What is the best aftermarket mod?

[Mr.7]

I have a stock 97 gs500e and I'm ready to start "personalizing" it. Any ideas? I'm thinking that a new pipe would be the best place to start because it is a very quiet bike.

[scottpA_GS]

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20291

   

[pandy]

:lol:

[Narcissus]

Everyone should have a ghetto tank bag first and foremost! But I agree that new pipes would be a good aftermarket item to start with but have you checked out the modifications page? There are some really great mods on there you can do for next to nothing, all you need is some basic equipment and the time. I'm going to start by replacing the stock turn indicators with some sleak looking Buell indicators and then I'm going to move onto replacing the little incandescent bulbs behind the tach and spedo with some nice blue LEDs, how cool would that look eh? Keep us updated!

[lman123]

lol i've got the bid on the yoshi pipe right now I would love to get that pipe.

Lman

[sprint_9]

K&N Pod, proper rejet, and pipe, only way to go.  You cant just put a pipe on and expect gold, unless you use one of those choker deals but a pipe jet airfilter combo makes the GS something more worthwhile.  After that mod combo then I would upgrade the rear shock and do some front suspension work, springs would be good but you can use longer spacers and heavier oil to have a nice gain there.  Then I would go with some lower handle bars, but thats just me.

[Cal Price]

The cheapest and one of the most popular mods is the "fenderechtomy" plenty of archive material about it.

[vfrocket]

imho... Put a Wileyco can, and a jet kit. Makes the GS 100X better bike.

[oppy00]

Everyone know that the best/cheapest way to add MAJOR hp is stickers and neon!   Buy a GSTwin.com sticker first, cause it adds like 5 hp and makes you ride like Rossi + adds airbags to your bike.  Then get some 'performance' stickers, like NOS or K&N or Type-R, these stickers each add around 100 hp.  If you want a little more sublty you could get a GSXR sticker, this sticker will double you hp number and works in combination with all other stickers.  The biggest hp gain is found with neon.
*WARNING* adding neon adds over 1000 hp, so it is not a mod for beginners!
Good luck w/ your mods.


:lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[scratch]

White GStwin sticker (everybody else uses black). Turnsignals: I'm thinking about switching to a set of trunsignals off a Kawasaki 636; those are some cool looking turnsignals. Everybody changes the pipe. Why be like everybody else?

[Jake D]

Progressive Springs in the forks is the best mod.

[milo]

Definitely start out by buying an ignition advancer. Easy to install and immediately helps low-end power.

More seriously, a new pipe is a terrible idea for a first mod. Hard to find, expensive, not easy to install (may require rejetting, i.e. taking the tank off and mucking with the carbs)... I know lots of people have done it but there are many easier and cheaper thing to do in one's first wrenching experience. My suggestions:

1) fenderectomy
2) katana shock
3) 15 tooth front sprocket

People say the front springs should be changed before the rear shock but it will be a more involved project than those three, each of which can be done in less than 30 minutes and for less than 30 dollars.

[Roadstergal]

Quality gear.
Good tires.
Track days.

[Jake D]

+ 1 for good tires.  

Useful tip, that.

[Traveler]

A Caterpillar 1" neoprene O ring for a throttle cruise control. OK it's more than twice as expensive as the fabled One Buck Chuck tank bag, but equally useful.

[Narcissus]

Lmfao!! GS cruise control, I love it.

[jimcord]

Milo- can I get more details on the katana shock? Any particular year/model ?
Thanks

[My Name Is Dave]

Shoes that spark when you put your feet down  

D  

[Mr.7]

the cheapest mod (which is free by the way) is cutting down the size of the license plate holder.When it is stock is is over sized so I cut it down to right below the turn signals. I've seen this done many times before and I am sure many of you have already done this.

THIS MESSAGE WAS EDITED BY MR.7

[fretbuzz]

just put that katana shocks on from a 1999 katana and yeah it makes a difference,especially cornering!
progressive springs a definite must do though!