Looking at a starter bike -> GS500?

[Knives]

Okay. First off, allow me to apologize; I know you guys are probably all too accustomed to reading posts like this. Let's get to the point, shall we?

I have never ridden a motorcycle. Not even a dirtbike, or Vespa-style scooter. In fact, the closest that I've come to riding a bike would probably be the old moped I rode in Italy. Anyway, I've recently decided that I want a motorcycle, and that I'm ready for the commitment (going for my M1/Gearing Up/M2 in the Spring).

Right now I'm trying to narrow down some choices for beginner bikes. At the moment, my top choice is the GS500, but I'm still somewhat unsure. I've looked around here and other places for some answers, but I'm still trying to get some stuff cleared up. So, without further ado, here are my preliminary questions.

Which would make a better beginner bike, a GS500 or a Ninja 250?

Should I purchase either, would you reccomend used or new? If used, what year would be optimal?

In the event that I purchase the GS500 new, should I get the model with fairings (GS500F)?

When purchasing either the GS500 or Ninja 250 used, what sort of things should I look for? Should I make a 'checklist'?

If looking at buying a used, optimal-year, working-order GS500 or Ninja 250, what price range would I be looking at (I'm in Canada, by the way)?

I think that's it for now. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

[Clint]

What, you don't want a Hayabusa? A GSXR 1000? Thank heavens! Someone of an IQ over 85! Thank you! Thank you!

There have been a number of threads just recently on both the 500 and how to buy a used bike. Please take a few minutes and do some reading, so we don't have to say it all agian, than ask any remaining questions.

Welcome aboard.

Clint

[vstrombc]

greetings from the west,

If you are a reasonably experienced driver, you should be able to handle the GS500 after some motorcyle lessons. It is reasonably quick and easy to handle. The faired model would be better for your highway trips. Besides, last time I was in Toronto, the highways were wild - I wouldn't want to try to merge with a ninja 250; & the semis would blow the 250 all over the road.

In my experience, buying new is the best option. sure you eat the depreciation a bit, but if you keep the bike in good condition and trade before it gets too old,you won't lose too much.

Case in point - bought a 1997 DR650 in 1997 for 6200 - rode 27,000 km until aug 2002 and got 4500 when I traded up to the v-Strom. Not bad for 5 yrs of fun troublefree riding.

[Knives]

Hey, thanks for your help guys.

RowdyRed, I've checked some of the threads on the GS500, seems like quite a good choice. I'll look for some of those 'how to buy used' threads too, thanks for your help.

VstromBC, I'm 16 and currently without a job (hopefully not for long though). I'm mostly just looking at something cheap with relatively cheap insurance that I can learn on. So would you still reccomend a new bike? Oh, I probably won't be doing a lot of highway riding either, so I don't know about the fairing. Thanks for your input.

Besides, I've been told that when you inevitably drop your first bike, it's a lot more expensive to repair a fairing than to repair a rear-brake- or shifting-lever. Would that actually be true?

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the help.

[vstrombc]

here are a couple options given the your experience, budget concerns and possibility of dropping the bike. A good used Suzuki DR350SE (electric start & street legal) or yamaha XT350 would aslo be good choices. No bodywork to damage, reasonably peppy four stroke singles - cheap to maintain & run, good upright seating postion - more comfortable while learning, & off road capability for those backroads when you want to get away from those crazy Toronto drivers. These bikes may not look cool but they are real bikes and will surprise you with their performance.

Originally Posted by vstrombc

These bikes may not look cool but they are real bikes and will surprise you with their performance.

Harrumph!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

My opinion follows: Pretty much the same as vstrombc's. (That was easy. )

The GS500 is a nice bike, worthy of pretty much any (road) situation you may encounter. The seating position is normal, as is the handling. The EX250 (Ninja) handles sort of weird for my tastes. The steering is heavier even than a lot of bigger sportbikes. But with that aside, it's a very capable ride, and I wouldn't be afraid (or ashamed) to take it anywhere I pleased. A couple of soft bags would even make it a capable weekend tourer.

But then, I'm a D-P sorta guy.

[Knives]

The DR350SE looks interesting... Very interesting indeed. Can it seat two? ...I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I?

Okay... Now I don't know what to think. Right now I guess it's between the DR350SE and GS500E/F... Damn.

I've never really liked dirtbikes, though. And I'd like to learn with a slightly more aggressive sitting position, so I can get a feel for the whole 'getting your knee down' and such. I presume this isn't possible on a dirtbike? But I have read that it is on the GS...

Well, what about insurance? I suppose the GS is going to set me back more per year than the DR, correct?

Thanks again.

[vstrombc]

dual purpose bikes with street tires like the stock trailwings on the suzuki Dr350 will give you plenty of cornering capability. If fact, the upright position & wide bars will actually provide you with better all round handling than a GS500. Only at higher speeds or track conditions do the design compromises of a dirtbike show up. In fact - supermotards ( dirt bikes set up for paved tracks) are amazingly fast through corners. In any event, a DP bike will keep you entertained and safer while you gain experience and a better idea of what type of bike you want in the future.

