The GS as a Touring Machine

[The ol_kid]

What's up team, Beginning a long and hopefully successful care free season of touring soon this season. Just wondering what people think of the GS500 "E" as a touring machine. I know that I've already bought it and serviced it and the whole go ahead, but I want to know what people think of it's ability in the world of touring. My tour's would essentially consist of less then 500km a day.

Thanks,
Ol'kid

[Mart3y]

I haven't done any touring as such, more so like 400-500km day trips, so I have nothing more than a backpack. But my GS seems to handle it no worries, no protection from the elements, but that hasnt bothered me.
One of those air hawk seats or something similar definitely wouldn't go astray though.

[madjak30]

It would do it no problem...I have done over 500km days on mine...we just stopped every 120-140kms to take pics or pee, whatever...the one day I did 565kms without my windshield, and could have done more (except when we hit the hail and rain storm, that kinda sucked)...I have the stock seat...the only time I found it lacking was when the guy I was with decided to "giver" and left me there...he was on a 1100cc Concours, but it did the speed limit plus all day and averaged under 5L/100kms...the only other thing that really sticks in my mind is that you need to stop after a while to give your buns and knees a break, just don't expect to drain the tank between stops...

I am going to be touring this summer on the GS if I can't decide what to get...it's really hard to replace something that works so well at almost everything and sips fuel while doing it...

Later.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Not sure about the "E's"? But the "F's" can do it. HINT: it's the same bike 

[ke7syv]

Just ordered the CL-950 Nelson Rigg saddle bags from New Enough for $98. If you've ordered from them before, just talk to someone on chat or shoot them an email and request a 10% off coupon. If you haven't ordered there, not sure what your chances are but try anyways 
As far as touring goes, I would say the most import things would be gear related but the bike is totally capable. I wonder if the 15 tooth I just put on would be appropriate or would a 17 be more fitting I like the 15 so I might leave it until I do some serious touring. I already have an older tank bag. So as soon as I get saddle bags in I'll be itchin to go on a trip.












a

[mister]

The GS500 is the Poor Man's Tourer.


I have the same Large bag as on this bike on my Naked GS500. And I've done heaps of 500km days we well as 400+ and 300+. The GS can easily handle those distances in a day.

Michael

[tt_four]

If you don't have a windshield(which I think you should get), make sure you at least remember the ear plugs. I don't do much highway, but the little bit I have done I quickly realized that a few hours of wind noise against your helmet can really take any enjoyment out of a ride. I felt sick for about 2 days afterwards because my headache was so bad and didn't even feel like riding. I have since bought ear plugs 

[gsJack]

On our trips to the Smoky Mtns in 01-02-03-04 we did 400 mile first and last days to get there and played in the mountains while there for about 3 days.  I did them all on my 97 and 02 GS's with reasonable comfort.  I was about 6-2 and 240# and didn't feel too cramped on the GS.  We did 400 mile days in about 8 hours travelling 70-75 mph on freeways.

I did the trips thru 03 with soft luggage but put a 33L Givi trunk on the 02 for the 04 trip and wouldn't leave home again without one now, clothes remained high and dry in monsoon like rains in the Givi, a constant battle with the elements with the soft luggage.  I used my smaller Spitfire shield in the 02-04 years and it was all I needed for higher speed freeway travel but didn't give the rain protection my big winter NC Plexi 2 shield gives that I left on for the 01 trip.

Every time I see your name here Ol'kid I have to smile, my grandchildren are all over 21 now.     So if an old man like me can travel comfortably on a GS500 I don't see why a young person wouldn't be even more comfortable on one.

[gsJack]

.................I wonder if the 15 tooth I just put on would be appropriate or would a 17 be more fitting I like the 15 so I might leave it until I do some serious touring..........

I had a 15T front for my trips on the 97 GS, made getting underway on steep upgrades much easier for a heavy rider.  Didn't feel the need for it on the 02 GS with it's more flexible 3 carb engine.  Wouldn't consider a 17T myself.

