New 2009 GS500F - Ongoing Thread

[rapfohl09]

Well I am officially a GS owner again!

I had my previous black one, but through a series of unfortunate events I learned the hard way to not let anyone, even one of your "best friends" ride your bike, unless you know for sure that person can ride. I will save the long winded story unless someone wants to hear it, suffice it to say that bike is gone.

However, I couldn't shake the want to ride a bike, and was just casually cruising Craigslist when I was bored, and happened on this beauty that the guy wanted to unload for his kid going to college. I had been looking at bigger bikes and all that, but I loved my GS, literally just about everything about it.

I'm sure I don't have to explain that to you guys here

This thread will be an ongoing thread for things I decide to do for the bike. Step #1: it needs a serious cleaning.









Low miles, and in great condition. I am feeling good about this guy already.

[kyled25]

Well I am officially a GS owner again!
I learned the hard way to not let anyone, even one of your "best friends" ride your bike, unless you know for sure that person can ride.

Did the same thing  At least mine was a bike I was trying to sell and already had another. How much you pay for this one? looks great!

[rapfohl09]

Mine was riding the bike to see if he wanted to buy it, and liked it a lot. He hopped back on to get it like 400 feet to a parking space and took off straight into two cars...

But anyways, enough of that. I got this guy for 2600. I'm sure people could find them for cheaper, but it was way cheaper then the other options in my area and what I thought was a good price for an '09 with low miles and in great condition.

I'm out in California right now, but I can't wait to get home and a get a plate on it and take it out.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

Welcome back Bike to be in Great condition!

$2600 in CA for an 09 with low mileage, I'd say you got a decent deal for sure!!

[rapfohl09]

Haha I'm not living in Cali, just here for business.

I am in Central Ohio, pretty close to Columbus. If anyone sees this and wants to take a ride, let me know!

[08GS500F]

Looks like a great find!   

How many KM's does it have?

Where in Canada are you?

[rapfohl09]

It has 2480 miles, which my converter tells me is 3991 Km.

[08GS500F]

Wow that is low!  You got a GREAT deal!

I just picked up a 2008 with 3800 km's that looks identical.  Toronto area.

[rapfohl09]

Haha it is good to know that someone other than me thinks it was a good deal 

I wasn't really in the market for a new bike since the season is just about over, but I couldn't pass it up.

I was just out in Toronto for about 10 days just a week or so ago for work. Great city and beautiful area!

[08GS500F]

I was under the impression you bought the bike in Canada but it must be California.    Either way great deal.

Toronto is decent.

Lots of people and lots of traffic! Good place for a bike.

[Gs500fmrex]

Like mine )) very nice mate

[rapfohl09]

Finally got this guy on the road and took it out for a real ride. It was perfect riding weather, nice and cool in my gear and not sunny enough to hurt your eyes without sunglasses but nice and clear. Got around 120 miles in, and will surely go out again tomorrow.

I am waffling where I want to go with this one. I am a tinkerer, so there really isn't a way (except for funds) that this will stay stock. I am looking at those Delkevic exhausts. Seems like a pretty good deal for either slip on or a full set up, and it sounded pretty good in that video that other guy posted up.

I am also torn between naked for full fairings...I really like both looks..hrmmmm.

Pointless without some pictures right?


In the days that it took me to get it registered and everything I got it cleaned up really nicely. Looking sharp!


My cockpit, that tank protector has got to go. I am not really a fan of the look of them to begin with, and this one is ugly.








Anyone know what this jank is? It doesnt wipe off easily like the rest of the dust and shmutz that was on there. It looks kind of like there is more of this stuff in between the engine fins, which won't be easy to clean off...


Also there is this little spot, maybe the chain is throwing stuff at it? The other side is still perfect. Not a problem, but makes me scratch my head.

Ride safe everyone.

[Gs500fmrex]

Nice update I will go fir a ride as well today, picture perfect day here. Lucky those tank protectors are cheap to replace
Is that grease on the stand maybe ? Stress marks on the foot peg maybe ? I'm not sure.
I'm thinking of replacing my exhaust too ( 90%)
I'm also wanting to change my handlebars or maybe try turning them a little and see how that feels.
Enjoy your ride tomorrow again

[rapfohl09]

It's worn off paint. I thought it was just grease or something at first too.

But hey we do have twin bikes! Very nice

Also, here's a random question. How do you guys check your oil? Hot or cold? Side stand or Center stand? just never really asked before and always wondered.

[Gs500fmrex]

Try this that I found,
http://youtu.be/a0qaR37f00w

You should test the oil while the bike is level ( on no stand) and I measure mine when cold or at least once the bike has settled from riding.

Hehe we have indeed got the the same bike , I think I will spray my screen dark , like someone did on the forum a few years ago
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=44569.0

[dB-tje]

Nice bike

[Gs500fmrex]

Same as yours db very cool

[rapfohl09]

Same as yours db very cool

+1 man, your bike is gorgeous.

[rapfohl09]

I have a favor to ask of you guys. I am torn as to whether I want to keep the fairings on or not. I have seen tons of awesome naked bikes, but not as many ones with fairings.

In an effort to help me decide, post up some nice looking faired GSs you have seen!

[BockinBboy]

That area of paint coming off... Does your battery have a drain hose off of it? And is it routed correctly?

- Bboy