I know this a 500r suspension post but I'd just like to throw my story in here. To me, the ex500 & 500r are the best beginner bikes out there; to riders with experience. It has nice styling, adequate power, it's relatively cheap (retail price AND insurance), strong in it's mechanics, and kind to the rider for ergonomics (slightly upright). I tried, for over 2 months, checking all the dealerships weekly and classifieds, daily, to land one as my first bike. I had NO luck. In the midst of riding season, it's hard to get a beginner bike for under $2,000.
I did end up finding one in the back of a dealership (I put a deposit immediately) that "just arrove" but it had 25,000 miles, lots of scratches, cracks in the fairing, no lower/middle fairing, a hole in the gas tank, and a $2,000 price tag. I was heartbroken when I couldn't get an ex500 and nearly gave up on my search completely.
Then, by a fluke of chance, I found a 1989 "ninja 600" listed for $1,200 in the local classifieds. It was the day the publication came out, so I gave him a call and brought my bike buddy to look at it. It was in PERFECT condition cosmetically and mechanically. Also, my friend, who has a ninja and had been riding for 4 years, test rode the bike for me and gave me the big O.K. grin. I talked the guy down to $1,000, brought my dad to give it the final inspection, paid the balance, signed the papers and brought it home.
Needless to say, it was God's graces that landed the bike in my driveway. Bearing in mind it's a 1989, it has under 70 horespower (compared to the 500r rated ~55hp) so it's pretty mild but still enough to give me the tingling spook when I want it to. Riding the bike under 7,000rpm (most of my cruising speed) makes it fully manageable and the added weight makes it more stable above 40mph (as a newbie, stability is important amidst all that wind). The styling has the full front fairing, so even people that don't know much about bikes say it looks great. Furthermore, putting it down (which I can't deny might happen), is ok because it's an old bike to begin with.
Every ride brings excitement beyond belief and after a tough week of school/work, the bike relaxes all my senses. So in the end, even though I didn't get my dream bike, an ex500 or 500R, I did get a bike that I'm completely happy with. It should also keep me satisfied with engine size/power for years to come. I don't even expect to experience its full potential for a couple years. Until then, I'll keep it running and looking great (the tight-stock scheme) and enjoy riding with friends.
Too bad the 500R doesn't have a suspension adjustment [8D]