Hi im new the board and looking at buying a good practical beginner motorcycle (ex250, ex500 or the gs500) after my MSF (if i pass) in late July.  I'm a pretty short guy (5'5") and sat on the GS500F.  It was a little tall for my liking but felt i'd be able to handle it.  Anyways, I'm not looking to buy a new  '04 GS500F but a used GS500E and was wondering if anyone that owns the GS500E and have sat on the GS500F would be kind enough to reply with their inputs on the seat height, dimensions or anything of that sort?  Basically, is there a difference in the seat (is one narrower, etc.) between the two models.  Thank You

the gs500F is the same exact bike (except for a few mechanical details) from the 01-03 gs500 naked bike. Seat height (and actual seat) are identical.

The 89-00 gs500e bikes were narrower but I think the same height.

The rear shock settles a bit after some use so within the first 6months or so you'll notice the rear a bit lower and it'll be easier to flat foot. Generally speaking though, flat footing will only be important until you gain confidence, then it wont matter being on the balls of your feet. I'm 5'6" with 30" inseam and I was able to flat foot the stock bike (had a 2001).

Welcome to the site! In addition to checking out the main page here for lots of info check out my site for a ton of maintenance and modification information.

good luck!
p-

I'm  5'5" as well and bought my GS new, height was a little bit of a problem for a couple of rides but once everthing beds in it will drop a little so it no longer becomes an issue, new tyres will raise it again a little but again should be no problem Im also about 55Kilos so I also didnt move the suspension much when I sat on it but once I adjusted the rear shock it made a world of difference.
Also with the light weight of the bike it dosent make the height to much of a problem for manourvering the only major problem I have had is sometimes a may have to get off the bike to walk it around, a little embarassing at times but hey its a small price to pay to not be stuck on a 250 and the GS feels like a real bike, small and cheap but a real bike none the less