[zirconx]

It will do it. Here is mine from years ago (I have an 'F' now).  This pic is from when I went to a BMW rally, I did about 1000 miles in a 3 day weekend. I would definitely get some kind of windscreen for it, you'll be much less tired at the end of the day without all that wind beating you.

[pertt-UP-]

I think I haven't done more than 200km trips yet. The only problem I can see is the vibration around 6000rpm while driving 100km/h at sixth gear that makes my fingers tingle..

[The ol_kid]

Well Fella's Sounds good, I'm doing it either way, With whatever gear I can afford! Looking at a cortech 14L tank for the first bit, then go for some saddle bags down the road. So I'm planning to do about 3 or fo

[The ol_kid]

Well Fella's it sounds like a solid deal then, I'm doing these tour regardless of the gear I obtain. I'm picking up a Cortech 14L from Royal Distributing to kick of the series of tours around Nova Scotia. Until I move onto multi-province touring. It's happening one way or another.
-ol'Kid

[madjak30]

I'm picking up a tank bag and looking at a bike rack for the rear...I already have a backpack (an assortment actually)...that should be enough for me to go on a weekend tour...anymore than that and I will need more luggage, so for now...weekenders...

Later.

[mister]

6000rpm in 6th at 100kph? Should only be sitting around 5000rpm in 6th at 100kph. 6000rpm in 6th is more like 120kph with stock sprockets.

People keep saying to get a screen. I don't know, maybe the air is thinner down here or something, but I've never thought "wish I had a screen" when riding.   I even took the screen off my Honda 919 cause it was sending all the wind to my helmet and the windnoise was terrible.

I think the biggest thing to touring is getting used to spending a good bit of time in the saddle. If all you've done is 20 minute rides, a 500km day will fatigue you no end. If you can handle an hour, stretch it to 90 minutes. Once you can handle that, do a few one hour stints with 15 minute breaks. So for a day, do four one hour stints and call it a day. This way your body gets used to riding for a larger number of hours in the day. Your arms, legs and back muscles will tank you.

Even still, it pays to make micro movements while riding such distances. Put your toes on the pegs and do tippytoe. Put your heels on and raise your toe in the air and then point your toes down. Try other legs movements too - Before you start to feel like you need it. Sit slightly to the left for a few minutes, then slightly to the right - to give your arms and back different angles for the muscles.

Clothing also. For mine, wear soft cotton boxers - similar to flannel material - or like TT suggests, bicycle shorts. Mesh jacket with removable linings for greatest flexibility for temperature comfort - if it's a multi day ride and you're unsure of the weather.

Michael

[gsf500RR]

It work fine but don't forget to check the oil level regularly or you engine will die.

[sotomoto]

Gs is a capable touring bike. But cannot go with 180-200 km/h.
I have all kappa stuff like windshield, panniers, top box and i plan to get a tank bag...

As mentioned, checking the oil level is critical---good to have somewhere with you 1 litre of oil.

[simon79]

Sotomoto, is that a Kappa Monolock K35N top box I can see on your bike?
Looks exactly like mine save for the rear reflectors (mine are white).

And, what windshield model is it? Do you find it effective?
I just installed a Givi (Kappa's sister brand) A660, which looks quite like yours. Haven't had chance to test it yet.

[sotomoto]

Sotomoto, is that a Kappa Monolock K35N top box I can see on your bike?
Looks exactly like mine save for the rear reflectors (mine are white).

And, what windshield model is it? Do you find it effective?
I just installed a Givi (Kappa's sister brand) A660, which looks quite like yours. Haven't had chance to test it yet.

Yes Simon, this is the k35 top box with kappa racks an the windshield is the KA660, i think it's the same thing with your's.
And very good panniers too, kappa TK714.

As for the windshield, it makes great difference, you will notice that for sure. It keeps wind away from chest and makes bike more stable on highways. For me it's ok at the moment... enjoy it!!!

[simon79]

Sotomoto - Thanks a lot!
Glad to hear you're happy with it. Hope it'll be for me too.
Yes the KA660 is definitely one and the same with the Givi A660.
Just for comparison's sake - Could you please tell me what's your height?
I'm 181 cm (5' 11'').