Thinking of Modding the 02 GS500, BUT

[Jutto]

After stalking this forum for the last few days, I am getting inspired to mod my 02GS500E.
However, it currently has 580000 klms (36000 miles approx)
What Im wondering is, is it worth it.
With that amount of k's on the clock, am I just wasting my money?
If not, are there any 02 mods on here that I can get some inspiration off?
I havent found any 02 specifics.

Thanks for your help.
Jutto

[slipperymongoose]

Well you can upgrade your front suspension to stop the front end diving so much, basically make tge bike handle better rather than making it go faster. Then make the bike comfortable for you.

[Tombstones81]

First off, if the motor hasnt been Beaten and is sounding and runnin just fine.
Then I wouldnt worry about it and just continue taking proper care of it.

As I think his screen name on here is Gsjack, his is around 100K miles now.

Also, replacement motors or even engine parts are not really that expensive if you take the time to find them for these bikes.

Like the 2001 5,7XX miles engine I just got recently for $400. (runnin GREAT!)

So if the motor is checkin out A.OK, I would go ahead with the ideas!

[termlifed]

Personally I wouldnt dump large sums of $$ into the gs regardless. I have plans for  affordable mods such as front springs, a gsx rear shock,lower bars, and maybe some rear sets, etc. If it comes to wanting or needing major mods to satisfy my needs I'd probably shoot for a bigger bike with a higher performance ceiling.

[SAFE-T]

Why do want to want to modify an older high mileage low powered bike instead of buying a better bike to begin with ?

[SAFE-T]

On the other hand, it would only take around $400 to do all of the most-useful mods...

[ohgood]

Why do want to want to modify an older high mileage low powered bike instead of buying a better bike to begin with ?

Ding ding winner !

Mods is not a clearly defined term. Does the op mean a paint job, a fuzzy dice, or hacking up the frame ?

Generally, I like my bikes cheap and fun. The flash seems so unneccesary.

[gsatterw]

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=60070.0

here's my bike that I just got done with. Very pleased.

[Jutto]

The bike itself has been running fine and has not had any issues.
In saying that, it has developed a small oil leak that i cannot locate?

Apart from that she is in good condition.
The reason i am looking to mod her is that I live in Oz and am on my restricted licence and the GS suites all my other needs perfectly, i just would like that little bit more power.
Lets face it, who doesnt like playing around with their bikes?

Thanks all

[slipperymongoose]

In all honesty you get more from making the bike handle better, if your chasing power get a more powerful bike, I'm in the same boat as you I'm on my re license, I've modded my suspension and I'm much happier and confident in the corners.

[SAFE-T]

I've only seen one GS500 that was successfully modified to make more power, but it was specifically built as a salt flats speed racer. Like The Worlds Fastest Indian ~ not really a street bike anymore.

[SAFE-T]

Wouldn't you be in violation of your restricted license if your current bike made more power ?

[SAFE-T]

And I agree that you will benefit more from better suspension than more power. I modified a VFR800 a few years ago and put Ohlins forks and a rear shock on it. I could have also supercharged the motor but it would have doubled the cost of what I was doing, and I couldn't justify the need for that much more power on a street bike. 

In fact, just the other day I was joking with my wife that I needed to get another GS500 so I couldn't go faster than her. Although I would still be faster on a twisty road because I have a lot more experience.

[gsatterw]

If your running stock set up, its definitely possible to get more power out of the lil gs engine. I would upgrade the suspension (front and back) and rejet, performance exhaust, lunchbox air filter, advance ignition timing.

[mister]

Jutto,

Reading the numerous threads on here about people rejetting can make you Want to rejet your bike too. I say, "Dont!". If you do, you'll then likely become like just about every other rejet case here and the carbs will never work properly again and you'll be chasing the gremlins forever. And for what? A negligible increase in power. Not worth the endless hassle from that point on.

GSJack doesn't mess with is carbs and he's had 2 bike go to 100,000 MILES.

I'm at 53,000kms with no probs. You're at 58,000 with no probs. Suzuki knows how to make the bike work with no probs and sells it as such. So... just keep the bugger stock. If you want more power wait until you are off your restricted license and get a more powerful bike.

If you still feel the tickle to do Something to your bike, then the easiest is heavier front fork oil, a fork brace and crank the rear preload high and ride to test. You may want to change the rear shock but you may find an increase in preload does what you want it to.

Michael

[Twisted]

+1 to what mister said.

Also if you feel the need to mod your GS just do bolt on stuff. Things that can be taken off so you can revert it to stock for when you sell it.