Suzuki GS 500.....who likes it who does not.....

[mxaexm]

 yesterday at the dealership I took a close look at the GS 500 an I have to admit that although I have always been a cruiser type of guy...I really like the GS 500.....

any opinion on the GS 500...maybe some pictures?

[Rustydust]

Reliable as an anvil. Basic engine design been around for 30 years. Fun, but not fast ride.

There is a reason that Suzuki has kept them in the line up for so many years. The Toyota Corolla of motorcycles.

[RickC1957]

Great starter bike Jammin's 91 GS500 lived in my garage for about 2 years, it's a fun ride. Diane did a couple of 400 mile days on it.

[et]

Back in the mid 90's I bought a friends '89 GS500 that was his race bike.
I too used it for racing; and some street riding.

Before that GS500 I had been racing my '86 GSXR-750RG.
I enjoyed that GS500 way more than my 750. That GS500 was way underpowered when compared to my GSXR-750.
BUT it handled like it was on rails. It taught me a thing or two about carrying your momentum through the turns.
AND that little GS500 could out-brake anything else on the track. (Except another GS500 with a better rider.  )
It was not uncommon for me to blast past several other riders in each corner.
Of course they would then pass me on the long straights.
But that's what made it fun.

I raced that bike until 2004. And I was still passing just about everything else in the corners; even brand new SV650's and many 750's.
But the speed differential on the long straights was getting too great.
And I neglected to drain the carbs that winter and ruined them.

On the street it was the same sort of thing; I could go through some turns effortlessly that would have me braking and/or questioning traction on my larger bikes.
(ie. 55mph road with a turn that has a suggested limit of  25mph. No problem; if you can see through the whole turn and it's clear. Don't even need to roll off the throttle.)

I will honestly say I didn't know how to ride until I got that GS500.
In my opinion it's a perfect beginner's bike AND a fun bike for any experienced rider.

[UHOH]

yrs ago I test rode a GS500, when helping my son look for a bike,
and found it lacking in torque

your companion thread, asking about an SV650 std,
talks about a much more modern and superior bike.

[KokomoSam]

The GS500 was my re-entry bike and the bike I learned to REALLY ride on. I liked it.   It is in the garage waiting some work, but I am not completely sure I want to get rid of it.  I am debating on whether I should turn it into a track bike.  It is a great bike to learn on .  It is a great first bike and has a fairly large users support group.  http://gstwin.com/

Here are some pics of the bike...

[Kool shades]

I've got one, and love it! It's a lot of fun, very flickable. The engine could survive a nuclear blast! Absolutely bulletproof!
Looks great, runs great, cheap on insurance... What's not to like...?

[VIVID1]

I used to ride a '98 back in '99  

[JamesG]

 You make that little GS look like a huge bike.  

GS500s are awesome bikes. Probably one of the last true UJMs, before Suzuki went and put plastic all over it.  

[Wockman]

The GS500 is a great bike.  As others said, they are solid, dependable, and best of all cheap...

I kind of like the classic style of the older ones but the F model isn't too shabby.
Found this pict on wiki, looks like a capable sport tourer... 

[doodah man]

If you're going to go that route, the GS500 is good but the Kawasaki EX500 is better IMHO.  Both bikes have been around forever, but the EX is liquid-cooled, has four valves per cylinder, and makes about 8 more horsepower at the rear wheel which is a big deal at these smaller displacements.

[Blunder]

If you're going to go that route, the GS500 is good but the Kawasaki EX500 is better IMHO.  Both bikes have been around forever, but the EX is liquid-cooled, has four valves per cylinder, and makes about 8 more horsepower at the rear wheel which is a big deal at these smaller displacements.

True, but if someone is brand spanking new to biking, why not have them experience the simplicity of an air-cooled motor?

BTW, as some have posted, I used a GS450 (the basis of the GS500) as my first race bike and that nail lasted well over 75K miles of track and very hard street riding. Just make sure it has oil, change the plugs as needed, and do regular maintenance and you're good to go.

