ST or FJR, but finances cannot handle that yet.  I like funky bikes that others don't seem to always have.

I have been looking at the F version as a light duty sport tourer down the road.  I think with some fabrication skills, a set of hard bags can be mounted on the back.

As for power, yeah one day I want something that screams, but for now, I'm looking for daily transportation that can provide more coverage and comfort.

As for the seat, I have looked at it and sat on one, WAY more comfortable than a stock Radian seat.

Thanks,

Have you looked into the Suzuki Katana?  It sounds to be a perfect match to what you are looking for.  In my opinion, the GS500 can be a total slug over 50mph.  It can make passing at highway speeds a real chore.  The Katana has around 60-75hp (depending on if you go 600cc or 750cc) with an air/oil cooled inline 4.  The fairing on the Katana is incredible and offers amazing wind/rain protection.  They also don't hold their value very well at all.  You can find a used one extremely cheeply.

Good luck in your search!

-Turd.

i have an 06 gs500f and i love it. i have spent most of my time on cruisers and this is my first sport bike. i have no probs. with it . welcome.

Hi Tom
I have an 04 F and the fairing does a great job of keeping the wind off your legs, even on 40degree days   The powers good enough to cruse at 80 to 90 but no rocket.
its a little too windy to be a good sport cruiser. I would recommend a better wind screen or lower handle bars, (but you said you like the riding position)...

Welcome!

The GS will be down on power compared to the Radian (just a little), and in Florida, you might want something more, suggested was the Katana, I second this.  How would be insurance between these two?

I had a '97 GS for 8 months before I got an '05 GS-F.  The fairing made a HUGE difference for me.   I found the wind resistance at speeds over 70 (indicated) to be rough, and over 80 (indicated) was brutal. 

(I say "indicated" because GS's are known for over-stating true speed by a few MPH)

They are great bikes in either form, willing to give and give, and ask very little in return.

Welcome!   

Now I just have to figure out how to tell the girlfriend I am trading/selling my Radian for a GS.

I have found the Puig double bubble windshield that I think will help.  I know that the GS-F will not be a 'true' sport tourer, but for my budget, I have confidence in it.

I looked at the Katana suggested, but most are out of my price range.  They also look like you lean a little more forward than I care for on a daily rider.

As for the wind, YES anything above about 65mph gets really annoying with a naked bike.  Don't get me wrong, I love naked bike styling, but since I can really only afford and store one bike, I have to find the compromise that works best.  If anyone is interested in a Dodge Spirit R/T, I can free up a lot more room.

Thanks,

Welcome! 

I've only ever ridden nekkid.... 

Pandy, that explains the whistling noise...

Quote from: Egodriver71 on November 10, 2006, 02:24:33 PM
If anyone is interested in a Dodge Spirit R/T, I can free up a lot more room.

Thanks,

I would love to see some more on this car.  Post up some pics and a bit more info on it if you would.  I have never actually seen one of the R/T spirits in person before.  It is really amazing how many ugly but incredibly fast cars dodge has made that nobody seems to know about.

Welcome!

Here is my thread on TurboDodge about trying to sell it.  It isn't in the greatest condition, but man it is fast with way more potential in there.

http://www.turbododge.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122997

just so that you know, this page is locked to registered users

nice sleeper!  252 to the wheels had to have been fun.