New Definition - LIGHT Sport Touring

[Denny Lee]

Ya'll,

   As most of you know I picked up a 2001 Suzuki GS-500E a few weeks back - 15,400 miles showing and looking unloved / mistreated.
  It has now had:
All fluids - oil, and brake - changed (Full synthetic everywhere)
New front and rear sprockets
New chain
New windshield
Electrical system checked - charging at 13.46 at idle - working properly
New Battery
Valve checked (all in great spec / whole valve train looks new)
New valve cover gasket
New spark plugs
New set of tires - not on yet, but lying in the garage waiting for Spring
New Bar Ends
New (well, slightly used...) set of saddlebag racks and rear rack
New left and right side covers on engine
New Air Filter - (old one was FULL of corn kernels... I was safe for the winter and didn't know it)
- Front fork seals are not leaking (but I have a set on the workbench if they do)
- Steering head bearings are fine (but I have a new set on the workbench when I need to change them.)
- Carb gaskets on the workbench - when needed..

*** I have made two 50 mile test loops on the GS since its' been gone through. It runs absolutely great! As a matter of fact, I had so much fun on it the first time - the second time I went for a ride in a slight rain. I didn't care! Getting, easy, over 50 miles per gallon with a 5 gallon tank - do the Math. Nice range! With an 11,000 RPM limit - it runs 75 mph at 6500 rpms. Relatively smooth. The seat's comfortable and would be a good place to be for 3 to 5 hundred miles.
   This thing reminds me of what motorcycling used to be. I thought back and remembered that for most of my 43 years of riding I rode/owned mostly bikes that were 500cc or less. Light, simple, do your own work, and dependable. I think I have rediscovered what LIGHT SPORT TOURING means.  AND total it has cost me $1550 to buy the bike, get all the parts, including tax,insurance, and license!

Denny

Photo Bucket Links:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/dennylee11/SAM_0397_zpsff51ad4b.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee191/dennylee11/SAM_0395_zps3626f423.jpg


Still looking for a set of engine guards.... if any one has a set.

[J_Walker]

I think peoples search now days when buying new bikes, is first of two things.. "Do I want a cruiser or sportbike" those who choose sportbike, get the most speed their money can buy. those who choose cruiser commonly will go with the standards of Harley or Honda, and those who have a little more knowledge on bikes, maybe even a BMW.

Most people from all over the world, look at Americans like their crazy when it comes to the motorcycle world, because we don't have a market for small displacement bikes - never really have since the dawn of motorcycles. so its always been "bigger is better" kind of thing, its sad really, because great out of the world bikes never made it to the US. Such as one of my all time favorites the Ninja ZX2R.. just because there was no US market for them. Don't get me wrong. LOT of america is still open highways so I understand the want/need for better top-end related motorcycles, but a lot go by it in such a way they sacrifice comfort, or handling, or even sometimes safety, even storage!

and don't even get me started on street legal two strokes... 

basically there are those who will ride smaller displacement bikes, and enjoy riding.
and then there are those who will ride massive displacement bikes, and enjoy talking down on smaller displacement bike riders.

I see and hear it everyday!

[nmerrion]

Awesome build! What kind of windshield did you buy and where did you purchase it? I have been looking for one for a bit

[Denny Lee]

Windshield - EBAY

http://www.ebay.com/itm/National-Cycle-N2524-F-16-Touring-Windshield-Tall-Tint-/231098431420?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CMake%3ASuzuki%7CModel%3AGS500&hash=item35ce8a37bc&vxp=mtr

[nmerrion]

Thanks alot! Did it go on without having to wrig anything?

[Kahlua85]

What brand of luggage rack is that and how much did it run you? It looks great btw very nice work.