[TheGoose]

I started on a GS500E. Loved it, wish I still had it. Lots of firsts on that bike. First time over the ton, first time wheelying, first time racing, first time crashing, first time taking a passenger.... I've ridden both the GS and the EX and I prefer the GS. It's smoother somehow. It's a wonderful, simple, machine. And a blast to ride.

[JamesG]

If you're going to go that route, the GS500 is good but the Kawasaki EX500 is better IMHO.  Both bikes have been around forever, but the EX is liquid-cooled, has four valves per cylinder, and makes about 8 more horsepower at the rear wheel which is a big deal at these smaller displacements.

GS has a better chassis and (relatively) better suspension. Up until recently, the GS also had a better tire selection.  Yeah the EX is a higher performance bike, but the GS was a much better learner/beginner/commuter bike.

[doodah man]

GS has a better chassis and (relatively) better suspension. Up until recently, the GS also had a better tire selection.  Yeah the EX is a higher performance bike, but the GS was a much better learner/beginner/commuter bike.

Geez, you're talking about the GS500 like it was your first lay.    I guess your definition of "recently" is 1994 because since that model year the EX500 has had identical tire sizes to the GS500.  If you define "recently" as 14 years, I wonder what your definition of "better" is.

[Zerosum]

The GS500 is a great bike.  I really wanted to start on one, but they were hard to come by at a decent price when I was shopping back in 2003.

If this is a used bike, I wouldn't buy it at a dealer, though.  Dealers are a supreme rip-off when it comes to used bikes.  They're about 50% high compared to a private seller.  Cut out the middleman.  All they do is wash the thing, change the oil, get it to pass inspection and that's it.  You can do that yourself, and use the money you save to buy better safety gear.

Just the other day, I saw a '94 VFR750 w/ 13K miles at a local dealer... for $4500!    Please.  

Brand-new leftover or used private party are the ways to go, IMO.  Shop around on cycletrader.com, craigslist, or powersportsnetwork.com.

edit:
I'm assuming this is a used bike, since you said GS500, and not GS500F...

[JamesG]

Geez, you're talking about the GS500 like it was your first lay.    I guess your definition of "recently" is 1994 because since that model year the EX500 has had identical tire sizes to the GS500.  If you define "recently" as 14 years, I wonder what your definition of "better" is.

Since they both have been around since the 1980's, yes, "recently" is a relative term.

I used to race GS500s in WERA's clubman class which is (was) primarily filled with GS and EX500s (as well as other odd stuff), so I know what I am talking about, not just spewing spec sheet facts.

[doodah man]

Since they both have been around since the 1980's, yes, "recently" is a relative term.

I used to race GS500s in WERA's clubman class which is (was) primarily filled with GS and EX500s (as well as other odd stuff), so I know what I am talking about, not just spewing spec sheet facts.

Well apparently you didn't know about the tires.  EX came out in 87, the GS in 89, tires the same size since 94.  So for the majority of the existence of these bikes, they have had the same tire sizes.  Yeah, "recently" is such a "relative" term when you use it to try to spin the facts.  It's such a bitch when those pesky spec sheet facts get in the way.

I did 65,000 km on an EX500 on the street, not on the track, which is far more relevant to the OP.  You weren't racing on stock suspension anyway, so it is facetious to claim the GS has "relatively better" suspension than the EX.  What, the oil holes in the fork damping rod are bigger on the GS than the EX so the GS dives more on braking, or are smaller so the GS locks up more easily over bumps?  You can't have it both ways.  Which is "better"?  You and I both know the cure for both bikes is Gold Valves, stiffer fork springs, and a Works Performance shock.

You like the GS, I like the EX.  All of the magazine comparisons I've read agree with my opinion.  Just giving the original poster another option.

[jsanford]

The GS500 is a great bike.  I really wanted to start on one, but they were hard to come by at a decent price when I was shopping back in 2003.

+1; I wanted to learn on a GS500E. Loved that it looked like the archtypical motorcycle.

I think the first bike always occupies a special place in our memories (so long as it wasn't a mechanical headache). Since the forced snow parking, the bike I've been dreaming about riding is my first bike--gusty headwinds and all.  

