GS500F: any good?

**Captain_Salty** · 30th December 2011, 20:08

Originally Posted by Stylo

a good bike to start with and a step above her CB125 she took to Uni a few years ago ...

I had a ten year break between my first bike, a GN250, to getting my 500E. Has been a good bike to relearn on and capable enough for highway riding, which is all I use it for. The power is predictable and the bike is light and forgiving when I occasionally cock up a corner. Will be moving on to something 750ish but still got some learning to do on it this summer.

Edit: I think avon city has a demo/loan 500F

**Stylo** · 30th December 2011, 20:10

Originally Posted by riffer

No sweat Stylo. Hey - Paul's handle on kb is Bald Eagle - pm him and ask about the GS500F if you like. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/me...898-Bald-Eagle

Cheers Riffer , Nice one .....

**kiwifruit** · 30th December 2011, 20:19

Good basic bike. Built for reliability. Not a performer, power is very flat. There is enough of it though, it's not like you need to keep it on the boil just to do the speed limit. It'll feel quite powerful after a 125. Neutral handling. Par for the course suspension (quite poor). Great brakes. Lasertecs work well on them, cheap too.

Here's the one me and uncle ride: http://www.bikepics.com/members/kiwifruit/05gs500/

**Katman** · 31st December 2011, 10:52

They were one of the more popular choices for motorcycle couriers in London. Says a lot about them.

Mind you, the CX500 (the maggot) was the most popular choice. Maybe that says a lot about motorcycle couriers.

**caspernz** · 1st January 2012, 17:41

Good bike if you accept it's basic. Yes I had one for a spell, after a GN250 (I can hear some folks laughing) and it was fine by me. Wouldn't say I loved it, but covered some serious clicks on it without any drama. Horses for courses.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 1st January 2012, 18:13

Originally Posted by Stylo

Mrs Me is looking at getting off the back of my bike and being in command of her own destiny when we go for a ride....

She likes the look of the GS500F with the fairing which, I agree is a good bike to start with and a step above her CB125 she took to Uni a few years ago ...

She's about 5'5 so the low seat help is a good start - on paper ...any opinions ?

They're fucking great wee bikes. Bullet proof and cheap to maintain. Yes I have one for sale. 1 owner from new, 5000km's...$3000.00

Originally Posted by short-circuit

Nup - crap

Don't tell me...the only good bikes are the ones you've owned right?

**nzspokes** · 1st January 2012, 18:17

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

They're fucking great wee bikes. Bullet proof and cheap to maintain. Yes I have one for sale. 1 owner from new, 5000km's...$3000.00

When you say I do you mean your shop? Got some pics?

**Crasherfromwayback** · 5th January 2012, 16:01

Originally Posted by nzspokes

When you say I do you mean your shop? Got some pics?

Yep. email me and I'll send you some pics back if you like?

pmcdonald@wmcc.co.nz

**grbaker** · 6th January 2012, 08:26

Ahh the GS500E... bit of a wuss bike. Built for the progressive learner if you like.

Normal Suzuki reliablity (ie not a modern GN250)

I would have trouble parting my money for one tho and would go looking at other bikes (Bandit 600, Gladius, Honda CB600F, Kawasaki 650 etc).

**Katman** · 6th January 2012, 08:59

Originally Posted by grbaker

Ahh the GS500E... bit of a wuss bike.

u r

**BMWST?** · 6th January 2012, 09:14

its funny how the people who have graduated past this sort of bike all say its ho hum,but in the position of the OP i cant see a better bike for the purpose.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 6th January 2012, 09:18

If I wanted/needed a cheap reliable bike to use every day I'd happily own one.

**pritch** · 6th January 2012, 09:34

It does seem that some hereabout who deride other peoples choices are a tad coy about their own ride?

Recently I was briefly loaned a scooter by Energy Honda while they had my bike for a minor repair, since then I've found myself searching Trademe to ascertain what sort of "proper" bike I could get for the same money. The OPs choice would do just fine.

**nzspokes** · 6th January 2012, 09:37

Originally Posted by BMWST?

its funny how the people who have graduated past this sort of bike all say its ho hum,but in the position of the OP i cant see a better bike for the purpose.

Agreed. Funny thing is my 250 will hold the spped limit fine. A 500 would give me a bit more for overtaking. Thats all some want. Like me.