Suzuki GS500 VS Ninja 500

[Super-Angry-Dude]

So once Iv had my liscense for a few months I am gonna move to a a larger bike. The KLX250SF just is not gonna get the job done for those commutes to college, it a 30 min freeway drive to the nearest. I was wondering which would be a better sports bike to start on? I like the look of the GS500 but I heard the Ninja 500 is just an amazing starter. What do the forums think?

[MikeK77]

Let the battle begin

I can't say....as you see....Im partial to my 500

[primalmu]

They both are excellent bikes with a proven track record. The engines have been around since the 80's (and earlier than that for their predecessors). You can't really go wrong with either one. The Suzuki looks better, but the Ninja is slightly quicker. Both are still more than enough to get you in trouble though, and neither will be insufficient for the freeway.

[MikeK77]

My 500 is fine on the highway..

Im 6'1..285lbs, and it still has lots of get up, and crusies 80mph with no issue...

if you're worried about top speed, this isnt the bike...although i got 105mph before the bike couldnt handle it, so I backed off

[slappa4life]

tis bike looks sweet online

[Super-Angry-Dude]

I was also considering a Ninja 650, but im not so sure yet. Would you say a Ninja 650 is too big for a second bike?

[Super-Angry-Dude]

or a GSX600

[kat569]

I tried out both the Ninja 500 and the Suzuki GS500 at the dealer. I chose the Ninja for a few reasons. It felt lighter and easier to balance. It has a narrower saddle, and I was able to flat-foot it; where the Suzuki is wider, and I was barely able to get the tiptoes of both feet on the ground (forgot to add that I'm 5'5" and around 140 lbs.). Plus I just liked the overall look better. After looking into them a bit (naturally, after I brought the Ninja home), I found that the Ninja does have better performance, such as from a dead stop. I'm very happy with my Ninja!

As for getting a 650, it really depends on your skill level and how long you've been riding. Me, I've been riding (here and there) for five months now, almost six; and no way in HECK would I even THINK about getting on a 650. I'm not ready for that!

[primalmu]

A 650 is pretty tame, it's just a slightly larger version of the Ninja 500 (well, not technically since its a completely different engine). The 650 would make an excellent beginner bike. The GSXR 600, on the other hand, not so much.

[BioInclined]

Bumping this since, I'm looking at a 02 Ninja 500 vs. 92 GS500
6 speed vs. 5 speed
soft suspension on the GS500 I've read, anyone have input on that?
I was looking at an 09 EX650(ninja), but would take out a loan on that and not sure I really want to do that since insurance will go up some and maybe not the best entry level ride.

[bajakirch]

I can't speak for the Suzuki, but I've heard that most insurance companies classify the Ninja as a standard rather than a sport bike. That would save a ton on insurance.

[primalmu]

Originally Posted by BioInclined

Bumping this since, I'm looking at a 02 Ninja 500 vs. 92 GS500
6 speed vs. 5 speed
soft suspension on the GS500 I've read, anyone have input on that?
I was looking at an 09 EX650(ninja), but would take out a loan on that and not sure I really want to do that since insurance will go up some and maybe not the best entry level ride.

Go with the newer bike. If they were the same year then you really couldn't go wrong with either of them. However, in this case, the 2002 wins out.

[BioInclined]

Originally Posted by primalmu

Go with the newer bike. If they were the same year then you really couldn't go wrong with either of them. However, in this case, the 2002 wins out.

That was a thought too. I would also assume parts are a bit easier to find for the Ninjas.
Thanks

[primalmu]

Originally Posted by BioInclined

That was a thought too. I would also assume parts are a bit easier to find for the Ninjas.
Thanks

The GS500 has been around for years, largely unchanged, just like the Ninja 500. You won't have trouble finding parts for either bike.

[z9nine]

Go Ninja, But I am partial to them.

[cbdallas]

Me too. I wish the Ninja 500 would've received the updates that the 650 & 250 did, but apparently it was filling a niche that no longer exists. RIP.

[BioInclined]

Alright, now I hate to do this, but...
This is the ad.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/2922028033.html
If you're on these forums, you'll be happy to know you have my attention, lol.

You guys think this is a fair price? Considering it's a street fighter?

[primalmu]

Personally, I think that's a bit much for a... well, I hate to call it a streetfightered bike. I'd bet you could talk him down to $1750...

[BioInclined]

Originally Posted by primalmu

Personally, I think that's a bit much for a... well, I hate to call it a streetfightered bike. I'd bet you could talk him down to $1750...

Yea, the plan to was try for $1800. Especially since it's been on there for about 2 weeks. I won't be ready to grab something for another 2 or so.

I'm not happy it's "streetfightered" either but as a first bike of that platform, I'm not going to be picky.

[davidap]

go for the Ninja

[z9nine]

I would walk up to that bike with 1500 in my pocket no more, unless he had all of the parts he pulled off in good condition. That head light looks ridiculous IMHO.

The fact the fairing was destroyed in a "minor" accident, would make me even more wary and offer 1200. Without pics of the crash damage, it take a lot to destroy those to the point where they can't be repaired.

If you go look at make sure the bars are straight the forks as well, ride it or have some one ride it and make sure that about 15 to 30 mph you can take your hands off of the bars and it rides true.

[BioInclined]

Yea, I thought about that after I read it a few times. Downed once by someone else, he got it and downed it.
There's been a few others in the running recently and I have nothing but time to decide.
I'm not a fan of some of the rust I see in certain spots on the image page link. The exhaust looks close to biting the dust soon too.

[BioInclined]

So I still don't have anything and keep seeing things pop up I like. Been seeing some nice 92-96 CBR I'm hoping to go look at within a few days. This one though popped up right by my house. Has a clean title, says never wrecked and he bought it like this. I know its one crappy picture but what do you think?
The exhaust looks a bit rusty and I have a feeling the discoloration on the engine are/covers is oil? EDIT: Asking $1900

[CB750F]

Ninja 500 hands down. I've ridden both and have owned my 07 Ninja 500 since new. It's liquid cooled also as the GS is air cooled.

[Gunner75]

Originally Posted by Super-Angry-Dude

I was also considering a Ninja 650, but im not so sure yet. Would you say a Ninja 650 is too big for a second bike?

This is what im looking at for my first sports bike. I ride a 800+ lbs 1520cc cruiser, but i want something thats quicker in the twisties and is one i could handle. I test road the Ninja 650 the other day, and i have to say im hooked. I like the feel, the power it has and is able to lug my big arse around (6'2" 260), The torque the thing has is somewhat amazing for the bike but its solidly manageable. I plan on picking my Candy Green Ninja in a day or so. I would say go with what ever your gut tells you but be sure to test ride before you buy. I thought i was sold on a used ZX10R then i decided to check out the new 2012 650.

EDIT*
Might i add the aftermarket addons that are on the market for the 2012 are really nice. Bit pricey but thats to be expected on a 2012 bike.