[whitewolf]

I have a 04 gs500f. I have made several long distance trips 1 and 2 up on it.
It is a great beginners bike, my wife and daughter learned on mine.
I have over 30K miles on it and it runs great.


My bike


My wife stealing it for the day.


My daughter getting ready at run.

[BamBam]

Guess I'm just repeating what everyone else here is saying.  Great starter bike and just a great small bike in general.  I got a used '02 several years back to get back into riding after a long absence.  I would have liked to have kept it but it was a little small for me so I traded it when I got my Wee.

[SVNET]

 yesterday at the dealership I took a close look at the GS 500 an I have to admit that although I have always been a cruiser type of guy...I really like the GS 500.....

any opinion on the GS 500...maybe some pictures?

If you really considering a 500cc sport bike, then you should learn more about the competition, the Kawasaki Ninja 500R.

The GS500 is a great bike, but you do get a little more for your money with the Ninja 500R.

Normally Suzuki produce more polished vehicles then the Kawasaki, for example the SV650s vs 650R, but in this case the Ninja 500R is a much more polished bike then the Suzuki.

If you go to the dealer, just by looking at the two bikes you can tell that a lot more efforts when into the craftsmanship of the Ninja 500r.

In terms of reliability the Kawasaki has been around just as long if not longer and it is just as reliable.

In terms of performance, the Kawasaki is a superior bike in several aspects.

In terms of looks, Suzuki gave the Gs500 a face lift by adding a plastic dress and so it looks more modern.

But note that looks and plastics doesn't make a bike perform better.

You can read all about it here:

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/NinjaGScomparo07a.pdf

[Kool shades]

If you really considering a 500cc sport bike, then you should learn more about the competition, the Kawasaki Ninja 500R.

The GS500 is a great bike, but you do get a little more for your money with the Ninja 500R.

Normally Suzuki produce more polished vehicles then the Kawasaki, for example the SV650s vs 650R, but in this case the Ninja 500R is a much more polished bike then the Suzuki.

If you go to the dealer, just by looking at the two bikes you can tell that a lot more efforts when into the craftsmanship of the Ninja 500r.

In terms of reliability the Kawasaki has been around just as long if not longer and it is just as reliable.

In terms of performance, the Kawasaki is a superior bike in several aspects.

In terms of looks, Suzuki gave the Gs500 a face lift by adding a plastic dress and so it looks more modern.

But note that looks and plastics doesn't make a bike perform better.

You can read all about it here:

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/NinjaGScomparo07a.pdf

If you put an "R" at the end of the name, the insurance goes up...

I dont know if that's a factor or not... I'm just sayin'...

[artyboy]

If you put an "R" at the end of the name, the insurance goes up...

I dont know if that's a factor or not... I'm just sayin'...

The GS500F is classified as a sportbike on Suzuki's website, too.  That's what insurance companies that differentiate between sportbikes and everything else use to decide whether or not they're going to rape you.  Insurance should be pretty similar on both bikes.  As far as which one I would choose it would probably be whichever one I could get a better deal on.  A beginner isn't going to be able to tell the difference between a ninja 500 and a Suzuki 500.  The spec sheet and the bike rag articles don't mean much to someone learning to ride on bikes that are this similar.  From what I've read (in the bike mags) the Suzuki handles better and the brakes are better but it doesn't have as much power.  I'll take better handling and better brakes over a slight increase in engine performance every day of the week.  The Suzuki also looks a lot better, imo.  

[OVD]

I think GS500F is an excellent started bike. It worked very well for me. Does let you have your fun on it but very forgiving at the same time. I'm really glad I started on one and I actually miss it. Though I traded it in for my next bike but I would keep it if I had more room in my garage. I did actually mini-tour on it, it gladly accepts Givi luggage. 300-600 mile days was such a pleasure on it if you avoid highways.

[Ack535]

The GS 500 is a great starter bike, but has terrible re-sale value. The Suzuki SV650 IMHO is a much better bike for the buck.

I rode my friends GS 500 back in the mid 90's, while he rode my old KZ750. Keep in mind my KZ was no speed demon, but the GS 500 was slow and it's engine reminded me if an air cooled garden tractor engine...

