I've fallen in love again....

[scratch]

Carburetors. And, on the '04's+ there may be a further difference on the carburetors, but I haven't been able to get my hands on one. Methinks there is a throttle position sensor on the '04+.

[JetSwing]

Is there a big difference between pre '01, and '01 and after?

different carburator...some other small changes (also there were small changes made from year to year) but the biggest change is the appearance. it's got a more refined look. it's got a bigger tank/rear body so it feels bigger too.

pre 01:



01-03



04-05

[shaykai]

Thanks for the pics Jetswing

Shaykai

[geekonabike]

Just go ahead and finance the thing and get it over with....
fett

There's something to be said for that.  $5,149.00 MSRP.  From Suzuki's website:

Assuming 9.95% APR (which is REALLY high, BTW; you can do better), 5 years, estimated payments are $109.27/month.  You can save a whopping $10.27/month for a while (probably catches up to you though) if you take advantage of their:

"Special Offers
<snip>

"Any NEW Suzuki Model, as low as $99* a Month for 60 Months!
Variety and Flexibility! That's what Suzuki's new finance offers are all about. For a limited time, Suzuki is offering payments as low as $99* a month on any New Suzuki Motorcycle, ATV, or Dirt Bike depending on the amount financed. Lower payments are available on approved credit. See financing details for rules."

Of course you have to pass a credit check I'm sure.  I'll let you check "rules" for yourself if you are interested.

OTOH, a used bike has some advantages, like lower insurance which can really add up.  A new one you want insured to the hilt.  (Anyone know what a hilt is...nevermind!).  Then again you are in CA, right?  Which means it will have to pass an inspection.

I hate to say it, but if you like fairing you could try getting a used 500-Ninja.  It seems nobody keeps those long, but they are good bikes.  Hard on my wrists but dang easy to maneuver.  You might also check the posts on adding fairings to used GS500's.  I ignore them because I like my naked '98.  Though when I get the urge and the $$$, I may opt for a new GS myself.

BTW the three pictures in the previous post showing the evolution of the bike give some hint that the seats have gotten better.  Look particularly at how they meet the tanks, to tell  one from the other from a quick eyeballing.  I'm told by pretty much everyone that they have gotten more comfy too.

FWIW,
Mike D.

[geekonabike]

Is there a big difference between pre '01, and '01 and after?

Thanks

Shaykai

Let's not forget the oil coolers added to the '04's.  Some think that's to compensate for the fairing blocking side winds when you're stuck in stop/go traffic.  Supposedly the fairing better direct air to the engine when it's moving.  I would think that and the oil cooler would be a big help on a long highway ride in hot weather.  But I don't really know.

--Mike D.

[scratch]

Then again you are in CA, right?  Which means it will have to pass an inspection

Nope.

An oil cooler would be a big help anywhere, anytime.

[The Buddha]

Well I'd not totally agree ... see oil cooler will help, however is it better to encase the motor in plastic and use a cooler or is it better to leave it open and not have a cooler ... and ... I'd have to say if you spend a lot of time in traffic and in city and standing and idling ... open is much better even without an oil cooler, if you are doing high speeds ... I believe oil cooler will be better ... however that is a small diff ... the air cooled GS has the motor vertical and hence will catch a lot of air flow unlike a slanted air cooled motor like a yamaha seca ... I have never had any trouble in burning heat with the GS ... agreed it was only California central desert that I was in, hotter places out there ... death valley, Arizona, Texas ... many ... so no idea really of how hot it can be before the motor starts to over heat.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Stephen072774]

I never noticed the difference in the front fenders before...  The pre 01 is alot longer in the back :dunno:  I guess that is the fender more prone to heat damage.

[JetSwing]

I never noticed the difference in the front fenders before...  The pre 01 is alot longer in the back :dunno:  I guess that is the fender more prone to heat damage.

i think that's just an extention, which you can install on any model...

[Kerry]

Yeah, it's easier to see on a light-colored bike:



That extra black piece is some kind of rubber.  The fender above it is what wrinkles from the heat.

[Stephen072774]

Hey your brake is loose... J/K.  

Thanks for the pic, I see.  I can even see the bolt on the stock photo JetSwing posted.  I had never noticed that before... cool.

[scratch]

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=e7bf448e958e0d387f6e81f24ffe71c1&threadid=103880

[LEVO]

Welcome to Cali...  Land of everything expensive and taxed to death. :x

[shaykai]

haha, things really are more expensive here. I went to the store to pick up a few things which would normally be under 20 dollars, and i left paying over 30!

Shaykai

[The Buddha]

That's so true ... I am called California man ... and people try to charge me more ... now I dont know if they do charge me more ... but I constantly am surprised by getting a lower amount than I thought it might be in CA ... good surprise for a change ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[shaykai]

When i used to live in nevada as a grocery bagger, i was always happy to help the californians because they always tipped (even though we weren't suppose to accept them).  

Shaykai