I have a GS500F that's still in the 500-mile break-in period.  Two quick questions:

1.  What's the technique for getting this thing on the center stand -- I've had numerous bikes and haven't had a problem before, but where do you grip the GS500F on the right side?

2.  What's a good tank bag for this bike?

Thanks much!

1 - I grab the bike by the subframe right under where it says "500F" and use my right foot to push down on the stand while yanking back on the bike.

2 - When you find one, post up pics and where you got it, i'm in the market for a good magnetic tank bag as well.

I asked this same question.  Here's the answer!

Quote from: Runner2.  What's a good tank bag for this bike?

1) Click on the "Search" link at the top of this page.

2) Type tankbag into the Search Query control.

3) Click "Submit".

This search brings up a good set of results.  Not too many, but plenty to get you thinking.

After you've gone through those links, try using tank bag (two words) as your Search Query.  Be sure to select "Search for all terms" before you Submit.

I appreciate the info.  I'm amazed at the evolution in motorcycling, to the point where a 500cc bike is widely viewed as a "beginner's" bike.  When I started out on a 50cc Honda in 1967, 500cc was considered very large indeed.  When I worked my way up to a CB350 in 1970, I felt like I was finally in the Big Leagues and thought nothing of taking it on 1000-mile jaunts.  Anyway, I'm very pleased with the GS500F as a low-tech bike in a high-tech package.  I sat on all the 600cc sportbikes at the dealer, but the GS500F just felt "right" the moment I sat on it.

I have a Joe Rocket tank bag and am very happy with it.  It has a zipper all around it that opens it to twice it's normal height.  Here's some pics:
Bag open fully
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag1.jpg
Bottom of bag showing magnets and pockets for magnets
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag2.jpg
Bag on bike (fully open)
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag3.jpg
Bag on bike (fully open)
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag4.jpg
Bag on bike (fully open)
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag5.jpg
Inside shot of bag
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag6.jpg
Bag on bike (closed)
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag7.jpg
Bag on bike (closed)
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag8.jpg
Bag closed
http://www.members.shaw.ca/briboles/Bag9.jpg
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I am very happy with my Oxford tank bag. If you are not entirely happy about getting her up on the stand, don't do it with a full tank it can make quite a difference to the centre of gravity and balance.

I generally face the bike up a slight incline, (some people recomend a bit of 2" thick wood under the front wheel) with the sidestand down, put bike upright and push down centre stand to "feel" both legs touching the deck by gently rocking and then put as much weight as possible downward on the stand with my right foot, left hand on the bar and pulling the grab bar behind the seat with my right hand. Different people use different places to pull on, find out what is comfortable for you and if not confident get a buddy to stand on the far side for balance. Once you have done it the confidence retuns and you can refine the technique.
Quite a lot of us have a problem to start with.

I have a '91, so yours might differ slightly, but here's how I get it on the stand:

Stand on the left side of the bike, facing forward.  Left hand goes on the left grip to steady it.  Right hand goes on the rear subframe directly above the foot-part of the centerstand.  I find that I usually end up with the frontmost bungee-cord attachment-thingy (that little stud that sticks off it) between a couple of my fingers.  Right foot goes on the centerstand lever, pushing it til it just touches the ground.  Now, the trick is to bend your knee, and, keeping your upper body rigid, stand up on your right foot.  You're trying to lift the bike off the ground, while putting all the force you can directly on the centerstand lever.  Use the strength in your right leg, rather than trying to yank with your arms.

Hopefully that makes sense... :dunno:

For a tank bag, I've been using a little Held thingy that I picked up from newenough for $30.  It' s not very big, but it has a map pocket and straps so it can be carried as a backpack, which is really handy.  I have a velcro/strap base for it (non-magnetic), which I just leave on the bike all the time.  The base also has a map pocket.  The bag zips to the base, which was akward at first, but I'm getting the hang of it now.

Quote from: RunnerI'm amazed at the evolution in motorcycling, to the point where a 500cc bike is widely viewed as a "beginner's" bike.  When I started out on a 50cc Honda in 1967, 500cc was considered very large indeed.  When I worked my way up to a CB350 in 1970, I felt like I was finally in the Big Leagues and thought nothing of taking it on 1000-mile jaunts.

We make do with what we have.  I did 50,000kms in a little over 10 months in Europe in a Fiat 600.  I also had an MZ250 single cylinder two stroke.  I went everywhere with that.
People go cross country on bicycles so why do we consider 500ccs inadequate for long distances?

Take a look at the link below and see what people did before the age of specialization.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29723&perpage=15&p

I have this one.

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_sport_tank_bag_page.htm

I like it alot. I recommend.

 -Anti

This one is really cool because it is magnetic, it can change easily into a backpack, has large storage, clear map or MP3 pocket on top.

http://street-bikes.ridegear.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/shop/Tank_Bags/F-10590_Urban_Tank_Bag.html?E+scstore

bored:

that one does look cool, but the comment about magnet strength worries me a little.  do you have it?

Yep.  I bought it last week.  It comes with great magnets.  I haven't had it move at 90MPH.  Love it!

And the backpack feature.....with a helmet holder....it rules!

cool, i'll probably get one myself, next college semester starts in a couple weeks, so the backpack/helmet holder bit is very attractive to me.  thanks for the info!