Would I be OK starting on a Suzuki GS 500F?

Question

The only experience I have is on a Suzuki DR 200 at the safety class.

Answer 1

Yes, go ahead. It will run so you will have to balance sense and throttle for a while.  Buy a helmet and gloves and have a ball.

Answer 2

go for it but be gentle on the gas, this bike has a lot of power compared to a dr 200, this bike will last you longer as you get more throttle happy and comfortable with the machine :)

Answer 3

You will do just fine, great choice for a "learners" bike.

Answer 4

I used to own a Suzuki GS 550 XL (50cc larger than the bike you are inquiring about) and I'll tell you now, they have a lot of power. The 550 I had, was a 4 cylinder job with 53.5 hp. Prior to that I had a 250 single, and I will tell you now that the transformation from a 250 single to a 550 Four was a scarey experience. You'll be dealing with a lot more weight, not to mention a bunch more horsepower. Try out a Honda 400 twin and take that for a test run. A lighter bike and still has pleanty of punch without going into the kill zone. That's my advice for what it's worth.