GS500 vs CB500 vs ER5

[dabigginger]

I'm still looking for some kind of commuter bike and I've decided I'll probably opt for one of the above. I've read this https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=281300#281300 but I'm still a bit undecided.

Basically, the cheaper to run (and more reliable), the better. I know the CB500 has the better build quality of the 3, but I cannot find any right now (I guess most commuters have been bought up as winter hacks).

My local dealer has a GS500 for sale (it's a 1996 model with with 26700 miles), but a bit overpriced in my opinion at £1295 - I was thinking £850-£900 would be a fairer price (unless anyone thinks differently), so that's one option I was thinking.

I also spoke to my old bike instructor who has just bought a couple of new ER-6's, so he may be interested in selling his old ER-5's if the price is right (not sure of mileage - he has a P-reg and an S-reg one).

Whatever I get will probably see a bit of road salt, but I don't have a problem with giving a bike a quick hose down when I get home each evening. I know the CB500's are bullet proof, but how long are the GS500's and ER-5's likely to last with following the maintenance suggested in the service book?

I've also read to watch out for rust on the frame (as well as a few other places) of the GS500, but I've also heard that they have aluminium frames. So, which do they have? Steel or aluminium?

So, really, which would you guys personally go for? ER-5, GS500, or keep looking for a CB500?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I would be interested in people's thoughts and opinions. Thanks in advance!

[craigs23]

I'd keep looking for a CB5.

I wouldn't spent over £750 for any of them.

[instigator]

Owned the er5 and cb500, rode a gs500. CB is definetely the quickest with the best engine. MPG wise, the cb500 wasn't as good as my er5. The finish I had on my CB wasn't great to be honest, don't fall for the honda => must be pristine after 10 years trick. Purely depends on the previous owner and how they've looked after the machine.

I'd say go for the cb500.

[Itchy]

Look harder I reckon , CB500 is where its at, GT550s are even cheaper even more indestructable but maintenance wise are a bit higher.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[chris-red]

I have a GS I'm not a fan of it yet.

Mine had 31k on it and I paid £700 for it, it seemed all right good nick. I knew it would need Braided hoses on the front, and eventually new tires.

It has been like a nasty suprise at every turn, the clutch went 200 miles later. The C&S was fucked as the front sprocket was loose in every way imaginable.

All of this has just been reolved, and has sofar cost me nearly £300 ontop of the £700 I still have tyres to buy.

The bike handles worse than anything I have ever ridden including my RXS100. This could be due to the tires but I think it maybe the fact I'm use to the Speed Four which is one of the best handling bikes in the world.

The finsih aint to bad on a 9 year old bike with 31k on it, the engine is sweet and starts on the button.

Alot of my experiance with the GS may have been down to bad luck.

Remember the little things add up C&S £100, Tires £170 etc.

I would go for the CB, honda build quality and all that.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[dabigginger]

I guess it's a fairly unanimous verdict so far!

[G]

Fuel consumption isn't directly related to cylinders; ie on litre sports bikes, twins tend to have a fair bit worse fuel consumption.

However, a quick google suggests the GT isn't that great.

Rather than looking for a specific model, I reckon it's best to just keep an eye out for the best value bike you can find; ie best condition for the money you can afford.

Any of these bikes should go on for a long time if they are treated well.

[Itchy]

[cestrian]

I'd keep looking for a CB500 but don't rule out a GS500 at all. The engines are fantastic for a commuter bike. I had real fun on mine too. Mine was an S reg bike with less than 15K on the clock and cost £925. I got £1000 for it in PX when I bought the Bandit 650

[tsmith]

what about the GPZ500S?

[stinkwheel]

[dabigginger]

I wouldn't turn one down, but I've seen even fewer of these than the CB500's! In fact, the only GPZ I can think of seeing in recent months is owned by someone in a town about 10 miles from here!

[Dalemac]

I have a great time on my gpz, glad i chose it over the likes of the cb500 etc.

Gewt yourself on ebay mate
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YBR125 -> GPZ500S -> SL1000

[dabigginger]

I've been looking... just not a lot in my area right now...

[Dalemac]

yeah, you do have to travel to find the bike you want. I went from coventry to swansea for my gpz. It was a bargain tho.
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YBR125 -> GPZ500S -> SL1000

[TheDonUK]

I rode a ratty GS500 for a year, paid 250 quid for it and got my moneys worth out of it.

I have ridden both the CB500's and GPZ's but not for as long as the GS500.

The GS500 is the Cheap Option

The CB500 is the Reliable Option

The GPZ500 is the Sporty Option

I can vouch for the excellence of Bridgestone BT-45's on the GS and CB.

My advice would be dont commit to one bike, buy whichever you can find the best example of in your price range...

Saying that, as for me now reliability is the trump card if a CB500 comes along at the right price and in the right nick then go for it.

[chris-red]

[TheDonUK]

[chris-red]

Cheers for the advice, but I know a guy that gets me good deals, ride in ride out with a pair of BT014's 120/17 180/17 £177
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[Dalemac]

BT45's on the gpz too, fantastic tyres, even in the wet.

I know of a person was lapping a roundabout on a gpz with bt45's. all was good until the said person had their belly pan down on the tarmac.....

I think there is only one better tyre, and i think thy are BT101's. But you dont need the at all.
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YBR125 -> GPZ500S -> SL1000

[Kal]

Going to go with the crowd on this and say CB500 on BT-45s. The one I was on last winter was awesome. Surefooted, reliable and rugged

CB500-s with the fairing if you can find one.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[mudplug]

If you need 'small' tyres for a 500, there's the Michelin Pilot Activs. Not everywhere stocks them but i've tried them and they do justify the £30 hike over BT45s. In my opinion. Especially in the summer.

[hmmmnz]

i had a gs500 and apart from a starter relay going it never missed a beat in the 30000 miles i did on it,
i did change the rear shock to a sv650 shock basically with in a week of owning it which sorted the rear end wallowing, and eventually change the front end to a gsxr750 more for the look and the extra braking power than anything else, i also put a bandit 6 wheel on the rear to get more tyre options
i cant fault the gs, i wish i still had it for my daily commute,
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[Kal]

Really? I wonder if they come small enough for the GB?

Based on thier performance on the CB500 I was going to fit BT45s
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[veeeffarr]

That's a bit steep for a GS! I only wanted like 2-300 quid for mine! Mind you needs a bit spent on it to get running well