Just introducing myself here.  Names Mike, just bought my first bike.  Went with a 2006 gs500f based on my dads advice and a substantial amount of information gained lurking on your board here.  Currently deployed so it is going to be a while before I get to her but I'm excited none the less. 



Any gs500 specific advice for a new guy?  Going to be in the greenville sc area when I get back which should make for an awesome place to be a bike owner. 

Have a few years experience with dirt bikes but I figured I'd step into the street a little more slowly.

Welcome and thank you for your service.
you will love your new GS they are a blast to ride

Good luck
Ron

Nice! I have the same exact bike. I got mine about 6months ago. In my  opinion it's the best looking GS ever made. The black and silver do it.

If yours is running good don't mess with it. Mine was running perfect with stock jets, air box, and exhaust. After reading these threads for months now, I've found that no matter what you do to the motor you will not make it any faster. You just might be able to warm it up and ride away a little faster. However, I did get tired of the soft springs on mine. I installed Sonic Springs on the front and swapped the rear shock with a Yamaha R6 shock. Lots of members here have done these suspension upgrades. Some with older GS models say it makes the bike a 1000% better in handling. The 06 bikes have better front springs than the older models. I did my front springs first and felt  improvement (about 40%). Mostly in reduction of front end dive under braking and control. After the rear upgrade I rate it about the same, both the front and rear suck up bumps much better and handle turns better. For a $130 worth of suspension it's the best money you will spend if you decide to modify yours.

Be safe and take your time getting use to the new bike.

Welcome. Only advice I have is to get GOOD riding gear. Do whats in your budget but get the best you can.

Thanks to all.  I've heard that about the springs skin.  We will see how it goes if its not suitable I'll swap them out.  Definitely not going to dive into trying to make the 500 faster I'll just put that money in savings towards the next bike I buy.  Not in a rush to get there though just kind of taking my time and learning.  My dad said he started on a 550 years ago and was satisfied enough to buy 3 of them before upgrading to a 750 so maybe it will last a while idk.  Not that its the same but i remember I had a yt100 when I was younger and was perfectly satisfied until I got on a kx80 one day with a legitimate power band and there was no going back from there   

weed, looking at gear now gonna get some good stuff.  Anyone know of any decent boots that I can wear on and off the bike without looking like a jack wagon? 

I have a set of full length Alpinestars I wear but these aren't your dual mode riding and walk around in the mall kinda boots.

I was looking at some Shift Racing shoes the other day though on a YouTube video by STG (Sport Bike Track Gear)

I have Tour Master Solution WP boots. Don't look too bad.  Limited protection.



Here's a decent-looking deal from Cycle Gear:
http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/2008_roam_waterproof_motorcycle_boots/web1000081

Quote from: weedahoe on September 02, 2012, 06:09:26 AM
I have a set of full length Alpinestars I wear but these aren't your dual mode riding and walk around in the mall kinda boots.

I was looking at some Shift Racing shoes the other day though on a YouTube video by STG (Sport Bike Track Gear)

Meh... if youve got enough attitude, walk with em wherever you want

I have alpinestars mx5 boots in "mostly black". got em for around $200, and they seem like pretty good protection to my newbie senses.

i USED to have the "shift racing shoes".
Then I went down, and did something nasty to my tendon, and it will never be the same again. A year later, I still get occasional twinges.

Do Not Get "shoes".

Very nice looking bike!  Welcome in!  Hope you'll post more when you come back and get to ride!  Thank you for your service.  Respect.

Quote from: Phil B on September 03, 2012, 03:36:36 PM

Quote from: weedahoe on September 02, 2012, 06:09:26 AM
I have a set of full length Alpinestars I wear but these aren't your dual mode riding and walk around in the mall kinda boots.

I was looking at some Shift Racing shoes the other day though on a YouTube video by STG (Sport Bike Track Gear)

Meh... if youve got enough attitude, walk with em wherever you want

I have alpinestars mx5 boots in "mostly black". got em for around $200, and they seem like pretty good protection to my newbie senses.

i USED to have the "shift racing shoes".
Then I went down, and did something nasty to my tendon, and it will never be the same again. A year later, I still get occasional twinges.

Do Not Get "shoes".
"Get Boots, or stay home", to abuse a common phrase.

Yeah, as nice as shoes sound, that's why I have full boots