Awww s*!$, dropped it.

[PAC]

Standing in the driveway, unscrewing the dipstick to check the oil, I felt the bike shift in it's stance.  "That's odd" I thought as I stood up.  At that instant the damn thing just fell over on the left side.  A string of obscenities left my mouth as I lunged to attempt to grab hold of the right handlebar, but alas, I didn't make it.

I must not have quite kicked the kickstand out all the way.  That's about all I can come up with.  Gingerly picking the thing up, I was prepared for the worst.

The bike contacted the ground on 6 points.  

1. The left mirror got pushed back a bit, one scratch on the very tip, not noticable.  Probably able to buff it out.

2. Left footpeg hinged upwards as it is supposed to, rubber, so no damage at all.

3. Left turn signal.  a couple of moderately nasty scratches on the side and top, but it didn't crack, break, or even get bent.  Black scratches in black plastic aren't very noticable if you're not looking, but it is scratched.

4. Left engine conver.  I don't know what you call it, but it's the circular cover that says SUZUKI on it covering part of the transmission.  A few scratches on the bottom, noticable if you look, but nearly invisible otherwise.  Maybe can buff these out, but I doubt it.

5. Tip of left handlebar.  Just a small scratch on the very end.  Looks like it could be buffed out.

6.And the worst of it, a nicely curved outward clutch lever.  The impact rotated the whole clutch lever assembly slightly down and bent the lever in the middle forward about 20 degrees.  It's kind of a swoopy arc now.  I loosened up the assembly and moved it back into position and tightened up the bolt.  Works fine, just looks a little silly.

Surprisingly, no damage to the fairing at all - not a scratch, even at the bottom.  Handlebars seem perfectly straight and normal too.

So for anyone reading, at the minimum, I will need a new clutch lever.  Where does one find such a thing at a good price?  It doesn't look hard at all to replace, just unhook the clutch cable, remove the bolt, slide the lever out, put a new one in, reattach the cable, and reinstall the bolt - right?  I might want to get a new left turn signal and maybe even a new transmission/engine cover plate thing too - anyone point me in the right direction to find these things?

Thanks so much!

[scratch]

Sorry to hear that.

That's why I always pull back on the bike to make sure it's on the sidestand proper.

A dirtbiker trick, is to not tighten all the way the handlebar controls. Tight enough that you can't accidentally rotate them while riding, but not so much so that a tip over will just rotate the controls on the bar without breaking anything.

You should be able to find an aftermarket for less than $15 at any m/c  accessory shop. Cycle Gear.

[mwdbruno]

I have an old clutch handle (not new by any stretch of the imagination) that would be functional I'll send to you for the cost of shipping.  The cover you are talking about I got at either Ron Ayers or Dennis Kirk.com and it was listed as a "crank case cover".  I have yet to find it sine I bought mine, otherwise I'd attach a link for ya.

[PAC]

Sorry to hear that.

You should be able to find an aftermarket for less than $15 at any m/c  accessory shop. Cycle Gear.

Pardon my newbieness, so clutch levers are pretty generic?  I don't need a special GS500F clutch lever?

[mwdbruno]

Yep...pretty much, though there are excpetions...

[PAC]

I have an old clutch handle (not new by any stretch of the imagination) that would be functional I'll send to you for the cost of shipping.  The cover you are talking about I got at either Ron Ayers or Dennis Kirk.com and it was listed as a "crank case cover".  I have yet to find it sine I bought mine, otherwise I'd attach a link for ya.

Thank you for the offer of the old clutch handle.  If mine weren't usable I'd take you up on the offer, but the bike is ridable as is.  I would like to find a new replacement.

Checking eBay there are plenty of clutch levers for $5-$15 that *look* like they'd fit (the GSXR 600 lever looks like an exact match), but it's really hard to tell.  I can't find any that specifically say for the GS500.  Anyone know any other models' clutch lever that will fit?

[Kerry]

See the recent thread FS Brake and clutch lever set for some idea of what you're up against, as far as getting the right part.

The following threads may be helpful, too:

brake/clutch lever replacement  (See? I did the same thing you did!)

