I just bought an 02 gs500!

[qvalff8]

And it needs a bit of work. It's been laid down at speed, and the crash broke the headlamp, gauge cluster and misaligned the steering. The fairing is no longer connected and the seat doesn't seat securely to the bike. (I have some work ahead of me, which is why I'm glad I found this forum).

The owner couldn't find the keys, so we hotwired it: it would turn over but not start, even with a battery charger/starter hooked up... After trying that for a while, it stopped turning over. I may have fried the starter relay, or any number of things.

I downloaded the 89-97 manual from rapidshare, but I need to find a wiring diagram for an 02 model, since I understand there were some significant changes made in 2001. I also need to figure out how the body work goes together, since the haynes doesn't have much detail, especially since the body work changed some in '01.

Anyway, that's where I stand now, so wish me luck and give me encouragement.

Valentin

[ohgood]

welcome new gs-er

sounds like you're already on the way to a naked gs. the "F" headlight makes for a wicked looked naked bike, if you choose to go that route. can't help you with the wiring diagram myself, but someone will chime in in 3,2,....

post some pictures of your ride, all angles, all closeups, folks will point out things that need to be addressed.

welcome again, enjoy the ride, RIDE SAFE !

[qvalff8]

I think this will work but here are some pics on picasa. None of them show this but the front fork and brakes are from a kawasaki, and have dual rotors, though the second caliper isn't there. More to come. As you can see i'm doing electrical debugging, with an old wiring diagram

Link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/valdecker/SuzukiGS500?authkey=TxgjNErnkNQ

[gsJack]

My Clymers manual for 89-02 shows the same wiring diagram for 1990-0N for US and Canada models.  There were some significant changes for the F models which started in 04 for the US market.  No 03 model in US.

It doesn't show the 01-02 bodywork changes.  The parts fiches should help with that.  The wiki has wireing diagrams thru EV (97) models.

http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Main/WiringDiagrams

http://www.bbburma.net/Documents/GS500_Parts_Fiche_1.html

[qvalff8]

So I got it started, using my car as a battery source (the bike had been sitting for 8 months, so the battery is probably fried (reads ~6V)). It ran a bit rough, but the fuel in there is that old (no key, so I can't open the fuel tank). But it stayed on and I ran it until it got warm, maybe 7 minutes. The oil felt slippery in my hands, and not very dirty, so it's old, but not used...

From reading the parts fiches, I have gathered that my frame cover doesn't match my year bike: I guess I do have to go with a naked bike. The seat is the right one, but the locking mechanism is gone and the latch is a bit damaged. Also, some of the buffer cushion things are missing. I looks to me like the latch is too tall, but it might fit better if the cushions are all there.

My next tasks are to mount the headlamp and buy a bulb, Buy and mount a gauge set, mount front blinkers, get the seat to sit securely, get a new battery, tune up:  setting idle, etc., Align the Forks/Steering, register the bike, do my written test, get insurance, helmet etc. and then I can ride! Thats a lot of work, but doable.

I'll keep everyone posted.

[qvalff8]

Well, I'm a bad correspondent, but this weekend I went out for a short ride. In the past month, my gauges, fender and keys arrived. I also bought a nice Shoei helmet and a Red Rocket jacket. I got it registered after two annoying trips to the DMV, got my written test out of the way (MSF course good for riding test), and bought insurance from progressive (surprisingly cheap).

I'm pretty happy with the ride, but the bike might need a tune up since it runs a bit rough. I also added 1.5 gallons of fresh fuel, so it might improve with time.

I took a couple more pics which at the end of this album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/valdecker/Val#

What's left to do is get a new tire for the rear wheel, lube the chain and get a lot more experience. Hopefully I can meet up with some folks on the list when I get a bit better.

But motorcycling sure is fun!

Val

[jroymcd]

Hey im in the Bay Area and just picked up a beat 01 GS500. looks axactly  how mine does right now and needs just as much work, but its a runner!

lets ride

there is a picture of mine here

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=45234.0

[ohgood]

Well, I'm a bad correspondent, but this weekend I went out for a short ride. In the past month, my gauges, fender and keys arrived. I also bought a nice Shoei helmet and a Red Rocket jacket. I got it registered after two annoying trips to the DMV, got my written test out of the way (MSF course good for riding test), and bought insurance from progressive (surprisingly cheap).

I'm pretty happy with the ride, but the bike might need a tune up since it runs a bit rough. I also added 1.5 gallons of fresh fuel, so it might improve with time.

I took a couple more pics which at the end of this album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/valdecker/Val#

What's left to do is get a new tire for the rear wheel, lube the chain and get a lot more experience. Hopefully I can meet up with some folks on the list when I get a bit better.

But motorcycling sure is fun!

Val

ya man, it sure is

that may be a katana front end (I commented on one of your picasa shots) since it's a common swap for gs's. There are a few folks on the forum with lots of experience in that area, so you should be in good hands. The stock gs FE is soft squishy stuff, but works. You've likely already got a niiiiiice handling bike thanks to the previous owner. Check your rear shock, if it's not stock it's likely a kat also.

THings you may want to do:

dump your tank and float bowls of the old gas
get in line for the valve adjustment kit (a forum search will set you on your way)
check your front cogs' teeth count - 16t is stock, 15t is fun, 14t is a wheelie machine




how many miles are on the speedo ? any major issues while riding ?

cool, enjoy the ride !

[qvalff8]

The title I saw said 16k miles, but there was no gauge cluster when I bought it. I got a cluster from ebay for 100$ but I can't attach it because the katana (or whatever) front end. The rear tire is still bald, and I need some recommendations for what to replace it with. Where is a good place in the bay area to get it done and how much does it cost?

I also need to adjust my mirrors better. I really couldn't see when I was on the freeway to get to san francisco.

I'm not very good, but I hope to get better with lots of practice.