Some days I would pick the GS to ride over my VFR800 ~ it was just nice to ride. Eventually it's archaic feel would get to me and I would go back to the more modern VFR but I was more impressed than I thought I was going to be with the GS500F, particularly since I didn't like the 'F' model when it came out. I would easily ride it coast-to-coast, but I also know I would probably not enjoy it all the time.

Quote from: ohgood on January 29, 2012, 10:58:39 AM

good lord people are crazy about the tl1000 this week ? go ride one on the same roads you enjoy flicking your gs around. you'll love it, hate, and possibly die on it all in the same trip. this is not a bike for new riders. <--- read that again.

as far as teh bickering between folks, this is gstwins, there are standards. apologies are in order.

Seriously, try to test ride any bike you buy. It's pretty easy to idealize a bike in your head, and pick something that isn't right for you. That's what I was trying to explain when I talked about my buell on the highway, but think I got off topic. It was a 984cc bike that I thought was going to be perfect for me, but it just.... wasn't. I would've known that had I test rode it, but I didn't. I got a ride 5 hours from a friend and got dropped off at the dealership, so I already knew I was riding it home before I left that morning. Some bike owners won't let you test ride, some want you to bring cash in case you crash it. Either way, I've never ridden another bike that handles as easily as the GS. The Buell had the same kind of controls/seating position, and my supermoto is 150lbs lighter, and neither of them seem to want to be thrown through a corner as easily as the GS. They've got their own strong points though.

As far as the bickering, I agree, that was a little unexpected from this forum...

We're getting a little off topic here too by the way, don't buy a TL1000S, any of the 'tuned for the street' 600s would be the way to go. See if you can find a used Triumph Speed Four. I had one from about 2003-2005, and it was an awesome bike for the street. Would keep up with any of the sportbikes out there, but had the low/mid range to make a good street bike, plus they kept the bodywork to a minimum, and it was one of the best handling 600s of it's time. Haven't ridden many of the newer ones to compare.

There was a time that I looked at the TL1000.  Do some research about them, they are borderline dangerous.

I know what you're saying about the GS500's lack of grunt.  Last month I bought my second GS after I found one for cheap on Craigslist.  I had great memories of my first GS500, but after owning an FZ6 (and crashing it) as well as my 1982 GPz750, I think I'll sell my GS500 once the weather and resale market start to heat up.  The GS500 is great for around town, but it lacks that extra punch above 60.

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:27:03 AM


The TLS was one of the bikes that earned the nickname "widow maker", it had some suspension issues that made it a little unpredictable at times. It's still one of my favorite bikes though, I'd probably just looking investing in a steering damper.

There is only one true widowmaker

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:32:55 PM

Quote from: ohgood on January 29, 2012, 10:58:39 AM

good lord people are crazy about the tl1000 this week ? go ride one on the same roads you enjoy flicking your gs around. you'll love it, hate, and possibly die on it all in the same trip. this is not a bike for new riders. <--- read that again.

as far as teh bickering between folks, this is gstwins, there are standards. apologies are in order.

Seriously, try to test ride any bike you buy. It's pretty easy to idealize a bike in your head, and pick something that isn't right for you. That's what I was trying to explain when I talked about my buell on the highway, but think I got off topic. It was a 984cc bike that I thought was going to be perfect for me, but it just.... wasn't. I would've known that had I test rode it, but I didn't. I got a ride 5 hours from a friend and got dropped off at the dealership, so I already knew I was riding it home before I left that morning. Some bike owners won't let you test ride, some want you to bring cash in case you crash it. Either way, I've never ridden another bike that handles as easily as the GS. The Buell had the same kind of controls/seating position, and my supermoto is 150lbs lighter, and neither of them seem to want to be thrown through a corner as easily as the GS. They've got their own strong points though.

As far as the bickering, I agree, that was a little unexpected from this forum...

We're getting a little off topic here too by the way, don't buy a TL1000S, any of the 'tuned for the street' 600s would be the way to go. See if you can find a used Triumph Speed Four. I had one from about 2003-2005, and it was an awesome bike for the street. Would keep up with any of the sportbikes out there, but had the low/mid range to make a good street bike, plus they kept the bodywork to a minimum, and it was one of the best handling 600s of it's time. Haven't ridden many of the newer ones to compare.

