Bump How goes the search, Jack? The last thing you need is another $0.02, but then again, it's a forum, so everyone's welcome to chip them in If you haven't yet considered them, expand your search to include the Yamaha YZF-600R and Kawasaki ZZR-600. I had a YZF-600 and loved it. I went to that after learning on a Buell Blast, which could be considered comparable to your GS500. The YZF-600 is similar to an R6 (which is technically a YZF-R6 - see what they did there?) but the seating position is more upright and comfy (i.e. it's a sport-tourer, not a supersport) and the engine makes more torque and less HP. It'll seem heavier and more bulky than your 500 at first, but I've found after riding a smaller bike (my ninja 500) that I miss the more solid feel. Ton of aftermarket support, fully faired, so good looking and wind protection while you're on the freeway for your commute, and it has enough power/torque to keep you happy. The ZZR is comparable, although I have no personal experience. Just another bike in the same class. A note, though... the zzr-600 has the same engine as the the previous model of ZX-636, so it's probably more RPM oriented. Anyway, just thought I'd fan the flames for your bike search.... I know what It's like