[sime]

A good used Suzuki DR350SE (electric start & street legal) or yamaha XT350 would aslo be good choices.

agreed although the 21" front wheel demands a very good street compound tyre in city riding conditions, i had 2 front wheel washouts on crap dual-purpose rubber on my 1st bike - DR250

the ninja 250 - i think its what's called a GPX250 in Australia. we'll i've had one of those too and i found it undersprung and undersized for the average western male. in fact i test rode one for a friend recenlty and it scared me a little - very vague - think i can put that down to cheap tyres

think you'll find the GS500 is a great bike and well suited to your prefs.

[Uncle Bob]

My two cents worth, you're on the right track here, suggest buying used. Less money up front, depreciation already absorbed by seller, won't hurt as much when you drop it ( money wise and ego wise ). Don't get the F model, fairings don't stand up to being dropped and are expensive to repair and replace.

[Louis]

I'm trying to find a GS500 myself for my first bike. Let me know how your search goes.

[Knives]

Originally Posted by Louis

I'm trying to find a GS500 myself for my first bike. Let me know how your search goes.

Will do.

Thanks again to everyone for the comments, you've really helped narrow down my searching. I think the only major issue now, aside from optimal years for buying used, etc., is cost. Whichever I can find cheaper, I'll probably get.

Thanks again.

[javs]

Just Scanned the thread, and i have GS 500 for sale, this was my first bike and found it very suitable, givin enuff pleasure for riding and learning and for a cummute to work etc... it is a good starting bike IMHO.
its a 2002 model in blue and silver, has 6,400 miles and its for sale for 2,100 ... more details can be found on www.biketrader.co.uk , just do a search on GS 500.
otherwise you can contact me directly at javeedbaig@hotmail.com

[Uncle Bob]

Where are you located ?

[Knives]

I'm pretty sure he's in the UK. Too bad too, I had my hopes up.

Sorry for raising the dead thread, but I just had a couple more questions.

First off, I've checked AutoTrader.ca, Cycle Trader, Ontario Used Cars and eBay Motors, but I can't seem to find a decent GS500 under $2500, which is now my 'limit' (I'm recieving $2500 at the end of the Summer for work, I may have a little more though, that is unknown). Does anybody know other places I could look and possibly find one?

Second, this kind of pertains to the first question. If I were to get a GS500 at the end of the Summer, do you think I should get one that's in good condition and rideable so I can get out there and squeeze in a couple rides before the Fall and Winter set in? Alternatively, would it be better to get one that needs some work to be road-worthy and try (note word: TRY) to fix it up over the Winter so I can ride in the Spring? I've never worked on a vehicle other than my bicycle, so my mechanical knowledge is very limited - that means it will have to be something simple if it's broken. I do have a friend who is a master electrician though, he could come in handy.

Enough rambling, last question. Out of curiosity, can one wheelie a GS500? Or are they too heavy and/or underpowered? Can one stoppie a GS500? Of course I don't intend to become a squid street-stunter, I'd only perform such acts in deserted parking lots or other extremely safe places, with proper gear.

Thanks again for your time, everyone. You are tres l33t.

[Knives]

Help! I'm starting to consider other, non-Suzuki bikes!

[Louis]

Around here, in Ottawa, the GS 500 are pretty hard to come by. Either, there's not a lot of them or people are keeping them. But for $2500, you should be ablt to find a decent one that should last for quite a while if it has been taken care properly. Seems to me that the Kawasaki EX500 is slightly more available (at least around here, I've seen more EX500 than GS500 for sale).

As for stunting, don't take personnal but I really suggest that you first learn to ride. And please do stupid stuff outside of the street so that you do not give sensible motorcyclist a bad name.

[Knives]

Oh, of course. I don't intend to buy the bike and do nothing but wheelies and stoppies with it. I do genuinely want to learn how to ride properly before I get into anything serious and/or stupid - I'd probably be looking at a different bike otherwise.

GS500s are pretty hard to come by from where I've searched, in my price range - down here in Toronto, too. The cheapest one I've seen was $3400CDN. I was taking a look at some EX500s even though I'd really prefer a GS500. I've been told though, that the end of Summer is prime for picking up a good used bike for cheap, is that true?

Thanks for your help, Louis.

[Louis]

That's about what I saw as well for GS500. I've a few EX500 around $3k however.

As for the best time to shop, I've heard different takes on this. Some say it's best to shop in the spring as people see the new bikes and want to sell their older bikes. Some in the fall as as people don't then have to worry about storing their bikes before winter when they want to sell anyway.

I say there no real "best" time. It's kinda be at the right place at the right time.


As for me, well I still don't know if I'll be able to afford one tis year. Just changed car because the lease was up and I'm waiting for the damage from the taxes.