jserio if you have not gotten your bike yet you should really try www.lendingtree.com or capitalone.com and do an online app.
The thing to do is ask for a loan of $8500, thats the minimum.  Buy the bike have the dealer cut you a check for the difference.  Mail the check to the leander with your first months payment.

Example

Bike cost $5000 get a loan for $8500
Get check for $3500 back from dealer
Send check back to with your first months payment.  

The reason for this is because lendingtree will find you the lowest interest rate it can.  While suzuki will only offer you 12.95%
and like I said most lenders the lowest amount they will offer is $8500.

Oh check different dealers in your area for the best price. . . I think I paid $4700 OTD or maybe it was a little less.
The dealer closest to me wanted $8700 for my wife's GSXR 600 but I went to a different dealer and got the same bike for only $8300

I got a loan for $4200 at my credit union...  7.5%...  Not too bad.

$1800 8.9 at Huntington bank.

Quote from: Johnny5 on May 31, 2007, 04:32:16 PM
I agree with the suggestions to buy used, you can get a much better more powerful bike than either of these 2 new for only slightly more money... where these bikes shine is bang fer buck used.  Buy a good used one, ride/enjoy the snot out of it, and then sell and upgrade.

+1,000,000

If you need to finance a new one you really shouldn't do it, for a GS or EXO anyway.  Save up 1000-2000 and get a used one.  If you have money to blow, go ahead and buy a new one but if you don't have the cash you're really making a mistake here.  Just my .02. 

It's really not that great of a bike for 5K when for only a little more one can get a much better bike.

For most of us, the GS is a great learning tool and nothing more. 

Quote from: LPC2104 on June 01, 2007, 10:52:28 AM

Quote from: Johnny5 on May 31, 2007, 04:32:16 PM
I agree with the suggestions to buy used, you can get a much better more powerful bike than either of these 2 new for only slightly more money... where these bikes shine is bang fer buck used.  Buy a good used one, ride/enjoy the snot out of it, and then sell and upgrade.

+1,000,000

If you need to finance a new one you really shouldn't do it, for a GS or EXO anyway.  Save up 1000-2000 and get a used one.  If you have money to blow, go ahead and buy a new one but if you don't have the cash you're really making a mistake here.  Just my .02. 

It's really not that great of a bike for 5K when for only a little more one can get a much better bike.

For most of us, the GS is a great learning tool and nothing more. 

Wow, that's a bold claim if true.  I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike.  If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money.  I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).

All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere?  I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike.  Can anyone help clear this up?

Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 02:43:14 PM
Wow, that's a bold claim if true.  I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike.  If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money.  I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).

All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere?  I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike.  Can anyone help clear this up?

Some people upgrade after the GS. Some people keep riding them forever. A lot of people upgrade but keep the GS around, because despite being low in power it handles pretty darn good and is a lot of fun. No one can say which it will be for you.

The point being made is that a lot of people start on a GS because it's low enough in power to be safe for a new rider, but fun enough to learn on for a year or two. And I completely agree that a new GS is a waste of money. Less than $1000 more will get you a brand new SV650. That pricing makes no sense... Unfortunately the SV is a bit much bike to start on for a lot of people, hence the GS is the better choice. But at that price... You ride it two years, you sell it for maybe $3000. That's a big hit. Especially when you consider that for $2k you can get the same bike (minus the plastic) and sell it again in a year or two for about the same you paid.

The GS will last. The question is how long until you start to crave more power. For some people it's a year or two, for others it's never...

Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 02:43:14 PMWow, that's a bold claim if true.  I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike.  If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money.  I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).

All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere?  I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike.  Can anyone help clear this up?

It really depends on you... GS has plenty of power for me for the long haul, especially on winding roads and city driving.  The ONLY place I find myself wanting more power is on the Highway... but that's really only a mental thing, I think... I just would rather have my revs be able to be lower at highway speeds.  GS is a very good tried and true bike.

**Edit:  Or what Debtman said!  He said what I was trying to... LOL

Yes...  The life expectancy of the GS depends on the rider.  If you want to "Keep Up" with your GXSR buddies or do wheelies, you'd better buy two GSs...  One for wheelies and one to "Keep Up." 

