Hi there, Villager introduced me to this site,we both live in Lincolnshire UK.

I don't actually have a GS500 yet - I'm doing my test next week and will be buying a 1999 model from a friend when (if!) i do. I had a test ride in a car park and it seems pretty good.

I've only been riding my 125cc for a couple of months and I dont know much about bikes althouh i would like to learn more. Ive already asked Vllager loads of things so I thought I would share the burden by asking you guys instead. Sorry if some of these are very simple or boring!

1. is the gs500 too big for my first 'big' bike? I don't need it to be superfast so if people think a smaller engine is better and easier then i might go for that instead

2. the bike i'm planning to buy has only 8,000 miles but from what i know about cars this isn't necessarily a good thing. am i better off buying a bike that's been used more regularly?

3. general question about riding - as a car driver, the revs on the bike are strange to me, I feel reluctant to go about 4k. what's the best rpm range for the gs500's engine's health / fuel consumption?


Thanks for any help.Ill post pictures when i get the bike.

8K is OK, more damage comes from sitting on these things, you want much of that 8K to have been put in the last 2 years, or ideally a bike ridden for 20+ miles at 1 time literally every week ... for the last 8 years which will be 8K will be ideal for it ...
Cool.
Buddha.

I'm fairly new to this bike/site as well, but I believe the bike really likes to be around 4,000 rpm to get going.  When I'm riding, I try to keep my rpm's around 6,000.  I ride a lot in the hills and curvy roads though and sometimes need the extra torque at that rpm to get up some of the hills safely.  Don't worry about 4,000.   

The GS was my first bike as well as many other's first bike.  I think you'll do fine, especially with previous experience.

What year is the GS in question?

4k RPM?  On no!  You need to get up to 6-7 at least.  The fun doesn't start until 7k anyway!   























2000th post!!!!!!!!! 
WATCH OUT PANDY, HERE I COME!

welcome to the site!  the GS should be a great first "big bike" for you. Its very easy to handle and is reliable as can be  And as far as 8K I got mine with ony 180 miles on it after it sat in a garage for 10 years  and its fine

Its not the size of the engine its what it kicks out! Im presuming now your taking your direct access which will allowed you to ride the GS500 unrestricted- im sure it will be plenty bike enough for your first big bike coming off a 125cc

If your under 21 and are hoping to take your restricted access test then you will need to fit a 33bhp restrictor kit. I test rode a GS500 as i too had to do a restricted access test - it had the 33bhp kit in it and to be honest i think it ruined its performance, considering the GS isn't a 'fast' bike the 33bhp kit reduced it further. However if your not too fussed about performance then its a good bike and probably best to keep the insurance down. I went for a ZXR400 which is good but very very sports focused and doesnt get going till 10,500rpm!!!

It is for sale though if you want it lol...

The GS is a good first bike and welcome to the sight!