Suzuki GS500F reviews

I bought my GS500F new in 2005. I had a 1984 650 NightHawk and was a little skeptical on down grading in size and for that matter going to a sport bike. But all is well and I'm very happy I diched the NightHawk and bought the GS500F. If anyone is thinking about buying one - GO FOR IT! You will not be disappointed. Show less

I purchased a used 500 with only 2600km on it, nearly brand new. I've had it for a month so far, with some long distance rides on it. I have ridden before, but this is the first bike I have owned. If you are planning to get this bike, please read my review carefully to decide if this is the bike for you. If you are a smaller rider or new into riding, this bike is very forgiving. Combined with very cheap insurance, this bike makes an awesome day-to-day commuter and a good platform to jump into riding. It has outstanding fuel economy, with a tank lasting you over 500km, if driven leisurely. It has a very easy use clutch that works well in traffic. Despite looking like a sport bike, it has an upright riding position, more like a cruiser than a sport. Unless you are sitting on the bike for over an hour, the comfort should not be a problem. If you are on it for over an hour, it feels like your backside has sustained blunt force trauma and you will need to take a break from riding for 10-15 minutes to recover (a custom seat should correct this problem). It has more than enough power to keep up with traffic, and 95% of cars cannot keep up should you want to pass. Its lightweight also makes if very flick-able into the corners and it does have decent handling. This bike would be highly recommended to less aggressive riders, beginners and commuters. With that being said, this bike does have some drawbacks that all riders need to consider before purchasing this bike. First, THIS IS NOT A SPORTBIKE! While it does have adequate power, the engine feels like it is straining under hard acceleration. Gearing is also very short during the first three gears, which interrupts brisk acceleration to the point where in first gear, quick cars can beat you at the light until you get into second or third. It feels more comfortable at cruising speeds (110-130km/hr) than it does being driven hard. The suspension is also very soft in front, making heavy braking and quick corner entry nerve racking. The suspension also lacks anything but primitive adjustability. The rear brake squeaks unless applied forcefully, doesn't affect braking, but it does get annoying in traffic. The small air-cooled v-twin just cannot compete with the larger displacement, higher tech bikes. A young rider who tends to have an aggressive attitude toward riding will outgrow this bike quickly. Trying to keep up with your friends on 600's will be difficult during spirited riding. My advice would be to get a 600 and start slow, that way you can grow with the bike. Acceleration will leave a lot to be desired unless you are really pushing the bike to its limits. It also doesn't have the wider tires that inspire confident high lean cornering. The biggest tire you can fit on back would be a 140 without modifications. To summarize, this bike is awesome for a brisk drive into the country or for your weekend ride. Due to its low cost, low insurance and stingy fuel sipping, it will also make an excellent day-to-day commuter. If you are looking to have a sport bike then you are better off saving for a while longer to get a 600cc bike. Having your friends pass you constantly gets a little frustrating after a while. Quick learners and young people will grow tired quickly and want something faster and more capable within the first couple of months. As a touring motorcycle, comfort becomes a problem when the ride gets longer...so be prepared for a sore backside. I haven't taken a passenger yet, so I can't comment on two up drive-ability. I can comment that the bike gets a little squirrelly in crosswinds and at high speeds. If you are driving on a major highway at consistently high speeds, be prepared to get fatigued quickly fighting the winds, as the windscreen is more form than function. Hope this helps. Show less

I love my bike! It's fast enough to get me into trouble, but I don't feel I have to go 180 everywhere ethier. I can cruise when I want to or I can open her up. It's the best money I ever spent and I am actually glad that I don't have a GSXR. I think my 500 stands out in a crowd more and it is also more rider friendly. that's always a plus. The only downside is that aftermarket parts are pretty much non existent. Show less

I bought this bike 2 days ago. It's my second bike, but my first sport bike. I had a Vulcan 750, but wanted a sport bike. To be honest was concerned about loss of performance dropping down in engine size. I will say, this bike is every bit as jump to it and is definitely faster all around. The lightweight bike could use a little more leg room, but I can ride pretty comfortably, and coming from someone that is used to riding cruisers, that's a big surprise in itself. The handlebars are raised more than normal sportbikes, so you aren't as hunched over on this. It has only been 2 days, but I am extremely happy thus far. Can't wait to really get on it and see what it can do!!! Show less

The GS500 in my opinion, was a great bike. Not the fastest bike though. The rear swingarm left little to no upgrade for larger tire, but it does great with the one on it. I love the even gears in this bike. The ultra smooth power range seems to pull equally hard in each gear. I had mine to the limit, 130 mph on the ummm....autobahn. Seems to be very forgiving, it doesn't wear you out to ride it, and it even does very well with a passenger. With a little more weight on the rear end it handles even better. This was my first bike and I bought it new in July 04 and had 6k on it by the end of the riding season (Oct, Nov). I haven't had any trouble out of the bike and I get many compliments on how clean and sporty it looks. I would almost call it a hybrid between a full out sport bike and a cruiser. It handles well, revs decent, and has the looks, but also has the relaxed handlebars to take some of the discomfort out of the ride. The gas mileage is excellent on this bike. Great bike. If there weren't such a thing as finance charges ;) Show less

I've been riding for 20 years. I opt for smaller bikes with sport tour capability. I find the GS500F to fit the bill as my daily communter. With over 19,000 miles in just under 18 months I have to recommend this GS as more than just a starter bike. It's always more fun to ride a fast bike fast...but this bike still fits the bill. It's no Gixxer, however it loves the twisties and will lap a liter bike with a skilled rider. Just returned from a 2400 mile trip with 2 1000 mile days...from NJ to Deals Gap to the Gulf Coast and back. No complaints. Needs a little leg room, but barely notice. You can sit upright on this bike. I've fitted the bike with Hepco and Becker Journey hard bags (42 liters--also seen on the Buell Ulyses). The GS500 has a pretty big following in Europe and so there are high quality product available for it. This is a simple reliable bike with great mileage and low maintenance. Fast and fun with a great pricetag. Show less

I have had this bike for a little over 6 months now. I bought it right when the 07 model came out. I have ridden faster bikes than this but as a beginner bike, it can hold its own. The speedo reads to 130. This bike will hit 130 stock.(I did this on a cool night when the air was denser) There aren't very many hop ups that you can put on this bike but if you get creative, the possiblilties are endless. I would recommend this bike to any one that wants to start out riding. Best bang for your buck. Show less

This bike makes it look easy! As other reviewers said, this is the best first bike and it is a real good intro into the sportbike line. Insurance is cheap especially when compared with a GSXR or SV line. OK, maybe not as sporty as them...but also not the injury rate either for a newbie!! The bike helps me to become a better rider. I have had mine for 3 months now and have 2000 miles as a daily driver to work at almost 55 mpg!! 2 up is tough though... Show less

This is my first bike and I love it so much. The bikes handles great and so far I haven't had any problems with it. Compared to most the bigger bikes out there, this is one of the most comfortable because on this bike you're not leaning forward so much as with the GSX-R line. It might not be the fastest bike on the road but it will take most cars out there. I would definitely recommend this bike to any beginner and any one who is just looking to have fun on a bike. Show less

I bought mine almost brand new (it was used, but with only 180 miles on it). I now have just over 1400 miles under my belt, and there hasn't been a second when I wasn't happy with my bike. The seating arrangement is comfortable, in fact I would describe it as perfect for someone my height learning to ride. It has the aggressive posture of a sport bike, but has the handlebars raised up so that you are not cuddling the gas tank. Transmission is super smooth, I only use the clutch for downshifting. Sounds great, looks great... amazing first bike! I love mine! Show less