Slack's Sport Touring Build

[Slack]

Some pics with the new Cortech luggage, minus the tank bag.  I'm going to try sending it back for a magnetic mount model.  I'm about to start installing the heated hand grips before I go to bed, I'll post some pics of those once I get them all hooked up, probably tomorrow.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

paint looks great! really liking the dark black/flat black contrast. matches the frame nicely

if you have the determination, i would KILL for a mild photo/write up of the emulator installation!

[Slack]

Thanks, I like how the paint turned out too       except the tank, I may respray that.  It just doesn't look nearly as good as the rest of the bike.  Of course I also messed up the paint on the left fairing while installing the grips.  I accidentally let some glue drip on and it ate the paint right off        O'well.

The heated grips rock.  That's all there is to it, they kick ass.  From now on any street bike I own will have heated grips.

[Slack]

I was planning on doing an emulator write up when the time comes, don't worry 

Pics of the heated grips, cause otherwise it didn't happen

[Slack]

I picked up a spare rear brake stay to mess around with to clearance the Katana wheel.  Decided to start working on it tonight.  I don't have a shop press, and was a little worried about keeping the geometry of the ends the same while going that rout.  So I decided to take a path less followed.  Pics tell it all.  Probably won't get to continue working on it until next weekend   

[xunedeinx]

Make me one?

[steezin_and_wheezin]

i'm interested to see how that bad boy turns out. definitely keep us posted!

[Slack]

The brake stay is almost done.  It's taking me forever with a stick welder and no skillz, but it's just about there.  I'll post some pics once I finish it and again when it's painted and installed.

I threw in some new brake and clutch levers.  They are a carbon print, but not the standard print with silver rectangles.  They have depth and shading in them.  I think they look sweet.  Only down side is one of the levers has a small blemish, but I'm not going to send it back to Japan for that.  I ordered 2 sets, so the blem will just be a back up anyway.





For my birthday my wife got me a Garmin Nuvi GPS and a handle bar mount/water resistant case   









Now I'm going to have to hard-wire a 12v accessory port.  Although the Nuvi's battery will last a claimed 5 hrs unplugged.  That's cool, no biggie, just something I need to grab next time I'm at the store.

I got some Motul fork oil in the mail today, as well as some new-to-me fork tubes (so the bike won't have any real down time).  I'll be starting the springs/emulators install/write up as soon as I finish the rear brake stay.  And it seems that the brake stay will be in-the-nick-of-time: My back tire is getting very worn now.  So new tires will be on her very soon.  I'm thinking Michelin Pilot Road 3's.  I should have a Katana 750 front wheel at my door tomorrow or Wednesday so I can step the front up to a 120 when the rear goes to 150 (maybe 160, still haven't decided).  I already have a Katana front fender, although eyeballing it I don't think I'm going to like the look once it's installed.  Maybe the stock fender will clear the 120, but the Katana fender was only $8, so I had to go ahead and grab it.

[Slack]

Freakin impossible to find a 12v flush mount power supply with a cover/lid locally.  On my way home last night I stopped at Advance Auto, Auto Zone, Car Quest, and Napa.  No dice.  I was hoping I wasn't going to have to order one online (shipping charges) but I guess that's my only choice 

[ben2go]

Try a marine outfitter for boat owners.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

saw some for sale on here a while back..

how's the brake stay coming along?

[Slack]

The brake stay is done! 
I haven't painted it yet, but here are some pics of the test fit.














It is snug up front with some room in the back.  This is perfect: it's a brand new chain, 39t rear sprocket, and 17t front sprocket.  So as everything wears in I'll have room to adjust the wheel backwards.  I'm not sure if I'll keep the 17t front.  I just wanted to give it a shot and see what it did to my gas mileage: I ride a lot at 75 mph.




I also installed 2 inline fuel filters, one on each line between the petcocks.  They are Russel, anodized black, and have a replaceable element.  So they should save me some headache if the screen ever rips in the tank petcock.




I've been working on test fitting the Katana front wheel.  It's not quite a straight swap, but I've worked out all the kinks.  Once my new tires are mounted (UPS should be bringing them by today) I'll do a write up on how to install the Katana front.  I have everything ready to go for my front forks, but I'd like to finish the tires first.  And after the forks are done I'll move on to wiring (the project has grown to a bit more then just a 12v power port).

[xunedeinx]

After market seats from France, with gel and a heater as options:

http://www.topsellerie.com/en-us/SUZUKI-GS-500-seats-petrol-tank-covers-tank-bags-motorbike_7_156.html

Seats without heater are available from Germany. I have these

Would you sell the blue gs500f one?

It'll match =)

[steezin_and_wheezin]

great progress slack! i'm itching for some warm weather so i'm not called to the mountain every weekend.

brake arm looks good!

[Slack]

Thanks.  The paint on the brake stay is drying as we speak.  Warm weather is right around the corner.
My new tires are in.  Michelin Pilot Road 3's.  120/60ZR17 and 150/70ZR17.  Already made an appointment to have them mounted and balanced next week.  I had the shop order a new set of bearings for the Katana wheels also.
I started working on installing Race Tech springs and Cartridge Emulators, I couldn't wait until the tires were on.  I had to stop when I found out that the GS damping rod needs a spacer to work with the Emulators.  The spacers are now in the mail and Race Tech should be updating their web page info.  Follow the "how to" thread here: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59261.0

[Slack]

It's been a week since I finished installing the Katana wheels and new tires, along with all new fork internals.  But I still haven't gotten to ride it yet.  When I went to install the new chain I realized I needed a special tool to press the missing link together.  I ordered it immediately, it was supposed to arrive today.  So, I planned a long weekend of riding.  I get home from work today and guess what, no package  It won't be here until Monday.

[xunedeinx]

That sucks. Get out a hammer and a punch... or get a temporary removable link.

Hell, I got a removable link, check it once every few days, has never so much as budged on me.

Nothing stops me from riding.

[SS Adrenaline]

That does suck that you cant get out riding, but look on the bright side.  You could have snow like I do and you CANT ride for 2 more months until it melts.

[Slack]

Just wanted to say hi to everyone.  I moved a few months ago and went a long time without internet.  I'm still in SW VA, but instead of B.F.E. I'm in Roanoke now.  So I'm back around now.

The bike is doing great.  I've installed a K&N lunch box filter and rejetted.  I did it mostly to open up some good real estate for the fuse box and bank of relays I still haven't installed.  I'm really liking the new intake noise.

Hope everyone has been well!

[ben2go]

You're close to some good BRP riding on your way out to the dragon's tail.