Performance modifications

[Bleineke]

I'm new around here I've been reading some if the older forums for a while now. I just bought a 2009 GS500F . When I bought the bike it already had a yoshimuria slip on exhaust . Since I bought the bike I've put in the tail light integration kit on and took off the back fender I plan on putting a katana rear shock on it .           

I was wanting to know is there a way I can tell if the bike has already had a jet kit put on it and if the jet kit was done correctly..

Another thing is it is missing all of the fairing decals is there a place I can find these . 

Is there any other mods that will make the bike look or run better without breaking the bank ...

Thanks for all the help

[nmh5028]

I've done a lot of things to my bike in the last 2 years, and the best upgrades by far have been the Katana rear shock and Sonic Springs in the front. Everything else has been minor (still noticable, but not always worth the time and $$$)

You can check the jetting by taking apart the carbs and reading the numbers on the jets. I'd compare what you find to the rejetting matrix and see if it is close.

[Bleineke]

I've heard a lot about the ignition advancer what is the point of it and is it worth the cost

[gsatterw]

I'll drop this here...

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

Graham 

[Bleineke]

Anyone know what shock will fit on 2009 gs500f. I'm 6'3 and weigh 220 pounds

[codajastal]

Anyone know what shock will fit on 2009 gs500f. I'm 6'3 and weigh 220 pounds

Katana 600
R6 will fit as well

[gsatterw]

r6 is good and won't change the seat height and is fully adjustable, but isn't terribly stiff.

Katana will raise the seat height I believe, and is a decent amount stiffer, I believe. You might want to go katana at 6'3" 220.

Graham 

[Snake2715]

2009.. so I am not sure, but on my 98 drop the right side bowl while the carbs are on the bike and check the jets. No reason to disassemble or remvove the carbs to check jets.

Otherwise get a baseline.. I mean why modify if you have no idea how perfectly the bike is running.. If your technically inclined.. then

Chainge oil
Check air filter for cleanliness
new plugs?
Balance carbs
Tire pressure


Simple maintenance to get the bike running perfectly then go from there. Lets you know where the bike is and is a great preventative.

Keep in mind this bike is not a crotch rocket, it wont ever be one. Its a slick looking commuter. it will go 100-115 max in most cases.

Ride it as is, and enjoy it. Dont spend your summer screwing around with it, etc. Didnt check where you live, but its always crazy to me someone gets a new toy (myself included) and then wants to keep taking it off the road to "improve it".  When your ready to move up do so or keep it and jump to a bigger bike.

Its a great bike as long as your expectations are correct.

[Bleineke]

What year katana rear spring will will bold dirrectly to a 2009 gs500f

[gsatterw]

up to and including 06

[Bleineke]

What year R6 shock will fit on a 09 ga500 and there any needed modifications to make it fit and is there any problems with the center stand being to high or low after the swap and with the bike lean more while on the kick stand

[BockinBboy]

Here's a good thread on the R6 shock with most the details.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52334.0

The short version: any year R6 shock WITH THE CLEVIS MOUNT on the bottom... there are two types of R6 shocks out there, don't be fooled by the ones with eyebolts on both sides (those won't work!).  '08+ R6 shocks will be an easy install because they have a smaller reservoir and you can insert it from the side, but all years perform the same. The one prior to '08 will have to be installed by removing the tank/airbox/batterybox to position the shock from above.  Many members have done it (including myself), and all have been a success.

Here is a member's video of the install of the R6 shock with larger reservoir.  Note that grinding the swingarm is not neccessary, but it is an option for additional clearance should that be an issue.

- Bboy 

[codajastal]

Katana will raise the seat height I believe, and is a decent amount stiffer, I believe. You might want to go katana at 6'3" 220.

Katana 600 will not raise the seat height. I have R6 on 1 bike and Katana 600 on the other and neither is higher