98 gsxr swing arm with 180 width tire swap on 92 gs500e

[Stanfield]

I started out on a gs500 years ago, moved to a gsxr, and have now been building up a gs500 for my wife.  I can understand a front end swap as there is at least a benefit in handling (though I think a $90 pair of upgraded springs is more economical), but I just cannot grasp the rear end swap to fit a 180 tire.  There is zero performance gain and if anything, you've slowed the bike down by adding extra weight in exchange for the look of a fatter rear tire that nobody will notice but you.  If there is a hottie beside or behind you, she's not going to know the difference between the rear tire size, but will at least appreciate that you're on a bike and not in a kia. 

I dunno, I've seen some of the really cool builds of the gs on this site and can appreciate the work that was put into them, but if what you want is a supersport, just ride the gs for what it is until you can afford one.  Like others have said in this thread, no matter how much money and time you put into a gs, it simply won't become a gsxr if that is what you want.  Upgraded springs, exhaust, filter, jetting, clip ons, etc...actually make the gs a really fun bike.  My wife doesn't have the time to ride like I do so I find myself splitting my time between the gs and gsxr almost 50/50.  It's one of those things that you won't appreciate until you've moved on.  I love getting on my wife's gs and throwing that thing around.  Just doesn't make a lot of sense to me in trying to make it something that its not.  It's a great little machine as it is and with some minor work to the stock bones, it becomes a very fun little bike that even guys on bigger bikes appreciate because they started there too.  I sometimes think that beginners get a little too wrapped up in what their elders on bigger bikes might think of them riding something like a gs or ninja 250, when in reality, they see the people riding a proper beginner bike and give them way more props than some idiot n00b on a gsxr1000 acting a fool because he had the money to start on that bike.

Having said that, half the fun of riding bikes is wrenching on them, making them your own, and if a 180 tire is what you want, go for it.  Just remember to take pics and show it off here.  I'm used to working on liquid cooled, fuel injected inline 4 bikes these days, but found myself here when I bought my wife's gs and started it's build.  I've had lots of questions that the members have answered with vast amounts of knowledge and super fast.  I wish I would've documented what I did to her bike and contributed more.

[redhenracing2]

I love getting on my wife's gs and throwing that thing around.

I feel the same way about my mom's ex250. It's amazing what difference there is between her bike and mine, and I can always enjoy a change of scenery. It's much more fun to ride a slow bike at it's limit than restrain yourself on a fast bike. I would buy my gs back in a heartbeat if dude would sell it.

[ZukiGS500E]

im going to buy a gsxr relax, i just wanna do this for learning experience. in the mean time, ill ride my dads gsxr. I like wrenching on my own stuff, and learning more about things, im a hands on person, and i love the look of a gs, and love fat tires, i know its not going to add performance, but i dont see why it matters? im just asking if its possible and some help to do it

[the mole]

+1 Stanfield.
ZukiGS500E, if you're as poor as you say, why throw $$ at a GS when you could save it for the gixxer? Anyway, if you go past about 150 or 160 rear tyre then the rear sprocket will be further out and you're going to have a misaligned chain unless you go for some expensive machining to move the front sprocket sideways. Have fun with what you do!

[redhenracing2]

you're going to have a misaligned chain

This is the biggest obstacle you will have to overcome. If you can arrange for this, then it is doable.

[ZukiGS500E]

if i find that its going to be a struggle, ill just sell the stuff, im not poor, im just in a tight situation, my dads helping me out a little bit, and the stuf together is 175 basically, and its a winter project, i have months to get it figured out, and time to save, spring is pretty far from now

[gsf500RR]

you're going to have a misaligned chain

This is the biggest obstacle you will have to overcome. If you can arrange for this, then it is doable.

I don't think this is really a big problem, many have put 180 tire (and even 200 and up to 360), custom sprocket do the trick for example.

The real problem was pointed out by Jim Knopp, this guy is kind of like the Jesus of the fat tire so when he said it's not going to be easy you can trust him, it's not going to be an easy swap! If you like the challenge, and you can weld (TIG/MIG) maybe go for it.

But if you have to mod the arm itself (grinding it) and then realise you can't even mount it on the GS you will be stuck with a useless GSXR arm.

As it was already pointed out, if you just want a 180 or 200 tire just go for a bandit 12 arm with stock bandit rim or GSXR rim.

[albertinhouston]

    I personally would look for a 93-95 gsxr banana swinger. If I remember correctly, Shave 5MM off each side of the frame and done. And I believe the front axel is the same.  I have done this on my bandit with a 90swinger (1100)

[tt_four]

  It's one of those things that you won't appreciate until you've moved on. 

I've had two other faster bikes at the same time as the GS and the GS is still fun to ride. I fully understand wanting to make it look better though. I've already done a lot of cosmetic mods to mine, and always wanted my old ex250 to look a lot better. That was before they remodeled it too. I would've been pretty pleased with the newer style. All I thought about when I had it was buying a bigger bike, but now that I have one I'd definitely love another ex250 to throw around.

I feel the same way about my mom's ex250.

What?? we just found out I love YOU was a babe from the pictures thread, and now we find out she rides too??

[redhenracing2]

I feel the same way about my mom's ex250.

What?? we just found out I love YOU was a babe from the pictures thread, and now we find out she rides too??

I'm not gonna question what it is that translates to 'I love you', but yes. Pic related:

[Paulcet]

"I love YOU" is the forum translation for "your m-o-m". 

And she parks the bike in the house!?   

[redhenracing2]

"I love YOU" is the forum translation for "your m-o-m". 

And she parks the bike in the house!?   

That was before she moved, new house has a carport with a designated stall for the bikes. Mine is there too since I'm out of town.

[tt_four]

hahaha, this site cracks me up. I can't believe I can't even say "y-o-u-r m-o-m".

I love motorcycles parked inside houses. Seriously love though, not some moderated comment about I love YOU and motorcycles in houses. This whole thing is getting too confusing... 

[redhenracing2]

Here's one of my old bike in the same exact spot.

[ZukiGS500E]

What will i have to do to accomodate the front sprocket issue? do i swap sides? since it goes to the right, can i turn the drive sprocket around for a wider tire so it will not rub?

[ZukiGS500E]

old forks


stock pipe


have to press out steering stems and swap them for the to work, i have a friend who owns a press and hopefully this will be done soon


98 gsxr forks with duel brakes


this is what she looks like right now