mod ideas

[number1]

ok so i got my 04 gs500f and im wanting to start moding it and i was wondering if any of you guys could give me ideas on what to do first and what mods are the best.  

[raylarrabee]

use the search function, young padawan...

First, take some time to ride your bike and get used to it.  Spend your time riding, not modding.  Save that for after you've had enough time to figure out where you want to aim your money and time.

common  mods are:
--progressive fork springs
--upgrade rear shock (old Katana shocks are popular replacements)
--aftermarket pipes
--cutting down the rear fender (the "fenderectomy")
--shortening the turn signal stalks
--dropping a tooth or two on the front sprocket

seriously, use the search function and you will find endless amounts of info about this and many other questions

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new bike.

[Mat]

how about adding a sidecar
but only if it has a machine gun :mrgreen:

[pantablo]

common  mods are:
--progressive fork springs
--upgrade rear shock (old Katana shocks are popular replacements).

fork springs are a must! rear shock only after you've ridden it a while and can determine a need, otherwise you're just spending money (in which case, I need more trackdays and tires )

--cutting down the rear fender (the "fenderectomy") .

absolutely. should have been done in the dealer showroom before taking off.

check my site for loads more ideas.

I also suggest suburban-machinery.com handlebars for the full sporty feel. makes the bike handle better too. only after progressive springs though. that should be first real mod! check my site for an easy way to do it too.

congrats

[Dom]

You should buy a long blond wig and attach locks of it to your bar ends like the streamers they used to put on Huffys.  It would look totally Mad Max.

[davipu]

dude I should get a long blond wig and wear it while riding....

[crash]

--cutting down the rear fender (the "fenderectomy") .

absolutely. should have been done in the dealer showroom before taking off.

c'mon now. yes, the gs looks better without the fender, but it's not like cutting it off affects performance in ANY way whatsoever.

dude I should get a long blond wig and wear it while riding....

glue it to your helmet

[number1]

well thanks for all the great ideas ill have to wait till i ride a little longer than ill begin to mod once i have some more money. but thanks for all the great input.  

[raylarrabee]

when you're ready,  definitely look at Pablo's site.  His how-to's are great:  easy to follow, good pix and he tells you what pitfalls to look out for.  All the things I listed are super-easy mods.

definitely get the fork springs--best $60 you can spend on the bike