this is my first post here and i know i may get in trouble for this question but i just have a few questions and this seems like an incredibly knowledgeable site.  I am about to take my msf class and thus will soon be buying my first bike I absolutely love everything about the look of the gs 500 and 500f  and was ok with the potential downsides of the gs vs. the ninja.  I am speaking of the issue with start up in the cold and the fact that it is an air cooled also I does seem to have a few less horses I was fin with all of that.  However after reading this article I am concerned with only one thing.
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/NinjaGScomparo07a.pdf
In the section pertaining to the engine it brings up the fact that
"Of course, we don't expect anyone to be drag racing these bikes, but when you're entering the freeway and need to accelerate quickly to merge into the flow of high-speed traffic, that extra12 hp can make a world of difference. And perhaps even more importantly, when you're cruising in traffic at 65 mph and need some extra oomph to pass, the GS500 motor just isn't there for you unless you downshift, and even then responds lethargically.  On the other hand, the Ninja still has a nice reserve on hand at 65 mph, without even downshifting."
My concern is this that after riding a 50cc scooter for several months now I know it sucks to be at almost full speed with nothing extra left to get out of trouble should something happen around me.  Like I said this will be my first bike and am uncomfortable with the idea of traveling on th highway and in an emergency situation having to worry about what happening around me and then having to downshift to  speed up and get out of trouble.  I personally don't think the 500r looks that great but if there is this issue with the gs then I may just go with the ninja.  My question is this is this a valid concern do the gs' have very little after 65? 
Sorry for the long winded first post

I cruise at 70mph, and can quickly get up to 85 if I need to.  After that, It'll keep acceleration, just not that quick.  But that would get me into real trouble.  It has more than enough power for any legal speed limit in the US.

Quote from: littleblackjeep on November 02, 2008, 09:24:09 PM
I cruise at 70mph, and can quickly get up to 85 if I need to.  After that, It'll keep acceleration, just not that quick.  But that would get me into real trouble.  It has more than enough power for any legal speed limit in the US.

+1
and welcome 

And it'll merge very nicely too.  0-60 in 5 seconds.  You'll find that you can easily get to the top of the ramp and be going 70+.  So have fun be safe. 

I've been riding GS500s since 1999 and have put a total of over 140k miles on two of them.  I've done 400-500 mile interstate days on them at 70-80 mph indicated with no problems with traffic.  When riding with big cruiser friends I used to leave it in 5th gear on the freeways to match their roll on speeds. 

I really hate to see anyone use that MCN test comparo to influence their choice between the GS500 and the 500R bikes.  It's the worst comparo job I've ever seen published.  Here's a few notes I joted down after reading it to point out some of the errors it their sloppy review.  The 500R is a good bike and doesn't need such a bogus  comparo job to sell it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/MCNGSvsEXcomparo.jpg

I've saved all the test reports published on the GS500 since it came out in 89 and where the data came from a comparo I included the EX500 (Ninja 500) data too.  Should be helpful in comparing the two.  You can note from the Mororcyclist Magazine 4-94 comparo that the roll-on speed of the GS500 in 5th gear equals that of the Ninja 500 in 6th gear.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500tests.jpg

Shifting gears is part of the fun of riding a bike like the GS500 and anyone that doesn't like shifting should probably consider a scooter.   

J/K

i had a ninja 250, and if the 500r is anything like it with twice the power, then it is a LOT better bike than the GS500 in every way. If you're buying new, buy the Kawi. However, GS500s don't hold resale value nearly as well, so they're a better deal used

Between the GS500 and the EX500, they're equal in all reality when it comes to acceleration.  its a twin, you really dont get the full acceleration unless you're in the right gear and the powerband really. 

If you go for an EX500, DO NOT look at the 87-93 models, they're living hells with a long list of issues that were resolved or massively reduced on the 94+ models.

But other than first gen EX500's sucking majorly, the GS/EX question is really just which do you like most?

1) you're not going to pass without shifting, or merge without having the revs up, on any <600cc machine. if you try to, you'll understand why it's recommended in about 2 seconds

2) both bikes are fantastic starter, learning, and living /commuting bikes. maintained well, they'll last well.

