New to GS500 have an 05 What should I do first?

[1200]

Hey guys I'm new to the GS500 group. I just picked up an 05 gs500f with 8001 miles on it.  I have been riding bikes here in South Florida for over 35 years as I own a few other bikes.  I'm an ex-road racer looking to take it easy on this GS500.  However I do intend to strip it down to also use it as a dual sport bike.  I have picked up some DS tires and engine guards are in the mail, I hope.  BTW, the tire sizing in the dual sport market don't seem to accommodate my intended use for this 500.  The 110 tire for the front, from my research does not exist - help me if you know what works.  I bought a 120/90/17 "Shinko 705" I hop it works...

Anyway, what should I be looking out for in terms of repair and for sure what should I bee careful of with respect to the delicate designs of this model. I was reading thru some threads researching and came across the thread about the "GOATS!"  That was enough info to make me want to give the bike back...  I also came across a few videos from @adidasguy, his work is extremely helpful.

So done with my introduction, let me hear from you guys when you get a minute.

Thanks friends,

1200

BTW, I'm color deficient and when going thru the rigors of reading those scribbly letters required to post, it brings me grief. I have to have my daughter tell me what's highlighted when I type an error. I frequent many forums and I've never gone thru so much trouble to post in my life. Just some feedback, hope it helps...

[1200]

Just thought of one question I forgot to ask right out:  I would for sure be checking the valve clearances but after researching SHIMS, I noticed folks selling used ones. I wondered if that's a good thing as certainly the used ones will be worn in their centers -correct me...

Price for just the few sizes that I would need:  Where can I just buy them individually without paying the price of a full kit?  I bought HOTCAM kit for my CRF and only used a few sizes, but paid a fortune for the kit...

Thanks again.

[HotrodScamp]

I got my 2007 F with about 11,500mi on it. It had clearly never had a valve check/adjust before. I opened it up, checked the clearances and measured the existing shims. Once I figured out what new size shims I needed, I ordered them here: http://www.z1enterprises.com/ShopByCategory.aspx?name=29.5mm+Shims&description=Suzuki+over+bucket+shims&category=010204040301. They were the cheapest I could find, had all sizes in stock and shipped out to me the same day I ordered.

Here's my whole valve adjustment thread: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=66428.msg799143#msg799143

Have fun with your new bike!   

[BockinBboy]

What should you do first?  As long as its fit for the road... Ride it first!  ...then decide the things you want to change 
Heck, you could love the GS so much as it is, you'll find a different bike to flip into a DS 
... jokes aside, I do recommend riding it a bunch before the teardown, for many reasons beyond falling in love with a stock GS 

Used valve shims?  Seems a pretty common practice to trade used shims... Just so long as you measure with calipers to confirm (Some people think its good practice to shave them to size you need to save a couple bucks ), I wouldn't see an issue with it otherwise.  I'm not a motorcycle mechanic, or an engineer... But shops do reuse shims, and trade out in their kits... some shops will even trade your used shims for free or for a nominal fee...

- Bboy

Edit: Check out the projects/builds subforum for some DS action.  There's a few sprinkled about.
Here is one worth checking out... might even have some tire info in there somewhere.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=62264.0

[1200]

Thanks @hotrodScamp, I will look at the site you suggested. I'd think there is not much difference in the 05 and the 07...

BockinBboy, you make a very good point to just ride the bike a bit.... I haven't!!! In all actuality, I am hoping I don't fall in love with this gs as a street-er that is!  I already have a 40th Anniversary Hayabusa that sees little action because I spend more time riding my old trusted Silver Bullet Kaw ZZR1200. 

I don't want to care much about the way this GS looks. In addition, I don't want to worry about it getting stolen when I go into a store or somewhere public. I do care about maintaining it properly though. Besides that, my buddy just got an old beater KLR650 and he has been dying for me to get something to hang out with him out on the unpaved roads.

SHIMS:
That's interesting to hear about reusing shims. I always thought they would not spec out as sized in the centers of the shim once being used for sometime.  I do see them adv for sale "used."

DS Project Builds Link:

Briefly went over to take a look, Interesting mods there..... Going back to suck it dry for info later.

Hope to hear from more of you guys....

Thanks,

1200

[BockinBboy]

BTW, I'm color deficient and when going thru the rigors of reading those scribbly letters required to post, it brings me grief. I have to have my daughter tell me what's highlighted when I type an error. I frequent many forums and I've never gone thru so much trouble to post in my life. Just some feedback, hope it helps...

Just saw you posted that bit... Those should be gone after your 5th post I believe... its just a measure taken against spammers.

- Bboy

[1200]

Thanks BockinBboy.  lol I figured the rigors to post were there to keep the crazies from taking over the site... So far I have found a way to give my daughter a break, I loaded the listening program to have the letters read to me... "where there's a will, there's a way"

[cWj]

The first thing you should do is trade my E for your F. I'd finally have a windshield and you'd save yourself the trouble of stripping.



welcome to the jungle....

[1200]

Don't you just hate that??? You want the F and I'm going E!

I have been on the hunt for GS5's that have been DS'd and surprisingly, I have found quit a few. I think so far I am pointing in the direction of swapping the front fork assembly for a Katana setup.  I haven't gotten my mind around all the details of what it take to do it but I have some good leads.  Found another all DS site to pool knowledge from as well.

Got a set of Shinko 705's in today. All I can say is that the rubber is nice and fresh and they look to be exactly what I'm looking for....

[cWj]

If you want a DSed GS, you will definitely be doing it yourself. I will confidently go out on the limb of declaring that all of those that  been done are by members of this forum who are unlikely to part with them.

I actually am glad I have an E. I do wish there was a half fairing that was easily slip-on-able just for long highway trips. I'm toying with the idear of road tripping from NYC to Louisiana.

Good luck with her! If the pic thing is to much trouble, just start stumble page of your progress and drop us some links so we can jealously criticize your every move. 

[1200]

Yeah, I figure no one would sell theirs after going thru so much work.

I am well on my way to assembling my part for the mod.  Took off all the fairing today, and I picked up a front fork triple setup from a 89 katana 600.

I am hoping to connect our member @dgyver, I believe that's his u/n.  He has a bunch of these bikes and has done this mod before. I followed his build form way back last year; although his was geared more for street use....

[cWj]

(sigh)

I meant a "tumblr" page.

I really hate "typing" on touch screens.