Hi guys, new to the forum.

[Garrett]

Hello, I've always wanted a bike and this one presented itself through a co-worker of mine. First bike but come from a mechanical background on foreign cars (BMW, Land Rover) as I have 3 BMWs and a Land Rover to care for, it's not so fun at times.

I recently bought this



For 400$. It's an 89 with 20k miles, owned mostly by a female, came with a Vance & Hines pipe that hasn't been installed yet. It does need a choke cable and tach cable.

I bought it as just a funner way of getting to work and school. Everyone tells me after one riding season I'm going to want a bigger bike but we shall see.

Question though, are the weird clip on handle bars any better than normal? Sought after at all?

Thanks!

[Anaconda]

welcome to the forum Garrett and to answer your question about clip ons, it is by far the most sought after item on this bike.  I never tried it myself, though there is a thread in the forum that has many people's opinions on how they feel about it, which is usually positive.  Perhaps on a day that you have time, there are tons of threads you can read to learn pretty much everything about this bike.  Good luck and have fun

[madjak30]

Once you get the small issues looked after, the GS should bring up your vehicle reliability...that's one thing it is known for...

Welcome to the forum...

Later.

[adidasguy]

Nice bike! Super price! Glad you joined the clan.

You may not want a bigger bike. The GS500 is tons of fun and there are so many ways to personalize it. Just browse the "Wall of Fame" for ideas. Do consider changing one or both wheels since you have a silver one and a white one. Originals for 89 were white. However, look at pictures of my bike called Junior and others - you might want to with the gun metal gray wheels. A guy has a set for sale right now in the classified section. Compare Junior's pictures with white and gray - the gray looks so much cooler. (Note added: Or do you have a white and gray? In that case, swap just the front one. Hard to tell the exact color of the rear wheel in the photo. You could go both silver if the rear is silver)

Got clutch cable. Have to check for tach cable. Per other posts, I'm a little out of commission for another week due to achilles tendon repair before I can rummage through all my spare parts. (Crutches in a garage are not fun.)

If you wanted to go stock style bars, you replace the top plate and move the controls. Because clip ons have controls closer to the bike, you might need longer cables to switch to standard type bars. Going from standard to factory clip-ons is easier because the slight extra cable length is not a problem. Suzuki parts list will give part numbers for the longer cables. Just ask if you need help.

This is from an email I sent to someone with questions on the clip ons. They're not weird but highly sought after.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread should answer some questions:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=54159.msg610850#msg610850

There is a photo showing me with an outline showing the difference in position.
Read the whole thread then ask me any more questions that aren't answered.

Down in the following thread you'll see pictures of the Gimbel rear sets. They give a more sporty feel by moving the feet back a couple inches and up an inch or two. With the factory clip ons, I think the combination is great. Sporty - but not that extreme GSXR riding style.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=54144.msg610138#msg610138

A little more info:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=53912.0

One thing with factory clip ons - it is just a 10 minute swap. Easy to swap back. No messing with the fork or anything else. Aftermarket clip ons require fork adjustments, don't always look good, are very aggressive and require lots of time to swap. If unsure, try the factory ones first and think of the Gimbel rear sets. If you want more aggressive riding, then go aftermarket clip ons or buy a GSXR. There is enough demand for the factory clip ons that you can always resell them.

[Twisted]

Just by the picture of your bike you may want to check your chain tension and condition of your chain. Looks like it needs a good lube.

[pandy]

Welcome to the nuthouse! You got a great deal! 

[The Buddha]

Welcome to the nuthouse! You got a great deal! 

Yea I paid 4 bills for a bike that was in a FE wreck and had no clip ons, heck the thing had a busted upper triple.
Great deal, and my fave color (next to the 89 white of course).
It just needs general cleaning/lubing. All bikes do.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Garrett]

Guys, what is a "lunch box" K&N filter?

[The Buddha]

Guys, what is a "lunch box" K&N filter?

Something you need to worry about only after you swap that stock pipe for an after market can.
Cool.
Buddha.

[madjak30]

Guys, what is a "lunch box" K&N filter?

It's a higher flowing air intake box and filter that like Buddha said is usually done in conjunction with the aftermarket exhaust...make the "air pump" more efficient...when both are done and the carbs are rejetted you should gain 6-8 Hp...or 10-12% increase in efficiency...depends on how you look at it...but usually guys hear the louder exhaust and get on the gas more, so you actually end up burning more fuel because you get more agressive with the bike.

Later.

[Adar]

I believe the part# for the airbox is K&N RU-2970.

[Cal Price]

Welcome, ....Three Beamers ! Wow.