Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Ian522 wrote:Suzuki GS500 comes to mind.

I agree with Ian, GS500 is a great all around bike, This is a bike that not only looks good but performs well enough overall to last more than a few years before you out grow it.
I just took a minute and looked it up, 2007 for 5199.00 MSRP! And it is actually one sharp looking bike. It is the GS500F (F is for Fairing) I actually prefer the naked version myself but I am not sure it is still available new. Though a quick search on craigs list showed several late model bikes from 2000 to 3200 bucks, but for the 4 grand you have, I would go with something new. More reliable and you know it has no issues.
Alot of the bikes I found needed carb work from sitting, Unless you are good with them things you will pay out the O ring for that type of work, I personally have wasted way to much money over the years on carb work and I don't think I ever had any of it done right! They can be very costly and tricky, But then again I just ride em, I never claimed to know how to fix em! Here is the link to the Suzuki website, check it out.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS ... fault.aspx
Good Luck.
Steve

You didn't mention if you like sport bikes only or the price, for why that particular bike?

Also check craiglist.com for comparison of that bike used price and other used bikes prices. See http://sfbay.craigslist.org/mcy/ for real used bike listings by location.

Also take a look at http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school.htm for overall info and http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide.htm for used bike reviews both from this site.

Sheesh 1500 for gear. . .the heck you're buying. . .just saw that. . .

I do not like cruisers in any way, shape or form. I don't even like bikes that resemble cruisers in any way, shape or form. In fact, the only bikes I like at all are sport bikes.

I don't have any particular bike in mind really.

Price needs to be around $4k or less so I can be sure to have money for the other things I'll need (helmet, outer wear etc.).

flw wrote:You didn't mention if you like sport bikes only or the price, for why that particular bike?

Also check craiglist.com for comparison of that bike used price and other used bikes prices. See http://sfbay.craigslist.org/mcy/ for real used bike listings by location.

Also take a look at http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school.htm for overall info and http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide.htm for used bike reviews both from this site.

Lots of great info. Thanks! Gonna go check craigslist. I didn't know they had anything to do with bikes there. I've never really checked the site out at all now that I think of it.

Then there are only two bikes that some what match each other in general. The Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Korean bike (sorry cannot remember the name but someone will help me out here please )

Advantage of the Ninja is more people are familiar with it for regular maintenance and that its so common that getting a used one at a low price, in good condition, should not be a problem. Getting used parts should also not be a problem.

The Korean sport bike is relatively new in the U.S and there are few dealers as compared to other major dealers, so you may have to travel to find one. Parts are going to be priced higher because there are so few used parts unless you are going to always stick to new oem parts and have them shipped. Service from dealer has issues unless your lucky with a dealer near you. The bike itself has good reviews from user here that I have read in general. There is also no real need that I know of for 2 cylinders on a 250cc bike.

Edit: I just found the name and web site its http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/gt250.html Hyososung made in S.Korea designed in Japan. A new one is more $$$$ than a new Ninja. So for a used bike based on price, quality and possible service it's clearly the Ninja 250.

Because your new I would NOT suggest any 500cc sport bike or above. Both a 500 and a 650 will kill you just as quick. A 250 will allow you to recover from some of your mistakes that you will make. Where the other larger sport bikes will not.

I can see not liking cruisers because of body positions, but there are tons of bikes out there that arent "sports" bikes that sit and look great.

Also, in regards to gear: Why get a SHOEI, ARAI or SUOMY when you can get an HJC for much less with kick "O Ring" graphics (I have a CL-15 Pegasus, and I'll be damned if I'm not the sexiest thing on the road). Cortech boots for 100. Gloves - Joe Rockets for 30 bucks on eBay. Jacket - 210 (a bit more of you want all leather; try on textile/mesh combo). And pants - pair of jeans over some riding pants, not too expensive knowing where to look. So what - maybe 500 for the entire kit and kaboddle.

ANDS! wrote: Also, in regards to gear: Why get a SHOEI, ARAI or SUOMY when you can get an HJC for much less with kick "O Ring" graphics

I've used HJC, and its ok. I guess you don't NEED a $700 helmet, but the better helmets usually come with removable liner, easier change visors (not always) and visors that don't 'click' up, but go nice and smoove-like.

Maybe we need a helmet review page?

I haven't picked any gear out at all. I was just estimating $1500 for gear. If I don't have to spend that much I'm not going to. I could go buy more stuff for my other hobbies. One place I do not want to skimp is the helmet. I need two, one for myself and one for my wife. Any recommendations on helmets? I want the best here.

ANDS! wrote:I can see not liking cruisers because of body positions, but there are tons of bikes out there that arent "sports" bikes that sit and look great.

Also, in regards to gear: Why get a SHOEI, ARAI or SUOMY when you can get an HJC for much less with kick "O Ring" graphics (I have a CL-15 Pegasus, and I'll be damned if I'm not the sexiest thing on the road). Cortech boots for 100. Gloves - Joe Rockets for 30 bucks on eBay. Jacket - 210 (a bit more of you want all leather; try on textile/mesh combo). And pants - pair of jeans over some riding pants, not too expensive knowing where to look. So what - maybe 500 for the entire kit and kaboddle.

I am strongly leaning toward the Ninja 250 as well. It's inexpensive, insurance is cheap and it is also not bad aesthetically. I'm competent with engines and whatnot and it appears that this bike would be easier for me to work on as well as being fairly inexpensive to maintain.

flw wrote: Because your new I would NOT suggest any 500cc sport bike or above. Both a 500 and a 650 will kill you just as quick. A 250 will allow you to recover from some of your mistakes that you will make. Where the other larger sport bikes will not.