You can mod the GS to have more power (rejet, Pipe, intake)...  Then you can mod it to have more low end or more top end (Front Sprocket Swap)...  It's friggen wicked in the twisties...  It rules in the city...  It's fun at the track...    BUT... It's lame as hell over 90-95 MPH.      

So.......  You CAN do wheelies on the GS if you mod it for less top end and more bottom power...  You CAN get to 70 faster than nearly every car on the road...  But, you will never hang with GSXRs running in straight lines...  Never.  If you want to Slay some Giants, then take 'em to the twisties... Practice hanging off...  Get good at riding.


I own two bikes...  A 1500cc Cruiser (Mean Streak) and the GS.  They do different things...  I love both for the things they do.

The Gs Is A fun bike , and it looks really good , its kool when u modify them , eg , Jim's Green Gs , is One of the sexyest bikes ive eva seen , depends , if you like streetfighters , it has the perfect frame for it , the naked ones anyways , and its a nimble little girl ,

Id Pick The gs Over the 'Ninja'

If the zx 12 is A Smooth Assassin , The 500 Is His Dead Nan

I agree with what everyone has been saying.  Some people ride the GS and never get a bigger bike, some have gotten bigger bikes just to get another GS while others moved up to a new bike and besides reading this forum never looked back.

Taken care of the GS will last forever. . . ask how many people on this forum alone have Gs  that are mid to late ninties.  It's just a matter of maintance and taking care of it.

I'll probally get flamed for this one, but IF you are level headed with good common sense and you can control your right hand.  You could start on either the Ninja 650 or the SV's. 

In my oppion the GS is a great bike to learn on and to work on your riding skills, but if your worried about buying new and wanting something else in a year or two, I'd say buy an 04 or 05 ( you mentioned earlier that you liked  the sportbike look ).  If you really want new I'd consider the Ninja 650 or the SV.

i've been hearing pro's and cons for lots of bikes. on this forum and other places as well. i hear a lot of good arguments and find a lot of nice bikes for decent money. i'm halfway tempted to just flip a coin ya know? or maybe put a finance app in at all the bike places and go with who responds first.

It's a great bike...for now.  You won't keep it forever.  See my above posts with pictures.  Beautiful GS500F sold last Sat.  Katana GSX600F...for now...maybe forever; I really like it!

SEE PAGE 2 for pix.

I've had my GS for 3 years and have no plans for selling it.  Lots of other bikes look like fun or maybe look prettier, but the GS ain't bad and it put's a smile on my face every time I swing my leg over.  Maybe I'm simple or maybe I just enjoy being able to use everything the bike has to offer, probably not even...  And this forum is the best thing ever

Quote from: jserio on June 01, 2007, 05:35:45 PM
i've been hearing pro's and cons for lots of bikes. on this forum and other places as well. i hear a lot of good arguments and find a lot of nice bikes for decent money. i'm halfway tempted to just flip a coin ya know? or maybe put a finance app in at all the bike places and go with who responds first.

If you're going to flip a coin, at least try picking by what's most comfortable first. 

i do have to say that so far the GS is the most comfy bike i've sat on. only one was comfier......and i had to get off it cuz i know it's too much bike for a beginner. it was a 2005 Honda CBR1000RR. it was used. and obviously by a short person like myself because i was able to put more of my feet down on both sides than i can on the stock GS.  pulled it up off the sidestand just fine too. dealer helped me simulate riding position by helping balance the bike.  ergos were fairly nice too. man...i was in heaven. "sigh" maybe someday, but not for awhile.

Quote from: manofthefield on June 01, 2007, 06:15:03 PM
I've had my GS for 3 years and have no plans for selling it.  Lots of other bikes look like fun or maybe look prettier, but the GS ain't bad and it put's a smile on my face every time I swing my leg over.  Maybe I'm simple or maybe I just enjoy being able to use everything the bike has to offer, probably not even...  And this forum is the best thing ever

Quote from: jserio on June 01, 2007, 05:35:45 PM
i've been hearing pro's and cons for lots of bikes. on this forum and other places as well. i hear a lot of good arguments and find a lot of nice bikes for decent money. i'm halfway tempted to just flip a coin ya know? or maybe put a finance app in at all the bike places and go with who responds first.

If you're going to flip a coin, at least try picking by what's most comfortable first. 

First off, thank you all so much for all the responses; it's really reassuring.

