Can I convert my 2005 GS500E to a GS500F

[peekospalace]

I have a 2005 500E and would like to know if it is possible to add the fairing to it.  If so how much am I looking at to do this and how would I go about getting the parts to do it?

[scratch]

Welcome!

You sure can, you do need to have the fairing brackets weilded onto the frame! Search "fairing".  You should be able to buy fairing parts off of ebay or craigslist.org or even here in the For Sale section.

[PuddleJumper]

'05 E model? Not in the USA, right?

I'm considering doing an F to E conversion. I have everything I need just haven't pulled the trigger on that decision yet.

Lots of pros and cons to it.

BeSafe.

[natedawg120]

i have a single left side mirror

[peekospalace]

True, I live in Canada but I'm not very mechanically inclined and was hoping I could take it to a dealer or something hoping that they could order the parts and do it for me.  However, I have been reading alot of the chat and see that there are alot more people trying to convert back to the E's.  Am I in the minority for wanting to put a fairing on this?  I just think is looks more sporty with it.  The other question I have is will the fairing have any effect on the wind.  I find that I am fighting the wind constantly on this thing, mind you I am 6'2" and 230lbs.

[RVertigo]

 - Dealer parts are going to cost 10x as much as used parts. The dealer may not be willing to fabricate and weld the few mounting points the Naked GS does not have.  (Although, I don't know about the 2005 GS... Does it have the missing brackets?)

- Some people like the fairing and some people don't.  Just a matter of taste... Like swiss cheese...  I think it's gross, but lots of people love it.

- The fairing will have an effect on the wind.  It will push it up and out.  Not sure how it is with the wind on your head though...  When I have my little 1/4 fairing on, I get more wind blowing at my face.

- Just a tip.......  Ride it a little more...  You may get used to the wind.  When I first started riding I felt like 100 KPH would blow me out of my seat...  But, now it's nothing at all.   Now 150 KPH feels like a lot of wind.   

[Alphamazing]

True, I live in Canada but I'm not very mechanically inclined and was hoping I could take it to a dealer or something hoping that they could order the parts and do it for me.  However, I have been reading alot of the chat and see that there are alot more people trying to convert back to the E's.  Am I in the minority for wanting to put a fairing on this?  I just think is looks more sporty with it.  The other question I have is will the fairing have any effect on the wind.  I find that I am fighting the wind constantly on this thing, mind you I am 6'2" and 230lbs.

A number of people want to convert to faired, then realize that it would take a lot of time and money.

The details:
Weld on a tab to the front steering stem and tap it to hold bolts that hold the front fairing brace. Drill and tap holes into the frame (without damaging the structural integrity) to hold the mounting hardware for the side fairings.

Most dealers won't do that sort of thing.

If the wind bothers you, just ride more and get used to it.

[PuddleJumper]

The fairing does a good job of knocking the wind off of your legs up to about your waist.

I'm 5'7" and I get wind from my chest on up with some buffeting at my helmet.
If I go with the naked conversion, I will probably end up with the Plexistar II or III windshield. That would make it more practical for year around commuting.
I live in Oklahoma so I can get away with riding all year.

Another option for me is the Zero Gravity touring windshield. I just need to decide which way I'm going to go.

Having a dealership do the conversion would be very expensive. Especially if you order the parts from them.

Just buying used parts would still run between 400-500 US. Unless you found some really good deals.

BeSafe.

[peekospalace]

So glad I found this website you guys are great thanks for all the advice!!!

[Bulwark]

I just put the Zero Gravity Sport/Touring windshield on my 06'F.  It makes a HUGE differance!

Pic here
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/Bulwark13/DSC00947.jpg

Pic of stock here
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/Bulwark13/DSC00659.jpg

Im 6' and 230 lbs myself and the wind was smacking me good in the chest but now Im good to go on the highway. 

I also agree with you on preferring the looks of the F model but you may be better off money wise to look for an F' for sale and selling your E unless of course you can find the parts used.  I also agree that this website rocks.

[anthonyd5189]

Love my fairings and to take care of the wind I got a Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen and it works wonders.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

4f

[Alphamazing]

Ummm... does a Canadian 2005 "E"model have an external oil cooler?  I'd think that would be the first question....

It does not.

[PuddleJumper]

Good catch Wryder,
I didn't even think of that!

So, If you go from an F to E conversion, does the extra cooling of the external oil cooler cause problems in the winter.
I wouldn't think so but I had to ask.

BeSafe.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

[4

[resistor]

I put a airtech fairing on my 94.. It was nice and fun for awhile but personally if I had to do it again now I would leave it stock or put a small bikini fairing on it with a windshield as it's just a pain to take off to work on it.. not to mention the bike does look good without it.  With my VFR in the garage now I started doing some maintenance work on the GS and quite frankly without the fairing it's so much easier to work on.  Just my 2 cents

[RVertigo]

Oil cooler?  In Canada?  C'mon... That's where ice was born.   

[ben2go]

Well,I have a Targa upper and lower faring.I get a lot of wind in my upper chest and buffeting around my helmet.
Also,at high speed(70+mph) the wind tries to flip my helmet back off my head.I'm all of 5 foot 8 inches tall.
It's hard to tuck in behind the faring for long.here's a pic of my bike.Sorry no front views yet.Cam craped out.

[Jay_wolf]

I like Having None , Just my tiny little headlight , and my belly pan lol , looks kool , and wind is a fact of riding, i just hold on lol