I've been riding for about a year now, and I'm really glad to have started off in this community. I'm looking to upgrade to an r6, mostly because as a mechanical engineer, I am completely fascinated with performance-oriented motorcycles and plan working for a motorcycle racing team (hopefully Graves) out of college. I've been browsing some supersport forums and generally speaking, you guys seem to be a lot more level headed where it's more about enjoying life on two wheels and less about measuring dicks (not pointing fingers).

By starting on the GS500 and going through MSF first, I've learned that you don't have to have the flashiest ride to enjoy motorcycles, and riding skill isn't directly attributed to how fast you can go. I've spent many weekends in parking lot practicing body positioning, cornering technique, judging entry speed, emergency stops, etc instead of drag racing. Even though I consider myself pretty bright, I can see how it's easy to get caught up (especially in college). So I wanted to thank you guys for leading by example. cheers!

Cheers!
also glad I got a GS500 as my first bike and that everyone has been so helpful in the community. 

 

I feel the same. Im very glad i went with the GS for my first bike, but i wasnt really thinking about a racing type bike anyway. Now I would always suggest a bike like the GS for first timers. I dont know when I will upgrade but I know my brother is dying to buy my bike  he may have to wait a while tho 

Quote from: Twism86 on June 02, 2011, 07:12:25 AM
I feel the same. Im very glad i went with the GS for my first bike, but i wasnt really thinking about a racing type bike anyway. Now I would always suggest a bike like the GS for first timers. I dont know when I will upgrade but I know my brother is dying to buy my bike  he may have to wait a while tho 

Yea I am kinda in the same boat...I don't know when I will want to "trade-up" but I'm sure it will naturally come with time. 

Quote from: SecretAgent on June 02, 2011, 11:38:42 AM

Quote from: Twism86 on June 02, 2011, 07:12:25 AM
I feel the same. Im very glad i went with the GS for my first bike, but i wasnt really thinking about a racing type bike anyway. Now I would always suggest a bike like the GS for first timers. I dont know when I will upgrade but I know my brother is dying to buy my bike  he may have to wait a while tho 

Yea I am kinda in the same boat...I don't know when I will want to "trade-up" but I'm sure it will naturally come with time. 

Basically im just keeping my eyes open for an '04+ SV650S, but not actively looking for a new bike. Thats whats I want next. If I happen find one for a good price near me, then its time. Otherwise im keeping the GS for a while longer.

/aol Me too!

My GS is my first bike, took the MSF in March. So far I have put almost 1000 miles on mine and I love it. I recommend the GS to everyone I talk to that is learning to ride (or thinking about it). But, my buddy who I took the MSF with, just bought an '07 FZ6, which I kind of think is too much bike to start out with, didn't listen. Oh well, hopefully he is safe.

One thing I love about the GS, is it's so easy to work on. I have a huge pile of parts in a box next to me, just waiting for Saturday to install them. I miss wrenching

I figure I will 'graduate' to a Monster in about a year, but we will see. I would probably keep the GS, just as a spare bike.

shawn

Quote from: greaseman on June 01, 2011, 07:58:27 PM
I've been riding for about a year now, and I'm really glad to have started off in this community... I've been browsing some supersport forums and generally speaking, you guys seem to be a lot more level headed where it's more about enjoying life on two wheels and less about measuring ducks (not pointing fingers)... I wanted to thank you guys for leading by example. cheers!

Seconded! A lot of the other forums I've seen out there seemed to be filled with people who are desperately looking for ways to further inflate their own ego and affirm their status as better than the rest of us humans. There are a lot of friendly, knowledgeable people in this online community, and as a new rider, and a new GS500 rider, I am very thankful to have found my way here!

Thank you, GStwins.com folks!

amen to that.  not to mention this forum = mechanic's school for motorcycle noobs.  I'm actually kind of glad that I need to work on my bike and that everyone on here is so knowledgeable.  I've only been riding since about april and I feel more comfortable knowing what is going on beneath me (since I've taken it apart several times).

Not to mention these bikes ride, turn, throttle smooootthhhh.