GS500F headlight on GS500

[domscott24]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a GS and I would prefer a naked one but I'm really not a fan of round headlights. I searched thru here and saw some people putting the round headlight on a 500F but haven't seen any the other way around.

Has anyone on here put a 500F headlight on a base 500? I'd assume it should work since people swap them the other way, I would just be worried about how to mount it properly since there's no fairings? I was also looking at aftermarket headlights that have a sportier look but didn't have any luck there. Any input or advice on this?

Thanks in advance

[ShowBizWolf]

It can be done... however, you must take care to mount it up pretty high.

I've seen many examples of installs over the years where the bottom of the F headlight smashes into the front fender when the forks fully compress.

IMO the F headlight doesn't have a very good shape (side profile to be more specific) for mounting to a naked bike.

If you go the F route OR the aftermarket route, there's a good chance you'll have to make up at least some sort of your own brackets. Unfortunately there seem to be a TON of aftermarket motorcycle headlights out there that aren't the safest for road use.

Another option would be to look around the internet and see if there are any stock headlights from a different bike that you like and go that route. I removed the stock round headlight on my '98 and replaced it with a '04/'05 GSXR headlight.

These threads show the headlight mounted too low. The second thread even has a post where the person mentions the fender contact:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=39815.0

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=46548.0

This one has brackets that are a bit primitive but IMO the headlight looks better at this height (and it won't hit the fender.)
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=47826.0

[The Buddha]

The F headlight alone on the bike without the rest of the plastic looks like you're carrying a huge VA-JAY-JAY on the front of your bike.
Hey, Its wokiest of all 2022 so I guess its all cool. Why dont you compete in the Tour de France cos you identify as a woman bicyclist while you're at it and show that headlight as proof.

Cool.
Buddha.

[domscott24]

...
I removed the stock round headlight on my '98 and replaced it with a '04/'05 GSXR headlight.
...

This seems like a good idea. I like the idea of keeping the headlight fairing as well so it doesn't look so bare up front. Any write ups or tips on how to get it done?

[ShowBizWolf]

My writeup and pictures start here, about halfway down:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=70880.160

It definitely was a fun project!

[Bluesmudge]

The F headlight alone on the bike without the rest of the plastic looks like you're carrying a huge VA-JAY-JAY on the front of your bike.
Hey, Its wokiest of all 2022 so I guess its all cool. Why dont you compete in the Tour de France cos you identify as a woman bicyclist while you're at it and show that headlight as proof.

Cool.
Buddha.

The Buddha is drunk on the forum again.