2005 Suzuki GS500F reviews

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 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

This bike has been great. I've had the bike for just over a month and I love it everytime I can ride it. Ride Safe!! Show less

I have had mine for about two months, and I have been riding the tires off of it. It is reliable, quick, looks great, inexpensive to maintain and gets great gas mileage (59-75 MPG aggressive city riding and highway riding.) Handles better than anything else I have ever ridden. Show less

My '04 GS500f is my first motorcycle, and I just got it this year. What makes it such a great starter bike is the fact that it's fast enough that you can keep up with your buddies, yet tame enough that you won't kill yourself on it. A great all-around bike. Show less

I bought this biike because I just couldn't afford the insurance on a gixxer and I'm glad I did. It handles well and has good "beginner" power. I've hit 114 and it takes it like a champ. Overall good bike and an excellent starter bike. My only real complaint is a lack of accessories and the uncomforable seat on long trips. Show less

Easiest motorcycle to control in my opinion, keeps up with the R6 on turning, and agility. Lack of power however some throttle lag. Mine has flooded twice since I've had it, however other than that I've had no problems and I'm extremely happy with it. Show less

I have been riding dirt bikes forever and this year I decided to buy a Suzuki GS500f street bike. Mostly because I couldn't afford the insurance of payment on a GIXER! I absolutely love the bike so far! It's light, relatively fast (at least compared to most cars) and it eats up traffic and turns like crazy! I have run it up to 100mph and it is stable as ever! I highly recommend this bike! Show less

This is a great bike. For a big guy like me it is perfect and can support my large frame with ease. I was especially pleased when I filled up the large 5.3 (4.2 main) gas tank for the first time finding the 60 mpg mark. For a poor college student the gas adds up and I'm happy to save a little money when I can. The speed is great for the more sensible rider that likes to push the 90 mph mark just to hit it. The only thing that I don't like is that there are few accessories for it and the seat gets kind of uncomfortable after about half an hour. Even though I was orginally looking for a crusier style bike I'm glad that I went with this semi-sport bike. Great starter/commuter bike. Show less