Just wondering if the frame is downsized a bit or is it basically a standard size frame. whatever that is! It seems smaller in some respects and maybe that's because the seat is so low, not sure. 

Thanks!

Hi there,
About your Q...
I've been riding motorcycles since 1975 and have never heard this Q before.
I'd say this -- it is a full-size motorcycle, as opposed to a scooter or a moped.
But I would say there is no "standard size" for motorcycles.
There are bikes of all different sizes, from the GS500 to big huge boats like Honda Gold Wings. There are many sizes in between depending on displacement. The bigger the engine, typically the bigger the supporting structure etc.
Are you actually referring to the term "standard motorcycle?"
That refers to a bike without a big fairing and swoopy bodywork and bags and more.
A standard bike is one without all those kinds of extra features.
In that case, the pre-2005 GS500s were what I consider to be "standard" motorcycles.
That was before they came with full fairings from the factory.
I hope this helps.

I'm curious... why do you ask about this?

Best wishes,
Trwhouse

In stock form, the bike has 'Standard' ergonomics.

Motorcycles are generally split into a few categories... You have mini-bikes, which are usually small displacement engines that may have a small or standard size frame. The GS500 is NOT a mini.

In racing, the 3 basic categories are 'Lightweight' 'Medium Weight' and 'Heavy Weight.' The GS is classified as a lightweight bike.

The GS is narrower than your typical medium weight bike, owing to it's small displacement engine. The Seat height is low, but not atypically low.

I'd describe it as 'small' rather than 'normal.' Hell; I move it around my garage by lifting a wheel off the ground.

Quote from: rger8 on June 16, 2010, 02:42:27 PM
Just wondering if the frame is downsized a bit or is it basically a standard size frame. whatever that is! It seems smaller in some respects and maybe that's because the seat is so low, not sure. 

Thanks!

Yes.

It seems smaller only because you're comparing it to larger bikes. Compare it to a CBF250 or similar.

Michael

if you want the simply answer....

It's skinny.

Height is about average. The newer ones look bigger because the top of the tank is wider. It's definitely less intimidating than a lot of 600cc sportbikes to sit on, but I think they're just shaped different, and not so much smaller or bigger than eachother

good technical info on the older gs bikes here,

http://mota.no.sapo.pt/bikes/GS500E/gs500e.html

Thanks to all for answering my question. I guess for the CC's that it is and the type of bike it is, it's typical for it's size. I ask this because it seems like I have been on bulkier type bikes for the same CC's. I have also rode typically dual sports and perhaps because of the suspension travel, wide bars etc.. they seem much larger. I know we are not talking apples & apples so I assume that's it. This is my first sport type bike and it is really different for me.

Thanks!

when i want that kind of info I usually check out bikez.com, just type whatever bike you want in google like "bikez gs500 1996" and you can find all the specs. Sometimes you have to check a couple different years because they don't always have everything in each year, but you can usually find it somewhere, and it's helpful for comparing weight and power and height and all that without digging up info on 5 different sites

Quote from: rger8 on June 16, 2010, 02:42:27 PM
Just wondering if the frame is downsized a bit or is it basically a standard size frame. whatever that is! It seems smaller in some respects and maybe that's because the seat is so low, not sure. 

Thanks!

I think you need to define what a standard sized human is first. I think motorcycles should be like cars - adjustable seat height and tilt/telescoping handlebar - to accomodate different rider sizes. I'm 6' tall. The GS's size felt good to me, until I rode bigger/taller bikes and now it feels small.