GS500 is about the same bike it was 10 years ago. Great for a starter but I would not lock a loan on one if I were you. You will want more than the bike can give within a few months and you will be upside down on the loan for a couple years.

If you are gonna finance, you might as well get a 600 sportbike, you will not out grown it for a long while if ever and you will not feel like you were ripped in a few months while making the payments.

I personally would save money and buy a cheap bike. for under $2k you can get a pretty nice gs500 or old sport bike and it won't be too bad if you wreck it or need to upgrade

 

i have a gs500f just got it now its a good start bike i'm selling it now and getting a 600 my friend will buy my 500 but if anyone is interested email me hotboycb69@aol.com

 

My first bike was and is my 600 Katana. ( Not a stunting bike ) But comfortable and not too bad to learn on. Quick enough to last you for a while, but not too much to handle. ( 4 sec 0-60, and 12 sec 1/4 mile). Don't get too much bike to learn on. I also agree to get something used because you will most likely drop it at least once while getting used to it. Whatever you choose good luck!