A Stock GS is an awesome bike...

[Suzuki Stevo]

Last bike I sold I was really sad to see it go, but the guy who bought it was so excited about it that it made me feel better.  Seems like the guy who bought that GS was pretty excited about it.  I mean, he rented a pickup to tow the rented trailer!

Yes..he was very exited, Newb and his first bike, he kept saying "what do I need to do to it?" my reply (twice) was "just put gas in it and ride it" . I told him about GStwins, not sure if he joined?

[dennisgb]

That pic is just so sad...

Unless it's you driving the truck 

[Janx101]

Dennis, couple pages back you mentioned off topic would get thread tossed..  not usually bro!, fights/arguments will tho...

Geez... if it was off topic = tossed. . A LOT of threads we Aussies post in would be tossed! ... we are the off topic kings!

[iclrag]

I don't know you janx, but I gotta say, you Aussies are some of the funniest groups I've talked to! You were when I joined the forum years ago, and I'm sure you still are now


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dennisgb]

Dennis, couple pages back you mentioned off topic would get thread tossed..  not usually bro!, fights/arguments will tho...

Geez... if it was off topic = tossed. . A LOT of threads we Aussies post in would be tossed! ... we are the off topic kings!

Thanks Janx,

Many forums only allow topics to sway a little off topic...but I was asked to post more pictures of my Honda and really that is way off topic...although it is a motorcycle

Dennis

[Janx101]

Weeeeeelll, don't know about general viewpoint, but I look at it this way...  sometimes the op question has been resolved but other user questions or thoughts are still open... or op is 'currently not available' ... and it's time to ramble into off topic..  till it's time to get back on track. .. ..
Gs forum though I see as a bit like a family reunion. .. there is always so many things going on but when it's dinnertime the group sits all at the same table....

Oh and. .  Just for the heck of it. .. the stock GS indeed an awesome bike!, a few little tweaks here and there and it's awesomererer! Lol

[Rallyfan]

The stock GS is a brilliant bike in fact. Proven, practical, what's not to like? Granted a Bimota is quicker but it's a bit more expensive too.

[MeeLee]

I just installed 1.25" handlebar risers, and it makes a whole buttload of difference on my shoulders!

I can almost comfortably sit on the bike (being 6'3").
Just had time to do a short trip this week..

Gas mileage went up,
I'm at almost 300miles and still haven't hit the reserve (yet).

I was thinking of drilling out the main jet (yes, I know mpg goes down, normally), but instead I think I'll just raise the main jet needle a click, and see what will happen. It's definitely running way too lean at full throttle.

Been to the keys and back, just couldn't get the bike riding at top speed, due to traffic, but hit 95MPH (indicated) on my way back in 6th, with a 16/35T. In 5th I done 105MPH (again), but it took me too long to speed up, so I could not record top speed. (I think it took almost a mile of free lanes, before I hit traffic jams).

I'm liking the bike a lot more with the handlebars closer to me.

Top speed and performance is good enough for the 1 to 2 hours highway trips, though in the future I foresee doing longer trips, and might be better off with a bigger engine (add luggage and a passenger, and a 650-750cc is more what I'm looking for).

[Elmojo]

What risers did you get? how much? where from?
Did you have to do anything with the brake or control lines?
I'm looking for some myself...

Quote from: MeeLee on Today at 03:42:31 AM

I just installed 1.25" handlebar risers, and it makes a whole buttload of difference on my shoulders!

[MeeLee]

There are 2 main types I know of.
You can both find them on Amazon.
One is a 1in rise, and a .25" pull towards the rider.
These are the most comfy, but are over $100.

I went with the cheaper $24 modular ones:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068FV596

They seem to do the job just fine, just look a little funny having the bars up so high.

Right brake hose is almost straight, but no tension.
You can also remove .25" of modular piece to get 1" risers, in case your brake lines are close to getting tension.
When I ride, the front suspension goes down a bit; enough for the brake line to be at ease.

Because of the angle, the risers only bring the bars maybe .2" towards the rider at most, and 1.25" up, but you can tilt the handlebars in a better position.

Works on my 2004 handlebars.
I know the 2004+ versions have different type of handlebars.

[Big Rich]

Mojo, search for some extra top clamps for handlebars. I think it is even in the Wiki how to make risers from handlebar clamps?

