GS500 year 2000 and up

[terrorizer]

yup, time to up-size..if you got one you don't want, I'm interested.

[dankatz]

up-size? From a Ninja 250? I don't think it is much of an up size. I would look at stuff that is mild mannered, but that you would not outgrow in one season. How about an SV650 or a Ninja650? Even the old Ninja 500 is much more powerful than a GS500 (I have an article that compares the two and the only category the Suzuki won was looks).

[Danz19899]

really? lol cause they suck get a 600

[Kurlon]

Later GS500s have better brakes than the EX500, I still say they handle better. HP wise out of the crate its 40hp for the GS vs 50hp for the EX, at the rear wheel. That is an upgrade from a 20 something EX250. The guy knows what he wants, why rag on him?

[dankatz]

Later GS500s have better brakes than the EX500, I still say they handle better. HP wise out of the crate its 40hp for the GS vs 50hp for the EX, at the rear wheel. That is an upgrade from a 20 something EX250. The guy knows what he wants, why rag on him?

My post was not meant to rag in any way. You are correct, on the dyno, a Ninja 500 is 50hp, a GS is 38hp and the Ninja 250 is 26hp. In most of the world, even an air-cooled 500 would be considered a big bike. In the US, I find that bikes like the GPZ500 (Ninja) or the GS500S cost very close to an SV650 or Ninja650 used and the difference is night and day when riding. But, there is nothing wrong with a GS500 - sometimes simpler is better.

I do think the small Ninjas sold much better than the GS500, so it is harder to find a used Suzuki. Good luck with the search!

Edit:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...1989--current/
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...S--1987--2004/

[khuygie88]

http://burlington.craigslist.org/mcy/2353997250.html

Not Mine.

[khuygie88]

http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/2354803956.html

Not Mine either.

[terrorizer]

Thank you everyone for your input, I am also looking at the Ninja 500..There seem to be more available anyway..I love the 250, perfect bike for where I live but would like some lower revs at 60 mph..The vibration is brutal at that speed for extended periods.

[AimlessMoto]

1. GS500E/F is a great bike. Breaks are good no matter what year... I had an 01' GS500E for 2 years and wish I never sold it. It was a really good commuter bike and a big step up from my 16hp Honda Twinstar 200.

The only drawback is the air-cooling, however the F model does have an oil-cooler built in... which can be retro-fitted to an E model with light modification.

2. The EX500 Ninja is a great bike, slightly more horses as it's built for more spirited riding... even as a beginner bike. The only drawback to the EX500... the piss-poor styling. It's been the same for 15 years now... I love the dual exhaust... and the liquid cooling helps prolong engine life... not to mention that the EX has clipons instead of true handlebars... so you do sacrifice some comfort on the long-haul.

My suggestion to you...

- Ninja 650R
- Yamaha FZ600R
- Honda GT650 Hawk
- Suzuki SV650/Gladius


I think the 600's are a good step up, and probably something you won't outgrow in a few years like a 250/500...

Don't be afraid of 750's, or even larger bikes... just know what you're shopping for. Don't buy a 750 GSXR as a 'step up' from a 250... because you'll scare yourself into not wanting to ride ever again.

But, maybe something more street oriented... most twins, parallel, or V, are good low-end bikes that aren't very snappy off the throttle.

For instance... I now own a 955i Triumph Tiger, it's fast if you want it to be... but I bought it right after my GS500E and it was a HUGE step up... BUT, the bike is very tame just cruising around...

The same can be said for most bike's that are not "race replica" (R1/R6/GSXR's/CBR, etc) and for bikes that have not been modified from stock.

Bikes are built for the user in mind... if they were impossible to control no one would ride them... but on the same token, if they were the easiest things to operate... everyone would ride them.

Just keep your options open, and get something that fits you, fits what you want to do, and fits your budget.

[terrorizer]

Well Danny500, after your excellent post and suggestions I went ahead sold the little 250 and bought one of your suggestions. I sold the ninja yesterday and picked up the new bike today, rode it home 30 miles and wow! sweet!
then went out for another ride of course! too bad tomorrow is Monday


Now you have to guess which one I got! LOL

Thanks again for your thoughtful post and insight, it helped alot and I made the right decision to skip the 500 and jump a little higher.