What do you think of the Suzuki GS500 (2008 model) for a first bike?

Question

Just want it for commuting really. Maybe a bit of cruising at the weekend.

Answer 1

It's a fine first bike.  I don't think it's too big.  500cc is considered medium-sized these days  The GS is a 'general purpose' bike, not so sporty that it's twitchy like a racehorse.  Suzuki is a good company.  It's big enough for a day ride on the weekend (which is a lot of fun!  I ride a bike to work and still want to get out there on weekends!)

So long as you can sit on a bike with your feet flat on the ground.

But I wouldn't go out and buy a shiny new bike for a first bike.  You're going to be hard on your first bike.  You might think about getting an older bike, say 5-10 years old, maybe even with some bruises already on it.  Ride it for 6 mos or a year and then you can sell it for about what you paid for it, and by then you'll know better what you need.

Answer 2

that's a great beginner bike, its actually refreshing that you're not trying to push a 600cc super sport.  take the msf  or equivalent safety/introduction course.

I have to agree, buying used is the best choice for a first bike, you're gonna drop it.

Answer 3

hi,doesnt mater what us lot think...if u like it,buy it....and be safe...

Answer 4

Don't know much about you,  but it looks like a fun bike and fine for a beginner.

I second the safety course.

Answer 5

http://www.sportbikeriding.com/Introduct...

This link should explain the differences between bikes.

Don't let your eyes overpower your common sense.

For your first bike, nothing larger than a 250cc. You want to enjoy riding and have fun too. Not riding a machine that scares you to death.

If you not too sure about motorcycles, take someone along who does. Maybe you might consider used.

As a new rider, you should take the MSF Basic motorcyclist's course.

Get online and checkout the various motorcycle forums.

http://www.bikez.com/index.php

This should get you started.

Good riding.

Answer 6

Perfect. Used by bike schools all over the UK

Answer 7

Kind of big for a beginner.  250cc is much easier for the beginner.  It does NOT intimidate the rider.

If you really want a 500 cc class, then try a cruiser.  They are super easy to ride and with enough power for hwy cruising (comfortably).

I use to own Kawaski Vulcan 500 LTD.  It was my third bike.  

Good Luck..

P.S. know that it is much more dangerous to ride a bike than a car

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

Answer 8

To big for a beginner,you can have just as much fun on a 125 or 250.Stick with something smaller for just a year and learn all the road skills youll need for something bigger.

Answer 9

any of the 500cc class bikes are good for  first bike like a cb50s , gpz550 or a gs500. i had a cb500s for my first bike and it was really good for ommuting and was fast enough to learn how to ride on a weekend blast i had 125mph out of mine. i would get a cb500s just for the build quailty of a honda . i raped mine every weekend and it never let me down. hope this helps . safe riding . kev

Answer 10

So long its new,it's great.You dont have to worry too much over anything - just ride and be careful.

Answer 11

Its a good first bike restricted or unrestricted after doing your test. It will help you learn how to ride a bike without killing yourself. If your over 21 and have the unrestricted licence you will probably find you'll want to change it out after a wee while for something biggerl.  

Main point its a good solid, reliable first bike than will ease you into biking. Welcome to the dark side :)

Answer 12

Just done my direct access course on a GS500 and it was fine. Loads of training schools use them which gives you a clue as to their suitability for a beginner. The bike was easy to ride but has a decent turn of speed when you get on the faster roads.

I've just bought a Honda CBR600 as my first bike and it's great, just remember, the bike only goes as fast as your right wrist tells it to.

Whatever you buy just take your time to build your skills and confidence.

Answer 13

I think the GS500 is a great bike for what you want to do, just a couple of points on what others have said,

try 125 or a 250 if you want they're good options for riding in an urban environment, but from personal experience in the UK, I found that it is tricky riding them on the open road. You will be overtaken on open roads by cars wanting to go faster than 60mph and not all of them will be safe overtakes!!! with the 250's I found that you really had to plan your own overtakes carefully to get past the 50mph brigade.

I run a gpz500 for commuting the 10 miles to work at the moment and love it! but its comfortable if I want to just go for a blast at the weekend

I agree that if its your first bike then go for a used bike it won't depreciate as quickly as a new one plus everyone comes off their bikes when they're learning and I would prefer to do it one one that isn't pristine.

Welcome to the biking fraternity, commuting to work is a pleasurable way to get there, its a lot friendlier to the planet, (lower emissions and higher fuel economy) and you will find that your driving will improve.

Wayne