I finished MSF three weeks ago and have been shopping for a bike.  I'm seriously considering the GS500F or the Ninja 500.  I have a question for you guys: I'm 5'7" (150 lbs) and tried sitting on a GS500F at a local dealership.  I had to stretch my feet to touch the ground (that is, I only had the balls of my feet touching the ground--it was like I was 1" off the ground).  By comparison, I sat on a Ninja 250 and could firmly plant my feet on the ground.  Could this become a problem?  I plan on using riding boots which may cover the missing 1" to the ground.  Or can the whole bike be readjusted by the dealer to bring it closer to the ground?

Thanks!

Daniel.

I'm 5'4" and I have to arch my feet a bit on my 500f but its not bad, course I'm kind of used to it when i rode my dads '95 nighthawk 750.

You could always lower it a bit. My brother has a 250 ninja, and I like my 500f better it seems a bit wider and taller so it just suits me better.

Good luck of finding a bike, u can can't go wrong in getting the gs or a ninja.

Once you get use to riding, it probably won't be a problem. I am 5'5", and I have no  problems with just the balls of my feet on the ground, but I usually just one foot it at stops most of the time. The only really time I actually have both feet on the ground is when I back up the bike, but sometimes this becomes a problem on a sligthly declining surface, so I just do it off the bike.

Which ever bike you decide on, here is a little tip so you don't drop it at stops while you're still learning. As you come to a stop, gradually apply the brakes. Once the bike is at the point where it almost stops, turn the handlebar so the front wheel points to the right while at the same time shift your left foot out and away  from the peg. Do not move you right foot or leg; keep it against the bike. This helps to make a controlled fall to the left.  As the bike gradually leans to the left, put your left foot down.

Hope this helps:  

I'm only 5'6", but I have a short inseam, and I have no trouble.  Depending on which shoes I wear I can flat foot or use the balls of my feet.  I'm on a '00 , but the '04 can't be much different in height.

I'm 5'4" and can just barely flat foot it. But I usually just put one foot down.

Also the rear suspension will eventually sag and the bike will be ower anyway. I'm 5ft7 and can pretty much flat foot the bike. I bought new tires for it though and the rear is a 140/80 so it highered the back end. I rarely use both feet planted anyway, when at stops I put the weight over on my left leg and sit with the right leg on the brake.

Awesome tips for a newbie!  During the MSF I was always putting both feet on the ground while stopping the bike, so I figured it *had* to be done that way.  The tip about letting your right leg on the bike and only leaning on your left was great.  

Thanks a lot everyone!

Daniel.

BTW: For any of you Washington DCers, any opinions on buying from Cycles USA in Silver Spring, MD?  

Also, what is the expected out-the-door price on a new GS500F?  I'm assuming the MSRP ($4,999) + $500?