[Zerosum]

The GS 500 is a great starter bike, but has terrible re-sale value.

...which is a great thing if you're buying it used!    Depreciation can work to your advantage, you know.  

[etskatana600]

good first bike but i would recomend to go a lil bit bigger. i started with one sold it in 2 years.  now its been 2 years since then and i just bought a 600 hoping to get a lil more.

lacking lots of accelaration
i use to ride with a few guys with bigger cruisers and if they accelarated a lil harder then normal i had to give her to much to keep up
seat is to narrow and hard
and sounds like a four wheeler with that 2 cyl lol

[artyboy]

If you're going to go that route, the GS500 is good but the Kawasaki EX500 is better IMHO.  Both bikes have been around forever, but the EX is liquid-cooled, has four valves per cylinder, and makes about 8 more horsepower at the rear wheel which is a big deal at these smaller displacements.

If you're new to motorcycling you won't be able to notice the extra 8 hp.  If anything it will be detrimental to your learning experience.  The improved braking and handling of the GS over the ninja will definitely serve you better while you're learning.  

[et]

good first bike but i would recomend to go a lil bit bigger. i started with one sold it in 2 years.  .............

Isn't that the purpose of a first bike ?

[Zerosum]

Isn't that the purpose of a first bike ?

Seriously.  I think a lot of riders who've reached a "proficient" level of skill (2-3 years) tend to really underestimate just how much they've learned.  Then move on to more powerful bikes, and then think "why didn't I just start on this?"  But in reality, they've come farther than they realize, compared to a brand new rider.

[JamesG]

Yep, and prevented/saved them from some of the mistakes and dangers that a lot of new riders face (even if they are oblivious to them).

[Ves]

Should be picking this one up for my wife next weekend...  



We actually looked at both the Ninja and the GS500.  The GS has a wider fairing and will probably give better wind protection.  The riding position seems to be a little more neutral on the GS.  Probably would have bought either one, but the GS was here at the right time.  With all the good things I've read about the bike I'm kind of curious to ride it myself.

[steve.ski]

I used to ride a '98 back in '99  

Hey Vivid, you look great in that photo. Wow.

Great bike too.

[Ves]

Done deal.  Wife and I went to pick this up for her today...  '08 with 1500 miles on it.  Haven't ridden it much yet, but I love the simplicity of the thing already.  And that's important, cause I'm the one that's going to be working on it...  

[Marcster]

Done deal.  Wife and I went to pick this up for her today...  '08 with 1500 miles on it.  Haven't ridden it much yet, but I love the simplicity of the thing already.  And that's important, cause I'm the one that's going to be working on it...  

Looks great, Ves!  The GS500 (E or F) is on my shortlist!  Only 1500 miles?  You can't go wrong.

[HipGnosis]

Done deal.  Wife and I went to pick this up for her today...  '08 with 1500 miles on it.  

So why isn't SHE posting this?!?

FYI; Tiggeress and I will be posting in region 4 w/ some 'newbie / flower-sniffing' rides once the weather gets better.  Hope you both can join us.

[Ves]

So why isn't SHE posting this?!?

FYI; Tiggeress and I will be posting in region 4 w/ some 'newbie / flower-sniffing' rides once the weather gets better.  Hope you both can join us.

She's not a post whore like me... I'll try to encourage her...

Ah.... "flower-sniffing"?  As in, stop and smell the roses?   There aren't going to be any riders with fuzzy black and white outfits, are there? Cause I'm not riding behind them.

[SVNET]

Congratulations...

Those are to be really good and reliable machines.

I almost signed my name on a brand new left over 2007 for $4500 but in the end we could not worked out the deal...

Enjoy and ride safe.

[Ves]

Congratulations...

Those are to be really good and reliable machines.

I almost signed my name on a brand new left over 2007 for $4500 but in the end we could not worked out the deal...

Enjoy and ride safe.

We were also trying to work out a deal on a brand new one... dealer wanted to charge me $780 for destination and prep...    He started out at $3995 and by the time he was done it was up to $5300... then Suzuki wants 13.x% interest...    forget that.  You'd think they would want to deal better than that given the economy...

