GS500 is one of the easiest bigger bikes to ride, you only need to get used to to it's disc brakes, I own one and I would say that it's a great bike for starters. It's a very simple bike and probably the easiest to maintain in it's category. and it's economical on fuel as well, I haven't calculated this properly, but i think you can easily get round 20-22 kmpl in urban riding.
but if your're looking for a sporty look and vroom vroom sound, than you should look elsewhere.