I have been reading along for the suggestions but not replying much.  The XB series Buell (In particular the 984) is on my short list.  What did you not like about that bike?

RC

Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 01:15:46 AM

There is only one true widowmaker

Haha, those bikes looked crazy, unfortunately they were before my time so I don't know a ton about them. One of my other favorites is the 04-05 zx10r. That bike would do 115mph in 1st gear, and even the current zx10 isn't as fast as the 04-05 was. So many people killed themselves on it that Kawasaki figured maybe they should tone it down to make up for the stupidity of some of their customers.

Quote from: Rough Customer on January 30, 2012, 05:46:18 AM

I have been reading along for the suggestions but not replying much.  The XB series Buell (In particular the 984) is on my short list.  What did you not like about that bike?

RC

I sent you a book I just wrote in the last 10 minutes via PM. I tend to ramble when I get on the topic of one of my bikes, so I figured I'd not clog up this post.

I sold my '01 GS500 (my first bike) back on August '10, having put almost 8k miles on it.

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:32:55 PM
Either way, I've never ridden another bike that handles as easily as the GS. The Buell had the same kind of controls/seating position, and my supermoto is 150lbs lighter, and neither of them seem to want to be thrown through a corner as easily as the GS. They've got their own strong points though.

When I sold my GS500, I also owned an '03 Yamaha YZF600R, an '07 SV650N, and an '08 Suzuki DRZ400sm at the same time, and I rode them back to back for comparison. What I remember about the GS was that the steering was light, the power was super beginner friendly and confidence inspiring, but overall the handling "feel" was a little dead/wooden, not as 'lively" as the other bikes with better suspension. The GS is physically the smallest, with the lowest seat height, and that helped with it's beginner friendliness. I really didn't like that the modern sport-touring tires aren't available for GS's rim sizes. Handling-wise the YZF600R feels a little heavier (but has much better suspension/brakes), the SV650N is at least the same but have better tire options, and the DRZ400sm is way quicker and livelier, especially on very rough and twisty roads.   

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:32:55 PM
Haha, those bikes looked crazy, unfortunately they were before my time so I don't know a ton about them. One of my other favorites is the 04-05 zx10r. That bike would do 115mph in 1st gear, and even the current zx10 isn't as fast as the 04-05 was. So many people killed themselves on it that Kawasaki figured maybe they should tone it down to make up for the stupidity of some of their customers.

I thought most literbikes, including the '05 ZX10r, would go up to around 90 mph in first gear (very tall), but not quite 115 mph... Anyway, two of the biggest surprise I got from my ZX10r: 1) the motor is powerful enough to give me tunnel vision at above half throttle, but when I ride it "normally" the bike is just a nice a kitty cat, i.e., docile, without unexpected evil tendencies; 2) the handling feels razor sharp without being jittery. Turn the head, dip the shoulder, and the bike turns like it's laser guided. It totally killed my previous mis-conception that sportbikes with low clip-ons don't turn as easily/quickly as standard bikes with handlebars. Having said that, I can't ride the ZX10r as quickly as the SV650/DRZ400sm in the hills yet because the 10r's power is less forgiving and intimidating on very tight roads.   

Quote from: Gary856 on January 30, 2012, 10:16:24 AM
What I remember about the GS was that the steering was light, the power was super beginner friendly and confidence inspiring, but overall the handling "feel" was a little dead/wooden, not as 'lively" as the other bikes with better suspension.
 
I thought most literbikes, including the '05 ZX10r, would go up to around 90 mph in first gear (very tall), but not quite 115 mph...

The suspension definitely leaves a bit to be desired. The one thing I've always noticed about the GS between riding other bikes is that there just doesn't seem to be any resistance. I guess I wouldn't say it's the best handling bike, but it definitely has it's own handling. I've had other bikes that handle well, but after riding the GS for a while and trying something else, I tend to forget that I really need to slow down, pick a line, lean into it and go. The GS just seemed to steer through a turn as if you were in some video came grom the 80s. I've caught myself almost running off the road once or twice because I'd get on another bike and wait too wait to react and panic thinking "I forgot I'm not on the GS anymore!!"

