Ok everyone, you're obviously GS500 enthusiasts, i'm thinking of getting one, it's the last one in the shop, never used, but I also like the 2004 Triumph Bonneville, because of it's simple classic styling. What's so great about GS500's? I wouldn't know because I don't own one, I'm just looking for peoples opinions (not reviews in a magazine or website)

I'm not a beginner, but I haven't been riding very long either

Good things aboutt he GS?
Stellar handling which can be improved upon very easily.
Easy to work on.
REadily available parts.
Modifyable.
Good looks.
Fuel efficient.
Tons of fun to beat the hell out of.
Adequate power.
And of course this website.

Welcome to the forum!

I only ride a GS because I can't afford a Bonnie.  It's a lot more pricey, but you get it back in resale value.

Other positive aspects:

Better ergonomics; flat, comfortably firm saddle, pegs not rear set, and the bar is at a normal position

Better engine performance; spot-on carburetion, a meaty midrange,  a nice sound and little vibration

Oh, yeah, it also LOOKS like a motorcycle should!

All told, if you can pony up the money for a Bonneville and aren't concerned about less than sportbike caliber performance, I'd say get the Bonneville.  I recommend the T100 in Green/Cream color combo.  I haven't seen a Thruxton, though...  

Better resale??? Well losing 10% on a buy and sell in a couple of years is about OK if you buy older stuff that hasn't changed in a while, but buy the newest and in couple of years its not only going to be old its also going to be superseded and improved upon... You'll lose a lot more than 10%. Further 10% on a GS is ~$150 but on a More $$$ bike its more like $1200... aka another GS.
Cool.
Srinath.

First bike? Get the GS. Low weight, easy to ride. you'll feel alot worse if you drop a bonny.

Quote from: LetsEffinGoOk everyone, you're obviously GS500 enthusiasts, i'm thinking of getting one, it's the last one in the shop, never used, but I also like the 2004 Triumph Bonneville, because of it's simple classic styling. What's so great about GS500's? I wouldn't know because I don't own one, I'm just looking for peoples opinions (not reviews in a magazine or website)

I'm not a beginner, but I haven't been riding very long either

I find the new Bonnie to be rather large and heavy for my likings.  The GS500 reminds me more of the original Bonnie.  The GS500 and the 1970 Bonnie T120 are almost identical in size and weight.  Due to advances made since 1970, the GS has far superior performance both going and stopping.  It's rare that you can say that about the GS500.   :mrgreen:

See:         http://members.aol.com:/jcprrp/GS500vsBonnies.txt

Now to the new Bonnie.  It's performance is only a little better due to it's larger 800cc engine than that of the GS.  Handling is a different issue though.  The GS500 has a surprisingly stiff frame for an econo class bike.  Well suited to the addition of radial tires, but it will out handle the new Bonnie as is.   The simple addition of Progressive front springs and radial tires gives it extremely good handling for a bike in it's price class.

If you are interested in learning to ride well, trust me, get a GS500 and ride it till you can ride it well before moving on to a larger and/or larger engined bike.  You will become a better rider for it.

Quote from: gsJackThe GS500 reminds me more of the original Bonnie.  The GS500 and the 1970 Bonnie T120 are almost identical in size and weight.  Due to advances made since 1970, the GS has far superior performance both going and stopping.  It's rare that you can say that about the GS500.   :mrgreen:

I'll second that.

My opinions about the Bonnie vs. the GS aren't based on a "tale of the tape", but my ownership of a '96 GS, and a pair of extended test rides on a new Bonnie, covering 40 miles in all riding conditions.

While the GS and a Bonnie are a virtual dead heat on  the dragstrip, the Bonnie's powerband is a lot wider, feeling significantly torquier in real world situations.  It also has a more relaxed feel, spinning about 3900 at 60 mph, compared to the GS's 5600 or so.  And, based on the stock Bonneville, the carburetion is spot on.   Anybody who's done any reading on this forum knows that setting up a GS is tricky business.

I'll grant that my GS can easily out-turn a Bonnie, but handling in the real is so much more than that.  While the Bonnie's limits are more easily reached in the canyons, out in the real world the more conservative steering geometry, more weight, and longer wheelbase give a confident, relaxed ride in Interstate highway conditions, especially when battling windblast from tractor-trailers.

Granted, the Triumph is heavier (but 500#--  really?  I believe it's more like 475), but the saddle is an inch lower and the center of gravity seems lower also.   In my inseam-challenged opinion, low speed stability is a push.

And yes, I think that the Triumph will hold its value better.  I paid about 35% of the list price for an eight-year old GS in very good condition.  Would a Bonnie in clean condition ever sell for 35% of its retail price, or $2500?  Not likely.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but placing a Bonnie and a GS side by side will show the Brits have the quality act together, while a GS looks more cheesy.  

Don't get me wrong, I like my GS; I'm also aware that there are more desirable bikes out there.  The Bonneville T100 is one of them.  YMMV.

Quote from: LetsEffinGoI'm not a beginner, but I haven't been riding very long either

The  gs500 is an exceptional first bike. But if you've got some experience then its harder to recommend one over the other without knowing more about your experience and what your expectations for this bike (gs or bonnie) are.  Personally I am looking at upgrading from the gs (my first bike) to a triumph and found that the dealers have demo bikes (unlike many of the  japanese makes). I got a chance to ride some of the bikes I was interested in (speed 4, daytona 600) but not the bonnie.

personally, if this isn't your first bike (no experience) or you're not going to go racing (or fast canyon riding I guess) I would recommend the bonnie for its bigger engine, more torque (from what was said above) and better build quality that comes from not being a entry level bike. I love the gs, and its a great bike, but I am looking forward (with painful anticipation) to upgrading to the speed 4 sooner than later.