3) you cannot 'out-ride' the possibilities of a ninja 250, let alone the gs500 or ex500 (500r) in your first two (or twenty) years of riding. if you think you can, get more life insurance and kiss your wife more often, sparky.

4) if you buy new, you will drop it, so bring it home and throw it down on BOTH sides in your driveway. get that out of the way so you can forget about stupid cosmetics and enjoy the riding part. it's a motorcycle, not a shrine !

5) no one cares what your bike looks like (or you) when you're riding it. promise. paint it pink, at least  you'll be more visible.

6) if you get flamed for asking about a xyz machine on a forum, it's the wrong forum. generally folks here have the sense to see the fun possibilities in any machine, from a pocket watch to a helicopter.

7) please don't buy new. see #6 again. there are so many under appreciated bikes looking for good homes. please take advantage of the price break on them, and the fact that warranties are over-rated, undervalued, and overpriced. (yes, they can be both )

welcome to the forum new rider, spend on your gear, head on a swivel, and please hang out (ie: stay alive) a few years with us.

Quote from: jcamel on November 02, 2008, 08:30:37 PM
this is my first post here and i know i may get in trouble for this question but i just have a few questions and this seems like an incredibly knowledgeable site.  I am about to take my msf class and thus will soon be buying my first bike I absolutely love everything about the look of the gs 500 and 500f  and was ok with the potential downsides of the gs vs. the ninja.  I am speaking of the issue with start up in the cold and the fact that it is an air cooled also I does seem to have a few less horses I was fin with all of that.  However after reading this article I am concerned with only one thing.
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/NinjaGScomparo07a.pdf
In the section pertaining to the engine it brings up the fact that
"Of course, we don't expect anyone to be drag racing these bikes, but when you're entering the freeway and need to accelerate quickly to merge into the flow of high-speed traffic, that extra12 hp can make a world of difference. And perhaps even more importantly, when you're cruising in traffic at 65 mph and need some extra oomph to pass, the GS500 motor just isn't there for you unless you downshift, and even then responds lethargically.  On the other hand, the Ninja still has a nice reserve on hand at 65 mph, without even downshifting."
My concern is this that after riding a 50cc scooter for several months now I know it sucks to be at almost full speed with nothing extra left to get out of trouble should something happen around me.  Like I said this will be my first bike and am uncomfortable with the idea of traveling on th highway and in an emergency situation having to worry about what happening around me and then having to downshift to  speed up and get out of trouble.  I personally don't think the 500r looks that great but if there is this issue with the gs then I may just go with the ninja.  My question is this is this a valid concern do the gs' have very little after 65? 
Sorry for the long winded first post

I have no concerns.
If you want more ooooooooomph... why just a bit more (which might not be enough)? ... why not look at a 600cc Supersport? or slightly milder 600cc+ Sport-Tourers like a Bandit 650 or Ninja 650R or FZ6 or the famous SV650(S)?

My GS has got all the response until about 90ish mph.. then it creeps to 100+ indicated
I had the same dilemma as you about this time last year and went for the GS because it's styling is def. better and about equal in other regards.

EDIT: now if the 500r come out looking like the new 250r sometime soon, I would reconsider. 

To me part of the appeal of the GS500 is that if you're a beginning rider it will be very easy to ride, and keep out of trouble. Trust me, when I started, I liked the fact that if I wanted the bike to go faster, I had to make it go faster(shift and throttle control,) it's one of those things that in the long run will make you a better(faster) rider than someone that jumps on a 600cc+ bike, and all they have to do is hold on. The other thing is that the bike can grow with you. After you've been riding for a while and are comfortable, you can start modding and make it a much stronger competitor, which might be the funnest part.

Oh Yea, almost forgot the absolute best part...this site!!!
You can't beat the knowledgeable/helpful people on this site.

