wheel fitment

[1034am]

Hello, I'd like to change my white wheels to black on a 1989 GS500E.  I see many available on Ebay from different years. Will there be any fitment issues? Tires will be replaced, but I'm concerned about fit into the frame, and brakes.

Any help will be appreciated.

[Big Rich]

Nope. All GS500 wheels are the same except for color. And if you search for Katana wheels (I forget what year and engine size), they fit the same as well - so long as they have the same swept spoke look to them.

[fetor56]

Why not simply conventionally spray paint or Plasti Dip spray paint the wheels and save money.

[1034am]

Well, the only thing that looks worse than black painted wheels w/chipped paint are black painted wheels w/white paint showing through the chips!
I just picked up a Katana rear wheel, figured the 4" wide rim would be a nice upgrade, and now I only have to worry about the front wheel. Plus, I should be able to sell the white wheels.

I'll look into plastic dip, never heard of it before now.

thanks.

[Big Rich]

Richard, check that Katana wheel again. If I'm not mistaken, the GS has a 3.5" wheel while the newer Katana (straight spoke) has a 4.5" wheel. The older Kat wheels that look identical to the GS are also 3.5" wide. If your wheel measure 4",  it might be a Bandit 400 wheel (which will work but requires modification).

[1034am]

Thanks for the tip Rich. It's on it's way (from ebay) but the ad said 4" wide.
(I figured the tire would be the concern.)
You think 4.5" would be too wide?

[Big Rich]

Not at all. Many people have put the 4.5" Kat wheel on their GS. I think the only problem was the rear caliper stay interfering with a 150/70 tire. But a new brake stay bolts right on.

I don't think you'll run into any problems. Just measure the inside wheel width, along with the bearing spacing and compare them to your current wheel.