500F to 500T Conversion

[Jeffrey]

I have a 160 acre ranch and was pricing new dual sport bikes to use on my property. Back in 1968 I worked all summer for a new Yamaha 125MX (motocross) at a cost $600. Now such bikes are at least ten times that much. Hence, I picked up a 2008 GS-500F for $cheap with the intent of converting it for trail use (that's the T in the title). As the photo shows, I first removed all the fairings and gave them away to a needy 500F owner. Next, both tires were replaced with dual-sport knobbies. The stock 39 tooth rear sprocket was replaced with a JT 49 tooth; this provides low-speed, high-RPM hill climbing ability. The final touch was to add a off-road front fender, although the back half had to be cut off due to the oil cooler.

On the street, the steering is extremely "stiff" which might be due to the heavier front tire (like a gyroscopic effect), or maybe due to it being wider. Once I get it up to the ranch I'll do a followup.

Jeff

[Roofaloof]

Looks sick with those knobbies!