Standards 500cc and Up
During the 1980’s and 1990’s manufacturers reduced the number of small standards exported to the USA. Today the 500cc standard has almost disappeared from the American landscape. As a result some of the milder and more forgiving 600-750cc machines have migrated into beginner bike lists. A general rule of thumb often cited: a beginners first bike should be 50hp or less and 400 lbs or less. The farther a bike is above those limits, the more cautious you should be about buying it.
The Suzuki GS500 is considered by many the best choice in this group: light, inexpensive, good power but not too much, available new and used, and has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1989.
- * indicates last year imported to USA for discontinued models.
- The brand link takes you to the manufacturers home page.
- The model link takes you to the model’s web page.
- “TMW” is a link to a review of the bike in the Total Motorcycle Website Buyer’s Guide.
- Other links are to other reviews by year.
- Horsepower = approximate HP at crankshaft. HP at rear wheel is less.
- Weight = approximate dry weight. Wet (ready to ride) weight includes fuel, coolants and lubricants. Water = 8.3 lbs/gal. Gasoline = 6.1 lbs/gal average. Motor oil = 1.8 lbs/quart.
The remaining bikes in this category are, in my opinion, at best marginal for first time riders. Their size, weight or power give the new rider a lot to think about while learning. Think twice and do an extensive test ride before buying. They are more appropriate for returning riders and riders transitioning from dirt to street than outright first time riders.
