GS500E Streetfighter idea. Did a rendering, but I'm a bit of a n00b. Advice?

[Agno]

Howdy Beer! Glad you took my suggestion from your Reddit post.

+1 on the idea to install a LiFe battery. All my bikes have the Shorai equipped now and I definitely don't regret it.

To my eyes the seat/subframe situation looks strange. I think it needs a little something behind the seat to keep it from looking too abrupt. Would be a good place to hide some unsightly electronics also.

Keep the ideas coming and don't forget pics.

[BeerIsSoAwesome]

Hey! This is a pretty cool spot. I like the bike-specific communities-- my main ride put me in touch with ZRXOA which has a small but loyal local following.

I have friends through that site with whom to ride and wrench. This one nearby guy provided a garage, tools, valve shims, and know-how when I mentioned that I was overdue for a valve clearance adjustment. I showed up with a backpack of craft brew, and by the time we were done he had insisted I change my oil (he had an extra filter) as well as bleed my hydraulic clutch and adjust chain tension as well.

I got the GS500 on the road today, somewhat. Which is to say I pulled the tank and installed new spark plug caps and a choke cable (the old one was shot). The battery was dead from sitting, but it was an easy bump-start, and I rode it back to my place.

The engine feels pretty good, with popping on decel. I'm sure it needs a jet kit and carb sync. The suspension is horrible. I'll throw in some progressive springs up front and new oil. The back bounces and wallows like it has no damping at all. The front brakes are surprisingly grabby, and will only get better with fresh fluid and pads.

I have a 2000 GSXR600 rear shock, which I'd like to try to fit if possible. I read years ago that it will work with a little bit of grinding.

I definitely need to open the valve cover and do a clearance check. I don't know anyone with a shim kit, so maybe I'll just measure and buy/trade them through a local shop.

Once I pull more parts off and figure  out what I can afford to lose from the tail, I'll get back with an update.

[BeerIsSoAwesome]

So it turns out Suzuki hangs a *lot* of shaZam! on the outside of the subframe, right under the side panels. Rectifiers, relays, fuse boxes and wiring harnesses seriously clutter up the tubing. I'll have to get the small battery before I know for sure what I can tuck in under the seat... Now I'm debating cutting down the side panels and using them as a base for some sort of race tail.

Fortunately, the seat I have sits very nicely on the frame rails and if should be very easy to make up a mounting plate.