I am going in tomorrow to buy GS500F. I felt a little unsure if it's the bike I wanted. I wanted a cruiser actually, but after reading all of these reviews, there is no question, "I have found my bike." Thank all of you.
I bought a used GS500F recently; a really nice starting bike that looks good.
I was riding the other day when another guy rolled up on his '04 600 Katana... he said it looked really sharp for a 500.
Mechanically, it's a good bike with plenty of zip when you need it. And comfortable. To me, the GS looks better than the Ninja 500. Now, if the Ninja 500 gets redesigned like the '08 Ninja 250... that could be a difference maker.
Overall, I would pick the GS500F.
I've got one too! :) It's also my first bike. I mean like really my first bike. This was the first time I've ever been on a bike, and all I can say is WOW! I have a 04 GS500f. It's been about three weeks since I've had it, and it's just good news. I love it, I love the power, Love the handling.. and it's so forgiving if you mess up..
If you're just starting off, and just want to have a bike to cruise on, this would be the bike for you!
Hi everyone.
I am in the process of buying a GS500F, but when I took it for a spin, I noticed at around 4000rpm the bike developed a noise like a metal knocking that I can't pinpoint.
The bike is a 2005 with 13000k. Could anyone be able to give me a hint of what could be wrong with the engine? I have been told the camshaft fix has been done, but the dealer is not being very upfront with a possible problem with the bike.
Your help would be very much appreciated.
After some years without a bike, got an 08 GS500F. On the whole, very happy with it, but a bit of a come down after having two GS1000, power wise, but that's to be expected. Quick, light, great handler.
It's kind of sad though that after all these years, knowing about the knocking noise, the fix isn't being done at the factory. I'll have to take mine back for the fix. Get some strange looks when people hear it coming from a new bike.
Would like the gears spaced out a bit more, 1st a wee bit lower and 6th higher, like where 7th would be if it had a 7th, that would make it perfect.
I just bought a second hand Suzuki GS500 - 2003 with 8900 kms on her, I haven't had a chance to ride it yet. The thing died on me when I first tried to take her for a ride. The engine is seized, so I don't have a very good opinion of them yet.
I started it, put her in 1st and she cut off. Then the oil light came on and she just clicks now when I tried to start her, I was a little unhappy about that.
I'm 42 years old, and my Blue 2008 GS500F is the first and only bike I have ever ridden, and I absolutely LOVE it. It brings a smile to my dial just about every time I ride it.
I use it mainly as a commuter, but also love to take it for an occasional romp in the country on weekends.
Everyone keeps telling me that I'll be wanting a more powerful bike soon, and I'm sure when I hop on something more powerful in the future I will enjoy it, but at the moment I'm happy. For commuting everyday (even in bad weather) I can't imagine why you would want a bike with more power.
It's a zippy enjoyable ride that is relatively inexpensive.
Great thread.
I have a 2004 GS500F and a 2007 SV 650N. I'm two years into my motorcycle riding and the GS500F is a great bike. I thought that I would like more power and bought the SV. Now when I ride, I wish I could combine the two motorcycles. Each has its pluses and minuses. Biggest complaint with the GS is low power and the buffeting from the windshield to my helmet making for a "boomy" sounding ride. As for the SV, its handling is twitchy and gets blown around on the highway due to low weight.
Now it seems there is a GSX650F from Suzuki. I've spoken to one person who had an SV and bought the new "Katana". He said that it was great. I plan on test driving one to see if it has the same communicative handling that my GS has. If so, I may have found the best combo yet.
OK, I got a GS500F black & silver 2004, 1800 miles.
As new condition, so a credit to the previous owners. I shall give you my input based on the machine I have.
Easy starter, hot or cold.
Excellent fuel consumption.
Red line is about 11k, and if you full throttle it to its red line - from 2nd to 5th you will get to high speeds quickly.
Good engine braking, so all you need to do is close the throttle a bit, take a lean and open it again. This gives me plenty of confidence, and I have no concerns about handling and braking.
F stands for fairing on this model. Looks sporty and a good size, so you're not too crouched down, and can actually be seen by other road users slightly better.
The seat can be on the hard side; I guess that depends on how much padding one has on their rear ends.
A wipe down or hose down with fresh water, then dried off after wet use, then rust inhibitor spray. A combination of this will keep her in good nick. (based on previous Suzuki ownership experience)
Good mirrors, extendable & adjustable.
Good bright head light.
Adjustable suspension and handlebars.
Tool kit under the seat.
Oil warning light.
It is a cheap bike really, works great, inspires confidence, looks mean.
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