Mr T-Horse, sorry to sound like a lecturing know-all, but I feel really strongly about this....
The main objective of riding-out is NOT how fast you go, but returning home in one piece with a smile on your face. Is there ANY point coming home miserable, or in an ambulance? Or not coming back at all? One thing's for sure: switching to an R1 or Gixxer or Big Zed won't make a poor rider better....but it'll certainly get them into bigger trouble, faster.
Since your GS500 can't be all that new, do you know that it's in good condition? Forks and rear shocks in good order? Tyres pumped up right and their profile not squared-off? Swing arm bearings snug, and head races not rattling about? All these things can make the bike feel bad (and you too) so get them checked.
Then, if you still feel unsafe, either stop riding or go get PROPER training. NOT to do so places a big burden on those who are likely to have to scrape you up and stick you back together (or not) when you overcook it somewhere.
For twenty years I've been skiing. I knew from the off that I would never be Alberto Tomba - and I hate Black runs. So I don't do them. I've had lessons so that I can handle all the Blues and Reds I want, at the speed I want and without endangering those around me. And I still enjoy it as much now as ever I did.....it wouldn't be improved if I bought a Nevica sealskin spray-on lycra suit and the latest Salomon Rad Carvers with Titanium bindings and Nuclear Fission wax - and you shouldn't think you'll turn into Valentino Rossi just by getting a damn big sports bike.
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