Highway riding prep?

[SAFE-T]

All you need to take the wind pressure off is a smaller windscreen. A bigger one will give you more protection but also cost more. I had a 1990 Suzuki VX800 with a larger 'touring' style windscreen and it would start to affect the steering after 120km/h (70mph) ~ nearly went off the road in a tankslapper the first time I got to a bend in the road going that speed.

[SAFE-T]

I have no idea if one would have the same effect on a GS500, but GSjack uses one so I would ask him directly via PM. I doubt it will affect your gas mileage negatively, if at all ~ it will still be smaller than the rider.

Australian men seem to be like Germans, Austrians and Greeks ~ they think they know it all. Don't let them bother you ~ they don't have a freaking clue what winter is anyway. 

[MNgs500]

When i bought the bike from a firefighter he sold a givi windshield with it and seat storage bag which i use alot but i wanted a more streetfighter lower profile look when going to work in the summer  I never decided to use them and when i did one the holes cracked and the mounting piece of the windshield broke  so im trying to find a way to fix it but im considering trying some hand guards. I guess im more into apperance looks and would rather spend my money on stuff like new blinkers, grips and chain guard  . We will see maybe my family been looking at my ebay watch list and will get something for my birthday today 

[SAFE-T]

We had a 2007 GS500F with an 18tooth front sprocket, a ZeroGravity Sport Touring windscreen and a 32litre Givi topcase on the back ~ gas mileage was over 70mpg.

[gsJack]

................Also possibly i better gear ratio for lower rpms? I notice at 65 70 the rpms in 6th gear are around 5k 5.5k. But i also want to keep a good accelerations to get ahead of those annoying wannabe racers  ...................

Zach

I prefer the oem factory gearing for the 01 and newer GSs and a smaller 15T front sprocket for the 89-00 models depending on rear tire size.  I changed the front sprocket from 16-15T on my 97 GS at 37k miles and kept that size up to 80k miles mostly to make it a bit easier to get going on steep uphills with my 230-240# butt onboard. 

Didn't feel the need for the smaller sprocket on my 02 GS I think mostly due to the better mid range performance of the 3 circuit carbs on the 01 and later GSs.  Later on I did try a 15T front sorocket on it that brought the rpm's back up to the factory ones approx and it was a good change but when I put a smaller dia 150/60 with same dia as a 130/70 oem tire on it I went back to a oem 16T front sprocket.  The stock 02 is geared just right for all around use for my purposes.

Don't forget you have a 6 speed tranny on that 01 GS.  I use to keep my GS in 5th gear cruising on the freeways when riding with friends riding big twins to match their roll-ons.  And 4th gear makes a good passing gear since it doesn't redline until over 100 mph in 4th. 

[gsJack]

I never noticed any difference in overall gas milage due to the gearing and/or tire sizes I've used but early on with the 97 GS I spent a lot of days riding with a friend that had big twins and he rode very conservatively.  I got a consistant 70 mpg then and it was on one of those rides I got 300 miles on a 4.5 gallon tank of gas.  Riding style has more effect on gas milage than gearing does with a bike like the GS.  Mostly I've averaged about 60 mpg overall on my GSs.

[MNgs500]

Gas mileage isnt anything i worry about on the gs on good low rpm shifting taking it easy it gets around 50-55 but flooring it riding it fast it probably still gets 30 i will take that any day over my car that i have to drive like a prius to maybe get 22. Plus the gs is way better obviously 

[vinny]

All you need to take the wind pressure off is a smaller windscreen. A bigger one will give you more protection but also cost more...

This ^. A small windscreen, or flyscreen is plenty. My gs has a flyscreen that goes maybe 6" higher than the gauges - any wind hits the very top of my helmet - hardly noticeable to be honest.

Dont worry about the gearing, by what you said you have stock gearing which is fine. Keep it in 6th and look/plan enough ahead and you shouldnt even need to drop down to overtake.

Wear decent gear including gloves, keep an eye on the fuel/oil and just ride.

[MNgs500]

defiently im thinking about doing for better upgrades that are more useful such as fixing my givi windscreen, handguards if i notice my hands getting hurt by debris or wind. Also im thinking of getting new grips i like these just curious these will work right? http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORCYCLE-RACING-BIKE-ALUMINUM-7-8-22mm-HANDLEBAR-RUBBER-GEL-HAND-GRIPS-SILVER-/110984786351?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19d73571af&vxp=mtr i just wish they came in blue. Also I will be doing drag bars by bikemaster. Also maybe some new turn signals here they are http://www.ebay.com/itm/330853451453?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649   

[gsatterw]

I'm a fan of these turn signals:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/4pcs-Chrome-Arrow-Turn-signals-LED-for-Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha-Vulcan-Cruiser-Custom-/400369997700?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d37e95784&vxp=mtr

[MNgs500]

I'm a fan of these turn signals:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/4pcs-Chrome-Arrow-Turn-signals-LED-for-Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha-Vulcan-Cruiser-Custom-/400369997700?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d37e95784&vxp=mtr

those are very cool i would rather have halogen bulbs and black turn signals but i think its more the arrow look im going for like those.

[Huff1371]

Still thinking about a windscreen? Here's a link with a link to some amazing prices.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=62770.0

[MNgs500]

i was thinking but would be cheaper just to use the one i got now and fix it