[rtarrow]

Hey all i gotta say i love the gs500 as i have just rebuilt my 2006 faired model using a 1990 model frame after i was hit by a car and it was so simple just to transfer the engine nd electrical over and it runs like a dream the only real difference is its an unfaired model now

[scramblerracer123]

I bought a 1992 GS500 for my girlfriend(now wife) to learn on in 1995.  She never got to be comfortable on a bike, but I kept it and I rode it back and forth to class then work- put 40K miles on it in 3 years never did anything but change the oil.  Eventually I couldn't afford insurance on a GSXR and the 500 so I got rid of the GSXR.  My buddies made fun of the little bike but it was a very inexpensive bike to have and ride, wish I still had it.  

[Chuck 500]

I love my GS500F.  This is my first bike.  I took the advice of my basic rider course coach and looked for a bike in the 450 to 650 cc range.  I had been looking at GS500 on the net any way.  I lost one (2007 with 1500 miles) to indecision. I found another and jumped on it.  It is a 2007 I bought in July 2008 with 400 miles on it.  I now have 6,600 miles.  I commute as much as possible and ride extended rides most weekends.  I plan some 400+ mile trips for next year.

On the plus side, the bile is reliable, and simple.  Being air cooled, it lacks the additional complexity of a radiator and coolant.  Seating position is neutral.  I added SW-Moteck bar backs because I wanted to be more upright and I have short arms (5'6").  This bile has proved to be relatively inexpensive to repair following a few newbie errors resulting in dropping it int he street.

The negative side is the lack of after market.  I am looking to add a touring style wind screen but have found only one so far.  Seat options are even more limited barring custom.

Overall, I am well pleased with the bike and heartily recommend it to nay one.

Here is a photo on my recent ride from Houston to Matagorda, Texas.  Round trip 200 miles.

 

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[nater]

A 94 GS500 was my first streetbike.  By the time I got it 2005, it looked a bit rough-- the suspension was shot (forks were bent, seals did not seal anything) and the electrical was on the fritz.  But, in spite of that, it was easy to learn on.  I sold it to a friend after I put 5000 miles on it.  I knew that bike was not long for this world after my friend (who I sold the bike too) started telling me stories of jumping railroad tracks with it.  Sure enough, he wrecked it about 8 months later.

[Mike996]

We just got my wife a 2005 gs500f for her starter bike. Found it at a dealership with just under 6k miles on it. I knew the salesman and he gave us a good deal (3 grand cash) not including TT&L of course.

My biggest issues with the bike are:

1. NO gas gauge
2. Tiny rear tire
3. Lack of aftermarket

The biggest   for it are:

1. It corners like mad!
2. You can fit a katana rear rim, rotor and tire to fit a meatier tire on the rear.

Im used to riding my Superhawk, so the power doesnt do anything for me, but the GS definately outcorners my bike without a doubt.

[TonyKZ1]

I like it, there's a lot of support for it over on the GSTwin GS500 Forum. If I would have found one before I got my little Ninja, then I'd be riding that instead.
Tony

[Mike996]

I like it, there's a lot of support for it over on the GSTwin GS500 Forum. If I would have found one before I got my little Ninja, then I'd be riding that instead.
Tony

Thats the site i got the info on fitting a Katana rear rim / tire on.  

[nater]

We just got my wife a 2005 gs500f for her starter bike. Found it at a dealership with just under 6k miles on it. I knew the salesman and he gave us a good deal (3 grand cash) not including TT&L of course.

My biggest issues with the bike are:

1. NO gas gauge
2. Tiny rear tire
3. Lack of aftermarket

The biggest   for it are:

1. It corners like mad!
2. You can fit a katana rear rim, rotor and tire to fit a meatier tire on the rear.

Im used to riding my Superhawk, so the power doesnt do anything for me, but the GS definately outcorners my bike without a doubt.

A lot of bikes don't have fuel gages.  (I haven't owned one that did).
The tiny rear tire is inexpensive to replace and the bike dosen't need a bigger one.
I hear you on the aftermarket thing, but if there is no demand for it...