The newest addition:

[tiburg]

I'll start by introducing myself. I am Tim and I am new to the GS world.

Growing up on a dirtbike and around bikes, I have always been fascinated by motorcycles. Since before I can remember I always wanted a bike, but being somewhat responsible I knew that getting one when I turned 18 was not a good idea (for my parents and wallets sake). As I went off to college I knew financially it was out of the question but the thought of getting a bike never left my mind.

I recently graduated from college in May, and the search for a bike continued. A race rep. was out of the question and I was looking for something older. I remember looking at a gs500 a few years back and it was an ideal bike to start out on.

So long story short I came across a 98 black and silver on craigslist. The guy dropped it pulling into his driveway at work, and just purchased a new car so he was looking to cut his losses. I figured for his asking price $500, I could turn around and part it out so I was on my way. When I showed up, the bike was mint. 7k miles and extremely clean, idled beautifully, and best of all the title was clean. The previous owner was a good guy and I knew that if I did not purchase it he would keep it and fix it. So for less $ than CCs I was on my way home.




Damage includes bent handlebars, couple scratches and a small dent in the tank. I am a little worried about the front brake and fork getting tweaked when it was dropped, so I am hoping you guys have some input. The drop was at a low speed (less than 15mph).

So, a couple questions: What are my best options for handlebars? I know about the 89 factory clip ons, but are there any others that will give me a similar, if not better, look/performance?

Also, I have crashed a fair share of dirtbikes and very rarely have every dealt with fork damage. What are the chances the fork could tweak? I cannot tell if the fender was shifted or the front end was twisted. The steering stops look true. I figured I would feel it, so I am assuming it is the fender. It seems to ride straight, but then again I have not taken it out of first gear (bent bars). I would just replace the front but the seals were done last fall, and I'd like to get some use out of them if they are straight.




Input is awesome, this may turn into a project

[tiburg]

Trying to get some more pictures of the fender. The picture above is the side that is close to the tire, the other side has a bigger gap between the fender and tire. Just to give you an idea of how it shifted.


Anyways, as I try to get more pictures up. Give me some ideas of where to get some quality parts. Handlebars, blinkers (the aftermarket leds aren't doing it for me), pegs, and anything else!

Thanks,
Burg

[the mole]

I'd just jack it up, take the front wheel and guard off, remove the brace and drop the forks out. This will take 1/2 hour. Then roll the legs across a sheet of glass (you can leave the legs and sliders assembled) to check for bends. From your description of the drop you'd be very unlucky to have damaged forks.

[crzydood17]

dropped mine numerous times, 4 so far none at as much as 15 but i havent bent a handle bar or anything like that... might of been a faster drop then you were told...

[tiburg]

Possibly, but judging by the rest of the bike it doesn't look like it. I will probably take the front off and looking for bends. I just was hoping there was an easier way of telling without disassembling it.

First think on the list is getting some handlebars and probably upgrading the rear shock. Is there any difference between an R1 and R6 shock other than the spring rate?

Burg

[Paulcet]

I'd say you just get the front wheel up, loosen the axle, fork brace, and triples. They will probably all slip back into place. Tighten it all up and have another look.

[tiburg]

You can't tell by the only picture in here of the fender, but it has obviously shifted. The paint has scraped off where the bolts were sitting. I searched and found a post on loosening everything up and rotating the front tubes, watching for any wobbling or resistance. I am going to give that a shot before I disassemble it all.

How many people have done a gsxr swap?

May be excessive for this bike but it would be fun.

[Phil B]

dropped mine numerous times, 4 so far none at as much as 15 but i havent bent a handle bar or anything like that... might of been a faster drop then you were told...

Yarealy.. how do you BEND THE FORKS, at a sub-15mph "drop"?
At that speed, I'd guess you'd have to brutally *crash into something*, I would think.

[twinrat]

lift front wheel off ground then put steel rule edge wise against fork and use a feeler gauge to determine if there is a bend in forks above bottem leg ,try about 3 places around legs.

[tiburg]

dropped mine numerous times, 4 so far none at as much as 15 but i havent bent a handle bar or anything like that... might of been a faster drop then you were told...

Yarealy.. how do you BEND THE FORKS, at a sub-15mph "drop"?
At that speed, I'd guess you'd have to brutally *crash into something*, I would think.

The likelihood of them actually being bent is slim to none. Visibly the forks look and ride straight, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
On a side note: I am by no means anal when it comes to safety, I would just rather figure it out during the winter while its stored and avoid putting unnecessary wear on the bike next riding season.

So what are people doing to their bikes (other than riding them)? Any suggestions; basic maintenance, mods, etc.