I'm not sure what most of them do, and I've never ridden an 04 zx10, I just remember that being one of the years that kawasaki decided to go crazy and make a stupid fast bike, and then promptly toned it back down to normal liter bike stats. I remember reading one long magazine review some guy wrote after riding on back roads, highway, all the way up to 115, various other stuff, then at the end of it he mentioned that he did the whole thing in 1st gear.

I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

They are a very good bike. They are actually only one tenth of a second slower down the 1/4 mile than the z1000 so they are very capable. The only bad feedback I have heard on them is that the seat can get a little hard after a while in the saddle.

Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 01:15:46 AM

Quote from: tt_four on January 29, 2012, 09:27:03 AM


The TLS was one of the bikes that earned the nickname "widow maker", it had some suspension issues that made it a little unpredictable at times. It's still one of my favorite bikes though, I'd probably just looking investing in a steering damper.

There is only one true widowmaker

omg wicked. my neighbor had one in the early 80's. i remember very distinctly it was either spaaaa pppppaaaa with a nice idling chainsaw rhythm, or it was I AM DEATH COMING AT YOU AT 200 MPH MUHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!! and not much in between. i'll very nervously bow and take two giant steps back if anyone foolishly offers me the keys to to try out out. i want to live a few more bikes worth of time. 



OP - congrats on deciding on a z750, i love them naked bikes.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Rough, I've ridden quite a few Z750s. Here are my writeups for what it's worth

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619586#msg619586
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620574#msg620574

Michael

Quote from: mister on February 04, 2012, 12:08:09 PM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Rough, I've ridden quite a few Z750s. Here are my writeups for what it's worth

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619586#msg619586
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620574#msg620574

Michael

I just saw your post here.  Great info as all of those bikes are on my maybe list aside from the Bandit.  It feels to top heavy to me.  I finally got my tax return yesterday so I took that z750s for a ride.  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 10, 2012, 03:55:32 PM

Quote from: mister on February 04, 2012, 12:08:09 PM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 04, 2012, 04:37:33 AM
I have been looking at bikes and I found a z750s Kawi at the Suzuki dealership for $3,000.  I love the way this bike feels and if they still have it when my tax return gets in (been calling to check my balance 3x per day) then it will be mine.   

I think that the GS500 will be staying, at least for now.  It might get traded for a dual sport.  We shall see.

Rough, I've ridden quite a few Z750s. Here are my writeups for what it's worth

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619586#msg619586
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg620574#msg620574

Michael

I just saw your post here.  Great info as all of those bikes are on my maybe list aside from the Bandit.  It feels to top heavy to me.  I finally got my tax return yesterday so I took that z750s for a ride.  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

I heard someone suggest a DL650, and that would probably suite you more. However, I must warn you that the DL's are very heavy, and a lot of that weight is up high. My DL1000 was so tall and heavy I couldn't even get the pig on its centerstand. I'm about a hair or two shy of 6 feet tall with a 29" inseam. That might've been the issue but, who knows?

How about an SV650? Decent power and it's down pretty low in the RPM range. Lots of people love their SV's, some are "bleh" about them. I don't think I've heard anyone say anything overtly bad about them, however. Don't ask me though, I haven't owned one.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 10, 2012, 03:55:32 PM
  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

Vtwin with plenty of mid range and more bottom end than you could ever need!

z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

Also look at the 2 valve Ducati Monsters from the 800 up. All great upgrades from the GS and plenty fast enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear. Don't believe the myth that they cost more to maintain. That only applies to the 4 valve Ducati's especially the SBKs. Service intervals are the same as a Jap bike except for the belts which will cost you around $150 every two years.

Quote from: tt_four on February 10, 2012, 07:09:15 PM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 10, 2012, 03:55:32 PM
  It had plenty of charge but I still want more mid range.  Maybe a V-Twin would be more my fancy?  I also checked out a z1000 but I did not test ride it.

Vtwin with plenty of mid range and more bottom end than you could ever need!

I can't find a Buell 12 in my price range. 

Quote from: mister on February 11, 2012, 02:48:34 AM
z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

The z750s is a vibrating mother also.  I am still tempted to go grab it but I want a nekked.  I did not get to ride it all that much.  It did have a can on it and who knows if it was tuned.