Ducky,
I was also looking seriously at the GS500 for a first bike. Most experienced riders I know confirmed that it was a good choice for a first. I just wanted to chime in that the key to finding the bike you are looking for in your price range is patience. I recently saw a 98 GS500 with only 4K miles on it, and the guy was only asking $2300 for it. I probably could have landed it for 2 G's and it was in immaculate condition. My point, you just have to do your homework and learn what the market is for a particular bike and what you would pay for one. Be sure to check out cycletrader.com and definitely post to a few forums. Some might advise against buying from a dealership, but I figure as long as you are willing to stand firm on what you have to spend, you might just land the deal you are looking for. It worked for me and I couldn't be happier. Never forget that there are a TON of people out there that bought a bike on an impulse and then woke up one day a year later and realized they really didn't ride it that much, and they are more than happy to part with it for half of what they paid for it originally. Keep you're eyes open. Patience Ducky-san. That's the key.
Adam C.
I was also looking seriously at the GS500 for a first bike. Most experienced riders I know confirmed that it was a good choice for a first. I just wanted to chime in that the key to finding the bike you are looking for in your price range is patience. I recently saw a 98 GS500 with only 4K miles on it, and the guy was only asking $2300 for it. I probably could have landed it for 2 G's and it was in immaculate condition. My point, you just have to do your homework and learn what the market is for a particular bike and what you would pay for one. Be sure to check out cycletrader.com and definitely post to a few forums. Some might advise against buying from a dealership, but I figure as long as you are willing to stand firm on what you have to spend, you might just land the deal you are looking for. It worked for me and I couldn't be happier. Never forget that there are a TON of people out there that bought a bike on an impulse and then woke up one day a year later and realized they really didn't ride it that much, and they are more than happy to part with it for half of what they paid for it originally. Keep you're eyes open. Patience Ducky-san. That's the key.
Adam C.
