04 Suzuki GS500F?

The 500 will be a great first bike.
You don't need a lot of power to go out and have fun. When you are ready for a bigger bike you will know.
You seem to have your wits about you and you are already on the right track having taken the MSF course and having a helmet.
And if you have buddies who ride don't let them pressure you into riding faster than you want to.

As for jeans, I have a pair of Sliders and they are the most comfortable things ever! They feel like a good pair of sweat pants.

Good luck and keep us posted

 

Thanks. I hope to put some money down on it next month so that he doesn't sell it to anyone else.

 

Bike - $1200
Repairs including tire - $350
Registration - biannual - $97
Insurance - Geico rate -
Coverages Limits
2004 SUZUKI GS500F
Bodily Injury Liability(BI) $20,000 / $40,000 $231.00
Property Damage Liability(PD) $15,000 $137.00
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury(UMBI) $20,000/$40,000 $23.00
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage(UMPD) $15,000 $11.00
Comprehensive(COMP) $250 deductible $120.00

$522 per year

Gear - $200

Roughly $2500 for everything I need to have a legal, fun, and safe time on a motorcycle.

 

Read everything you said. Took it all in but this bike is being sold for $1200. That is a epic steal. He is selling because he joined the Navy and is away in training. He needs the money, that's why he joined the Navy in the first place. I realize a 500 could be an old mans bike but I want a bike that I can afford. In a year or two I'll sell it for what I bought it for because that is what it will be worth still. I'll put $1200 towards a CBR 600rr. I love those bikes. It's not in the cards now and I want to get on two wheels.

I have an Arai Vector helmet.
I have a safe brain bucket.

 

I'm only 18. My doctor says my brain isn't fully developed. I'll rock the 500 until I have a little more sense and then get a wheelie poppin 600

Thanks for all your input guys. I really appreciate it.

 

Well, it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and have found a gem of a deal. Once you get comfortable riding the GS for awhile then you can decide if you want to step. For one the price is right and two, if you drop it you won't feel too bad. ]

Cost doesn't always reflect the best when it comes to helmets. I have read reviews where some of the lower priced lids ranked higher than some of the high dollar ones out there.

 

I crash tested a 129.00 scorpion helmet. I think they make one of the best helmets. I landed on my head and shoulder going about 70-75. No head injury.
I started out on a ninja 250 and I graduated to a ninja 650, I wish I would have kept the 250. I can tell you now you will never be able to ride that 500 to its limits. If you find yourself getting bored with it take it to a track and you will find out that a 500 can do alot more than most of the guys with a 1000cc bike can do, because most of those people(not calling out anyone on here) only go in a straight line.
The 500 will probably resell for about what you pay for it, never get a new bike to learn on, because you will drop it or lowside it. There is a saying in the bike world "there are those people that have gone down and those that will"
Take the MSF and you probably will only have to take the written portion of the test. Its probably one of the easiest tests you will ever take. The MSF will teach you how to properly ride a bike and you will have fun doing it.
If you would like more tips or dont agree with me please pm me, lets not trash this guys post.
Thanks

 

Seminars put on by manufacturers that are selling a product don't necessarily mean that their product is the best or safest. Independent studies and tests provide that information.

I was knocked a little loopy during a 30 mph lowside wearing a $400 Arai Quantum. Not necessarily scientific by any means but definitely realistic.

 

I had a buddy that had a Ninja 500 or 600 bike like your looking at. He loved it. It will be a great bike to start out on. I have rode dirt bikes my whole life, so I jumped onto a supermoto for my first street legal bike. When you get into the sport bikes, like the R6, Ninja 636, CRB600RR, GSXR 600 etc. you are getting into a whole new ball game. Some people can jump onto a bike like those and be right at home, but I would suggest starting out like you are planning to. Ride this thing til the wheels fall off, get used to it. Be safe out there and keep your eyes open all the time, ESPECIALLY in intersections.

 

NumNutz you have the right idea. A 500cc is perfect to start.

And to you guys suggesting a 600cc supersport... come on. The guys that recommend a SS for a starter are usually the guys who ride liter-bikes, and get passed by me at the track on my little 600.