GS500F to FZ6

[OilSooner]

I hope this is in the right forum, if not, please move.

Anyway, I have had a GS500 for the last few months, and rode it a little over 1000 miles. I rode in neighborhoods, then to work every day, then on a couple of rides in the twisties. Then a deal came up where I had the chance to sell my GS500F and get an FZ6 for the same price. It was too good to be true, so I am all over it.

Anyway, has anyone made the transition from GS500 to FZ6? How did that expereince go?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[joe1971]

I think you're gonna be pleasantly surprised

 

[wlaroche]

I went from a GS500 to a FZ6. The GS was quick and nimble. Easy to flick in the turns. I commuted with the GS and it just did not have enough kick and the front end seemed small. The FZ has nice power when you need it on the freeway, but still gets mid 50's for MPG.

The FI is nice, I really did not like the GS and the high start up RPM, that always freaked me out. The GS always seemed to be a little starved on fuel so the FI is nice. I am still trying to figure out the throttle, it seems to have a shorter throw than the GS. It also has a stiffer spring which makes the right hand more tired on long rides. I need to get a throttle lock.

The shifting of the FZ has been a little hard for me to figure out. I usually don't wind it up to high before shifting, but have found that shifting around 6000-7000 makes it a smoother shift. The first to second is the hardest to get smoothly but you will figure it out.

The braking is better on the FZ than the GS with the dual disc in front. More responsive and not as spongy as the GS.

The engine is a little harder to work on with the liquid cooled and 4 cylinders to try and find. But with that said, I dont really think that working on the FZ is hard, but compared to the GS it is harder.

Some wind issues with the turbulent air right under the helmet. I have a 05 and I would think the 07 and up would be better with the hole in the screen. I put a hole in my windscreen and love it. I don't get the ear popping turbulent air that I got before the hole. I had a small aftermarket fairing on my GS500E so I cannot give the best comparison on that one.

With all that, I miss the simple GS500 machine. But I really like the FZ6 and would not go back to the GS. You will really like the FZ, and welcome to the group.

 

[AngelFZ]

I started learning on my friend's GS500F (I think it was like a 2005-2006) and then transitioned to my brand new 2009 FZ6.

To me, the transition was amazing!!!!!! much better, more power, handles better, I'm not an expert but IMO you'll be very pleased :rockon:

Something else, the same price? Normally the GS500F is much cheaper than the FZ6. Is there a big year difference?

 

[Kazza]

I've actually been riding a GS500 this week! Very easy to ride, as is the FZ6.

Transition between one to the other will not be an issue.


I was riding naked ones. Faired will be no different.