From sportbiker to GS'er

[850 Combat]

I can't believe that you had to rebuild the motor. I hope you enjoy the bike

[82Shafty]

I suspect that for many situations, handling is determined more by skill than bike. Times when riders on really vintage machines out ride me and the GS, and times when I out do dudes on sport bikes. Last Sunday's ride with my son, some young kid on a larger sport bike (certainly bigger than a Ninja 250 or 500, both of which I have been on) pulled around several cars and came over on our right at a stop sign. Friendly enough, friendly wave and nod. Allowed him to go first on takeoff, expecting the sport bike to away quickly, but kept up with about 2/3 throttle. On the curves, he was slow, so much that even my son's Suzuki GZ250 (slowest bike on the market from the big four) kept up. He eventually waved us through.

Of course the machine counts. I usually feel comfortable taking curves 5+ mph faster on the Aprilia than the GS. But still need to improve my limited skills regardless of bike.

Ya, this is why I stated the equally skilled riders clause.

I know Wringer and Griffin go on the hunt with their old GS's, specifically to show up squids on modern plastic.

[duaneage]

The GS650G handles about as good as a bike could in 1981. Testing praised it's handling and manners. 73 HP pushing 474 lbs is not too bad and it weighs much less than the 850. The smaller tank and frame contributes to less weight up top than it's larger cousins.
I have progressive springs and shocks, it rides rougher but is real tight on the curves. The rear used to wallow around a bit on bumps but not any longer. At around 350 dollars it was not a cheap upgrade but made a huge difference.
Upgrading the brake hoses improves the brakes a lot, bringing it closer to the brakes you had on the Yamaha.
I think the 650G is a great choice all around and I've toured on my as well. It offers a good balance of power, economy and handling. The tuning on the engine is spot on, the BS32 carbs are optimally matched for its displacement. I have a 4-1 on mine with stock airbox and it sounds wonderful.