26th Sep 2007, 19:24

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.

3rd Oct 2007, 09:40

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.

8th Nov 2007, 11:16

I also just got a 05 GS500F. It's a great bike, with decent power, very reliable, and fun to ride.

8th Nov 2007, 11:19

Added to the previous comment; mine's an 05 and I've never had any knocking whatsoever.

6th Dec 2007, 14:24

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?

14th Jan 2008, 04:40

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!

18th May 2008, 14:54

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.

14th Jun 2008, 22:04

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.

2nd Jul 2008, 22:46

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!

7th Aug 2008, 08:23

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.