starter bike

[gsJack]

Well, the figures posted by MCN for quarter mile times, top speed, and 0-60 are all the slowest of all the GS500 tests listed on the test data sheet I linked to. Also the horsepower and torque figures are the lowest of all on the sheet. Not really enough to make an issue out of though. The EX does outperform the GS by a small but significant margin, but still they are close enough for the rider to make more difference than the bike does when running together.

I find I make the best time keeping the GS between 7000 and 9000 rpm when running in the mountain twisties with bikes of all sizes. Run it up to just past the HP peak and drop back to the top of the torque curve. Don't think I've hit the 11k redline a half dozen times in over 100k miles on the GSs.

It's well over a year since that MCN comparo came out and I just glanced back thru it and noticed a couple other factual errors I forgot about. They state that the EX has shim over bucket valve adjustment when it actually has the easier screw and locknut type of adjustment and they give the EX front tire size as 120/70-17 when it is actually 110/70-17.

I was just trying to make the point that the comparo in MCN was such a sloppy job that I wouldn't suggest anyone making their choice between the two based on it. Best to look at both bikes and try them out if you can and make a choice based on which one turns you on. They are both good choices. If I had found a naked EX500 for hundreds of dollars less than a fully faired GS500 back when I bought the first GS, I would now be signing on here as exJack instead of gsJack.

[NCRonB]

I was just trying to make the point that the comparo in MCN was such a sloppy job that I wouldn't suggest anyone making their choice between the two based on it.

And you made that point well. What a factual mess. It was a factor in my decision (as I assumed the facts were correct), but I think I would've gone with the EX anyway.

Thanks for adding even more skepticism to everything I read.