On Topic (34) | Off Topic (1) | All (35)
You should be getting around 220 miles from a full tank before switching over to the reserve tank, the reserve should give you another 50 miles or so!
With the recent cold weather in the last month here in the UK, I kept my GS in the garage for a month. Today, with the rain having washed away most of the salt on the road, I decided to take it out for a blast, boy did I miss it!!!
I've purchased a used GS500 (2004), and I'm enjoying a lot to ride it! My first bike was a Suzuki TU250x (5 years and 20.000 miles), stylish, but slow bike, now it was time to change.
The GS500 was both for 1900£ (Portugal) and has 3000 real (I think) miles.
What will be the consumption!? I don't know, but the bike is powerful and it's not necessary to push the throttle hard.
I know you can fit a 140 rear. But check this site out, it will give you step by step on putting a 150 tire on. Not simple, seems like a lot of work to be done and possibly risky.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25426.0
I just bought my first bike and it's the 2004 GS500F. It only has 350 miles on it and I'm a little concerned about the noises I'm hearing. I was reading on here that there might be a problem the camshaft and buckets on this model. I was just looking for some advice on whether or not this is something I should be worried about, or if it's not a big deal. Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks. p.s. I bought it used, so it doesn't have a warranty with it.
I am 17 and I live Sabattus Maine (USA). My parents just bought me my second bike, which is the 04' Suzuki GS500F, which I can say from a looking standpoint it's a beautiful machine, better than I had ever imagined. It will be registered in a few days and I can't wait to take it on the road. I have taken up and down the road a few times just to feel it out.
The last bike I had was the ultimate starter bike besides the GS500F. It was a 1978 Honda XL350, which was to say at the least old. But anyways, I love the new bike. The looks and the power make it for me!
Anyone who is considering the GS500 should also consider the Kawasaki EX500. I recently looked at both bikes, and picked the EX500 because it was more powerful, and handled better, while having screw-type valve adjusters, which I can easily adjust myself.
In almost every magazine comparison, the EX500 is picked over the GS500.
2007 GS500F.
I have just bought a new 2007 GS500F. It's my first bike and I love the ride. I have noticed a little hesitation when attempting to put the bike in 1st gear, feels like I have to force the gear shift. Any suggestions on how to make this a little smoother; is this normal and to be expected? I do find the hesitation a little more pronounced when starting from cold.
I too just got a GS500F. I noticed that if you hold the clutch ALL the way in when downshifting to first, sometimes it doesn't want to go. Just ease the clutch out a tad and it'll kick down no problem. A lot of transmissions work like this, so don't think it's particular to this bike.
I've only had the bike for 2 days so far, but thus far I can say it's got plenty of zip (and since I'm still in the break-in period, I'm not running it hard) and handles EXTREMELY well. The fairing makes travel much more comfortable. I've ridden a Ninja 500R as well, and while the Ninja 500R may have a tad bit more performance, the GS500F seems to handle just a little better and the full fairing cuts down on wind a lot.
I'm happy with my bike so far. :) I'll post back in a few weeks once I really get her broken in.
Hi my name is Karl; I'm 17 and have a 2005 Suzuki GS500. It had 130 miles on the clock when I got it 1 week and 3 days ago!.. Not bad for £2000?! I have only ever had a 50cc before so can't really comment... Altho I could say WOW with the power!
Already done 1500 miles as I travel 100 miles quite often on it. Very comfortable and pretty fast! Topped out at 123 with the 33bhp restriction; I guess it would not do much more with it off..
People said about the noise from the engine? I have a noise from mine; is it a slight, low sounding click from where the gear shifter is?
Post back
Thanks LOVE THE BIKE!
Karl.
Bought the bike in Jan 2007 new, but was only in the country to ride for 5 weeks along working. Only used it for fun and no commuting. It now has 3000 miles on it. I think that attests to how much fun this bike is.
Must say though that the bike felt very tight and choppy (throttle mainly) in the beginning, but the first (expensive) service sorted that all out and it seems they gave me a completely new bike. However, would like to learn how to service it myself because the dealer is quite expensive.
Other than that, I have not experienced any knocking camshafts yet or had any other issues except one. Rust. The inside of the left handlebar has already a coating of rust, which seems to me a little bizarre since the bike is quite new. I must say I have driven through rain and plan to continue doing so, but it is somewhat disappointing that it seems you can't expect a new bike to be resistant to rust until you get into BMW's and their ilk.
Otherwise still a fabulous bike; I would buy it again in an instant.
I also just got a 05 GS500F. It's a great bike, with decent power, very reliable, and fun to ride.
Added to the previous comment; mine's an 05 and I've never had any knocking whatsoever.
I am a 36 year sporty woman who started riding in 05 on a Harley Sportster. Wanted to mostly all my life! My husband wanted me to take the class to learn first... way smart idea! Was a good learner bike, but was amped to feel the freedom of a lighter and much more me bike 04 Suzuki GS500F. I am 5 foot tall. It was hard to find a bike I could reach the ground.
We went to Deals Gap; WHAT AN AMAZING RIDE. I live in Florida; little if no curvy roads. Unfortunately the bike toppled on the trailer returning and the handle bars are damaged and need replaced. Anyone know if they are all the same, clip on's and relatively easy to replace? I love to work on the bike, cars. Have to do it alone. Any advice?
I'm a brand new rider and wanted to give back a little bit having just bought my first bike. Reading comments on boards like this one was what helped me make the decision on what bike to buy (as well as talking with some older, wiser guys).
I'm 19 years old, 6 feet, about 230 lbs, and just bought a 2004 GS500F. Originally I had planned on getting the Ninja 250, but after reading reviews, decided that a slightly bigger bike would be better.
While I was a little worried about the bike having too much power (the only bike I rode before that was a 200cc enduro during my motorcycle training course) I have found that this bike has been extremely easy to learn on. I am yet to find myself in an uncomfortable situation where I am in any type of danger *knock on wood*. For those with more of a need for speed, cranking the throttle back causes the bike to accelerate very quickly and comfortably.
Getting the bike in gear is very easy and the bike handles great in turns. The price tag is amazingly low and the bike holds its value really well if you decide to upgrade. Also, since it's more of a sport touring bike, the insurance is extremely low (around 170 USD a year for basic coverage, 400 a year with a $250 collision deductible (progressive) ).
As for comfort, the sitting posture is more upright unlike the bigger, sportier bikes, so longer rides are fine.
All in all I am extremely happy and, given the chance to go back, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy the same bike. I can't wait to go joy riding again tomorrow!
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.