Bike won't start with clutch lever pulled in (You must remove the switch in the picture to get the old clutch lever out.  Don't break it!)

Clutch lever  (Including the link to the Progrip question thread.)[/list:u]Let us know what you find out about the 2004 part!

[PAC]

Ha. That's *exactly* what my clutch lever looks like now.    Thank you VERY much for the links.  I will check it out.  I think I'm going to have to go remove the lever and compare the pictures you have posted.  I'm going to give the dealer a call tomorrow and see what they can say as well.

See the recent thread FS Brake and clutch lever set for some idea of what you're up against, as far as getting the right part.

The following threads may be helpful, too:

brake/clutch lever replacement  (See? I did the same thing you did!)

Bike won't start with clutch lever pulled in (You must remove the switch in the picture to get the old clutch lever out.  Don't break it!)

Clutch lever  (Including the link to the Progrip question thread.)[/list:u]Let us know what you find out about the 2004 part!

[Sportbilly]

Good luck with the repairs, and don't sweat it, at least you didn't fall off next to a gas pump as a gas station, standing still.  Don't ask.

A quick question, why were you checking the oil on the sidestand?  Isn't the bike being level a prerequisite?

[tt_four]

i've only dropped my bike on it's right side, but the brake lever is bent out, and i was planning on getting a new one, then decided i kinda like the extra leverage, so i've left it and been perfectly happy

[PAC]

A quick question, why were you checking the oil on the sidestand?  Isn't the bike being level a prerequisite?

I was unscrewing the dipstick cap.  The procedure would have been, remove dipstick, wipe clean, pull bike level with right hand off the sidestand, insert dipstick, remove dipstick and let the bike settle back onto the sidestand.

The manual says not to have the bike on the centerstand to check the oil, so I don't know of any other way to do it....

[johncam4]

HEy....those sound alot like like scrapes i bought my bike with....something like that must of happened w/ the previous owner.

[MarkusN]

The manual says not to have the bike on the centerstand to check the oil, so I don't know of any other way to do it....

I do it almost the same way, but for actually measuring I get on the bike. Much better control on where it goes that way.

[Blueknyt]

there are a set of levers that hinge back from handlebars in a fall, made for dirbikes, but i think they will work for GS too.  bit expensive but not likly to break them again.  think these would be worth it for a track bike, otherwise i would jsut buy a few 5$ clutch and brake levers and toss them in tool box

http://www.dirttricks.com/asv_levers.htm

[PAC]

/me Smacks self in forehead.

Why didn't I think of that? :dunno:

Anyway.  I just want to say that I am *incredibly* impressed by the responses that i've gotten here.  You guys (I don't think any gals posted) are simply the best.  I'm going to call the dealer today and see what they have to say.  I took the lever out last night and it looks exactly the same as the lever that Kerry ordered from Flanders.  

(http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3274) If the dealer is too expensive or not helpful I'll just order it from them and replace it myself.  Quick question though, what kind of grease do you use to lubricate the lever?  

Thanks very much to everyone.  I've calmed down significantly from the event and now realize that it's just a cheap clutch lever.  Just a little traumatic seeing my brand new baby fall over like that

The manual says not to have the bike on the centerstand to check the oil, so I don't know of any other way to do it....

I do it almost the same way, but for actually measuring I get on the bike. Much better control on where it goes that way.

[MarkusN]

Quick question though, what kind of grease do you use to lubricate the lever?

Uncritical, anything that doesn't harden or flow away at high temp. (in sunshine) will do. Garden variety mechanic's grease, moly paste (bit messy, that, and dry lubrication capability is not really needed.) Whatever. Id stay away from vaseline, as that has a tendency to vanish in the heat.

[jakers the 1]

tt four Thats what happen to mine cept it was the guy who owned before me, right in his garage. Not a bad on the side treatment but still a bummer, huh

[scar_ace]

I don't need a special GS500F clutch lever?

Double doodoo!! Didn't realise it was an 'F, all that fresh plastic!
Well I dropped mine over a year ago, and snapped the brake level. Still haven't replaced lol, but don't worry about it, happens to the best of us