Hi GSers. I'm new here and re-entering motorcycling after 20 years. I've been bicycling most of that time - recumbents for the last year - and recently moved to a rural area in Lake County, CA. I quickly discovered that the narrow, twisty roads around here would be much more fun and safer if I could pedal fast enough to keep the cars from wizzing by me. My wife and I took the MSF course and now I have my motorcycle license [she hasn't done the written yet]. We're looking to get a 250 for her and something a little bigger for me. I tested and almost bought a brand new GS/F a couple days ago. It's beautiful in silver & black and I liked the semi-sporty riding position. The engine seems like a good combination of torque and power without being overwhelming for a carefully returning rider. Being I'm in the USA, of course I assumed bigger is better and this would be a first step to a "real bike", but now I'm not so sure. Every bike I ever owned was a middleweight [RD400, KZ550, SR500, GN400] and, as a short guy, they always seemed plenty big to me. Considering the tight roads I plan to stick to, a GS500 may be plenty motorcycle for years to come. Great site and good to talk to ya. You'll see my Wanted post soon.

 Welcome 

The GS is a GREAT bike for any spectrum of rider  You found the best place for help and knowlege  The people on this forum are why I now own 2 GS500's  And I will keep them forever 

Hey Joe,
Welcome to our little corner of the moto world.
I'm like you -- I believe in middleweights.
I will celebrate my 33rd year of motorcycling on April 6, and have always owned bikes that are fun to flick around. I started with a used 1966 Honda CB160 in 1975, moved up to a 1975 Honda CB400F (a jewel, why did I ever sell that bike???) the next year, then moved on to a 1982 Suzuki GS550MZ Katana (my only brand-new motorcycle ever) in 1983, then on to a 1975 Yamaha RD350 in 1984, a 1984 Yamaha RZ350 (another bike I wish I'd have kept) in 1986, until I finally bought my 1991 Suzuki GS500E in 1993. Notice a pattern here?
Nothing ever over 550cc. Only one new motorcycle.
And never once have I ever been wanting for power. OK, it's not like touring on a Honda Gold Wing or a Honda CB750F, true, but I pay little for insurance and upkeep, and I enjoy the riding not one bit less.
I've ridden my GS500E to Wisconsin and back from my home in PA (1000 miles each way, a glorious and memorable trip) and on various other trips.
No hassles.
No worries.
A perfect motorcycle to me, despite all the monster bikes out there.
Buy one, ride it, and enjoy it.
And welcome back to the world of motorcycling.
I'm one of the ones who's never left, having always owned a motorcycle since I bought that beautiful CB160 back in April 1975.
If you ever get out here to Lancaster, PA, be sure to let me know.
Best wishes,
Todd

Welcome Joe

I don't think you can go wrong with a GS.  They're simple, easy to maintain, have a certain character - especially the nakeds, and are just plain fun to ride!.

Enjoy the ride!   

welcome to the board joe!!!

Hey Joe! Welcome to the board. Le tme start off by saying you'll be happy and pleased with the GS, the power this little putter can produce is great for years of enjoyment. Me im a speed junkie and am happy with my lil 500 after doing all my mods and tweaks i got her close to where im totally happy.

hey joe

        where are you going with that gun in your hand just kiddin. the gs500 is a great bike I have many bikes a couple old 78-GS-1000s  , 80-81-GS-1100s, 76- gt 550 and two gs 500s a 89 and a 90  and they are a blast to ride  the 500s run & ride so smooth  not a ton of  low end squat  but just enough.   If I had to make a my mind up to have only one bike it would be the suzuki bandit  great all around machine check one out . oh ya welcome joe   good luck anthony