what does everyone think of a 2003 SUZUKI GS 500?

Question

I'm thinking about buying one, I just don't know what I should be looking for. This bike looks good to me, but I don't know what kind of power it has or how it rides.

Answer 1

I presume you're new to motorcycles. If so, this is a great first bike.

I ride a 2005 GS500 myself. It's got pretty good handling, and acceleration is somewhere between a Subaru WRX and a Corvette. Pretty fast by four wheel standards, but not ungodly fast like a 600 cc supersport.

As for things to check, see if the owner has maintenance records. Check the chain for signs of wear, make sure it has good tires, and check the bodywork for any cracks, turn signals pointed off funny, or other signs it's been dropped. Also, if you find any bolts have their heads drilled through and some wires running through the holes, run away - that's a sure sign this bike has been raced.

And check to make sure it fits you. See if you can get both feet flat on the ground when sitting on the saddle. Put the bike on the center stand and see how you feel with your feet on the pegs and your hands on the grips. Any discomfort you feel when sitting on it for a few minutes is going to really hurt after riding it for an hour.

All in all, this is a good first bike if it hasn't been abused. It's got enough power to more than keep up with highway traffic and keep it interesting, but it's still forgiving enough to be easy to ride and let you learn how to ride well.

Answer 2

It appears you are new to riding motorcycles.

The best advice is to get someone who knows bikes fairly well, and who has a good mechanical aptitude, to accompany you when you look at it. If they already know and/or work on the GS500, that will be even better.

The GS500 is a very nice bike, fully capable of highway riding and doing so in fair comfort. If has lots of get up and go and you can travel any distance you wish.

Some will suggest you go up to a 600, whereas I would say STAY AWAY FROM THEM! The reason is that, until the last decade or so, 500 cc was considered a good size bike, and many, many riders took them across the continent.

Today, people who have little insight into the perils facing a new rider look at power first and truly believe skill will follow very quickly. Newer 600cc bikes often have engines of 100 Horsepower, and they weigh less than 400 pounds, so they are very fast machines.
.

Sadly, however, those people are right, and new riders do learn on them, but the skill that is acquired by far too many novice riders on 600cc powerhouses is how to crash.

First, take a course on motorcycle riding, After that, enjoy the GS500 for a year or two, get some miles and experience behind you, then look at what you may wish to purchase next.

A small aside: the GS500 is in part based on the older GS series of bikes which were considered some of the best bikes ever built. I have a pair of GS1100s, and can attest they do stand up very well.

Answer 3

www.gstwin.com

specific things to look for on it...
look at the gas tank, is it dented? rusty? has it been replaced?
check the motor over, are the engine covers dented/scuffed? do you see oil or oil resudue on the loovers(sp?) of the motor, check the oil filter cover, are all the bolts there and do they match.
sit on it and look at the handlebars, are they tweeked or bent.
listen to it run, do you hear it missing or dogging out at all.

questions to ask.
has the petcock been replaced?
how does it run?
in detail what issues has the seller had with this bike and what has he done to correct them.


i am a former GS owner, i had a 93, it tought me ALOT! these bikes are excellent learning bikes, they have more power than a ninja 250 and most cars but dont have as much as a 600cc sportbike. They also dont have full fairings but they are sporty looking, meaning if you tip over you have less to damage.
also, some GS's have specific problems that have to be solved along the way, again the forum explains anything you want to know, but if you know what has already been corrected youll know what to expect.
i had mine for 6 years before i upgraded to my current bike (2003 R6)

** edit ** is this bike an "e" model or an "f" model, i have eperience with the "e" model (nekked bike), the "f" model has full fairings, and in that case i would inspect the plastic and see if there has been any damage

Answer 4

There might want to be a range on the ignition cylinder. likely the way in which for you'd be to carry the finished motorcycle to the keep. That way they could take the cylinder out. The dealership can shrink a clean key from only the decision on the cylinder. The VIN has no longer some thing to do with locks and keys. automobile factors shops won't be able to shrink bike keys. maximum locksmiths won't be able to both. The marketplace is small, they don't carry blanks.

Answer 5

The 500 is a little light on power. If you get a GREAT deal on it,that could make it a "maybe." If it's average deal, look for a 600 and have twice the fun!!!! On the freeway, you will be cruising at 7-8K and thats a LOT! Try for a 600 if you can.

James

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

how many miles on the clock??

has it a service history??

is there log books ???

has it been repainted?? (could mean its been in an accident)

if your new to riding....its got heaps of power...

if you have an R1 at home the GS is a slug....

4years old would expect less than 80,000 miles on the clock...

but bike should be good for 150,000 miles..depending on service history & how hard it was riden...

Answer 8

If it looks good it probably runs good. First bike go for it.

Answer 9

Sounds like your new to motorcycling. Ride it! If it's too much get a dirt bike.

Answer 10

Absolutely bitchin starter bike.