Source for gauge cluster rear cover?

[Elmojo]

Hi All,
As you can see, I'm new here.
I'll introduce myself and my bike as soon as I get it to my house, but for now I need some help in sourcing a part.
The bike I bought is a '94 GS500ER, and it has...issues.
It'll be a project for the winter, and I'm sure I'll need TONS of advice from you guys.
At the moment, I'm trying to start buying a few of the parts that I know I'll need.
So far, these include the plastic cover (Suzuki#34193-01D20) for the back of the tach and speedo, and a front fender.
I've done a search, and see where lots of folks has asked about buying this gauge cover, but few options for actual replacement, other than buying new from Suzuki.
I can get a new OEM cover for about $50 from Ron Ayers (I live 20 mins from them), but I'm a cheap gazzard, and was hoping someone had found another option.
Any suggestions appreciated,
-Mike

[NYNJ8]

Welcome to the forum.  I can't help with the cluster cover, but hope to offer some advice.  Wait until you have the bike before buying anything for it.  I thought I needed both of those parts too since my fender had started to melt, and the gauge cluster looks like it took some damage in a fall.  However, after just a couple of weeks I haven't even noticed either one of these cosmetic defects and I probably saved $100 bucks by waiting.  That could be money you have available for more urgent repairs.  Good luck with the winter project, enjoy your new bike.

[Elmojo]

Thanks for the welcome!

That's good advice, except that the cover is busted bad, so the gauges are no longer protected from rain, bugs, etc...
I wouldn't feel safe riding with the cover in that condition.

Side note: Did you get those iridium plugs from the other member here?

Side Side note: Does the requirement to pass the verification questions for each post go away at some point? I have a really hard time reading the captcha.

[noworries]

Just a thought that with a 94 u won't want the project to turn into a money pit. Advice would be not to spend on the cosmetic parts until u r sure bike is actually running OK for u on the road. Often gaffer tape is your friend in the beater bike world. Enjoy the project.

[Elmojo]

I'm definitely not looking for a money pit.
That's a good idea to just tape it up until I determine if it's worth fixing, thanks.
In the event that I do decide to replace the cover and move on with the restoration, I'd like to have a source ready, if anyone knows of one.
-Mike

[ShowBizWolf]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the project!  Make sure to supply us with pics 

[Elmojo]

Thanks!
I'll do a proper introduction (with photos) as soon as I get her home.
I'm going to pick it up tomorrow evening, then the work begins.

[NYNJ8]

Sorry, I missed your questions buried in your response.  No, I nevefr got the plugs because he never responded.  I just bought them off Amazon.  They were $16 shipped.  Not going to wait around forever to save $4.  And yes the questions go away.  Did for me anyway.

[Elmojo]

Agreed. not worth the hassle.
Thanks, the questions are gone for me also.
I was afraid they would stick around.

[Elmojo]

Still looking for that dang cover!
I've tested the bike enough to know that it's not a lost cause.
It's actually running pretty good, at least in my shop.
What mods, if any, are needed to use an '04+ gauge cover on my '94?
I found one on eBay that says it came off an '04 GSF, and I'm wondering if it'll work.
I seem to recall reading something about having to mod the case for the tach cable?
Any advice appreciated.
-Mike