Suzuki GS500 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 500

[ch4in54w]

as some of you know Ive been comparing and contrasting lower-end bikes for a great first time bike.. Ive narrowed my decision down to the Suzuki GS500 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 500. while searching around I found this article (pdf) granted its the 04 models I'd imagine much hasnt changed since...

Check It out!

the outcome: Kawasaki won in nearly all categories, except for style and the brakes (even though it wasnt a big neg in the brakes anyway)

[RayOSV]

There's no question that the ex500 has an edge over the gs500 in many categories. Either would make a great first street bike for most riders.

[teamspeednautik]

ex500.... and its a kawi... im bias!

[mike honcho]

The ex500 is the better bike, but i'm not going to lie, I liked the looks of the gs better, that's 80% of why I bought it.

[bebfsu1]

I was also looking at both for my first bike. In the end I just went for the GS500 because it was cheaper. If I was still getting an older bike, but had a little more money, I definitely would have gotten the Ninja. I do, however, like the looks of the new faired GS500F's.

[mikeym]

I like the looks of the old gs500e's... the new fairing'd ones... eh... they are ok looking, but I would still take the ex500 for performance and reliability.

~mikeym

[TS80]

It's no secret that the ex500 is better, but I'm a little off the norm in that I like the way the ex500 looks. I think it's a better looking bike than the gs500f.

People love old-school VFRs, CBRs, Ninjas, etc. But for some reason not the EX series.






and finally, the ex series. I think it looks great. I bet if they stopped making it in the early 90s a lot of people would like it. It's just the fact that you can get a 2006 model that still looks like it's from the late 80s that makes it ugly. I dunno...I think it's got that cool retro look.

[Fargin_Bastige]

I think both bikes are fine, but the GS is what I've ridden for a long time (I've owned both) and I am partial to it.

It's a bit less maintenance intensive(and I mean a small bit) and a bit more comfy, IMHO

[iamloislane]

I am so happy I chose the ninja ;-)
Actually I am thrilled i did because i make tons of newbie mistakes and it has saved my a*s.
And about the retro look, do what i did, paint job!!

[FoxMustang]

You won't go wrong with either the Ninja 500 or the GS500. Don't overthink this decision, just get whichever one you like more

[smakawhat]

I easily enjoyed the looks of my old 2006 Ninja, I still think about her..

[ryusan]

Originally Posted by FoxMustang

You won't go wrong with either the Ninja 500 or the GS500. Don't overthink this decision, just get whichever one you like more

Well put. I started off with a GS500F and loved it. Just go with your gut feelings or go with which ever you think looks better. You really can't go wrong with either.

Good luck!

[Jahx]

One thing to consider between the two.. a gs500e (naked), can be had for 1k-2k, all day, every day. 500ex... 2k-3k.. or more.

If you are looking for a bike to learn on, and you aren't trying to invest a grotesque amount of money into a sport you are new to.. A gs500e for 1500 leaves a nice chunk of change for gear when compared to the Ninja.

[azazel]

suzuki gs500f

[snazzyco]

Sit on em both before you decide. I'm glad I did because the Ninja was much more comfortable than the GS for me. An important aspect - I think - for a first bike.