3 more Noob questions

[MikeNW]

1.  Does the GS500F engine have a counterbalancer?  If not, how is balance obtained from the parallel twin?  Or, is it naturally OK?
2.  GS500 does not have a fuel pump, right?
3.  Are there a lot of aftermarket tire choices?  I see the new one at the dealer has Balltlax tires, are they good?  What do most of you use as a replacement?  Does the bike require "Sport" tires or "Touring" tires?

Thank you again.

[manofthefield]

1. Yes, has a counterbalancer
2. Correct, no pump
3. Stock size tire choices are limited to bias plys, like the Battlax BT-45, also including Metzler Lasertecs, Pirelli Sport Demons, and Michilin Pilot Activ, among others.  I think these are mostly considered sport touring tires... there are a few smaller radials (still bigger than the stock size) that will squeeze onto the rear rim though.... Look up GSJack's tire posts for everything you ever wanted to know about tires on the GS, there's even one post about it in the FAQ

[brett]

The bike doesn't require sport or touring tires. That's a matter of personal preference and riding style. I can't speak for the touring tires, but if you are looking for grippier sport tires, Pirelli Sport Demons are the choice for most people on the stock rim. The other popular option is the Bridgestone Battlax BT45.

This thread from the FAQ has a lot of info. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=16501.0

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

lmfao @ balltax/balltlax... haha.. balltax...