Which bike would make a better bike for a first timer?  A GS500E or a 400 Bandit.  I like the style of both.  Realize one is a 4 cylinder and heavier.  Both are rated good for handling with the Bandit being called "top heavy" in some posts.

A top heavy bike can be a problem for a new rider (or even an old rider) as when it starts to go over, it's harder to catch. Lighter and lower is easier when you have not got the balance-fu down - this is mostly a parking lot and driveway problem, though - on the road at speed it's not an issue - it's when you pop it off the centerstand and it leans away a little, and then it's leaning away a lot, and then you are lying on top of it that it causes a problem, usually.

I may have to see if a test ride is in order.  My only comparison is a 250 Honda Nighthawk used in the training class.  I suspect the gs500 will feel closer to that than the Bandit but I'm sure I would get used to either one.

Also the engine on the bandit 400 actually is more powerful but is much more peaky than the gs500. So it's not as easy to ride around.

^^^^^^

What he said, ive got a ZXR400, so designed for the same market as the bandit 400 was. Its a smaller bike than the GS as the other 400's but is far better equipped, USD forks, etc etc etc... I wouldn't recommend for a beginner bike tho as these are built to be similar to 600's Peak performance on my (slightly modified, exhaust, slight tuning, filters) zxr400 is around 70bhp, 0-60 - wouldn't like to say, tops out at 147 on a speed trap.

Try a GPZ 250 - but whatever you get, get a used one as you will drop it while you are learning to ride, I guarantee it. We all did it! That's how we learnt...........

I never dropped my bike that much... I learned on dirtbikes as a kid, and even then I didnt own a lot of dirtbikes.  I had a quad as a kid.  Ive dropped my bike twice so far I think.  Crashed it once on a corner.  Going too fast.  I think the GS is pretty light though.  You sit pretty low.  Im about 6 foot and I can spread my feet pretty far apart while sitting on the bike so I have good balance on it.  Thats the trick: keep your feet out.  I think for a first timer, the GS is a real sure choice.  I have fun ridding it cause its so easy to move around.  And In a little while Ill be moving up to a bigger bike.  I got the GS in january of this year.   

As someone who had never ridden a motorcycle prior to 2 months ago, I would say the GS500 is THE beginner bike to get- plenty of power so you don't grow out of it very soon, but makes enough torque down low getting away from stop signs is easily learned. There may be a better bike but I can't imagine what it would be- the Ninja 250 would be good, but I think one would outgrow it rapidly.

Ya.  Im selling my gs500 soon to a fella who used to own a ninja 250.  Im moving up to something a bit more powerful, but I think the gs500 has plenty nice power.  Heres a question for you guys.  This fella said his ninja was probably faster than my gs500!  He said it was lighter , had 6 gears, and was a sports bike where mine isnt.  What do u guys think?  I told him to try my gs out and then tell me.  I think the gs should be faster. 

But back to your question.  The gs is such a great bike.  Very nimble with great power.   

and so much stuff can be made to fit. theres a feller who modded gsxr cylinders to use on the gs. i believe he hacked off the outer two, and ran the center ones

Quote from: Domindart on August 17, 2008, 10:18:26 PM
Ya.  Im selling my gs500 soon to a fella who used to own a ninja 250.  Im moving up to something a bit more powerful, but I think the gs500 has plenty nice power.  Heres a question for you guys.  This fella said his ninja was probably faster than my gs500!  He said it was lighter , had 6 gears, and was a sports bike where mine isnt.  What do u guys think?  I told him to try my gs out and then tell me.  I think the gs should be faster. 

But back to your question.  The gs is such a great bike.  Very nimble with great power.   

Very likely. the ninja 250 revs to something rediculous like 17k i think and altho it makes all its power up top it can get to 110 i guess, prolly similar performance to the gs500, maybe slightly quicker acceleration

I have a friend with an '04 250 Ninja. He rode my GS this weekend and said that that it would eat his Ninja for lunch. My GS has a stock intake, stock pipes, and has been jetted with 40 pilots and 125 mains.

Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on August 17, 2008, 10:28:13 PM
and so much stuff can be made to fit. theres a feller who modded gsxr cylinders to use on the gs. i believe he hacked off the outer two, and ran the center ones

Head, not cyl. The cam shaft also had to be cut in 1/2 and turned 90 degrees and re welded. But that is almost like getting yourself a whole other bike after tossing the GS.
Cool.
Buddha.

GS 500 is the best starter bike.
Get an older one without all the plastic.
I still have mine and intend to pass it on to my son.
I had it out this weekend and the bike is a pisser.
It's reallly a capable and fun to ride bike.

I also hava a V-Strom 650 but that is a pig compared to
the GS.

Quote from: Domindart on August 17, 2008, 10:18:26 PM
Ya.  Im selling my gs500 soon to a fella who used to own a ninja 250.  Im moving up to something a bit more powerful, but I think the gs500 has plenty nice power.  Heres a question for you guys.  This fella said his ninja was probably faster than my gs500!  He said it was lighter , had 6 gears, and was a sports bike where mine isnt.  What do u guys think?  I told him to try my gs out and then tell me.  I think the gs should be faster. 

But back to your question.  The gs is such a great bike.  Very nimble with great power.   

I HAVE a Ninja 250 and a GS00F and can't imagine having ONLY the Ninjette.  It's a nice bike and all but the GS is more powerful and much more stable.

Interesting.  I will have to show him this thread! 

GS FTW! 

I have both. GSF400 is faster, lower, turns better, and is much more fun. The GS500, you can actually get parts for (used).

Seriously, the GSF400 is a water cooled inline 4. Much more complex than an air cooled twin. If they both ran 100%, the Bandit by a mile. Since Bandits are 16+ years old at this point, pass unless it is PERFECT. Else look out for typical crap like rusty tanks, fork seals, head gaskets, missing parts, etc.

Both bikes are stock. GS500 sounds like a sewing machine. Bandit sounds more like a bike. I rode the GS500 today.....lol

I currently rebuilding myGS500, with the bandit front and rear ends............

Aslo, i have ridden both bandit 400 and GS500, you need more revs for the bandit, I am sure the gs feel lighter.

Get the GS500 and learn to ride