I'm racing a GS500E against a flotilla of EX500Rs, we're all essentially stock, including airbox and exhaust.  The EX's have a small power advantage on me, I've got a handling advantage on them.  Having ridden smaller bikes on the street, as well as my GS, I have no problems recommending it as a street bike, it's got more than enough power to be safe.

first thanks for all the post.  just to clarify i definitely understand i will have to shift my concern was just having to shift at 65 in an emergency while im a new rider, just seems like i could pop the clutch or something and im most worried about the first few months of riding just getting all the proper basics down.  but it sounds lik its not going to be a problem and i prolly will end up going with the GS.  i really would like to get a sv650 but i know in 2 years im going to want a supersport because all my friends have them.  for now though im sure it will be fun as hell on the gs.  and i will be buying used doesnt make sense to buy my first bike new.  and i already have a joe rocket jacket glovee and a hjc full faced helmet (snell and dot approved).  im the only a-hole youll see on a scooter in full gear but skin is skin and you're definitely invisible on a scooter.  iand i guess my last question is this the problems starting the bike on a cold morning can more or less be resolved with a battery tender or tickler?  and with the GS500 people keep saying that you would have to open up the choke to full,  is the choke easily accessible on the 500F? or is it under the fairings?  thanks again guys

It's on the left bar. 

the GS is a f'in awesome starter and you won't outgrowth it ever.  You could easily keep up with your friends on the twisties if not beat them and hang with them on the highway as reasonable speeds.  Plus with all the surplus parts available it's prettyt cheap to maintain and/or fix when something happens.

Quote from: jcamel on November 03, 2008, 07:46:31 AM
i really would like to get a sv650 but i know in 2 years im going to want a supersport because all my friends have them. 

Trust me man, that is def. not a good reason to upgrade... If anything it's a good way to ride over your limit and get seriously hurt..

i looked at the 500r before i got my gs just under 2 1/2 years ago.  this forum made the choice much easier.  on the ninja forum there were no long term cycles, at least not like here.  i have alomst 31k on my gs since i purchased new.  i now commute almost 20k per year RAIN or shine.  i have only used one other bike during this time, my wife's mp3 scooter - and yes it was atgatt, for a 500 mile week.  i keep looking for a logical upgrade in a bike for when this one is finally done.  i have looked at everything; aprilia, triumph, yamaha, suzuki, kawasaki -  you name it and every type also.  at the end of the day i am not convinced by any of them that they are the right replacement bike.  i do 70 mph every day to and from work.  no problem.  i have learned to split lane with the best of them and generally keep up or lead.  i also get 52-55 mpg hauling my fat butt and too much gear in a tank bag.  i have had "0" maintenance issues.  my only wish is that they made it with an 8 gallon gas tank so i only had to fill up once a week.

Either bike has sufficient power for commuting on the freeway. 

If the bike is merely a commuter, I'd suggest analyzing other attributes like comfort, braking, and handling. 

If you think you might want to go sportbike next, perhaps going with the bike that is more like a sportsbike would be a good idea.  If anything, it'll let you know if a sportsbike suits your prefences. 

Quote from: littleblackjeep on November 02, 2008, 09:24:09 PM
I cruise at 70mph, and can quickly get up to 85 if I need to.  After that, It'll keep acceleration, just not that quick.  But that would get me into real trouble.  It has more than enough power for any legal speed limit in the US.

+1

I bought a "new" 2006 500f about 6 weeks ago (first bike) and have hit the Long Island Expressway numerous times with it.  The bike has zero problems accelerating on the highway in the 65-80mpg range and there is no way (at this point) I would even want more power.  I honestly don't understand why people want such powerful bikes!  After about 80mph I start to get a little antsy 

Like the OP, I did the whole 500r vs 500f thing and went with the 500f for styling and price (I find the Ninja's are a bit overpriced)

I paid $3999 for a new500f, same as a 2009 Ninja 250--plus no wait list. 

I use my GS for commuting, 40 miles each way every day (In Seattle rain too), and it has more than enough power to get you on the freeway and going.  I dropped in a 15 tooth front sprocket but even before that I never felt the need to drop down to 5th gear while on the freeway.

Now that being said, I'm probably going to get myself a 600cc bike sometime next year.  Not as a replacement mind you.  My GS will be the regular commuter, I just love myself the acceleration and more oomph would be fun for the weekends and such.