My Introduction - 2005 GS500E

[El_Duque]

Hi All,

I just wanted to introduce myself....

I'm Dave, 25 and from Toronto.

I just purchased a 2005 GS 500E. It's the naked Canadian model. It's got 4000km and is in great shape. It's having the reflector recall and spring service performed on it now and I will take delivery of it on the 31st of May.

I first want to thank all of the members of this site as it provided a ton of useful information and was a key factor in my decision to purchase the GS over some of the other bikes I was looking at (specifically Kawi EX 250 and EX500). You guys have a great community here and have developed an excellent resource for those considering buying a bike. I applaud your good work and look forward to being a part of it.

Now about the bike -

It is currently stock. The first thing I want to do to it is to add a fly screen.

I really want to put on the small 3-piece screen from the current SV650 Naked, which is a mod I've seen talked about on here but have yet to see pictures of. If you could direct me to any pics of it that'd be great. Also, can you use the headlamp housing brackets from the SV directly on the GS or do you need to make modifications. From browsing the micro fiche it looks like the only difference is the mounting point for the screen, although I'll probably head to a suzuki dealer at some point to check this out. Also, if any of you know the approx. cost of this (parts/paint), that'd save me a lot of leg work.

Second, the seat. I'm planning on doing alot of two-up riding and have heard the stock seat isn't the most comfortable for a passenger on a long trip. Will the Corbin Gunfighter seat fit a 2005 model? Is it still available? Are there any other products/ideas to make things easier for a pillion?

Next, gas. I know it's been discussed here before but......should I use 87 or 92. Most gas here has a small ethanol content (5-10%) have you guys had any problems with this? I've been told that in some applications this can cause the engine to run lean. I know the gs is jetted lean to begin with so would you guys recommend a re-jet from stock? 

Finally, insurance. For any of you Ontario riders, if you don't mind me asking, what company do you go through and what are your premiums. The best quotes I've recieved were from Rider's Plus at approx. $1020.

Well that's it for now. Thanks alot and I'd love to hear from other Toronto area riders.

Dave



   

[beRto]

Welcome! 

I now live in Vancouver, but I still have a soft spot for Toronto (my hometown) 

[scottpA_GS]

Welcome!   

As far as Gas goes, as long as the GS doesnt ping you are good. 87 should be no problem, thats what I run