hi guys i just got my and im just wanting to peoples opinions on the 500 from the way they ride and handle to any problems they have encounted. i have grown up riding dirt bike and as commuter i have a 50cc scooter but its been a while since ive been a proper bike. my father inlaw wants me to wait till im on my opens and get a 883 but if i get a bike now i will want to keep it a for while and not up grade when i go get my opens. so any opinions at the moment while greatly help

For every 10 riders who say "if I get a bike now I will want to keep it for a while and not up grade when I get my opens" only about 2 don't upgrade and 1 of those 2 isn't upgrading because they're still paying off the finance for their LAMS bike.

My advice is "Listen to your Father in Law" unless you're on enough money to pay the 500 off completely during your restrictions.

First mistake is using 500 and Real bike in the same sentence.
Unless you use to really small dirt bikes, a 883 will last you a month tops before you wish you bought bigger.
The 45 degree engines and what your use to is like comparing diesel and ULPl motors.

Buy a Sportster

thanks guys for your input. i might be just gettin ichy feet as been such a long time since ive riden a bike. i want something that i can ride now and get my confidents back up again befor i sit for my Qride test to go on to my RE opens might just look around for a cheap shitter for the time being and get a somthing to up while i wait to go on to my opens as i have a bike designs and themes running around my head. thanks again guys.

My first bike was a 1200cc Sportster 48 (still one of my fav bikes). Now I've got a Street Bob. I agree with the other comments here, what you get now, is a starting point, it's not what you'll have forever.

Ride one, if you like it, buy it. Why not? It's about what you like after all. When you out grow it, get something else... you might even want to try a metric! Variety is the spice of life.

my first bike was a 250 honda vtr and i kept it for 6-7 years. i didn't mind the power it got me where i want and it was faster then my car. now saying that if the street 500 was around then i much would of preferred that. when i was young i always thought (still do) harley is a much "cooler" name/bike

Okay Deakin, what did you end up doing?

I have owned my Street 500 for almost two years.

From the reviews that I've read of the first generation Street bikes, a recurring comment that comes up is poor fit an finish.  I've seen mixed reviews of these bikes, but the problem with reading/watching reviews is that the reviewer is usually on a new bike.  So quality issues won't be apparent on newer bikes.

I came across this video yesterday which shows what one looks like after being out in the elements for a while.  A little unfair as most bikes will suffer surface rust and finish issues if left out in the elements.  But, this video shows one after a while of exposure to elements and usage, not that great.

Personally, I would wait for the second or third generation of these bikes.  The new Street Rod is much improved on the quality and performance issues and still a pretty good price.

The jury is out for me on the 500 never ridden a 750 so do not know .
I actually looked at a second hand 500 as a possible replacement for my now " motion impaired " Suzuki Burgman that I use as a City run around .
It was nice to ride , handles ok , not spectacular , I prefer it to ride to an 883 which I also was looking at . but it seems a little lacking .
My Harley is a Tour glide ulta classic , two wheeled tank , but I was comparing it not to the FLTCU but a 650 Burgman Scooter my two cents is that the 500 is a good learner bike and if you particularly like it fine but I am 6ft and 150 kg , It really is not useful to me stock..
If it had a 900 cc big brother with more leg room and a bit longer wheelbase and more  power I would be in .
Even at 500 ccs and the power it has if it just had that bit more room I would have thought about it - My ex - SO had a 650 Yammy that was similar performance wise but even it was small and low for a big fat-guy .
The made in India - not an issue - better build quality than my first shovel - but we won't go there .
The 500 is a sweet little bike kind of like the old Triumph 500 Daytona of the mid 70s was need a LAMS bike you could do a lot worse .
After all that rant - I still have not crossed it off my shortlist - with bars seat and footpeg mods and some bags I think it is possible to make a good little commuter bike .. just can't hate the little thing .

Indians make great curries, but I wouldn't buy an Indian motorcycle, car or aircraft.

Personally I would wait the extra time and go with the Sporty.  I have a blown 1340 and an 883 and the Sporty is just as much a blast to ride as the speedster - it brake better, is lighter and loves the traffic during the morning commute.