Whats a good 500cc starter bike?

[vinehanger]

Hey guys, I'm wondering whats a good 500 cc starter bike? My friends have convinced me that a 250 ninja is a waste of time, and there is not much of a variance in the insurance pricing of a 250cc vs 500cc.. now I'm wondering which is a good bike. I'm looking for something that ideally looks like a sportsbike (not into cruisers), something newer (2006+) and looks modern, stylish, but isnt too difficult to learn on. In terms of styling, something that looks like the new 2008-2009 250 Ninja's. I know i'll get comments about "start with 250!" but i really think I can handle a 500, I'm 26 and really not into stunting or unsafe riding.
thanks!

[slowbird]

You're basically looking at either a:
Kawasaki Ninja 500,



a Suzuki GS500,


or an Older Honda Interceptor VF500.


** Things to note:

-The Suzuki GS500 is Air cooled though newish ones have oil coolers
-The VF500's are from 1984-1986 so parts can be difficult to find (though IMO the V-Four is worth it)


I rode a Ninja 500 and compared to my VF I didn't like it

[Pocket]

1983 XS400RK its a Yamaha it's worth it
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...d.php?t=103921

[IXFe]

definitely ...

[adri]

I like the naked GS (GS-500E)a lot more than the GS-500F with fairings... they both look, cute... but at least naked the bike doesn't look like it's trying to be something its not?

[Pocket]

seca400 is better

[REDBALLS]

How about a 400cc Vento Cafe 400GT that will sell for $3750US.

[andyztoy]

ex 500 ftw ... easy to work on cheep to maintain buy a used one and put some km's on it and sell it a year or 2 latter for close to what you paid for it

something about having coolant in my bike appeals to me i don't know

my old ex-500


buy like a 2002 for like 3k and enjoy it

but just so you know 1994-2009 is the exact the same bike only difference is colour of fairings and wheels

[captainlol]

'91 EX500 or '99 GS500?

[aznk]

Both the EX500 and GS500 will be great bikes to start on.

I have a GS500, I prefer the naked look over how the EX500 and the GS500f looks.
For some reason I find the EX500 looks to be very 'dated', while naked bikes have this timeless look to them. just my opinion.

For me it boiled down to the price and insurance costs.

[LMF]

ex 500 ftw ... easy to work on cheep to maintain buy a used one and put some km's on it and sell it a year or 2 latter for close to what you paid for it

something about having coolant in my bike appeals to me i don't know

my old ex-500


buy like a 2002 for like 3k and enjoy it

but just so you know 1994-2009 is the exact the same bike only difference is colour of fairings and wheels

Where did you get that bike?? At the Pickering flea market???

Seriously the Ninja 500 is an excellent starter bike. I had a 2004
Ninja 500;excellent bike to learn on and dirt cheap for gas and insurance. Buy a used one and you won't lose much money when you re-sell it.

[adri]

LMF's a meanie. Don't worry, it's beautiful... my mom has a sweater that colour hehehe.
We're just playing around =)

[slowbird]

Or get a VF500 if you want something a bit torque-ier. The V-Four has the smoothest powerband around.

....again.....it's old, but you'll have issues with any used bike regardless.

Plus older usually means less $$

[Amazon]

Or get a VF500 if you want something a bit torque-ier. The V-Four has the smoothest powerband around.

....again.....it's old, but you'll have issues with any used bike regardless.

Plus older usually means less $$

I have this bike, and it was cheap to buy, and it's cute looking , I'm such a girl. I found that parts for it are easy to get

[CBRJOHN]

, I'm such a girl.

Ya, You're FB Profile Pic leaves no doubt about that .. LOL

I had a VF years ago, great bike. Cheap now, if you can find a decent example.

[hassangh]

500 ninja, they r awesome and will never let you down
had one since 07 and looking to get it on to the racetrack as they r excellent to start out on the race track as well

[TorontoBoy]

'82-83 Honda VT500 Ascot. Flat track-ish.



'83-'86 Honda VT500C. Mid-controls.

[ViperZ]

Get GS500F. It looks like a GSX-R and a good beginner bike. Insurance is low too. I was picking between GS500F and Ninja 500R. Besides the fact that I found a good deal on GS500F, it also looks much better than older Ninja (that square light in front makes it look like mid-90s Ninja; they finally redesigned it).

[Duckriders4r]

My first bike was a 84 Seca 400, great bike! My wife just had a 07 Gs500s and it is a better bike hands down. You just cant beat a newer bike, period.

But don't forget 90 percent will want more after a year or so. More style, power, breaking,etc.

My Wife now rides a 07 ZZR600, great bike again. Could even be someones beginners bike if they are careful.

[zenrider]

You're basically looking at either a:
Kawasaki Ninja 500,



a Suzuki GS500,


or an Older Honda Interceptor VF500.


** Things to note:

-The Suzuki GS500 is Air cooled though newish ones have oil coolers
-The VF500's are from 1984-1986 so parts can be difficult to find (though IMO the V-Four is worth it)


I rode a Ninja 500 and compared to my VF I didn't like it

The top bike....the blue Kawasaki 500 is the bike I recommend. I spent all last season on one & I'm going to be selling it. If you are interested pm me! She's a blue 01' 500 with low milage. I'm moving up to a 650.