my first project bike, A 2006 GS500F

[The Spyder]

Howdy my GS brethren. I just bought a GS500F, it needs a motor. I was wondering if it was possible to put in a more powerful motor then the GS500 original one? I know I'm limited do to the frame. Also is it possible to add a fuel gauge to my GS500F? which my daughters have named Shadow.

[cbrfxr67]

How much power are you looking for?  Just wondering.  I don't think there is a true 'bolt in' replacement.  You could find an engine and make it work depending on your commitment level.  Any pictures of what you are starting with?

[joweaver88]

Adding a fuel gauge shouldn't be too bad, just need to rig up a sending unit and wire it to a gauge. An engine swap however is going to be a serious chore... you will first need to find one that fits in the opening and where the front sprocket can be aligned with the rear... then you need to build some mounts which will require welding and possibly a mill. Then you will need to eliminate the old engine specific wires from the wiring harness and put in new ones (or run two separate wiring harnesses). You may also need to add in a fuel pump, and if you go water cooled you will need to mount a radiator and route all the tubing. Then you will need to have a custom exhaust made... so on and so on. Dude thats a major project, might want to scale it back for your first go. It is totally doable, but it would be a b*tch.

[The Spyder]

Not to much power, I've been riding dirt bikes since I was younger, I'm 27 now. Just want a little more kick when I need. Thanks Jo for the info on the fuel gauge, just wanted to know if it was possible without damaging the bike. And here are some picks of Shadow. I also read, it was possible to fit a cbr600 engine within the gs500 frame with little effort. Is this true?

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[jacob92icu]

Haha cbr has been trying that for a few years now 

I think you might just want to go for a -1 +2 gearing set up. The gs is pretty quick off the line, but its no super sport. The -1 +2 set up will make it rather peppy off the line. I can guarantee you will be satisfied till you thrive for an upgrade. If you wanted super sport power you might as well sell the gs now hahaha.

[The Spyder]

Lol, years? Nah, I'm buying a sport bike later on but I'm keeping my Shadow. Its my first personal bought bike. Thinking of switching out the turn signals though, stealth them. And putting some LED to brighten her up at night.

[cbrfxr67]

I'd say the easiest would be to find a GS engine.  Adidas scored one at a ridiculous low price so they are out there.  When I needed one I couldn't find anything cheap.  The GS has plenty of pep and yours looks spanktastic.  I'd look for a good engine and get on the road.  If you really get the engine swap bug, Shepa successfully swapped a cbr600 engine in. I did one too but had carb problems that ultimately sidelined my project.

Great pics

[The Spyder]

Thanks everyone, think im just going to put the orignal engine in just so i can get on the asphalt. Then work on the steps to swap the engines. Is a jet kit ok to throw on?

[cbrfxr67]

I hope you do a project thread as you go,...good stuff

[The Spyder]

I am. Reading all of you guys and gents post is really inspiring. Im trying to find a shop here in Georgia that will weld my frame for a proper fit for a cbr600 engine

[cbrfxr67]

Some great ideas out there.  Also check customfighters.com if you haven't.  There are good builds on there too.  I like the ones that are finished where you can see beginning to the end, not like mine that goes, goes and then leaves you hanging  farg.  Here's one of my recent favorites http://www.customfighters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60290&highlight=fat+boy

Maybe look for a fi engine from donor bike.  Doesn't have to be a cbr.  I used a 600 engine cause I had one and I had a gs roller.  Shepa successfully did his transplant with his near genius buddy, Tesla.  I think all those pics are still on my old thread in builds section. (basket case gs something something)

Other build was a 400 somebody did and finished.  So, you could make something fit, depending on how much you really want it.