GS650 Questions

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Uncle_Bob · #1 Unread post by **Uncle_Bob** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 5:45 am

Hi Folks there is a 1983 suzuki GS650 for 1800 in my local apaer. Looks like a standard bike to me. Is it too much for a begginer/beater bike?
Is that a decent price?

Uncle_Bob · #2 Unread post by **Uncle_Bob** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 6:07 am

Err Correction 1200$ USD

Lion_Lady · #3 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 6:07 am

Hmmm. I'd go sit on it. If it runs good, and isn't too heavy, it should make a pretty good starter bike. I'd also strongly recommend that you take it directly to a shop and have it safety inspected, whether or not it is required in your state.

A pro will know what to look for as far as potential issues. . . worn chain, bad brakes, dry rotted tires, weak battery, tweaked handlebars, leaky gaskets, etc, etc, etc.

I will say, that even if it is in good condition, $1500 for a 20+ year old bike is a lot. (I started out on a 1980 GS250, pretty indestructable and nothing much to look at, but it RAN). Take along cash and offer $800, see if they bite.

P

Pongo · #4 Unread post by **Pongo** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:02 am

Looks like a standard bike to me. Is it too much for a begginer/beater bike?

If you mean is the bike "too much for a beginner"? To be on the safe side I'd have to say yes.

The GS 650 is about 70 horsepower and around 480 pounds dry weight, has a large fuel tank, also it is a transverse 4, all that translates into a fairly powerful and heavy bike that wears it's weight high up, which in my opinion isn't the best for a beginner. I would imagine, many beginners would have problems with low speed manoeuvering on a bike like this.

Uncle_Bob · #5 Unread post by **Uncle_Bob** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:51 am

Ok thanks I guess im gonna have to skip this one. Since I live in the snowbelt I have 6 months do decide

Im stuck between the ninja 250 and the new ninja 650R. Gonna see some review's first and see hot it handles, and yes I will drop it i know, im willing to accept that.

#6 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 11:26 am

650R is advertised as an ideal second bike by the makers...

Gadjet · #7 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:12 pm

I started on that bike (not that particular one, but the same model)

Very forgiving bike for a beginner - 67hp, but yes it's heavy. It doesn't accelerate like a sportbike, but it will cruise very nicely and I found it to be easy to handle in traffic. The weight is centered fairly low in the frame, so it is easy to handle and keep balanced, but if it does start to go over on you, your best bet is to just let it go and then pick it up from the ground.

Mine was the shaft drive 'L' model, with the 12L fuel tank which I swapped out for a 16L tank from the regular 'G' model.

Very forgiving bike and well within the realm of being a decent beginner bike - the low seat height and standard riding position are very comfortable and make it an easy bike to handle.

btw, I'm not a very big guy - 5'8" and 150lbs and I didn't have any problems muscling this bike around or picking it up from when I dropped it.

You can check out pictures of my bike in my gallery at http://www.whytegryphon.mindsvirge.com/gallery

go into the Sorta NAR folder and root through the motorcycle pics - the zook will be easy to identify