96 or 05 Suzuki GS500

Message

Phillyeaglesown · Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:28 am

During this summer Im going to be getting my motorcycle license, I was looking on craiglist and found 2 Suzuki GS500s. Ones a 96 and the others an 05 since the bike I really want is a 2007 HondaCBR600RR its gonna be to much torque and all to start so i wanna start on a slower bike that i dont have to worry about if i crash or anything (not that i will).

So here r the links for the 2 bikes:

96: http://cnj.craigslist.org/mcy/342022332.html

05: http://cnj.craigslist.org/mcy/319776462.html

Now since Im hoping to get a 600cc bike after I learn how to drive a slower bike well, does it seem worth it to get the 05 or should i just get the 96 and upgrade when im ready?

Thanks for the advice

Nalian · #2 Unread post by **Nalian** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:36 am

As long as the BB value is around what they're asking (or higher) - you can really get either and probably sell either for what you paid within a year of riding, providing you don't wreck or if you do, fix it right.

I'd get whichever felt more comfortable. If money wasn't an issue I'd probably get the newer one - less likely to have issues, but the older one is probably fine too.

matthew5656 · Wed Jun 06, 2007 8:22 am

I'd take the 96 only because I like the naked, GS500E more than Suzuki's faired F version. But whichever suits your taste. It would be more expensive to fix the newer 2005 if you did drop it.

Phillyeaglesown · Wed Jun 06, 2007 8:55 am

After looking at kbb both bikes r marketed up over retail value by about $200. Do they seem like reasonable prices or should I try to see if I would be able to get the prices lower?

tortus · #5 Unread post by **tortus** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:02 am

I'm no expert, but between those bikes I'd take the E too. That's a pretty nice looking first bike. I always felt the fairing on the F just felt out of place and kinda tacked on.

I don't believe any real significant changes have been made to the GS500 from 96 to 05 either.

jonnythan · #6 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:04 am

Get the '96. Much better looking and obviously much cheaper.

ANDS! · #7 Unread post by **ANDS!** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 10:40 am

600 miles a year?

I'd ask for any service records if hes got them (as he says he just had it done).

Phillyeaglesown · Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:16 pm

Yeah the body works on 500cc's and down do look very tacked on thats a very good point. What do u mean by check the records, check to see if he has a record of the last time he took it to a shop?

tanitatt · #9 Unread post by **tanitatt** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:30 pm

I've always been partial to the 500E myself.