26th May 2009, 10:26

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.

7th Sep 2009, 09:06

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.

7th Nov 2009, 20:33

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.

23rd Jun 2010, 23:30

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.

7th Feb 2011, 00:34

I purchased a brand new GS500F this weekend. I rode when I was younger, but have not ridden for more than 10 years. I took the MSF course as a refresher, and to exempt myself from the riding part of the California license requirements. After several weeks of internet research and dealer browsing, I decided on the GS500F. I put 300 miles on it this weekend, and I can honestly say I love this bike. It handles great and it has plenty of power to keep up with traffic, and to get out of dangerous situations if need be.

I'm 45 years old, so to me the riding position is little too forward leaning, and my wrists hurt a little after a few hours. I've already ordered some risers that will move the bars up one inch and back 1 3/8 inches. I think that will make it perfect for me. I've also ordered Cortech saddle bags and a top bag, so I can use it to commute and for overnight trips.

All in all, I am impressed with the bike. It handles & corners very well. It accelerates very nicely, and will go much faster than I'll ever need to go.

10th Jun 2011, 08:12

Yes, you can upgrade the rear tire to 150, but the tire will be close to the brake bar.

1st Apr 2012, 06:09

Hey everybody. So the GS500. About as complicated as a lawnmower mechanically, light weight and cheap. I've been riding for twelve years now, and I think through my experience over that time period, I would have to say choosing a motorcycle really comes down to what you want it for.

You will hear most people say that the GS is not powerful or fast enough. Well... Not powerful enough for what? I love doing power wheelies in third gear going seventy as much as the next guy. And sure 200mph sounds great, but when was the last time that you went that fast?

I use my GS as an every day bike. It will go 120, but without fairing, it's a little uncomfortable. This bike in the hands of an experienced rider is way too much fun. Kind of that go cart fun. This is the positive to this bike. At under 400 pounds soaking wet, you can really throw this thing around. At the same time, this bike's relatively mellow crisp attitude makes it a great bike for beginners as well.

Bottom line - if you are a weekend warrior drag racer, then this bike is not for you. But if you are the year round rider, and you would like a very fun, cheap, reliable bike that you can ride everyday, then hoorah for the GS.

20th Jun 2012, 23:48

You just started riding and you're ready for a 600cc bike already? Not good. The GS500F is "iffy" as a starter bike to begin with. There's plenty of power to get an inexperienced rider in trouble. Better to start out on a 250cc. With all due respect, you aren't ready for a 600cc bike if you just started riding. Give it a couple years, the GS500 is more than enough for you.