Updating the look of an old style GS500E.

[Oscar_Muffin]

If any of you have read my previous topic you'll know that I've bought and sorted a 2000 GS500EY for cheap. However, being a 2000 model it still has the old style seat and (17 liter) tank... which, I think looks a bit dated.

My question is will parts from the newer (Post 2001?) GS500's fit a GS500E. From what I can see it would require the tank, seat and both side panels replacing.. possibly the tail light too.

Another thing that I've read about too is that... my bike has been fitted with the clip on's that came with the '89 model. Apparently the new larger tank might interfere with these.

[Joolstacho]

I run an '89 -with clipons but with the later tank. There's no problem at all re: tank/clipons.
I use the original '89 seat, but with minor modifications to 'mate' with the later tank. See:

[Oscar_Muffin]

Thanks for the info. Was there any problems with the side panels or do they fit the newer tanks just fine? I'm thinking I'll keep an eye out for a new tank and seat. Just gotta find how the new seat attaches as it looks like the key placement changes on the new ones so I'm hoping the seat lock is comparable.

[Joolstacho]

Sidepanels fine - see mine. But I'm not sure about using the later style sidepanels.

[Bluesmudge]

I thought the '89 style clip-ons where known to hit the tank on the '01+ tanks? My understanding was only the mid-rise euro clip-ons cleared the tank and even then you could pinch your thumb at full lock.

To put the later plastics on an older GS500 you will have add the mounting points somehow. The frame shape is the same, but the holes to mount the plastics are in different spots. I'm sure with some zip-ties you could get them on there but to do it correctly would take some fabrication skills.

I think the older GS500s look better than the bland '01+ bikes, especially with a bikini fairing, belly pan, and solo seat. They look unique among today's bikes. Adidasguy's Junior GS500 is one of my favorite examples: