just got my 04 GS500F

[LEMON8]

hey all, i just picked up a 04 GS500f, it has some road rash on the side and i need a new front windshield.

I was looking for a FSM hopefully in PDF format but no luck as of yet. I'm very very new to bikes and how to take them apart and etc. a FSM should be very helpful for me.

I search around and only found this. http://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-1989-2008-Haynes-Service-Repair/dp/1844258815/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276827829&sr=8-2

Is this my best option? there is always factory manuals floating around.


I tried to take off front shield. Seems i have to take the whole front fairing/headlight cover off. I pulled the 3 front plastic screws off and then the 2 top metal rear screws and it didn't come off easily. I gave up there thinking i might have to pull all the fairings off.

[tt_four]

Welcome! Definitely a good choice with the road rash for a first bike. As much as you don't want to think about it yet you're gonna end up dropping it a few times and having that road rash there already is going to make it a lot less painful on you!

That service manual would work, sometimes people on here have some for sale for $10-20, but $30 isn't an awful price.

Enjoy the bike!

[steezin_and_wheezin]

welcome! got an 04 also, been riding for a few months now

searched for a long time to find a free pdf copy of the manual, but no luck. i bought the haynes manual. imo 30 dollars is well worth the immense amount of info in that thing.

search on here for 'fairing removal' threads. was still waiting for my manual and wanted the fairings gone. found everything i needed plus! some really solid how-to's on here with great pictures!

[LEMON8]

i almost took a dip today. I THINK i was going into a turn too slow, maybe 10mph in 2nd bike stalled half way into the turn but i was to get my foot down and pick up the bike.  Shouldn't 10mph be good in 2nd for it not to stall...


either way.. i've heard that manual doesn't show fork seals or carb clean/rebuild stuff. I think it will need some this winter. never been done AFAIK. since its coming up on the 12k service when the season is over i wanna get it apart in the winter for the plugs, filter, carb clean and if these things sync as well.

Any tips on getting my windshield off, i think lower and headlight covers need to come off and then i can split the sheild from the headlight cover... i just dont wanna do that if its not all needed. And it is just a matter of hex screws or is there more like how a fairing hangs/hooks to the frame.


i did search a little but most treads i came across has bad links to pictures. but then again i looked for windsheild removal/upgrade

[CndnMax]

I got a PDF version, don't remember how. Lots of good information. As for 2nd gear at 10mph, i try to keep it around 3k and 5k. Anything below 2k is stall worthy I would say.

For the windshield you just undo the 5(2 behind 3 in front) screws, and possibly the two plastic snaps- been a while. Start at the top and work the windshield free, it hooks on two tabs at the top behind the black plastic.

[adidasguy]

One or more of the screws actually goes into a long rubber expanding thingy. You have to remember to pull that out. It goes in the hole, then the screw pulls on the brass nut on its far end squishing the whole thing up to hold things tight.
I swapped windshields and remember not having to take the fairing off. I also recall that some of the fairing pieces have built in washer type cups that go into the holes of the windshield, so you have to gently pry things apart about a quarter of an inch.

On plastic clips that have the single round pin, you push the pin all the way through (don't lose it) then pull out the clip. To re-install, put in the clip then push the pin down into it until it is flush with the clip. The pin expands it to hold it in place. They are made to be reusable. Don't pry them out until you push the pin through.

[Twisted]

i almost took a dip today. I THINK i was going into a turn too slow, maybe 10mph in 2nd bike stalled half way into the turn but i was to get my foot down and pick up the bike.  Shouldn't 10mph be good in 2nd for it not to stall...

As you get to know your bike more you will know what gear it likes to be in for corners but usually 10mph is a lil slow. When your bike is lugging it means you are in the wrong gear. Going that slow 1st would be better.

[TCARZ]

The Haynes manual is hardcover. Not a bad price for lots of great info.
If you are thinking about a windscreen with more wind protection, now's the time to check out Zero Gravity.

[LEMON8]

i almost took a dip today. I THINK i was going into a turn too slow, maybe 10mph in 2nd bike stalled half way into the turn but i was to get my foot down and pick up the bike.  Shouldn't 10mph be good in 2nd for it not to stall...

As you get to know your bike more you will know what gear it likes to be in for corners but usually 10mph is a lil slow. When your bike is lugging it means you are in the wrong gear. Going that slow 1st would be better.

The bike was not lugging at all when I entered the turn or any part. It just stalled and good thingi was tall enough to keep it up

[tt_four]

I'd keep the rpms over 2000-2500 minimum while you're learning, but probably a little higher when you're going into a turn. The RPMs probably just dropped too low, and if you were on the brakes at the same time it probably didn't help.

[LEMON8]

that could of been it!!! brakes. i dont recall if i tapped the rear brakes or not.


Ok so about my windshield... I removed 3 front bolts, top back 2 metals, 2 plastic push. 2 front rubber holders that the 3 front bolts went into. It somewhat is loose but doesn't come off with ease, i dont wanna pull it off and have trouble installing another one in.

[redhawkdancing]

You have to pull off the lower fairings, and then pull out the black part on the inside of the cowl. 

[LEMON8]

yea  seem like the only way, i got it off. Kinda liking the naked look 

[CndnMax]

If you look at the windshield when it's off u notice the two holes near the top. That's what u need to unhook. No need to take everything off just pull back the black piece.

[J T]

Owner's Manual and Service Manual courtesy of PartShark.com:

http://www.partshark.com/custompage3.asp?pg=suzuki

[MarTeeNez]

If you look at the windshield when it's off u notice the two holes near the top. That's what u need to unhook. No need to take everything off just pull back the black piece.

I agree, when I swapped out my windshield for a ZeroGravity touring shield, It was just a few screws and a couple rubber grommets.  Tough part was lining up the rubber grommets on the replacement shield and getting the screw in far enough before letting go and dropping the grommet into the fairing.  The slightly higher shield is much more pleasant on highways.  No more bobblehead.

Have a fun time, it's a great bike!

[Toogoofy317]

you got what I sent you right?  If u still need the "Fz' supp;ement let me know.

Mary

[LEMON8]

I never made an official post on my pick up with pictures. EVERYONE LOVES PICTURES. I did my MSF and passed nicely. Picked up 04 GS500f and the following day my paperwork came in for my MSF.
Overall pretty nice I like this bike, the more standard seat. Sorry for the subpar pictures, these are off my phone. Its my first bike originally I was looking at a SV650n but this came along.

First day I got it had a sticker on the windshield that I pulled off later.




My 2 means of transportation



Minor damage here.. it was dropped.


I tired to do the naked look...








Got new hoops today because I noticed tires were dated from 03 and dry rotted. Avon Roadrider in stock 110 and 130 sizes. I think I should of went 140r



Overall i'm pretty happy being on two wheels. I gotta get a lot more mileage under me to feel confident about my riding. Pretty mad that its been cold and raining most of time in IL.