Good starter bike?

[jbird82]

Originally Posted by KoZmiC NinJa

I just sold a GS 500 and it was a great little bike.
Of course since it is basically late 80's technology and
doesnt look cool people dismiss it out-of-hand.
OK mileage, very light and maneuverable, easy to work on
relative to modern/faired bikes, it is an overlooked but great
little bike. My only hesitation recommending it would be that
it can be very finicky to start/ride in cold weather and in hot
climates, there can be issues that a beginning rider might get
really jerked around by a dealer if they are not aware of the
nature of all the earlier carbed models

Another GS500 fan here. I used one as a starter bike for 2 years before selling it earlier this year. I was actually attracted to the looks of the GS500, but I really like the looks of just about any of the naked sports, hence why I'm on a Ducati Monster now.

But yeah, they are finicky to get going in the cold. I'd usually start it up, put on all my gear and do a pre-ride check and by that time, she'd be pretty warmed up. Once it's warm, I never had any problems with it stalling, etc.

Also, and this is true of the Kawi 250 and 500, if you buy used, you will get back almost all of what you paid for it. I sold mine after 2 years for 300 dollars less than I paid only 3 days after listing it. I could've probably gotten more back if I held out longer.

[catman]

I once has a Suzuki GS450S, immediate ancestor to the GS500, and it was a great little bike. I wish I still had it.

[Thaskateguy]

They may not be considered cool, but small nimble bikes are a blast to ride.

[harald]

a suki gr 650 ? one of the most reliable and easiest to drive.