HI GUYS!!! 2004 GS500F!

crzydood17 · June 11, 2011, 02:09:13 PM

Hey everyone, Whew took a while to get approved I have been forced to lurk like a mad man. All glory to The Buddha

I have been tinkering on my GS per yalls instructions and have learned to hate my PO, Never adjusted valves, only 1.25 Quarts of oil left in the crank case
and the filter disintegrated in my hand... Chain never cleaned and never adjusted so i had my work set out for me... not to mention this was my first bike so I have gone through a couple of very low speed lay downs that make me quite mad but what can ya do... I have taken the MSF and have my M Class and
Insurance so I think i went the right way, Im a big guy so I might need some advice as to make the bike handle a bit better for my weight...

Im from Austin so if anyone is down here hit me up would love to go for a ride! I met a guy with a naked GS500F (with the stock GS500F headlight) Last night at ROT Rally but that was the only GS i saw, tons of our bigger brothers, and I will try to get some pictures up!

Anyway Hi to everyone and its GREAT to finally be able to reply!

XLAR8 · June 11, 2011, 02:15:58 PM

yeah the stock suspension is week... go bigger springs in the forks and and learn to live with the rear ( i cant recommend putting an r6 shock in the its just not worth it)

tucsondog · June 11, 2011, 03:01:49 PM

Welcome aboard!!!
This is the first and only upgrade you should do for now:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0965045021/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=1278548962&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0965045080&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1K38H2CA59SWM4V4SCKF

Read and apply everything to your daily driving and then, and only then, consider looking for upgrades for your bike.
I'm about 6'2, 230-240lbs with gear, and i haven't made a single upgrade to my '05 GS, yet I can still lay it down enough to drag a knee

(Just be sure to remove the center stand before going out for some spirited riding.....)
If you do any upgrades, wait and see what actually needs it. You may find that you don't really need to upgrade anything, other than maybe swapping to synthetic motor oil (Mobil 1 10W40 Synthetic is my fave.) and replacing the fork oil/seals.
Welcome to the forum, and i cant wait to see the pics from the ROT night!

crzydood17 · June 11, 2011, 03:16:13 PM

I got a good bit on you sir, im 6'2 320ish but hold it well but the poor bike doesn't take well to my size i was thinking a 600 spring would bring it to some equilibrium, and progressive fork springs to keep the huge dive from the front in check. I think a 15T sprocket to help it move a bit better so i'm not dragging the clutch as bad and a new clutch would be in order... then wrap the exhaust and paint the muffler black maybe a X pipe instead of the H
and rejet the carbs to richen them a bit. Past that I think it will stay stock except for visual, I don't like loud bikes, Visually, I know I want to vinyl wrap it
but I don't know if I want it Flat black (saw a SUPER sexy R6 last night flat black with green LEDs under the fairings) or go with carbon fiber (something rarely done to any bike but might be more showy than i want)

Suzuki Stevo · June 11, 2011, 03:17:00 PM

The GS motor is fairly bulletproof by design, so the PO's lack of maintenance might not be an issue?

ENJOY THE RIDE!

madjak30 · June 11, 2011, 03:58:09 PM

Welcome...

You're a little bigger than me (5'11 & 275lbs), but the GS held me okay...I just cranked the rear preload to 6 (you may want to go to 7...full preload)...in the front you can add a 1" spacer and thicker oil, which will get you a stiffer ride on the cheap...just ride it like a commuter bike, not a gixxer and you will appreciate the light/flickable bike that it is...

I just sold mine, but I do miss the Little Guy...

Anyway, have fun with it...it's a great bike...as for the exhaust and air intake stuff you are talking about...I don't think it is worth it...will cost you quite a few bucks and you will only get about 3-4Hp out of the deal...

My two cents...

Later.

pandy · June 11, 2011, 07:30:42 PM

Sorry for the approval delay!!

But.... Welcome!!!!!!!!

ben2go · June 11, 2011, 08:15:39 PM

Welcome.I was bigger when I first got my GS.I rebuilt my GS forks with Progressive fork springs 20W fork oil and through on a Katana 750 rear shock.I wasn't happy with that.220lbs + gear and it was still to soft.So I rebuilt and installed a Katana 750 front end, with help from Dgyver.There is a write up on here that we did together.They I tore down my Katana 750 shock,painted it,lubbed the pivots,and adjuster.I got a write up on here about it and the tool I made.Now bike handles my weight better.I am down to 190lbs so it's starting to get a little stiff now.

Paulcet · June 11, 2011, 08:27:12 PM

A good book recommended by tucson, but I recommend Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1933958359/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1307848988&sr=8-1

crzydood17 · June 11, 2011, 11:19:06 PM

Quote from: pandy on June 11, 2011, 07:30:42 PM
Sorry for the approval delay!! But.... Welcome!!!!!!!!

I will forgive you... but only this once

werase643 · June 12, 2011, 08:58:25 AM

you be nice to the Pandy.... she's one of the few wimin willing to put up with us bastards on this bike forum.....
you don't want the wrath of pandy hanging around your neck

crzydood17 · June 12, 2011, 09:17:58 AM

pandy wrath, makes me think of a panda bear attacking me... most adorable death EVER!

News:

HI GUYS!!! 2004 GS500F!