Mod or not to Mod.....???

[GSF500]

 I have alot of free time on my hands (arm surgery) and have been reading alot about the GS and came to the conclusion that I'm not sure if I should Mod my bike or leave it stock??. My question is about installing my k&n lunch box filter, rejet, + full jardine exhaust? I have the parts in the garage and wonder if these mods are worth the fun factor or will they drastically destroy life span of the bike. I know there are alot of factors to consider in how long a bike will last but based on proper oil change intervals, valve adjustments,  and easy to moderate riding style, will these mods shorten the life of the bike or not. I want to keep this bike for long time and don't want to screw it up. If you modified your gs are you glad you did??? Not sure what to do.
I'm going to change out the front springs and rear shock for sure. I knows it's long winded but I would like to know what you think.

[Watevaman]

Since I bought mine with the exhaust and air filter already on, I can't say how that compares to stock. However, the suspension upgrades I've done are well worth it and the clubman bars really make me feel like I have more control at speed.

[weedahoe]

External modifications are not going to shorten the life on an engine. Internal changes will though. Things like cams, springs, valve height, oil pumps, ect. If the most you are going to do is exhaust, air filter and rejet, that's not going to hurt anything

[slipperymongoose]

Leave the intake and exhaust stock, mod the suspension and ride the wheels off.

[fraze11]

I have the parts in the garage and wonder if these mods are worth the fun factor or will they drastically destroy life span of the bike.

If you have all the parts ... then do it.  I'll assume you bought the parts with the intent to do it, whats changed your mind?  Not taking care of something whether its modified or stock is what will destroy something, well that and riding it like you stole it  . 

[jestercinti]

Mod it.  If it fails, go back to stock.  IF it works, sell the stock parts or give them to Adidasguy.  He's the resident Pacific Coast parts dealer.   

[Higgins13]

I have all the mods your talking about and are happy with them. The sound difference on the exhausts alone will make you smile. I dont see any of these things harming the longevity of the bike...

Here is my bike with pics if your curious how it turned out or what it would look like...
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=62193.0

[GSF500]

Sweet ride higgins.....I can't wait to get my bike done

[Slack]

Sweet ride higgins.....I can't wait to get my bike done

It's not just sweet, it's the best bike on the road!

[Higgins13]

Sweet ride higgins.....I can't wait to get my bike done

It's not just sweet, it's the best bike on the road!

I read this and actually lol'd. Woke the dog and now he is stairin at me funny.

[Higgins13]

Sweet ride higgins.....I can't wait to get my bike done

Thanks. If you have questions I'll try and awnser them best I can

[SAFE-T]

The thing is, the last modifications you say you intend to do are actually the first ones you should do.