Might interest the Aussie members...

[Michael]

What  I've done to my 2001 so far, might help any of you with yours.
V&H ignition advancer- really good thing to do- more in the bottom end and midrange.
Magnum Pro Series full system- sounds great, much less restrictive than stock, comes in ADR approved or sports versions.//www.formula1mc.com.au.
Uni foam filter in airbox- to get the most out of the pipe.  Aussie distributor may not want to order it for you (wouldn't for me).  Had to get my sis in the US to buy it and post it to me.  Still worth it, though.
Jetting- went with the Factory kit (from Mick Hone motorcycles in Melbourne).  Tried using the Mikuni jets from the Suzuki dealer, but couldn't get it to work.  Changing the needle for the Factory supplied one made all the difference.  Now, have 127.5 mains, 22.5 pilots, screws 2 1/2 turns out, needle no. 0994G-84M-60u on 2nd clip position from top.  No more flat spot between 4000-5000rpm, better acceleration, fuel consumption same as stock  (~22 km/l ave.).
Progressive fork springs- best value for money mod to the GS500.
Rear shock-Hagon preload and damping adjustable, fantastic difference over the stock one.  Couldn't get any of the ones the US guys talk about (second hand, that is.  New was more than I paid for the one I got!)
My bike now runs, sounds and handles way better than stock, and all up I've spent less than AUD$2500 on it.
Hope this is of some use to y'all.

[JohNLA]

How bout a pic of your pipe to make us Yanks jealous :mrgreen:

[Michael]

How bout a pic of your pipe to make us Yanks jealous :mrgreen:

Will, as soon as I can get my hands on a camera with film.

[conradvr]

Hi Michael,

When and where did you get the V&H ignition advancer? - I have looked around a little bit but they are no longer made -- so I am looking at taking the 'home made' route.

I am in Brisbane myself and I agree the progressive springs and 15W fork oil make a great difference.

Cheers
Conrad

Hey Conrad where in Brisbane man?

I am in Teneriffe....

we should hook up for a ride....

Stay Safe  

[Michael]

Hi Michael,

When and where did you get the V&H ignition advancer?
Cheers
Conrad

Yeah, good point.  I got mine from Parts411 in the US.  Again, I had to get my sis to get it for me as they had all sorts of bizarre requirements for overseas credit card transactions.  I actually got mine about 2 years ago (about 3 months after I got the bike!).  BTW, if you are interested in the pipe, Formula 1 are in BrisVegas.  John Stamnos, the distributor for Goodrich braided brake lines (which I have also done and thoroughly recommend) is on the Sunshine Coast.  As an ex-Brissie boy myself I do like to support the locals.

[conradvr]

Thanks Michael,  looks like I will need to do the Advancer mod myself.  

I had seen elsewhere your pipe mod and promptly contacted Formula 1 for a quote... this has now been added to the list of wants (just need to raise funds).  What did the braided brake lines do for the bike?  
(I have just done the progressive springs and 15W oil mod and that did improve the handling a fair bit.)

Cheers
Conrad

[Michael]

Thanks Michael,  looks like I will need to do the Advancer mod myself.  

What did the braided brake lines do for the bike?  
(Cheers
Conrad

More power in the brake, more feel, less lever travel, all adds up to more braking control.  I reckon this is the second must-do mod after the Progressive springs.  The Goodrich kit comes with new bolts and washers (watch out, though, one of mine had the wrong thread) and it took me about an hour to fit.  Worst part was bleeding the brake when the new hose was on at last.  I only did the front as the back was fine as is.  Once the rear needs replacing with age I'll do it braided too.  The kit for the front cost me about AUD$110 delivered to my local shop here in Hobart.  Oh, and the braiding comes in about a dozen (that's 12 for those too young to remember!   ) different colours too.  Think about doing this mod- it's safety and performance from the same pile of cash.

[conradvr]

Sounds good Michael.  Actually early next year my wife and I are planning a bike tour from Brissie to Tassie, neither if us have ever been to Tassie before so we are really looking forward to visiting the Apple Isle.

Cheers
Conrad

[Michael]

Sounds good Michael.  Actually early next year my wife and I are planning a bike tour from Brissie to Tassie, neither if us have ever been to Tassie before so we are really looking forward to visiting the Apple Isle.

Cheers
Conrad

I sent you a PM but I'm not sure how that works or if you got it.  If you haven't already set an itinerary, email me with what you're into and I'll send you some tips, suggestions, etc to make your (probably too short) stay here easier.

[conradvr]

Hi Micahel, looks like the PM function isn't working (strange as it has worked before on this forum for me).  We haven't done the travel plan yet so I will email you in due course - thanks a million for the offer of help.

Hey Keyzer, I tried to PM you but it looks like the system isn't working.  We go for a ride just about every weekend.  You are welcome to come along - I will use your email address in your profile to arrange a hook up point when we next do a group ride.

Cheers
Conrad