Gs500 or Gsf500

[Dippy]

Im just getting into riding and looking at buying a new bike, Ive found both the gs500 and gsf500 to be good entry level bikes. Im wondering what the major differences are other than the front fairing or if there are any.

Thank you

[KillBill]

Personally, I'd opt for the GS500 over the GSF......

I rode the GSF for a buddy and it was nothing but a disappointment, and forget about
taking it on the highway...you'll be blown all over the place.

[kwil263]

I was new to riding last year (still am as far as I'm concerned) and I bought a 2004 GS500. I loved the bike and recommend it as a first bike. The bike ran well and is forgiving. I just sold mine this week because a friend of mine was getting rid of his 07 ZX6. I took it out for a last ride today. If it wasn't for my new one I'd still have the 500. It was a good bike.

(blue end bike in my picture is the 500, and the black one is the ZX6 )

[OreoGaborio]

The only differences between the two as far as I know are the fairings & probably a lower handle bar location on the F.

[Evil_Weasel]

for all intense porpoises they are mechanically identical save for the fairing.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Same bike The full faired version Looks Gay, Get the GS learn it love it and get Fairings on your next bike A GSXR6CBKXR Ect. The naked one will handle those little drops better(cheaper) then a faired version. If your just starting out You are bound to drop it.

[Kurlon]

The only real differences, other than bodywork, are the GS500Fs have an oil cooler, not that one is needed, and in 2001 the carbs changed from BST33s to BSR34s, slightly more complicated carbs, with more plumbing for emissions, etc. In 04, in addition to the fairings and oil cooler, the pipes became catalyzed, and the ignition system changed, adding a throttle position sensor and a different rotor for the ignition pickup, so slightly more complex wiring.

http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Main/YearChanges

[AimlessMoto]

Damn it, Kurlon beat me to it! From 01 up they have 3-jet carbs instead of a 2 jet like previous years... which is no big thing.

I recommend finding a GREAT condition used one like I did for a 1st/second bike... I call my GS my 1st cuz it's my first "real"-ish motorcycle. My actual first purchase for a bike was an 82' Honda CM200T... fuckin' buried that thing... lol..

The GS is awesome... I'm about to the end of what it can offer me as far as performance/street-ability... so next year a new bike seems to be in the plans. But I plan on putting another 11k on this bike this year.

Awesome bikes.. keep up with everyone in the twisties (just don't even try on the straights)..

[crowspeed07]

I was new to riding last year (still am as far as I'm concerned) and I bought a 2004 GS500. I loved the bike and recommend it as a first bike. The bike ran well and is forgiving. I just sold mine this week because a friend of mine was getting rid of his 07 ZX6. I took it out for a last ride today. If it wasn't for my new one I'd still have the 500. It was a good bike.

(blue end bike in my picture is the 500, and the black one is the ZX6 )

just a heads up on your new kawi check with your buddy if he had the valve cover gasket done if not take it to your local dealer and have it done.

[Kurlon]

I recommend finding a GREAT condition used one like I did for a 1st/second bike... I call my GS my 1st cuz it's my first "real"-ish motorcycle. My actual first purchase for a bike was an 82' Honda CM200T... fuckin' buried that thing... lol..

First bike I owned was a 1980 CM200T, I loved that bike, and wish I still had it. I could get into a full tuck, and draft cars on the interstate to get it up over 85mph... used to do that to go between Portand ME and Merrimack NH.

[TheIglu]

If you are thinking about the GSF for the fairings, instead consider the Ninja500. Much stronger and reliable motor, plentiful and cheap in the used market.

GS500 is a fine bike but Ninja 500 would be better if fairings were a deciding factor.

[OreoGaborio]

Better bike for sure.

[Bokey]

Go for the GS500.
I rode one for over seven years.

[Dippy]

Thanks for the info, Im going with the gsf500 as i found it for about $1000 cheaper

[banzairx7]

GS's go for around $2k from what Ive seen. You found an F for $1000 total?

[spicy]

GSFs are gonna be a bitch to find, just cuz they're not all that common.

[Kurlon]

He's not talking about a GSF, he was comparing GS500E to GS500F. : ) There is a proper GSF400 available in Maine, just for comparison's sake.

http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/1071440982.html