Proud new GS owner! - now with pics -

[Yenool]

Well after getting very helpful info from you all and a couple suggestions from members of SVRider forum I decided to get a GS as my first bike!  I went down and checked it out today.  I pick up my 2001 GS500E tomorrow evening.  It has 12000 miles on it and no major comestic damage (been down once).  The handle bar was slightly bent as a result of that drop though (should be able to get a replacement fairly easily right?)

I'll post pics tomorrow or Tues (if it's too dark when I get home).  I'm giddy.   

[ohgood]

Congratulations on your new bike

Check the for sale section of the forum. I just picked up a nice chrome bar

to replace my ugly, rusting, bent painted bar on the cheap.


Note the rating option for sellers/buyers too

Hope you get many years of fun out of your gs.

Welcome to the forum

[gsJack]

Is handlebar itself actually bent?  Handlebar can be twisted out of line with front wheel so it's turned a bit when going straight ahead.  This happens easily when bike is dropped and can be fixed by loosening up front end parts and allowing parts to go back in place.

OEM bars can be ordered online from parts fiches or bought at local dealers and there are also many aftermarket bars available for less cost.

[Yenool]

The bar is definitely bent on the right side (same side it was dropped on).  Doesn't really impair riding, just noticeable difference. 
And, ohgood, thank for the pics/advice.  I didn't see a rating option though?

[scratch]

Welcome to GStwin!

Also, you can search 'handlebar' on this website to find options.

[ohgood]

The bar is definitely bent on the right side (same side it was dropped on).  Doesn't really impair riding, just noticeable difference. 
And, ohgood, thank for the pics/advice.  I didn't see a rating option though?

When you view a person's profile, you'll see the seller/buyer rating.

[bucks1605]

Congrats on the new bike, you'll be glad you chose the gs .

[Yenool]

Woo hoo!  Got it tonight!  I know I'm rockin the squid uniform here but bare with me for a week :-p
PICS!





So like I said before the handlebar is bent.  Today I realized these stock mirrors are basically worthless to me.  So those 2 are 1st things on my list to replace on the bike.  Probably look into a windscreen (the F-16 sport looks best from pics) after the essentials are taken care of.  So I'm stoked.  Gonna ride her around the neighborhood for the rest of the week and get used to her.  Probably take her for her 1st real spin around town this weekend.   

I HAVE A MOTORCYCLE!

[surf.seppo]

Congrats. Cool bike.

Those aren't the stock mirrors. They look like cheap lil' Emgos or something (I just got similar ones off eBay). I love the chromed mickey mouse style. The stock ones are rectangle and black. If you want to upgrade, there are some good recommendations on the Wiki. I used to have Napolean mirrors on my gs, and they were great. No vibrations at all.

Ride safe. Stay cool. 

[CentralCoaster]

Welcome to the club.  I'm in Mira Mesa, I bought my GS in December for my first bike.  I have the F-15 windscreen on mine, pretty big, but I can't imagine freeway riding with something small or nothing up front.

Where in SD are you?  You need some gear!  It took me about a month before I felt comfortable enough on the bike to cruise anywhere, and that's exactly the time you want to be wearing a jacket and gloves at the very least.  I got some of my stuff at Cycle Gear off Convoy, they had more stuff and better prices than 2 of the bike dealers I went to.

I think those mirrors look horrible.  But my stock ones shake so much they aren't that useful if I'm on the throttle.  I'd look for something aftermarket.

[ohgood]

I HAVE A MOTORCYCLE!

ya man, that's the best feeling !!

nothing like the sleepless nights just before you buy your first bike, dreamin of cruisin down the road, all that jazz. i still dream about it. new hills, new curves, -not- dropping it in front of a crowd, alla that

can't tell if you have bar ends in the pictures, but they'll help with the vibrations. don't mess with the expensive aluminum ones, you want the HEAVY LEAD OEM type.

then find some nice SV650 mirrors, and you're set.

welcome to the board man, enjoy the gs, it's a looker.

[pandy]

VERY nice looking bike!!!!!!!! Welcome to the wonderful world of the Baby G....oh..and welcome to the nuthouse, too!