2006 into 1996 drivetrain swap?

[Improbcat]

I have a 1996 GS500E that is showing its age mechanically. I just go a line on a cheap 2006 GS500F with a probable bent frame. Would I be able to basically bolt the engine/trans unit into my '96 without any additional modifications?

I'm fairly well versed in car repairs/modifications, but just got into bikes this summer, so I still have a lot to learn.

[Big Rich]

I think the only issues you would into are mounting the oil cooler, the tach drive is electric on the 06 motor, and you might need a new Ignitor to match the engine.

Anybody else have some thoughts?

And welcome to the site! I like that paint job.

[EdChen]

I don't have much experience swapping between the different generations, but I'm curious what you've noticed as aging mechanically?

If it was me, and assuming your 96 is running well, I wouldn't go trying to swap anything, potentially causing more issues.

Now, if that other GS has a lot of good parts and is a good deal, I would strongly consider picking it up, just because I love the color scheme, by the way. I especially like the gunmetal frame!

[Improbcat]

Thanks for the compliments on the bike, the gunmetal frame & black engine where there when I bought it, and I wrapped the tank & plastic in matte copper vinyl.

Mostly what I have is a $850 bike that is varyingly worn out everywhere. I had been thinking that if I can get the other bike cheap, I could make sure the drivetrain on that one was sorted, and do any maintenance/etc. to it out of the bike, while still using my bike, then this winter just swap everything over. Plus I could potentially raid the other bike for other bits I need. Unfortunately the logistics of even going to *look* at the '06 are turning out to be a pain in the ass.

[EdChen]

That wrapping turned out really well! Where did you buy the material?

[Improbcat]

Ebay, it is a 3m vinyl. It cost me about $50 shipped for a 5'x5' piece, which was more than enough for the wrap.

It looks better in pics than in person, there are some definite flaws this was the first time I'd wrapped anything.

This was the bike pre-wrap, I removed the GS500E stickers and the tank stripe, but the SUZUKI on the tank has been clear-coated over as some point so I couldn't remove it.

[1034am]

I used knifeless tape and ran it around the sharp corner of the contour. Front top and back top were a single piece. The side indents are single pcs.  It was tricky navigating the filler hole, but otherwise fairly easy.

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[ShowBizWolf]

Awesome bike and pics!! I love that seat, it looks super comfy. Welcome to the site and I hope ya get everything sorted the way you want!