[Elmojo]

Cool deal, thanks for the info MeeLee and Rich.
I recall reading about using extra top caps as risers in the wiki, but I couldn't tell how much difference they made.
Would that option be about the same/more/less rise than the ones MeeLee linked?
If I install risers of any sort, what's the typical max that the stock cables and brake line will tolerate?
I imagine the brake line goes tight first, right? Does a SS lone typically solve that issue, or only if you get a longer one, if such a thing exists?

[yamahonkawazuki]

Right on, brother..

Cookie

...problem is that so many buy their GS from a string of noobs who have molested the hell out of what is a very good stock bike.  In fact, in Stock form, the GS is the best bike of the 7 I've owned, including the SV.  Too often folks buy a GS and before they twist the throttle they have a list of must do performance mods.

I'm one of the lucky ones who got my hands on a stock '06 before it had a chance to turn into Frankenbike with a mishmash of jets and filters, and exhausts etc.  I did inherit a neglected carb but I think its a blessing because it kept the PO from riding it.  My bike starts on the first press, warms up in 2 minutes without choke in 30 degree weather, Accelerates crisply, and it is fast!  That's right, I don't know what my top speed is because it is higher than my normal traveling speeds.  I've had it up to 95mph and it accelerated briskly to 95.  My bike has reasonable fuel economy, manageable weight, very good range, and my two favorites: the centerstand and the price.  I'm only into my '06 for $1300 and it has 2500 miles.  If this bike had FI and somehow shaved off 30lbs I think it would be near perfect.  Yes it has limitations - all bikes do, but for most applications it just fits beautifully. 

I think I am officially one of those grumpy old forum bastards to gets salty and defensive anytime someone asks "how to get more top speed" or "if the GS is a good first bike" or says that they "outgrew the GS". See you guys on the boards

ive got to agree. Ive owned 5 gs'. One of them twice lol. Im addicted i think lol. A gs aholic

[gsJack]

I put the GenMar risers on my 97 GS about 15 years ago and transferred them to my 02 GS about 11 years ago so though they cost a little over $100 I've used them for most of my 180k GS miles.  They move the bars up 1" and back 1 3/8" and are about as far as you can go without changing the brake hose.

I took the left over top clamps from the 02 to make junkyard risers for the 97 as shown in the Wiki.  The SW-Motec risers weren't around when I bought the GenMars.

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.HandlebarRisers

I've seen the GenMars sold for less recently, if you search around you'll probably find them.

[NYNJ8]

I'm at almost 300miles and still haven't hit the reserve (yet).


Top speed and performance is good enough for the 1 to 2 hours highway trips, though in the future I foresee doing longer trips, and might be better off with a bigger engine (add luggage and a passenger, and a 650-750cc is more what I'm looking for).

300 miles without reserve?  That's got to be some kind of record no?  I keep my tank topped up but I was expecting to get 250 out of a tank.  Perhaps its because of your gearing?  With that gear ratio is your top speed in 5th or 6th?

I'd have to agree with you on long distance touring especially 2-up I'd be looking for something bigger and smoother.  Vibes creep up once I go over 80 indicated.  That would probably dropped to 70 2-up.

[gsJack]

Did 300 miles on my 97  once using the full tank.   Did 400 mile interstate days travelling on gs up until age 72,

[Suzuki Stevo]

On the open road I could get mid 60's for mileage consistently, on one tank I managed 69.8 Mpg so if you have 4 gallons till reserve? <<IIRC) My 69.8 x4 could have been 279.2 miles ridden till reserve on paper 

[twocool]

What if the fuel lines are reversed...then you SEEM to go really far before  reserve...but when you run out, and switch to reserve...duh!


Cookie

On the open road I could get mid 60's for mileage consistently, on one tank I managed 69.8 Mpg so if you have 4 gallons till reserve? <<IIRC) My 69.8 x4 could have been 279.2 miles ridden till reserve on paper 

[Suzuki Stevo]

What if the fuel lines are reversed...then you SEEM to go really far before  reserve...but when you run out, and switch to reserve...duh!


Cookie

You mean in MeeLee's case? Could be exactly what's going on? My reserve always worked 

EDIT: He's gone 300 miles, divide 300 by 4 gallons...If he hit reserve right now his mileage for this tank would have been 75 Mpg , (if you have 4 gallons till reserve) Cookie..I think your right about the switched hoses 
If the hoses are switched and he ran out of gas right now, 300 divided by 5 gallons, his mileage would be 60 Mpg, somebody might end up pushing their bike soon?

MeeLee...bungee a gallon of gas to your seat...thank me later 

[NYNJ8]

Yep, that must be it.  Hopefully he will hop back on the thread before making that morning commute!