Suzuki GS500E - Good first big bike?

[itswoody]

Ello.

Thinking about what budget big bike to commute on (50 mile round trip into London every day) once I've passed the tests (full cat A).

Having a look around, there seem to be a few Suzuki GS500E's available in good nick with < 25K mileage for less than £1500 in my area but have read mixed reviews about them online.

Any one have one / had one that can offer some insight on it? Would be moving up from YBR 125 and would be my first big bike.

[j.silvs]

How about this?

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=277659

From a guy off here so may give you a deal

[J.M.]

Full cat A? Would not even consider it, for a second.

It's a boring bike. Mine kept going wrong too. Partly mechanical incompetence on my part, partly the bike.

The XJ600 isn't a bad bike for an urban commute around town. The riding position on mine is excellent around town. It isn't the bike that I'd want for a weekend hoon though.

Don't get me wrong, it was capable around the mountains in Spain. But a sports tourer would be a tame and comfortable bike if you wanted something good for commuting and hooning.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Andy_Pagin]

I suspect a lot of them are ex bike training school machines so check the history carefully. I learnt on a gsr500, nice power delivery, but I found the riding position agony after half an hour, too much pressure on my hands. Also I suspect you'd get bored and frustrated with the limited power fairly quickly. I now ride a Fazer and would rate that as an infinitely better first big bike.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Ed Case]

[Clanger]

[itswoody]

Thanks guys, will steer clear of the GS500 then!!

Will now go Fazer hunting I reckon, seen a lot of them about.

[Andy_Pagin]

The carbed 2003 model is the best. It's a docile pussy cat if you keep the revs below 5000, which is great while you get the hang of the whole big bike thing, then give it some beans and its seriously fast. Handling is precise, especially with BT023s' and the brakes are superb.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[J.M.]

[bren_9311]