General Comments:

After riding some Chinese scooters that can accelerate up to 60mph, I needed something that I could take on the highway. So I earned my motorcycle license and purchased a naked Suzuki 550L.

I actually still have this bike, but I was able to buy another Suzuki -- the 500F. It looks like a sport bike, but the handlebars are slightly higher than a 600. My 500F is great. I just had to do some routine maintenance on it in order for it to ride well. On one particular ride on the highway, I did lose power, but after doing some basic carb cleaning, changing the spark plugs and replacing the air filter -- the bike is running fine.

I'd recommend this bike to anyone who likes to ride just for the sake of riding. This is not a sport bike, but I have cruised on the highway at 90-95 mph without the bike shaking or anything. I bought my bike for $1800, about $600 below KBB values.

Hope this review helps! Keep riding!

General Comments:

I purchased my Suzuki GS500F, after having a number of sport bikes in the 80's, and Harleys through the 90's & 2000's.

I still think the Harley is a gorgeous machine, however my budget didn't allow for a 20K motorcycle at the moment, so I went back to my roots.

I have found this little Suzuki to be a blast to ride. It handles well, is not too uncomfortable, and delivers surprising performance for a 500.

I know they call it a "starter" sport, but at 41 years old, and a life long rider, it delivers plenty of "pep" to keep my interest. Best bike- on-a-budget I ever owned!

Faults:

The only problem I've had with this bike is that the clutch cable came loose and the bike would not start, however, this is after I dropped it so it was probably due more to my fault than it was the bike's.

General Comments:

This is an excellent starter bike, commuter bike, casual riding bike, or for smaller guys or girls.

It is affordable and quite peppy. It is not fast compared to the GSX-R line, but compared to other vehicles out there on the road, it's quick, nimble, and handles beautifully.

The riding posture is acceptable and comfortable. The gas mileage is excellent, and the 6 speed manual transmission makes it very fun to ride.

Around town and up to 100+ miles an hour, it is a dream. Once you get over 100+mph, you will feel like it wants to top out (around 120mph probably). Meaning if you're into racing, this bike is probably NOT for you. If you're looking for a sporty, affordable, reliable motorcycle that you can have a lot of fun with.. this one meets your criteria.

It weighs around 390lbs I think, and has a seat height of something like 31". It is easy to maneuver and the GS line has been around for a long time. The engine and mechanical innards are reliable. It is a good bike and has a good following for good reason!