GS 500 Gas Tank

[Andy.tech]

Hi I am getting a 1990 GS 500, the tank is rusted and was wondering if I could use a 2007 and up GS 500F task on the 1990 bike. Thank You.



P.S Why is it so difficult to post a question on this board?

[mr72]

You can use the 'F' tank but there are some caveats. You will likely have to trim and modify the seat to make it fit since the 'E' seat doesn't mate with the 'F' tank correctly. And there are no tabs on the bottom of the 'F' tank for the side plastics to snap into like on the 'E' tank. If you sort these things out then it's a pretty good swap. That's what I did.

FWIW I have a reasonably straight, unrusted 'E' tank from my '92 for sale.

[rscottlow]

P.S Why is it so difficult to post a question on this board?

It'll only take a few more posts, and you won't have to answer the Captchas anymore.

[Andy.tech]

Thank you, my bike didn't come with the side plastics. But I was thinking about getting them so it could look a bit more finished. I just wanted the F tank for the extra fuel capacity and to be able to ride longer. Would the F seat and plastics fit on the 1990 bike?

[rscottlow]

I don't think the E has mounting locations for the fairings. If you're looking for a faired version of the bike, it might be worth your time to seek out an F model, rather than to buy an E and try to mount fairings.

[mr72]

Thank you, my bike didn't come with the side plastics. But I was thinking about getting them so it could look a bit more finished. I just wanted the F tank for the extra fuel capacity and to be able to ride longer. Would the F seat and plastics fit on the 1990 bike?

No, the F seat and plastics will not fit the E frame without cutting and welding, AFAIK.

Easiest is to modify the E seat to match the F tank. You will still have those little indentions on the rear sides of the tank where the F seat wraps around, but are left exposed by the E seat.

Really, rscottlow is right, if you want an F, get an F. You can sell the E and buy an F and be in way better shape. Plus Fs with less damage or wear are much more plentiful since they are a decade newer. Creating a mashup is very doable but it requires some willingness to compromise, creativity, and extra funds to make it work out. Kind of like, buy the parts you want (tank, for example), try it, then figure out what you need to modify or replace next.

[Andy.tech]

No I didnt mean the fairing on the side, I ment the side plastics under the seat. I dont want it to look like a sport bike more of a naked look. Want it to look kinda stock with the little mods like bigger tank for the fuel advantage and a wider tire in the back and probably the R6 rear shock and stiffen the fron fork. Nothing crazy.

[the_63]

No I didnt mean the fairing on the side, I ment the side plastics under the seat. I dont want it to look like a sport bike more of a naked look. Want it to look kinda stock with the little mods like bigger tank for the fuel advantage and a wider tire in the back and probably the R6 rear shock and stiffen the fron fork. Nothing crazy.

I read before that the tail plastics have different mounting points too

Chris

[mr72]

Yes the tail plastics have different mounting, along with the seat. And the F seat won't fit with the E plastics or vice versa.

[Andy.tech]

Ok awesome this is very good to know. I'd hate to purchase the seat plastics and seat and then be stuck not using them or doing some crazy mod. Thank you!!!!!