Total Motorcycle Community Forums

okay ive read all the posts on how beginers shouldnt get 600cc bikes, I'm starting to look at the suzuki GS500f, is there anything I should know about this bike that the suzuki homepage isnt telling me? any help in decision makong would be great thanx

it's already a proven great newbie bike.

if you like it. then go for it.


although i will advise to get a used one if you plan to upgrade later after a few months or a year.

I'm considering this bike as well. I live in Houston where 6 months out of the year, it's pretty warm here, okay downright HOT. Is there any express concern about that considering it's air cooled ? Would the Ninja 500 be any better? Or does it just come down to preference?

TxCZShooter wrote:I'm considering this bike as well. I live in Houston where 6 months out of the year, it's pretty warm here, okay downright HOT. Is there any express concern about that considering it's air cooled ? Would the Ninja 500 be any better? Or does it just come down to preference?

preference, yeah.

both are proven great newbie bikes.

the ninja has a tad little bit more power but the design looks the same as bikes from 20 yrs ago.

from what I read, ninja 500 is a better value for the money. Someone once linked to a comparison between ninja 500 and gs500, and ninja came out ahead in nearly every category. Plus the fact that it's liquid cooled means that you never have to worry about it overheating (although, from what I read gs500 doesn't overheat either as long as you're moving). The only thing I like about GS500F over ninja is the look.

Welcome to the forum Togaman ¡

Many people choose the GS500F over the Ninja500 for the purpose of twisties. From what I understand, the GS500F is more maneuverable, and a better handler. The ninja 500 does have a little more power.

I have seen several reviews of both of the bikes, and it seems to be reviewer's preference.

I wouldn't worry about the GS overheating unless you are idling in the sun for like 30 minutes. I have an aircooled KZ650, and the thing has never overheated.

Both or a good choice, but the GS500F would get my money between the two. I like the feel of the GS over the ninja.

i don't know your area, but if there are a lot of traffic jams/slow speed idling/construction zones for half an hour or more in 100+ degrees, that air cooled engine might not like it so much, but really it's a matter of fit and finances before fashion.

if it fits you and you can afford it, go for whichever suits your style preferences. Since you know the roads in your area, you probably know which ones get clogged on hot days and 2 or more ways around them so you should be able to keep the bike rolling along and not overheating.

**Edit: As Fireguzzi says below, in Georgia it isn't having any overheating problems, so it should be fine for you as well.

As an owner of a GS500 I can tell you that it is a great bike with absolutly NO overheating problems. I live in GA and ride for hours in upper 90's without a single problem.

This is my second bike, I have been riding off and on for nine years, and have just recently started to REALLY push this bikes limits on the curves.

It is a great beginer bike and a good second bike as well.

There are tons of GS500s in Houston - and tons of them have several tens of thousands of miles on them. If you've been in town long you know exactly when driving is a bad idea - and probably know pretty well how to get around standstills anyway. There's at least 40 ways to get everywhere in Houston, and a GS500 will get you there on all of 'em!