The gs500 has been very good to me for the past 3 years but I would like to upgade.  I would like to know what bikes some of you have upgraded to or purchased in addition to the gs500.  Mainly what is a good bike to upgade to from here? 

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=32408.0

I haven't upgraded yet, but I have my eye on a few. In no particular order:

1) BMW F800ST (but I'm waiting on the F800R to be unveiled to make my decision)

2) Honda 599 or 919 (depends on where I think I am riding skills wise)

3) Suzuki V-Strom (great reviews, but it's ugly)

4) Ducati Multistrada (again, ugly & big $$ for service)

5) Any Buell

And probably a dozen or so others. I'm not so into the sport bike (GSXR, R1, etc) thing, so you won't see those on my list. I know the BMW is somewhat sport bike, but it's a BMW.

Peas.

Oh, forgot the Honda VFR. That bike seems to have an extremely loyal following. Gotta be something to it. And even though it looks sporty, it has more of an upright seating position (like the GS) which is an important factor as well.

Peas.

What are you looking for when you upgrade?

More power?

Better handling?

More comfort?

Better (more adjustable) suspension?

Better brakes?

Different seating position?

Better aftermarket support in windshields, performance mods, etc...

Bigger, wider, flatter passenger seat for luggage?

Hardbags?

What kind of riding do you want to do?

see you could be like me and keep the gs and save up for a bike to use only on the track. 
like some old beat up R6 or CBR that i wouldnt care about dropping
i know if i got something to powerful on the street id get in a lil trouble you knw?
but i am looking at that hyonsung 650 and SV1000 as a replacement for my gs
i really need the gas milage that the gs has cause im still in college though

I want to stay with the sport bikes but it does not have to be a race inspired bike like the gixers.  I would like:

more power
better suspension
better seat(I know i can buy one for the gs but replacement seats ain't cheap)

I have been looking real hard at the yamaha yzf600r anyone ever ride one? also kind of looking at the zzr 600 again any riders?

thanks for any feedback

Quote from: coopstar55 on December 22, 2006, 01:39:32 PM
I have been looking real hard at the yamaha yzf600r anyone ever ride one?

Yeah, they are great bikes.  They also fill all of your requirements perfectly.  They are a comfortable tourer, great in the corners and are very reliable.  They have, however, had some trouble with 2nd gear in the past.  Under hard accleration they can slip into neutral.  It can be fixed for about $500 in parts or about $1000 for a shop to repair.  Its not extremely common, but considering the cost...its something to look for.

-Turd.

Take a look at the Monster line from Ducati. More power, much better suspension, and damn fine looking. Also, unlike their high end superbikes, the prices aren't much more than similar japanese bikes.

Quote from: coopstar55 on December 22, 2006, 01:39:32 PM
I want to stay with the sport bikes but it does not have to be a race inspired bike like the gixers.  I would like:

more power
better suspension
better seat(I know i can buy one for the gs but replacement seats ain't cheap)

I have been looking real hard at the yamaha yzf600r anyone ever ride one? also kind of looking at the zzr 600 again any riders?

thanks for any feedback

I ride an SV1000S and I'm very happy with it.  I've put about 1,000 miles on my dad's SV650, and I really enjoy that bike a lot as well.  I test rode a Daytona 675 over thanksgiving weekend, and love that bike.

A friend of mine has a 600r and I've ridden it.  The ergos are more upright and comfortable than supersports, but It's carbeurated (sp?) and not quite my style. 

Quote from: Turd Ferguson on December 22, 2006, 02:04:50 PM

Quote from: coopstar55 on December 22, 2006, 01:39:32 PM
I have been looking real hard at the yamaha yzf600r anyone ever ride one?

Yeah, they are great bikes.  They also fill all of your requirements perfectly.  They are a comfortable tourer, great in the corners and are very reliable.  They have, however, had some trouble with 2nd gear in the past.  Under hard accleration they can slip into neutral.  It can be fixed for about $500 in parts or about $1000 for a shop to repair.  Its not extremely common, but considering the cost...its something to look for.

-Turd.

+1, I'd pass on the older Yamaha 4 cylinders. If the gears do fail, repair for Yammi's often requires disassembly of nearly the entire motor, including removal of the head. After repairing the trans in my gix (an ordeal), I'll pass on something prone to problems like that.

Might I suggest a Ducati 900SS or a Suzuki Bandit 1200? Parts are EVERYWHERE for the Bandit lump.

If you've got the money I'd check out the GSXR 750. The one my friend owns is easier to ride than my 500e, and actually feels more comfortable to boot(my opinion). It's definitely got the power but as long as you've got some good miles on the GS it should make a nice upgrade. 

The Bandit 1200 has potential for some SERIOUS power. We're talking 150+ HP and 90+ ft-lbs of torque with some pretty basic bolt on mods. With a big bore kit those numbers can get even higher.

Maybe I shouldn't tell you guys this, but you can get some nice Kawasaki ZRX 1200's over at zrxoa.com.  That is my plan when I'm through with the GS.  Not everyone is into the looks, but you can get a 1200 for $3500 with some searching (2001 or better).  That bike has gobs of power, and is one of the best two-up sport bikes you can buy:  the seat is not like on a crotch rocket with a separate rear seat way up in the air.  Really great bikes, but the nicest thing is the price...  Anyway, don't everyone go buy one and push the retail price back up though or I'll have to 

Quote from: brett on December 22, 2006, 02:07:31 PM
Take a look at the Monster line from Ducati. More power, much better suspension, and damn fine looking. Also, unlike their high end superbikes, the prices aren't much more than similar japanese bikes.

+1, my Monster has been the perfect upgrade from my GS500.  One of its best qualities is that its NOT a sportbike...



-Turd.

Mmmm... super retarded...

If you want to upgrade again as naked bike so i can offer them

Ducati Monster 900

Honda Hornet 900

Suzuki GSX 1400

Honda X11

Yamaha MT01

those last three arent available in the US...

dont get a honda sportbike. their seats are not comfortable.

i'm hoping to be able to afford a ducati monster, if not i want the sv650s

Nice bike Turd... i always trip out on the Ducati frames.

I'd probably get an SV650 next. Seems logical for someone starting on a GS... affordable, quality, powerful enough, but still lightweight and handelable.