[gpmagnus]

Hi everybody,

My first post, so let's get the intro out of the way. I'm 27, a grad student who got the bug for riding last year. Took the MSF in September and did quite well [on a Buell Blast, which was a fun ride]. I have had some limited experience on a Kawi EN 500 [I don't think they brought them to the US, its a weaker version of the EX 500], but as I live in the COLD north, I have not ridden since September ...

As spring is approaching I have done my research and am looking for my first bike ... I've narrowed it down to the GS500 and the Ninja 500. I prefer the naked GS, esp. as it is less powerful, so there is less of a chance I'll kill myself; however, I am concerned about suspension, especially up front - I'm 230 lbs, and I've heard some not so complimentary things about the springs on the GS. What do you suggest I do ? Get progressive springs with heavier oil ? Any other mods you'd recommend for attacking the twisties ?

Appreciate your answers and let's hope the ice soon disappears from the north so the less fortunate half of us can ride again !

AJ

 

[87gsxrnut]

The new GS 500s look awesome, but, quite frankly, there is a lot more aftermarket stuff for the EX.

If you want some GOOD suspension advice, talk to an expert:

http://www.aftershocks-suspension.com/

Phil Douglas is NAILS.

- Nut

 

[gpmagnus]

Thanks for the link

Hey 87gsxrnut,

Thanks for the link. It is a very interesting web site. Too bad you are all out there in Sunny Southern Cal while I'm here in Wisconsin

AJ

 

[87gsxrnut]

UPS dude!

 

[gpmagnus]

UPS is nice, but I don't think they can do more than deliver the parts ... I was thinking about more advanced stuff like replacing suspensions etc. which I'd only go to the shop for ... but its in So. Cal ....

AJ

 

[Clint]

There are undoubtedly sites around to walk you through a job like this. All you need is a little sense of adventure!

 

[sime]

i know i keep posting aussie articles but this is one of the more simple to understand guides on suspension set-up i've come across:

http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/clubhouse/expertquestions.asp?Type=Setup


1st things 1st, before you blow lots of cash on expensive suspenison components, set the correct sag and wortk from there.

to achieve the most significant on this model, you may only need slighlty stiffer springs.

good tyres at correct inflation is alos essentail. with this in mind, never rely on the pressure guages on air pumps at gas/petrol stations, buy yourself a really good tyre pressure guage (not the pencil type) and check pressures regularly.

 

[gpmagnus]

So many things to buy

Hey there,

Thanks for the tips Sime ... anyone know a good tire pressure gauge ?

Cheers mate,

AJ

 

[sime]

I have one that's branded Michelin. Being Michelin, I guess its available worldwide. Here's what it looks like:

 

[Uncle Bob]

Re: Mods to a GS500E for the heavier rider - Any suggestions

Hi everybody,As spring is approaching I have done my research and am looking for my first bike ... I've narrowed it down to the GS500 and the Ninja 500. I prefer the naked GS, esp. as it is less powerful, so there is less of a chance I'll kill myself; however, I am concerned about suspension, especially up front - I'm 230 lbs, and I've heard some not so complimentary things about the springs on the GS. What do you suggest I do ? Get progressive springs with heavier oil ? Any other mods you'd recommend for attacking the twisties ?

Appreciate your answers and let's hope the ice soon disappears from the north so the less fortunate half of us can ride again !

AJ

Welcome to the site, I wouldn't worry about the suspension and certainly wouldn't put any money on it. It's your first bike, probably not your last. buy used, get training and when you'll have a season under your belt you'll be in a better position to decide where to put your money. I've ridden one and am in your weight range, it's not going to handle like a gixxer or even a katana but it will be a blast to ride.

You will enjoy it as a learning tool but throwing money on it will not turn it into a supersportbike.

 

[Dwayne Hicks]

When you say GS500 E, are we talking about this bike? This is the 1994 model..

 

[Mike Burnham]

First bike

My first bike was a new 1982 Honda CM250. I had the experience of flipping it on a turn one day when a car came around the curve in my lane. Fortunatly, I only scaped my knee, and bent the shift lever.
I did however notice as the bike landed on my chest that weight can make a big difrence. I would pay attention to the bike weight, and mileage when you are figuring out what to get for a first bike. I have cince owned three other bikes and the Intruder 800 I have now is my favorite. I do miss the days of 75 miles to the gal. and $80 a year for insurance, but times change and their is always room to grow.