JUST got my GSF (first bike!)... laudry list of little things to fix -- HELP!

[Jayhovah]

Howdy..

I just got my 2006 GS500F... it was laid down by the previous owner, but mostly repaired. Left fairing replaced (although blank so it doesnt match)... here's the list of issues:

1) Front/headlight fairing is broken.. This is the one I care least about because I figure I will need a new piece to replace it.. maybe all you guys going naked can hook me up!

2) Left fairing is blank white.. I noticed the graphics are all decals. Where can I get the stock decals cheaply so that it will match?

3) Assuming the mirrors came off in the accident, the previous owner put on some aftermarket ones that go over my hands and are attached to the handlebars.. however they don't reach far enough so I cant really see behind me. The stock mounts are missing (although the allen bolts are still there).. How can I remedy this?

4) Horn doesn't work. If someone can just tell me where it should be mounted I should be able to figure this one out on my own.

5)handle bars are a little bent.. rides okay but you can tell they are a little cocked. I saw on the wiki there is a cheap stockish replacement.. where would I find that?

6) clutch lever ball is broken off.. where can I get a new clutch lever cheaply?

All in all, the bike runs well has low miles and I got it for $1800. Can anyone point me in the right direction with these little things? I can post pictures of things at request..

[tripleb]

Welcome to the board.  Most of the things you mention can be solved by checking out the wiki.  And if you want to replace anything than you can check ebay or the for sale section of the board - there's always guys parting out their GS's.  I'd recommend getting a manual like Clymer's or Haynes too.  That will help a lot in fixing the bike by yourself.  You can find a link at the homepage (GSTwin.com) that you can get a manual for $20 and will help out the site.

[CndnMax]

the horn is located behind the left side fairing bolted to the frame rail. chances are it got messed up when the bike was crashed/dropped. 

[gobstopper]

I don't know where you're located, but if you have a CycleGear store near you, that's a good place to find things like the clutch lever, new handlebars, mirrors, and other small sundries.  They may even be able to help you out with the fairing decal.

As far as shopping online, I definitely recommend BikeBandit.com--I'm a big fan of theirs, especially for the online OEM parts diagrams.

I'd also recommend getting both the Haynes and Clymer manuals...they tend to have different sets of photographs for the same procedure, so it can be helpful to use both.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Jayhovah]

Welcome to the board.  Most of the things you mention can be solved by checking out the wiki.  And if you want to replace anything than you can check ebay or the for sale section of the board - there's always guys parting out their GS's.  I'd recommend getting a manual like Clymer's or Haynes too.  That will help a lot in fixing the bike by yourself.  You can find a link at the homepage (GSTwin.com) that you can get a manual for $20 and will help out the site.

I will look into getting a manual... Thanks!

the horn is located behind the left side fairing bolted to the frame rail. chances are it got messed up when the bike was crashed/dropped. 

Awesome.. I will look into it this weekend... Is it hard to remove the fairings?

I don't know where you're located, but if you have a CycleGear store near you, that's a good place to find things like the clutch lever, new handlebars, mirrors, and other small sundries.  They may even be able to help you out with the fairing decal.

As far as shopping online, I definitely recommend BikeBandit.com--I'm a big fan of theirs, especially for the online OEM parts diagrams.

I'd also recommend getting both the Haynes and Clymer manuals...they tend to have different sets of photographs for the same procedure, so it can be helpful to use both.

Good luck and enjoy.

I do have a CycleGear next to me.. but its very small.. There is another shop around here that I think I may check out.. Are these things generally cheaper at places like this as opposed to a dealer? Thanks for the links...

[RobTheTyrant]

There's nothing to taking the fairings off... a few bolts and you're done.  Just don't go tugging on it too hard in case you've forgotten/ missed a bolt/nut.  Most of the cycle shops are going to use Parts Unlimited, just like most dealers.  So unless that cycle shop has a part used lying around most stuff is about the same.

[CndnMax]

the horn is located behind the left side fairing bolted to the frame rail. chances are it got messed up when the bike was crashed/dropped. 

Awesome.. I will look into it this weekend... Is it hard to remove the fairings?

takes about 2 min to take one off. take off 7 bolts/screws (3 near the headlight fairing, 3 on the side of the fairing, and one on top near the tank), two clips on the bottom holding both side pieces together, and another clip on the inside near the headlight fairing. after everything is off just lift the fairing off the bump that is holding it on near the tank(where you took the bolt off). don't force anything it should come right off without any problem.