New Member + Questions

[Twism86]

Hi Everyone,

Im Tom and recently purchased a 2002 GS500, formerly owned by member cay. I just wanted to come on and introduce myself. Im from the Albany, NY and am fairly new to riding. I grew up riding dirt bikes in NJ but havent ridden a street bike much.

I had a question about the headlight, if i want to get a new bulb, what is the type im looking for? Like "H13" for example is what my car uses.
Also, are bar end mirrors a general item or do i have to get them specific for the '02 GS? Or are they based on bar diameter?

Thanks for any help.

Tom

[PachmanP]

Welcome!

I think the bulbs are a standard type, but I don't know off hand which. Check http://wiki.gstwins.com/

Bar end mirrors are generic and go off of bar diameter. (7/8")

[Twism86]

Thanks! Ill try harder to find the exact bulb type.

Would anyone recommend a K&N or any other high flow air cleaner? Ive always used then in my cars and dirt bikes.

[O.C.D.]

Almost everyone here will tell you to get a K&N.  BUt you have to rejet if you do cause you will be running even more lean than stock.  As you know, these bikes are lean from the factory.

[Twism86]

Almost everyone here will tell you to get a K&N.  BUt you have to rejet if you do cause you will be running even more lean than stock.  As you know, these bikes are lean from the factory.

Thats probably the route i will take. I was looking at rejetting on the wiki page but am not sure how comfortable i am at doing it. Any recommendation on what jets to but for a K&N drop in?

[Twism86]

It looks like the headlight is an H4 for and 02, does anyone know if this is correct?

[lopee]

bulb is H4 duel filament , try to get a heavy duty to handle the vibration

[O.C.D.]

Almost everyone here will tell you to get a K&N.  BUt you have to rejet if you do cause you will be running even more lean than stock.  As you know, these bikes are lean from the factory.

Thats probably the route i will take. I was looking at rejetting on the wiki page but am not sure how comfortable i am at doing it. Any recommendation on what jets to but for a K&N drop in?

Just do it and learn.  I made my bike basically this last fall and believe it or not the worst part was fear of carbs.  I took my time, did it right, and she started the first try.

The jets you need depend on the exhaust as well.  Are you upgrading that as well?  If you have the coin I would do all three at the same time.

[O.C.D.]

Silverstar H4ST - hell of a nice bulb for the money!  I have used Piaa's as well and they are fantastic but $.

[Twism86]

Thanks for the bulb info. I have silverstars in my car and they are great, so ill go with that for the bike too.

As for my pipes, i would love a full V&H setup but right now i dont want to drop a few hundred on it. I will be happy with a new filter and and a well tuned bike. In that case what would be a good kit for just a K&N filter?

BTW im glad i found this site, everyone seems very helpful!

[Twism86]

Any advice on what is a better choice, the K&N drop in or the dual flange that replaces the air box? Can they be jetted the same? Sorry for all the questions.... Im just trying to get an idea of what i want to do to the bike, then go out and do it all. Its all appreciated!

[Viperz]

Almost everyone here will tell you to get a K&N.  BUt you have to rejet if you do cause you will be running even more lean than stock.  As you know, these bikes are lean from the factory.

Wait a second. Why would you want to rejet for the drop-in filter? I've been riding with the drop-in and have no 'lean' problems. Obviously, you'd want to rejet for the lunchbox filter.

[O.C.D.]

Drop in was not specified until his last post.

Drop in is about useless as the stock, no more air but better filter.  Do a lunchbox of course.

[Paulcet]

There are 3 options for K&N.  Drop-in with restrictor:  Same flow as stock, rejet not required but some want a little more fuel anyway.  Drop-in without restrictor:  More air flow than stock, rejet needed.  "Lunchbox" which replaces the airbox:  Most airflow.  go up a few sizes on jets.

[Twism86]

Thanks for the tips. So if were to go the lunchbox route, which I think is best, what jet kit would be required? Also does anyone know a good supplier for both parts?

[Paulcet]

See http://beergarage.com/GSJet.aspx for an idea where to start with the jets.  You have 3-circuit carbs, I think.  There is one '02 in the matrix, but he's got 150 mains, which seems a little large.

[Twism86]

Thanks. Im going to pickup some Silverstars in a few days and will look into jetting and a lunchbox style filter soon.