Wait time?

[Jamers!]

I don't know how fast LA traffic moves but shouldn't an EX500s top speed be around 90 or so?

It should be more than that, the 250 will approach 100.

i hit 121 on the I405 on a downhill, and i think i could have pushed 10 maybe 15 mph more out of it.



JWF

[Jamers!]

Ok but the top speed wasn't really my question (well it kind of was since I plan on getting an EX500).


Why would one need 20 more MPH when they're not even using all of their current power?


I'm not saying he shouldn't upgrade to a 600cc, just wondering why he would want to 2 months into the game when, it seems, the 500 would do the job fine.

the 500 is fine, i love the bike. But i like wouldnt mind having a little more pick up and a little bigger bike. Plus i love the look of the zzr.


JWF

[jmillheiser]

unless the 500 is a tad slow to pick up at 70mph (which I doubt) than I dont see a NEED to upgrade. Though it you want the new bike and feel comfortable on it than I say just get it.

[Jamers!]

unless the 500 is a tad slow to pick up at 70mph (which I doubt) than I dont see a NEED to upgrade. Though it you want the new bike and feel comfortable on it than I say just get it.

once im in top gear on the EX at about 60-70 mph it strains a bit to accel.



JWF

[jmillheiser]

thought about keeping it in 5th a tad longer before hitting 6th?

sportbikes need their RPMs to produce decent power, the EX500 is no exception.

[Jamers!]

thought about keeping it in 5th a tad longer before hitting 6th?

sportbikes need their RPMs to produce decent power, the EX500 is no exception.

thought about it, tried it a few times. Still just creeps when in 6th and when it finally does get near its top its working way to hard. And while i wont be pushing either bike to its max very often i just would really like a little more get up and go in 6th and 5th, not to mention i think the zzr reals more comfortable than the EX

JWF

[jmillheiser]

If the ZZR feels more comfortable then I say go for it. Just remember for those first few rides that its going to have a LOT more power than your EX

[Jamers!]

If the ZZR feels more comfortable then I say go for it. Just remember for those first few rides that its going to have a LOT more power than your EX

oh, i plan on doing what i did when i was learning, just going to a parking lot to get the feel of the bike. Get the feel of its powerband and how it handles before i start taking it out on the road as a daily rider.


JWF

[Sev]

There's something about being on a bike that just makes you want to go faster and farther. I don't blame you for wanting to move up. But I do commend you for starting smaller.

As far as the out of oomph at 70mph, like was said before try keeping it in 5th longer. I've found (on my bike) that 6th is more for cruising then anything else. Something about the gear ratio makes it great for maintaining speed, but acceleration... not so hot.

No matter what you decide I wish you well. And remember to post pics if you get a new beast.

[gsJack]

Hi all, been riding around on my EX500 for 6 months now and i love it. Though it does have its flaws. I love the MPG and acceleration and what not. But i do wish i had a little more jump when i start and maybe just a 20mph faster top speed to keep up with the LA traffic. Ive been eyeing a ZZR600 thats at the dealership. Its an older model so its on sale for 2k. I love the lines on this bike and think it looks sweet. My only concern is me. While i feel fairly competent and getting more confident with every ride i wondering what you guys would think about bumping it up 100ccs after half a year. I have yet to drop a bike other than the MSF bike and like i said i seem to have the basics of getting from point A to B down. Should i go for it? Thanks all
JWF

You have reached the point where it's time to either buy a more powerful bike or to learn to ride the one you have. I did the same thing over 20 years ago, traded my CB400 first bike in on a CB750 after 6 months and 6k miles. If you want a more powerful bike and feel you can handle it then go for it.

After wearing out 4 Honda's, I bought my 1st GS500 and learned how to really ride a 500cc bike. No need for a larger one, but most will want a larger engined one and why not if that's your thing. I've put over 100k miles on the 2 GSs and had a ball doing it.

Your EX500 should do an honest 110-120 measured top speed and accelerate faster than most of the cars on the road. I've saved all the GS500 tests run over the years and where the data came from a GS/EX comparo have included the figures for the EX also:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... _tests.jpg

When I was running with some Harley friends on the freeways at 80-90 mph, I would just leave it in 5th gear for adequate roll-on and drop to 4th if needed. The GS will redline at just over 100 mph in 4th. Travelling the interstates I run 75-80 mph indicated with ease. I have had much fun in recent years riding the mountain twisties with friends on much larger bikes and running at their pace. Just have to shift a few thousand times a day more than they do.

No doubt in my mind; 500cc is all you really need, but most will want more.

Edit to fix link