Honestly I think I'm "simpler", too.  I don't speed (excessively) in my car even though it has a little get up and go so I don't imagine I'll ever need to go over 100 mph on a bike.  I have a Honda Civic and never felt the urge to modify it in any way (mostly too lazy or broke) so I think I'd most likely be a casual rider. 

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd like to join a biker gang and all, but not the kind that rides fast.  I'd like to join a decent rider gang that focuses more on hitting people with metal poles and chains and stuff, ya know?  Seriously though, I don't want to race or customize a bike; I just want to commute and have fun on the weekends.

As far as buying used, the only reason I'll have to go through a dealership is that if I can get in on a deal (i.e. low payments early) then I can afford to ride this year.  Otherwise I'll wait until next year when I can pay cash or at least have a really good down payment.

Again, thanks for all the feedback and hopefully I can be like manofthefield and buy the GS to keep for good.

Quote from: SeqArtMark on June 01, 2007, 02:43:14 PMWow, that's a bold claim if true.  I was under the impression that because there was an entire forum dedicated to the GS500 that these bikes are good enough to last, but if that's not the case I have to seriously re-evaluate my stance on the bike.  If it's true that most people here only have the bikes because they're good to learn on then I may as well get a 250 ninja and save myself a lot of money.  I was interested in th GS because it will do exactly what I want it to do and therefore, there's less chance of having to "upgrade" as soon (or at all).

All that said, does anyone think that the GS will be alright for the long haul or should I maybe look elsewhere?  I don't know if I posted this question here (as I did at another forum) but that's my biggest concern about getting this bike.  Can anyone help clear this up?

Though your name was familiar, just gave my opinion on that over at:

http://www.sportbikes.net/forums/showpost.php?p=2939812&postcount=11

Quotethe only reason I'll have to go through a dealership is that if I can get in on a deal (i.e. low payments early) then I can afford to ride this year.

If you really need to get a loan to buy a bike, try to get approved for a loan through a bank. That way you could buy used and you'd have super low payments. Even if you do decide to go through a dealership, you can oftentimes get better deals if you bring cash or an outside loan, which is as good as cash to the dealer/seller.

I don't feel like reading this, possibly because I am f%$king drunk...    But here is what I think...


-My 1998 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4x4 2.4L 4cyl is slow - motorcycles are not slow - Thus if its a motorcycle your cool. 

-Graduated licenses are cool; if you disagree go to london england or paris france (US residents who's bike majically extends the thier penises 7 inches to a total of 7.2 inches total), those f%$kers are crazy, judge for yourself. 

thus my conclution is start with a used lower displacement bike and graduate yourself to 'new to you' used untill you can responsibly ride and take care of you dream bike.  It just yeilds a better rider to start small and work your way up.

edit:
Drunkin intervention - dictated by me - typed by my wife:  this all means get whichever tickles your pickle better.

Ok i didnt read the whole thread here but heres my opinion. The EX500 isn really a sportbike. It "fairings" it uses are more cosmetic the funtional. The 07 GS F series I have now, its Fairings do what a fairing should do. I have owned a couple ex500, and so far, even with the oil leak I have, the GS has been more reliable, comfortable, and better looking than the Kawasaki.
I get comments on it EVERYWHERE I go. Someone stops to check it out, riders who had a GS remember and share tips and stories, Kids crowd around at my sons school, and lets dont talk about bike night at Hooters. Everyone likes it cause its not the cookie cutter GSXR, R1, or Busa that everyone seems to have. Good bikes all, but, the GS has an effect on the public. Non riders think its a bigger bike and it look awsome, then you tell them how much smaller it is and how much better it handles due to the size and torque. Ive sold at least 6 GS500F bike for the dealer in the past 2 weeks. At my dealer we get 100 store credit for every referal that makes a sell.
But the point is Ive now owned both, and I feel more pride in the GS than any of the 20 something bikes Ive owned.

The Ninja is a fire truck.  Air-cooled is the trump card for me.  Less to replace and fix potentially.  Simpler. 

I have a Kawi Concours, it runs nice but is extremely poorly designed- valve adj. are a nightmare.  As a lot of other maintenance chores.  I can't speak for Ninjas, but look at all of the stuff in the way of the valves. 

Neither one is "fast".  Get a Gixxer if you want speed.