Hello all I just bought a 2004 gs500f .  This is my first bike and really looking foward to the world of motercycles.  I  laid the thing down my foirst time out  while doing a U turn about 50 yds from my house.  I hit a patch of pine straw and down she went.  I scratched it up on the left side and busted my fairing.  Also messed my arm up a little bit got a nice case of road rash down my arm and side.  I know everybody that rides a bike will eventually drop one or lay it down but its a hame to do it with in 30 miles and the first day you ride it. =(  Anyways I am makeing this post to get some feed back on anything that I should watch out for with the bike.  Is there anything like oil leaks or crap like that that I need to be on the look out for.  I was originally going to get a buel blast but decided against in on the fact I have not seen but liek 2 good reviews on a blast out of about 50 that I read.  I didnt find anything bad on the gs but maybe some of you have had some problems I can be on the look out for dont want to mess the thing up anymore than I already have.    Thanks,
PITBULL

Pitbull,

Welcome to the board.  Sorry to hear you've met the pavment.  I'm glad your OK.  If it's any consolation, I wrecked my first street bike 5 blocks from the house, ending up in the hospital and not walking for a long time.

May this be a blessing for you in your riding future.  Your skills bag will get full with time.  Just don't forget to keep track of what's inside it.

 Paul

Good choice! Sorry to hear that it fell over, they do that occasionally. I have put about 3000km on mine with no problems whatsoever. Just put petrol in the tank and awayy you go. I have checked the oil religiously every few days but have yet to put any in. Its actually the first machine that I have owned that doesnt prefer oil to petrol. My old Triumph, I use to keep a 5lt container in the car at all times. But it was british! Nothing to worry about with the bike. Enjoy the riding and wait till you break it in. Much more fun!