Hi all!
So i finally bought a GS500 a couple of months ago and am ecstatic with it. Srinath was kind enough to do the hunting, evaluating, bargaining and delivering(NC-GA) for me (dont ask why, coz we have a special arrangement )

For $1500 i got a pretty low mileage bike that makes me feel like a 15 yr old on my dad's scooter in India. I am sold on the bike. I rode a Yamaha Maxim xj700 for 2 years and never ventured very far on highways, just was never confident of it, given its old age and condition. But the gS is an absolute blast anywhere! wish i had got it the first time. Oh well...
But the $600 Maxim did teach me a very important lesson .... "find the bike-specific community and you will be ok."

And so here i am and hoping to pick your wiser-older brains as i and my GS become thicker friends.

sri

Welcome!

Just purchased a 2001 GS500 for my first bike.  I pick it up in two days.  Can't wait.  I got it new for 3200.00. It only has one mile on it.  Can't wait to put all that good MSF training to good use.  I am going to learn to drive it in my neighborhood and local parking lots for the next couple of weeks prior to even thinking about taking it through some back roads.  

Anyway, this board was very useful in my research.  So, thanks to everyone who keeps this board alive and kick.

Any advice on a good brand of helmet... the full face type.

Grats, srileo and Cincy! I'm sure you'll both enjoy your rides.

-Kel

Oh yea... ask srileo (sridhar is his real name) what happened to the maxim... OK Not for the faint of heart... I have pics... But story in text should be first.
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: CincyAny advice on a good brand of helmet... the full face type.

Well, if money is not an option, then Arai & Shoei would be the best money can buy, IMO. However, you are paying for a certain amount of hype and the name.

Arai helmets offer the best custom fit:
If your head is odd-shaped, then Arai is your best bet. Until recently, you could only by Arai helmets directly. The reason for this was Arai offered more "custom" fitting helmets for different shaped heads. Therefore, the only way they could guarantee giving you a properly fitted helmet was to order directly from them. Now, I think it is easier to from third party resellers.

Shoei helmets, in general, offer the best ventilation. I think they look the best and offer the most options.

If you are looking for a nice helmet on a budget, then try KBC helmets:
Personally, I decided to go with KBC (model VR-1) because it fit my budget (~$150), had a removable inner liner, was lightweight, had a real cinch strap, and looked good. The ventilation is almost non-existent, but has not been to bad of an issue for me (even in this Texas heat). The paint/coat seems to chip rather easily though  

Ultimately, you really need to head down to the local motorcycle shop and try on several models to see first hand which ones work best for you.

Some Icon's were on sale at one place in charlotte $89.99 down from $189.99, evidently they couldn't give away the yellow black and silver ones...
Cool.
Srinath.

Well, I got the 2001 Suzuki GS 500 home and rode it around the neighborhood for an hour, practicing turning, stopping, starting, using my turn signal, looking far enough ahead, shifting, etc.  Riding a bike requires a lot of concentration and I find it rewarding when a do a good start or shift smoothly.  Can't wait until I get off work tomorrow, so I can practice some more.

On the helmet, I tried a ton of them on KDC, Shoei, Arai and HJC.  I ended up getting the HJC, because it fit my head best.  The helmet cost $212.99 and I know that is not the world's greatest deal - but I bought it when I picked up the bike.  (Probably a classic newbie mistake).

Anyway, thanks for all the help and advice.  It is really appreciated.

Later.

I will post some pictures either tomorrow or Saturday...

(Classic new guy exited to show off his new best friend.)

Last week I picked up my 01 with 4500 for $2600. The first owner rode to Alaska and back.
I love the bike. I have had several and this is the one I like the best. It is relative light, and easy on the power but still plenty. It handles the twistys like a dream.
How did we get so lucky?

i wish everyone else would think we were as lucky as we do.