Hi all!!

[WreckZ]

Hello, My name is Ronn... (HI Ronn!!)
And I'm fast becoming a "Bike-a-holic".  

Just a little about me.  I'm Air Force, and I'm a Californian.  (I live in the Inland Empire of SoCal.)

I normally ride a Kawasaki, BUT a 'good' friend has recently purchased a GS500e, and since I'm her mechanic, I'll be riding it alot, as well as wrenching on it alot too.
The more I try to avoid doing anything extensive on her bike, the more I get sucked into doing more to her bike!
So... here are some questions that I hope you can help me with, and a few observations I've made of the bike since I've been riding it.

First off, I took it for a spin, got aggressive with it, and sent the stock tires squealing.  What suggestions for tire makes for a good sticky tire for good canyon/track day use?  It will see a good amount of street time, as well, but I figure, if I'm gonna play, I want GRIP!
Second... the brakes seem kinda 'grabby'.  Is that just the nature of this bike, or do I need to spend some extra time cleaning the rotors and maybe replacing the pads?  Is there a recommended pad that is popular here?
Next, is there some Nylon crash bungs (sliders) for this bike?  I'm not too thrilled with the metal ones theyre showing on the Wild Hair website?
Lastly (for now... sorry, I'm long winded.)
Does anyone in the SoCal area have the Corbin Seat, and would be willing to meet with me and my friend, so that she can sit on it, and see if it's something she wants?  Heck, I'll even spring fer lunch if we meet.

Well... that's all I can think of for now, thanx for your time and patience.  Hope to meet some of you someday!
>>>ME<<<

[JamesG]

Hiya dude!

Tires-  Your kinda SOL on tires. The 110/130 isn't a size the primum rubber comes in. You CAN get Pilot sports, BT010s, or BT96s in 110, but there isn't any thing comparable in the 130 or 140 rear sizes.
If ALL she/you did was track days or canyon runs then you might get away with a set of BT96 race compounds. But they don't make a good street tire (except maybe in the SoCal summer).  
The usual solution is to go with the Perelli Demon bias-plys or a mix of a BT010 radial and a BT45 BP.  
I am trying a set of Dunlop D205 in 110/140, we shall see how they do.

Do a search on tires and see all the opinion.

Brakes-
Grabby brakes might be a dirty caliper or a sticking master cylinder. rebuilds rarely hurt.

Seat-
Most folks on here agree that the Suzuki gel seat is the best available for the GS. Its very similar to the Corbin (the cut) but is more cushy and costs less.

[Turkina]

Hey, welcome to the board!

So let's see... the stock tires really suck, as you found out.  Doing some searches for tire related posts will give you plenty of info on what's available.  Unfortunately, unless you swap out the rear wheel for an old GSXR or Bandit wheel, your choices are limited.  Rear tire sizes are 17", 130/70 to umm, 150/70 I think. You're stuck with bias ply tires unless you go to 150's but those can cause problems like rubbing and tire pinching on rim.  Most talked about tires are the Bridgestone BT45, Metzler Z2/Z4 (radial), Pirelli Sport Demons, umm... the bias Metzlers but dunno what type they are, and probably Avons.  

As for the other questions.  Brakes, not sure, but if you have some time to waste, replace the front brake line with stainless for better feel.  Frame sliders?  Talk to one of the racers here to see what works.  They would know if you could adapt another bike's sliders and what size bolts you need.  Many of us, (me included) have engine case guard bars that Suzuki sells, but they look like tiny little black Harley crash bars.  Corbin seat?  Can't help you there... There's also a Suzuki gel seat.

Once again, welcome and have fun... make sure your friend learns how to fix her bike as you work on it

[WreckZ]

Thanx for the welcome.
Now, where can I find one of these nifty Gel Seats?  I checked Ebay, and Cycletrader, even the suzuki website, and couldnt find any reference to it.

Once again, thank you...

I'll be modding the HECK outta this thing, so stay tuned... it's gonna be lowered, painted PINK, 1/4 fairing up front, polished rims, clip-ons, and a jet and pipe!

What da heck, since it's not MY dime paying fer it, I think I'll talk her into a big bore kit, nitrous, polished swing arm and frame, and a USD fork setup!



(BTW, the FIRST part of that is true... as per her request.  the second part is my wish!)

[mwdbruno]

Welcome, welcome, welcome    

  Another one for Then USAF...I'm active duty USAF in Northern Cal

To tag on to what you have already received.  There are a number of tire threads on the board...I personally am switching from a 110 70/130 70 BT45 to a 110 80 /140 80 Avon set up to see if it as much of an improvement as I've heard.

I have a Corbin on my 92.  It is nice.  Though I have yet to try a gel seat.  They do pop up on EBay occasionally and here on the For Sale section also.

Again, welcome.

Lane

[The Antibody]

Another rider from California... geez, enjoy the weather.

WELCOME!

 -Anti

[alerbaugh]

Another in Socal and airforce?  wtf man where's the army at?

[Adam R]

Where in the Inland Empire are you?  I'm in Claremont, which is between Pomona and Ontario, slightly to the north (between 10 and 210)


Adam

[chimivee]

Now, where can I find one of these nifty Gel Seats?

It's a Suzuki item, but apparently dealers no longer have them available.  Try Parts Depot, 800-245-3101 (no website.), ~$115.

[snapper]

Welcome aboard!

You'll find lots of threads on tires here also check out Pablos site.  He has a lot of different ideas for the gs5.

Have fun!

[mwdbruno]

Found a gel seat:

http://www.sports-center.com/cgi-bin/cart.pl?db=Suzcat.dat&category=GEL+SEAT


The suzuki part number is 99950-62159.

Lane

[TR]

Hey, welcome,

You didn't say what model was your friend's bike, the seats are diferent from '89-'00 and '01-on. I just put a combo of Metzelers Z4 110/70 and Z2 130/80 and they feel a way grippy than stockers and improved my handling too, for less than $200 + installation.

I need to do something about my brakes too...

[MstrsLilBrat]

Hello!! Welcome to the board!

Most of girls dont know about mechanical stuffs for bike. She is lucky to have a mechanic!!

Please be nice to her  :kiss:

*Brat*

[chimivee]

Does anyone in the SoCal area have the Corbin Seat, and would be willing to meet with me and my friend, so that she can sit on it, and see if it's something she wants?

Well, I have the gel seat if you want to give it a try.  I'm in orange county.

[Cris]

Welcome!

[WreckZ]

Wow... thanks for all the help guys.  I'm in San Bernardino, right between the 10 freeway and the 30.  Just a stones throw from what used to be Norton AFB.

Chimivee, thanx for the offer, you'll be receiving a PM shortly.

(Gotta REAL busy work schedule for this month, but we'll figure it out!)

Brat...  

Again... thanx one and all.

[MstrsLilBrat]

Brat...  

What do you mean??  

[Rich500]

Good to have you...
Bt45 tires are the shaZam!.
15tooth front sprocket.
New bar.
Progressive spring.
Ignition advancer.
K&N filter.
Go forth and modify.

[The Buddha]

That price is too much for the gel seat. I bought it for $115 from parts depot 1 800 245 3101.
Cool.
Srinath.