GS 500 vs Ninja 500

Forum Sponsor
rode a ex500 for 5 yrs. went to the track with it also (as a beginner). All stock no mods. Its a great bike. I was going around turns afters then guys with much bigger bikes, of course, in the straight they all catch back up.

No problem with putting my gf at the back around the city all day. We were shopping for furniture and tiles...put a tank bag on and you can even get some grocery.

Now that I ride the 848, she no longer want to ride 2up because its so uncomfortable. For her and for me too. In some ways, I wish I still had my 500 to ride around town with her.

Maintenance is simple. Put some gas stabilizer in the tank and run it for a few min, next spring start right back up, year after year.
 
You are overthinking/analyzing this. Both bikes are solid and very similar. Unlikely you will be doing any of these maintenance/repair/upgrade things people mention. I'd pick the EX500 for more power/better engine (noticeable (10 horses, 4 valves per cylinder)) and liquid cooling (do you really think people worry about lines???). Also not a fan of handlebar mounted gauges on the Suzuki.

Not too many modify these bikes either as they are bare bones and not that much can be done to begin with. Buy one or the other and save up for your dream bike meanwhile. Insurance will be exactly the same on both as they are in the 250-499cc category for most companies.

Or double check insurance and get an SV650 instead if you can.
 
Last edited:
Had GS500F as my first bike, great bike to start on. Bottom line, whichever of two you will get, you won't be disappointed. When I was buying my first bike, I was searching on a deal for either one, GS500F deal came up first... and of course, personally, Kawi EX500 look is super outdated.
 
DemonPig said:
You are overthinking/analyzing this. Both bikes are solid and very similar. Unlikely you will be doing any of these maintenance/repair/upgrade things people mention. I'd pick the EX500 for more power/better engine (noticeable (10 horses, 4 valves per cylinder)) and liquid cooling (do you really think people worry about lines???). Also not a fan of handlebar mounted gauges on the Suzuki.

Not too many modify these bikes either as they are bare bones and not that much can be done to begin with. Buy one or the other and save up for your dream bike meanwhile. Insurance will be exactly the same on both as they are in the 250-499cc category for most companies.

Or double check insurance and get an SV650 instead if you can.
Click to expand...

I don't think I'm over analyzing my next bike. It's my money, I'd like to spend it wisely. 3-4k is a big deal for me, and choosing the right bike for me is my
Priority. As stated before, I've wasted a lot of this summer off the road, and when I get it I don't want to have to be wasting any more of the summer away.

As per the mods, I actually do intend to do them. If it means increasing the security and enjoyment of my ride then I will do so. Insurance won't be the same for any of the bikes in any cc class because they do charge by cc. I would do the SV 650 but can you justify 450/month plus gas and maintenance?

I do agree that the handlebar mounted gauge cluster is atrocious, it's painful that there is no bike that's the best of both worlds that I can afford.

Anyways there a couple of American imported bikes that are going for sort cheap. It seems to be too good to be true, but I'll double check it over when I go and see it. As for the speedo gauge, is there anyway to swap out what I'm guessing is a sticker that indicates your speed for a km/h? Don't know of its easy or even possible to take off the glass and buy a sticker to slap on, but is imagine it could be done with the right mindset.
 
deejizzle said:
Anyways there a couple of American imported bikes that are going for sort cheap. It seems to be too good to be true, but I'll double check it over when I go and see it. As for the speedo gauge, is there anyway to swap out what I'm guessing is a sticker that indicates your speed for a km/h? Don't know of its easy or even possible to take off the glass and buy a sticker to slap on, but is imagine it could be done with the right mindset.
Click to expand...

American bikes are cheaper because they are cheaper in the States, so the sellers offer you a better deal because they got a good deal. Check out Rochester, Buffalo and Detroit craigslist. Regarding cluster, you can always buy a km/h cluster from junk yard or ebay, just be honest and get one with a similar number of km to what your bike currently has.
 
I know on the GS it's not too hard to swap out the gauge (you can even roll back/forward the km while you're at it.)

There are also fees for importing American bikes. And the cost of pick up/transporting/etc. If you buy an american bike in canada make sure it's already imported properly. if you buy one across the border make sure you know what to do to import it properly.
 
Sabex said:
I know on the GS it's not too hard to swap out the gauge (you can even roll back/forward the km while you're at it.)

There are also fees for importing American bikes. And the cost of pick up/transporting/etc. If you buy an american bike in canada make sure it's already imported properly. if you buy one across the border make sure you know what to do to import it properly.
Click to expand...

Fees? Sure. $200. Read the wonderful 'Importing' sticky, that sticky thread educated a lot of people.
 
Hey guys just an update:

I knew these bikes were pretty even going in. At first I had my heart set-out on the GS500. I like the aesthetics and simplicity, and the fact that it would be easier to convert into a cafe down the line. So I did my hourly kijiji checks, and shot out emails. I eventually went to check out a ninja 500 out in guelph for a great price. Everything checked out fine (so far), so i put my deposit down.

I am now officially an owner of a new-to-me 2000 Ninja 500. Just needs new tires, and i went with the dunlop GT501's. I had avon roadrunners on my FZR, and I was happy about it but i figure it time to expand my horizon on tires. Other than a few scratches, it was barely used at just under 14k. everything is stock, and i think that even includes the battery. I dont plan on doing much to it, other than suspension somewhere down the line.

Now my question is, previous owner(s) did not do the valve checks at 12k. just under 2k past its service intreval, seems like oil was changed, chain and sprockets seemed to be in good nick, so I think everything will be fine. How important is getting those valves checked at 12? I guess if I have to ill check them out myself.

recently bought at Royal Distributing in guelph:

motul 7100
2 oil filters
air filter
tank pad

Dunlop GT501's purchased from pete's superbike.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
Important.

Makes for easy starting and even acceleration across the rpm spectrum. Also improves fuel economy. It goes without saying that it also helps with reliability.

I recommend it.
 
00ninja said:
Important.

Makes for easy starting and even acceleration across the rpm spectrum. Also improves fuel economy. It goes without saying that it also helps with reliability.

I recommend it.
Click to expand...

HEY YOU LOOK FAMILIAR.

lol yeah ill get them done on my own then. good experience. also, whats a good FULL SYSTEM exhaust that doesnt require taking off the center stand completely? i want to be able to tour and the centre stand will be a life saver.
 
deejizzle said:
HEY YOU LOOK FAMILIAR.

lol yeah ill get them done on my own then. good experience. also, whats a good FULL SYSTEM exhaust that doesnt require taking off the center stand completely? i want to be able to tour and the centre stand will be a life saver.
Click to expand...

Haha! You look familiar as well. No worries about the valves. Maybe you can hold out till the rest of the season. As for the centre stand, it is pretty handy. One of the nice features of this bike.

What model of FZR did you have before?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom