Upgrading Advice | GTAMotorcycle.com

Upgrading Advice

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gordoff

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Currently I own an 06 gs500f (my first bike). It's amazing and I love it but eventually I want to upgrade to the sv650sf. I talked to my insurance company and they told me I'm only looking at an $80 increase a year which is nothing in comparison to the total amount I'm paying.

I really don't need the upgrade for next season.. more than happy to keep driving the gs but at the same time there's really nothing holding me back from upgrading. I'm sure there are factors that I haven't thought about which is why I created this thread.
 
if you're only thought is financial, don't worry. It's only a slightly higher maintenance. sv650 is bullet proof. it's also the best bike built in the entire world, but in like a honda civic way.
 
Upgrade...keep the economy moving.
 
They're both solid bikes. If insurance cost isn't much of a factor, go for it. An SV definitely isn't going to blow you away in terms of power vs the GS.
 
SpeeDemoN said:
Upgrade. I hear Hayabusa's are nice.
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lmao so much hate. But for a newb like me I wasn't sure if there was a big enough difference between the gs and sv where I should ride the gs for an extra season. Anyways, thanks to everyone else.
 
Don't really know either bike but if they are similar I'd put another year in if this was your first year and see where your interest lies.
I think you are on the right track with the "extra season".

You may find adventure appeals or touring or something more aggressive on the sport side.
 
gordoff said:
lmao so much hate. But for a newb like me I wasn't sure if there was a big enough difference between the gs and sv where I should ride the gs for an extra season. Anyways, thanks to everyone else.
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All in good fun. Seriously though you'll feel a difference in power if you go to an SV. However, you'll quickly get used to it and it might leave you wanting more.
 
if you're gonna upgrade do it proper (SS), if not keep on going with the 500...
 
MacDoc said:
Don't really know either bike but if they are similar I'd put another year in if this was your first year and see where your interest lies.
I think you are on the right track with the "extra season".

You may find adventure appeals or touring or something more aggressive on the sport side.
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+1

Took me a few bikes to realize what I wanted out of a motorcycle. Jumped from one to another because it was "newer" or seemed better on paper then the old. I was younger then, and it obviously showed in my buying pattern. If you are content with the gs, and enjoy it with no real burning desire to upgrade, why do it? Save your money, even the $80 on insurance adds up. Ride another season or 2 and figure out what you really want out of a bike, no need for the slow incremental cc upgrades if you are a responsible and mature rider.
 
^^ this
i think its about 15-20 hp diff. i could be wrong on this though..
sportier seating position.
feels like a SS bike sitting on it. but its not.
 
Those are both decent reasons to switch up BUT with 13% tax even on used flipping bikes here is a costly adventure.
In Aus it's cheap thrills - no tax on used, cheap insurance that stays with the bike.

I'd still give it a year and also hit up the demo days.
 
ViperZ said:
Wow. Nice advice. Proper upgrade! How is 600cc a proper upgrade over a 'busa?
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the same way a slim, fit 120 lbs hottie is an upgrade compared to a broad assed big girl you could only bend over and slam one way...
Its in the finesse, handling and riding style..
 
I currently ride a GS500F.
I really don't know what I'm going to get next. I really love the Street Triple R's, but I'm also very interested in a dual sport.


I'd say test drive a sv650, whether it be a friends or a dealerships and see how it is. Then when you hop back on your GS500F, decide whether you want to upgrade now or if you're still content with GS.
Another thing to question: have you pushed your GS500F to the limits? Or does it still have some juice you aren't using up?
If you just want a bit of a change: you could do some mods to the GS. More aggressive bars; different pegs; different suspension, etc. All of these things are relatively cheap and will give the GS500 a much different feel.

There might not be anything holding you back from upgrading, but is there anything pushing you towards upgrading? Upgrading just because you can isn't really a good reason. Is the GS lacking something that you're craving? Can the SV650 give you what you want, or is the GS still satisfying you?

As said before: those $80 will add up. Along with the tax from switching over, safety, new plates, possibly new tires, etc. It might be better to sit on the GS a bit longer to save more money.
 
Upgrade - anyone who owns a GS500F long enough drops it, and it's harder to unload with a cracked fairing. Don't get me wrong, I think the GS500 is a good bike, but it's probably not what drew you into riding. If the cost is so small to upgrade/change, I'd do it.
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