Wanna get a bike....

[dieziege]

Eh... don't really care what people say 'bout my bike. As long as I'm happy, who cares?

The ex500 is sweet if it is comfortable for you. I'm a little pissed about the GS500 'cause I like the looks of the 500e better than the 500f, but I can't buy it. If I'd had a couple thousand more bux sitting around (or I'd been willing to finance the bike) I might've bought a used SV650 or even a new V-Strom 650. There really aren't very many good smallish bikes being sold in the US right now, not counting the cruisers anyway. Basically two 500s (Suzuki and Kawasaki), two 250s (Hyosung and Kawasaki), a few 650ish (two kawasakis, a two sukukis, and a few "exotics" that are expensive). If you like cruisers there are quite a few nice choices available in that area.

As for wearing out the 250 engine... it is a problem... I've heard the engines last roughly 40K to maybe 60K miles without much trouble... dunno how true that is. If true mine'll be dead in two years 'cause I've been putting 2600 miles a month on mine just in commuting to/from work. I bought it as a throw-away commuter bike... it's been saving me an honest $160 a month just in gas. ... which means it'd better last two years or it won't have paid for itself.

My advice: make a list of reasonable first bikes... stick to that list... and get the one on the list that makes you happiest.

[deathlucky]

i have a gs500f 2006 modle its lots of fun can do about 180km/h on it and im a big guy. its a twin so its got i nice sound to it and its cheaper to servise. its cheap compaired to other bikes only problem is if u drop it the fairin dints easy

[MotoF150]

Go with the either the FZ6, or the FZ1, these bikes are the closest street bike that will feel like a dirt bike

[DivideOverflow]

Go with the either the FZ6, or the FZ1, these bikes are the closest street bike that will feel like a dirt bike

as always, ignore his advice.

Any of the 3 (the ninjas or the GSF) are a very good choice.

I wouldn't worry about the 250 in the ways the dealer mentioned, those engines are tough, and are built to rev.

The GS500F is my pesonal favorite of that bunch, but I also feel most comfortable on it. My comfort preferences go:
Ninja 250
GS500F
Ninja 500
But the GS500 is close enough to the 250 that it makes it a moot issue. I'm about 6'0 225ish btw.

[badfish227]

yeah, the more i talk to people and the more i look into it, the more i think im leaning to the ninja 500, ive read and heard it out rates the gs500 all around, hp, cornering, fun factor, repair and maintenance (cheaper) (i cant spell, maybe) and resale value, im gonna ride them both in a couple days and see what feels better, im 6'3" about 185, and the only thing i like better for feel when just sitting is the way my legs feel on the kawasaki, the gs500 almost makes me feel like im bending my legs too much, we'll see how them feel when im riding, i mean the shifter sits a little high so i fgeel like i have to stretch my foot up to be on top of it, but i can adjust that....
i really apreciate all your input you guys are awesome, and soon as i do make a purchase ill put up some pics or something of my silly "O Ring" smiling my "O Ring" off on my new bike!
Later
Matt

[bok]

get whichever is more comfortable. the shifter can be adjusted to your foot position same as the clutch and brakes can be adjusted to your needs. so if the seating position of one is better than the other for you, then that is the one to go for.