The obligatory first bike thread...

RaIo · Derestricted Danger Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Karma :

As the title says, the obligatory what first bike post.

Before anyone goes off and pops a vein, I have read the FAQs and Guides on this and many other sites, including a fair bit of research on the internet, but even so, I still don’t know if this is a good bike.

I’d like to get a Suzuki GS 500F as a first ever bike. I am 19 right now, probably will get it early January of 2005, looking for a brand new one. I will have to restrict it to 33 bhp – yes, I intend to get the full license; A2 is it?

So why a 500? Well, initially I was looking at the Aprilia RS125 or Cagiva Mito 125, then at the RS 250 – which turns out doesn’t like being restricted, so the next step was the 500. The only good looking one happens to be the GS 500F.

Are they a good deal for a first ever bike? After all they use 500s to train people, right? At any rate, I will be keeping it for a few years I reckon, 4 or so. Have it derestricted once I turn 21.

So I am wondering if it is a good thing to do, not having any experience with bikes, I cannot make a solid decision yet.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Might be worth considering the other 500 commuter style bikes, what is it that makes you want the GS over all the others?

Also, what are you planning on using the bike for?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Good choice of bike Thumbs Up

.

There are other 500s which are similar, for instance the GPZ, ER and CB. All make good first bikes.

Personally I wouldn't go with a new bike.
You say you want to keep it for a few years. A lot of us, including me, have said, for a lot of people (not only me Smile

) that didn't happen at all.

What started of as a means to get from A to B turned into a hobby / serious passion. Whatever, most people do want to move up bikes.

Even if you plan to keep it, if you get a bike fairly new bike, if you're going to be keeping it for quite a while, it just means that when you buy your 2nd hand bike, it will be at the same state as your new bike when you've had it for a year.

You can easily save £1000+ and get a nearly new bike (you probably lose £500 the minute you push the bike out of the show room!), or even more and go for an older bike.
Insurance will also be cheaper, even TPO and you won't be so worried if you drop it or crash.

RaIo · Derestricted Danger Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Karma :

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Well having owned a number of 500's, I think you have made a good choice on deciding for a 500.

Though the GS500F isn't the best, at £3649 new it isn't cheap either.
Remember this being your first "proper" bike you are likely to drop it. You may say you won't be we all do.

You'd be better off in my opinion to get a cheaper GS500E with a full fairing, or the better GPZ500S theres plenty about.

I say the better GPZ, as its more powerful (when derestricted), handles better, looks better.

You could also consider a CB500S, another decent little 500 with a half fairing.

You can also read my 500cc FAQ I recently compiled here https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=30880 , if you have any questions you can PM me etc.

https://www.motobykz.co.uk/Kawasaki/gpz500s.jpg

Hope that Helps, Craig.

allweatherbik... · Nova Slayer Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Karma :

I don't know if the GS500E (restriction was included the price) that I have is the best choice available but I bought it because it was the cheapest of the new 500's available. I've dropped it twice with only a broken clutch lever and minor cosmetic damage occurring. Being new to biking I bought new because of the 2 year warranty, that means I can concentrate on riding the bike and can learn how to maintain it later
cheers
Ian

RaIo · Derestricted Danger Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Karma :

mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2004 Karma :

GPZ 600

https://www.freeweb.hu/agrobikers/gpz2a.jpg

Much nicer than the GPX 600 (even with 10 hp down Very Happy

), and a lot nicer than the GPZ500.
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instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

To be honest the GS500F is all looks and no go.

I owned a GS500E before I owned the GPZ, and this is what bike the GS500F is underneath.

They are quite lacking in power, and have awfully flimsy handling about 70MPH. They are also really boring to ride having a really linear powerband, the brakes also leave something do be desired.

I suggest the GPZ, as it actually has some charm and character. And also a really nice powerband, it also stops well and handles really well too.

Just don't go for a bike on its looks especially when the bike in question is a GS500.