WILDCAT's Intro/Noob thread with questions

[wildcat333]

Hi Guys. New member here - first post.

I have a 2009 GS500F (black/silver). I got my motorcycle license last summer, and got the bike in late July 2011. I put on about 1,000 miles in August/September before pretty much storing it in mid-October.

Pics:







Questions:

I've lurked around here for a bit, and done a fair amount of research (searched this forum and google), but still have some questions. I was hoping some senior members on here could give me a push in the right direction. So far, the only "mod" I have done was replace the stock windscreen with a dark-smoke Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen.

I'm looking into possibly doing a fendorectomy, but it seems there are so many different options. What is the easiest method? I do have a Dremel already, so that's not a problem. I am more concerned about having to create my own license plate bracket somehow. I'm also concerned that the rear turn signals might look really dumb (look huge and too far out from the bike) after this mod. Any ideas?

I'm also looking into possibly adding new handlebars or clip-ons. I want a slightly sportier feel, and have the bars angled more towards me (especially while on the highway). Any suggestions for companies to look for? Parts? Links? DIY's?

Thanks for helping. Looking forward to being a new member here.

-wildcat333

[fraze11]

Welcome.  We have the same bike   I got mine in new in '09.  As for the fender cutting, I changed my turn signals so I needed to keep some of the fender to allow for the signals to mount.  You can remove it completely or trim it up like I did.  I removed my plate and used my dremel and simply cut across (if I recall I drew a pencil line to keep me straight), its literally a <5min job.  I'm sure some others will chime in with how they did theirs, I guess it depends on how much of it you wanna cut off.  I dont have clip-ons so I can't advise there...

Heres a pic of mine when it was new vs what it looks like now to give you and idea ...

[wildcat333]

^ Thanks man. Do you have any other pics of the rear of the bike? I'm interested to see what you did with the rear blinkers.

Did you add the red sticker ring thing around the wheels? Is that really simple to do? I think possibly a highly-reflective ring might be really good for nighttime safety.

And what type of foot pegs are those?

[SgtBatten]

The red ring you can find pretty cheap on ebay. they come in quarters so you get 16 pieces, 4 for each side of each wheel.
just search for rim stickers. mine are blue but you can get whatever you want to suit your bike.

[adidasguy]

Everything you ever need to know about the OEM Clip-Ons:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59176.msg676469#msg676469

Pix of my bikes and things I've done are here:
http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/

[fraze11]

Here's another pic of the rear, I cut it high enough so I could still mount the turn signals, but its high enough that the plate covers it so from the rear you don't see any of the fender; as for the signals, they were cheap and work great.  They are VERY bright and install in a snap.  Literally remove the old ones and connect the new ones, the wiring connections are the same and it was as plug and play as you can get.  Got them from here; http://www.luckybike.com/servlet/-strse-465/Turn-Signal--dsh--Stalk/Detail but look around they have several kinds.  I went with bulb instead of LED for no reason other than I know how to replace a bulb if it burns out, but I know squat about LEDs.



As for the pegs, everything you need is in this post I did when I installed them;
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=57082.msg646678#
and this wiki article is 100% accurate as far as install instructions go;
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Pegs

As for the rim tape, yes, its reflective red and glows like a mofo when lights hit it in the dark, so it looks cool and is safe  You can get the 4 separate pieces as mentioned above, but then you will see 4 seams, it was just a personal preference but I wanted one solid piece ... I bought a single roll on kit for about ~10 bucks that did both rims both sides.  It came in an applicator that has a guide so you can get around the rim in a consistent manner, it took about 30 mins but was worth it imo.  Heres a pic of the bike at night;

This is the tape I used; it comes with the applicator tool
http://www.gpbikes.com/eshopprod_cat_6340-61262-61326_product_919328.ROADPAK_REFLECTIVE_WHEEL_STRIP.htm

[SgtBatten]

I didnt know they came in longer rolls. Is it pre curved???

Either way is up to you. Just make sure it's reflective and not matte

[wildcat333]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm getting ancy for spring, and hope to order a few items soon for early spring mods.

@Adidasguy - I am digging your bars in this pic, is this currently still what you have? I read the thread you posted, but just want to see specifically what you used here. Easy to install? Thoughts on them so far?



@fraze11 - thanks so much for the picks and links. I'm definitely going to get reflective circle stickers, and I like how your set is just one piece.

Are there any rear blinkers that exist for our GS500's that are "smoked" meaning that they look dark in the daylight, but still emit bright enough lights?

[fraze11]

Stuff like signals are pretty much a universal fit..so any part on any bike (for the most part).  Do you mean something like this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-LED-Turn-Signals-Blinker-flasher-bike-black-smoke-lens-/290652617059?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item43ac3ef963

Hit up ebay or bikebandit or places like that...you'll pretty much find anything and everything.

[fraze11]

I didnt know they came in longer rolls. Is it pre curved???

