I just bought a '04 gs500f.  Great bike.  The only problem I've found is when I get off of it, my hands are numb.  This is my first bike, and I was wondering if there was anything I could do about this.

options below:
ride more and it will go away...you get used to it
thick cushy handgrips
less grip on the bars
heavier bar end weights

have fun and ride
it is a LOT more fun when you can rev 6k-11k ....then keep it there!

Besides werace's suggestions (besides getting used to it), I'd also suggest a couple of things.  Perhaps you're placing too much weight on your hands and wrists.  You can follow the thread for Oldsport's handlebar risers for a cheap solution.  Also, you can try a device called a "Throttle Rocker".  They're handrests that slip over the grips.  They enable you to maintain control while releasing your grip to strecth your fingers and get circulation back.  A secondary benefit is that it allows you to cover your levers better than with just grips alone.  I've used the right one and felt it was of great benefit.  They've recently introduced a "new and improved" model, as well as a left side model.

I have the same issue, my hands get numb after a while. I think its because the bars are low and I grip them too tight.

I was thinking of lifting them.

If you're new to riding, it's pretty likely that you are a bit tense and gripping the handgrips too hard.  For now, take it easy (no long rides), and you won't suffer any damage.  Once you are more comfortable, your grip will loosen.  The steering doesn't really take much pushing; just gentle pushes is all.

I don't think I'd recommend a throttle rocker to a brand-new rider.  Those are useful for when you're comfortable on shorter rides, but want to start doing some multi-hour rides.  About the time in your riding when you need to stop just to refill the tank, is about where the throttle rockers become really useful.

wear gloves

Don't sit on 5000 rpm, 200rpm either side cuts alot of it out

Hey Boxer,  
You must have that yellow gs500f I saw at Jet wheels 2 weeks ago.  If that was your 600 mile service how much did they charge ya?  I bought the Blue gs500f that in there trailer now.  I pick it up on Tuesday.  We have to go riding sometime. I live in PC, On beck Ave.  What kind of price did you get from them? I went up to Dothan Powersports and got a better price, so jet wheels matched it.

Roger

04 GS500f

You also might want to pinch the tank with your knees and flex your back to get weight off your wrists; helps going downhill, too.