The GS500 is considered a good beginners bike unless you are particularly short and would fit a cruiser style better to start. I consider it a good all around do anything bike much like the Bonnie 650's of years past in size and performance.G_Seattle wrote:I have read that the Suzuki GS500F is a good beginner bike as well, are there any other recommendations? Brand is not important, I want something that is safe for a beginner, and can also handle some highway cruising on the week-ends! Thanks all for your help!
Put my last 130k miles on a couple GS500's and enjoyed every mile of it. Did some 400-500 mile days on them a few years ago travelling south to the Smoky Mtns to play. Found them comfortable enough for me for all day rides, I did my last long trip the summer of 04 just before my 72nd birthday.
My son put a used engine in my first GS with 88k miles on the bike and now uses it as a commuter for a long cross town commute by freeway or by backroads depending on time and mood. I put 80k trouble free miles on that one.
Also consider the Ninja 500 which is very similar to the GS500 but has a little more HP if you like the standard or sporty standard style of bikes. There are also a number of suitable cruiser style bikes that make good beginner bikes.