Either way is up to you. Just make sure it's reflective and not matte

yeah, its one loooong continuous roll and it comes with an applicator.  Basically the tape is wound inside and the applicator (which is just a plastic case with an edge) allows you to roll it onto the rim and it has an L shaped edge on it that tucks under the flat part of the rim to keep your curve consistent as you roll it on around the rim.  Then when you get to the point where you started snip and join. 

Edit: Found this on youtube, this is it EXACTLY.  I don't recommend listening to that music while you apply the tape tho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoi1Jk0prQE

[adidasguy]

I guess you want these turn signals? Stock 2001+ model with smoke lenses from Lights4All from Germany (on ebay). They make the tail light for both 89-00 and 2001+ models.
Left: original. Right: after putting on smoked ones.


LOVE the OEM clip ons. All my bikes and nearly all GS500's in West Seattle have them. The thread I linked to gives all info on putting them on and which ones work. Sold my last set of spares a week or two ago. Prices range $75-$125 for a good set.

[xunedeinx]

I guess you want these turn signals? Stock 2001+ model with smoke lenses from Lights4All from Germany (on ebay). They make the tail light for both 89-00 and 2001+ models.
Left: original. Right: after putting on smoked ones.


LOVE the OEM clip ons. All my bikes and nearly all GS500's in West Seattle have them. The thread I linked to gives all info on putting them on and which ones work. Sold my last set of spares a week or two ago. Prices range $75-$125 for a good set.

Ill be painting my set soon. =)

Maybe i'll do a 3 stripe adidas theme...

[wildcat333]

Hey guys, I purchased a few items. Have a few questions to follow:

* Red wheel tape. Should be good, no questions here. Purchased from some site, forget the name.


* Front flush-mount signals (LED; smoked - eBay).



* Rear signals (LED; short stalk; smoked color - link http://www.2wheelpros.com/dmp-dual-indicator-short-stalk-led-w-amber-tip-black-smoke-marker-lights-2354184.html )



* Electrical fuse thing that I was told I needed to make my LED signals work properly - purchased from LuckyBike.


* Taillight (LED tail; smoked; from Lights4All company - link http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-RUCKLICHT-HECKLEUCHTE-SUZUKI-GS-500-GS500-01-07-/300370931100?pt=Motorrad_Kraftradteile&hash=item45ef80ad9c )





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Questions:

Rear signal:
I recall Adidasguy mentioning that I need to slightly modify something on this, because because I have a 2009, and these were made for 2007's and earlier. Any ideas as to specifics as to what I need to do or modify? Once that is done, is it just plug and play?

Front flush mount signals:
Do I need special wire connectors to get this to hook up correctly?

Rear signals:
Are these really simple to switch out?

Electrical fuse thing:
Is this the correct one?

Any other ideas or comments? I plan to work on these mods this week. Thanks guys.

[wildcat333]

bump

[wildcat333]

No one has any comments or suggestions?

Adidasguy - what thing do I have to modify on the tail here?

[adidasguy]

Plug the tail light in. It is ready to go. 2007 same as 2009. Same tail light as I have on my 2009.
Flush mounts - depending on your wiring harness you may need to change connectors. Do use connectors so you can take off the fairing. Auto store should have bullet connectors. any connector will do. If your flushmounts are LED, observe correct polarity. Black/white is ground.
rear signals simple to swap out. Almost a no brainer.
as for the flasher relay, someone else can say if it is the right one.

Did I miss anything?

[wildcat333]

Plug the tail light in. It is ready to go. 2007 same as 2009. Same tail light as I have on my 2009.
Flush mounts - depending on your wiring harness you may need to change connectors. Do use connectors so you can take off the fairing. Auto store should have bullet connectors. any connector will do. If your flushmounts are LED, observe correct polarity. Black/white is ground.
rear signals simple to swap out. Almost a no brainer.
as for the flasher relay, someone else can say if it is the right one.

Did I miss anything?

Thank you, good sir!

The only reason I was asking is because I thought in another thread when I was debating which tail to get, you mentioned that the Lights4All one for sale was good up until 2007. And I thought you had to make a small modification to the actual tail or piece of plastic? Something minor maybe to get it to fit? If not, sound sweet to me!

[adidasguy]

No mention on any modifications required. There is an el-cheapo from Hong Kong that has the wrong connector - I mentioned that a long time ago. the Lights4All is a really good product. I've had some on my bikes for about a year and a half now.

I've not changed turn signals to all LED so I have not had to change the flasher unit.

[wildcat333]

Ok, cool. I'm going to get the bike inspected as-is (completely stock) just in case. Then start messing around with mods soon.

[adidasguy]

You can plug in the tail light. It is simple plug and play. If you just want to see it work, take off the seat and plug it in sitting there where the connector is.
I'd wait on the turn signals in case you have the wrong flasher.