Newbie here with some questions...

[FD3S]

Hello! I just finished the MSF rider school and bought a 2001 GS500 from one of the instructors. I had done a small amount of dirt bike riding when I was about 13 (28 now) but that's about it for experience. I'm pretty good with machines though (been autocrossing for about 10 years now) and am taking things easy and getting comfortable with the bike. I live out in the country so I don't have to deal with much traffic or the interstate until I'm ready for it. I also live about 10 miles from Deal's Gap... I know it well in my car, but am going to steer clear of it on the bike for a while

Anyway, I've got a few questions... a bunch actually.

I have a small lawnmower trailer. Can I haul my bike on it? How should I strap it on to make sure it can't fall over?

Where is the best place to get either a tank or tail cargo pack? I'm looking for something small and unobtrusive that I can put stuff like my cell phone, wallet, etc., in. Preferrably something that can be removed quickly (velcro?) and carried in if I stop somewhere.

Will it hurt the transmission to downshift into 1st (for a stop) from a much higher gear? I ask because most automotive trannys don't like to be jammed into 1st at 40 or 50 mph. I've done it on the GS and it doesn't seem to bother it, but I wanted to make sure. Right now, I like to get my shifting done a little before I get to the stop, so that I can concentrate on braking.

I've seen some people mentioning a GS 500 E... what's the difference between a GS 500 and a GS 500 E? Just curious.

I gave $2700 for the bike with 750 mile on it. Seemed like a pretty good deal and it came with a Vance&Hines pipe on it. I've heard that most people think they need better front springs? Is this something I should go ahead and do or wait for a while?

Thanks, I'm sure I'll think of some more questions.

[JeffD]

Where is the best place to get either a tank or tail cargo pack? I'm looking for something small and unobtrusive that I can put stuff like my cell phone, wallet, etc., in. Preferrably something that can be removed quickly (velcro?) and carried in if I stop somewhere.

Look for a tank bag, and they mostly use Magnets.  

Will it hurt the transmission to downshift into 1st (for a stop) from a much higher gear? I ask because most automotive trannys don't like to be jammed into 1st at 40 or 50 mph. I've done it on the GS and it doesn't seem to bother it, but I wanted to make sure. Right now, I like to get my shifting done a little before I get to the stop, so that I can concentrate on braking.

You should let the clutch out on each gear.  So you engage each gear as you go through them.  And then you can Throttle blip,engine brake etc.  like speed shifting on a car but backwards.(dont worry about this yet, just remember and look it up in a couple months)

I've seen some people mentioning a GS 500 E... what's the difference between a GS 500 and a GS 500 E? Just curious.

I believe they are just year indicators.   but basically the same bike besides 2001 and up.

I gave $2700 for the bike with 750 mile on it. Seemed like a pretty good deal and it came with a Vance&Hines pipe on it. I've heard that most people think they need better front springs? Is this something I should go ahead and do or wait for a while?

I would buy progressive springs no matter what.  Stock suspension sucks. but make sure they arent already in there.  If the front end can be pushed down with two fingers and bounce, or you bottom out when hitting bumps in the road then you need new springs.

[dmp221]

Good luck with the bike..you've made a great choice.

1.  Yes, tie it down with wide fabric or nylon tie-downs that you can cinch tight, and use a wheel chock for more stability.

2.  I just did a bunch of looking for magnetic tank bag and a tail bag...ended up ordering from Iron Pony out of Ohio.  There are a lot of styles.  Look at JC Whitney, Shade Tree Motorcycles, Dennis Kirk, etc.

3.  Can't say about any harmful effects of downshifting from speeds to 1st...doesn't sound like something that can be a good thing, though.

4.  GS 500 and 500E are the same bike.  Nobody really knows why the "E" (I asked about 2 weeks ago).

5.  Progressive springs, definitely.  See Pablo's website for good instructions.

Happy riding!!

[pantablo]

I have a small lawnmower trailer. Can I haul my bike on it? How should I strap it on to make sure it can't fall over?

Where is the best place to get either a tank or tail cargo pack? I'm looking for something small and unobtrusive that I can put stuff like my cell phone, wallet, etc., in. Preferrably something that can be removed quickly (velcro?) and carried in if I stop somewhere.

I've seen some people mentioning a GS 500 E... what's the difference between a GS 500 and a GS 500 E? Just curious.

I gave $2700 for the bike with 750 mile on it. Seemed like a pretty good deal and it came with a Vance&Hines pipe on it. I've heard that most people think they need better front springs? Is this something I should go ahead and do or wait for a while?

Thanks, I'm sure I'll think of some more questions.

>
Heres a couple of links for transporting bikes:
http://www.motorcyclebeginners.com/transport.htm

http://motorcyclistonline.com/howto/hauling/

>
Go for a magnetic tank bag-you can take it with you as a tote bag with your stuff and only need the magnets (not the added strap) to hold it to bike. You can buy a small one locally probably and also online at www.accwhse.com from Tourmaster, Joe Rocket and probably others.

>
GS500 and GS500e are same thing. There's also reference to an additional letter after the e that indicated year of manufacture but that is more often referred to in Europe, not so much in the states.

>
Pull off one of the fork caps and see how long the spring is. If top is near the top of fork you already have upgraded springs. Stock is only 8-9" long and you'll notice the poor performance from it immediately; quick bottoming out/dive during braking, etc. progressive springs are the best $60 you can spend on the GS and should be a first upgrade if not already done.

>
$2700?! Great price. I was hoping to get much more for my 2001 when I sell it. Did you buy it from anyone on this board?

>
Check out my site for a bunch of great info and some mods and also dont forget to check out the home page here for lots of maintenance, tech and mod info as well.

Welcome!
[you cut that fender off yet? check out my license plate relocation page for an idea of one, or the mods page here at gstwin for another.]

[FD3S]

Thanks for the great info guys! I've been riding as much as possible and am really enjoying the bike. I've got a few more questions:

Oil Change: The manual calls for 10W-40. Will a high quality automotive oil work or is there a difference in automotive oil and motorcycle oil? I use Mobil 1 in my cars, will that work?

Front Suspension: I've already realized it needs help. Pablo's site is down, so can anyone tell me where to get the progressive springs and how much trouble are they to install?

Thanks

[JasonB]

Mobil1 makes bike oil and you can get it at autozone or other auto parts places. Car oil will work as long as it doesnt have friction modifiers added or is Energy Saving oil.

I bought mine from Chapparel, all you gotta do is put the bike on the centerstand, remove the handlebars and just push them forward so you can get to the fork caps. Remove those with a 1/2 breaker bar or ratchet. Only do ONE side at a time not both at the same time. Pull the spacer and spring with a magnetic pickup tool and you can cut the stock spacer down or use some pvc pipe to make a spacer between 1" and .75" depending on your weight. The heavier you are the longer spacer you will want. Then put everything back together and be carefull not to crossthread the caps into the fork tubes.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/

[pantablo]

you can also get them from motorcycle accessories warehouse  www.mawonline.com
or www.accwhse.com I think.

Should be $60 at these.