GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

I just got my GS a couple of weeks ago and I'm dying to get out on it.  
Is it just me or is this snow & cold really starting to become irritating!  I really want to get out and  ride, but the fear of hypothermia always  seems to stop me at the last second.  Any other  riders in the Tri-cities share my frustration?

I'm in Hamilton...
we should be able to ride this weekend...

Do you have your snow tires on??? lol

haha no...but i rode every month of this winter...
it's not so bad...just layer up...and only ride on dry days...(like the past wkend)

Back in the 70's my dad was on the kitchener pirates rugby team  :o

Joined right after he moved over from manchester england  8)

I have this strange phobia of having my balls freeze to the gas tank.
Are pants good in this kind of weather?  :dunno:  :lol:

Joe Rocket Ballistic!!!!!

I live in cambrdige and work in Waterloo.

Is that close enough?

I'm from Cambridge....just got a new 04' Black and grey F Still in the box at the dealer :thumb: .....I cant wait to get out to ride.....We should definitely get out for a ride in the Spring/Summer.....

Also who goes where to service their bikes and what places should I avoid! :nono:

Thanks


Lesh

I just helped a friend buy a CB1 in Guelph a couple of weekends ago!  Man, was it ever cold!  After test riding the bike for about 5 minutes, I was begging my buddy and the owner of the bike to head back to his place!

I'm in Toronto (or more specifically Markham) but would definitely be up for a group ride if anyone is interested.  According to www.weather.com, the average temp mid march should be around 1 celcius -- just perfect!

Quote from: sys49152I just helped a friend buy a CB1 in Guelph a couple of weekends ago!  Man, was it ever cold!  After test riding the bike for about 5 minutes, I was begging my buddy and the owner of the bike to head back to his place!

I'm in Toronto (or more specifically Markham) but would definitely be up for a group ride if anyone is interested.  According to www.weather.com, the average temp mid march should be around 1 celcius -- just perfect!

Just out of curiosity.....how long have you been riding and how do you like your 2004 GS500F?

Quote from: lesh24who goes where to service their bikes

I go to my driveway ... or the shed out back.

Quote from: lesh24what places should I avoid! :nono:

Motorcycle dealerships.


OK, I'm (half) joking.  I always have new tires mounted at the dealership (AFTER removing the wheels myself!) ... and they did put my bike together after it was totalled by a certain cow  :roll:  but otherwise I have learned to do everything else (so far) with a repair manual and a set of tools by my side.  30,000 miles worth and counting.

Now I'll step down and make room so  the locally-informed owners can give you the information you really asked for.   :oops:

I'm just down the road in Guelph. I have my sled to keep me busy in the winter, but I still can't wait to get the bike back out!

nice...more ontario GS riders...

avoid dealers for maintainance...they are SLOW and charge A LOT!...
go to private shops...they are usually more friendly and will be able to build a good relationship with them...

but having said that...I always do the work myself...I started off knowing NOTHING at all...(I didn't even know how to adjust the chain or change the oil)...but now I'm doing everything except for engine work...hopefully with Kerry's help...I'll be able to do valve adjusting this year...

sys49152...i think i know the CB1 you were looking at...it's a beauty eh?

Quote from: lesh24I'm from Cambridge....just got a new 04' Black and grey F Still in the box at the dealer :thumb: .....I cant wait to get out to ride.....We should definitely get out for a ride in the Spring/Summer.....

Also who goes where to service their bikes and what places should I avoid! :nono:

Thanks


Lesh

I'm planning to do all the work on my own bike.  I had the safety done at Zdeno in Kitchener.  They have the best prices on tires anywhere (and carry a massive inventory)  
Once it warms up a little I'm going to crack it open and check valve clearance (not sure when it was done last) then I'm going to change the oil and spark plugs.

Quote from: sys49152I just helped a friend buy a CB1 in Guelph a couple of weekends ago!  Man, was it ever cold!  After test riding the bike for about 5 minutes, I was begging my buddy and the owner of the bike to head back to his place!

I'm in Toronto (or more specifically Markham) but would definitely be up for a group ride if anyone is interested.  According to www.weather.com, the average temp mid march should be around 1 celcius -- just perfect!

... Yeah, if it ever gets above zero!!!!!    
I just checked the weather network - On this day in 2000 the temp reached 19.3 *C !      I'd be taking the day off work if that happened again.

Quote from: lesh24Just out of curiosity.....how long have you been riding and how do you like your 2004 GS500F?

I got my GS just last year July and I've put on 5K km's so far.  I use it to get from Woodbridge/Maple (Vaughan) to downtown Toronto three days a week (407 -> 427 -> QEW), weather permitting.  I also try to take it out as much as possible over the weekends.  I've been able to take it out atleast once every month even during the winter :).

I love the bike -- it has more than enough power for me, and IMHO, looks fantastic.  I did find that it was a bit top heavy compared to other smaller bikes -- buell blast, monster 620, ex500 and the recently tested cb1.  I found I could tilt most of those bikes very easily side to side (at stand still) and not feel like the bike was going to fall over.   My wife will likely get her license this year, and although I'm a huge fan of the GS, I think I'll have her try out the buell blast for a few reasons :

- significantly lighter
- not as top heavy
- much lower seat height
- also very *very* affordable

Let us all know when you've had a chance to take your bike out for its first spin!

Quote from: Frostsys49152...i think i know the CB1 you were looking at...it's a beauty eh?

Yeah!  Just gorgeous!  It has a couple of scratches on the sides of the tank , and needed to have its petcock and front tire changed, but that's about it!  It's a really sweet looking bike -- naked/blue.  It reminds me of the new Honda 599's.

Quote from: Recreational_AnxietyI just checked the weather network - On this day in 2000 the temp reached 19.3 *C ! I'd be taking the day off work if that happened again.

Ha!  I know what you mean.. I check the weather network constantly (some might say obsessively ;)).   I'm really hoping that by mid march we'll be able to start riding regularily  :thumb:

you're getting a Blast??...have you test rode that bike before?..I have...and it sucks!!...lol...and not worth the insurance you pay on it (500cc)...get a zzr250...it's a much much better bike...just IMO...

Quote from: Frostyou're getting a Blast??...have you test rode that bike before?..I have...and it sucks!!...lol...and not worth the insurance you pay on it (500cc)...get a zzr250...it's a much much better bike...just IMO..

Well.. I was considering it for my wife.  I've heard really good things (beginnerbikes.com when it was around) and really bad things (www.myBuell.com).   :?

BTW, here's a pic of the CB1 my good friend just picked up.  Did I mention how sweet it looks?  And the little sucker redline's at 13,500!  Maybe I can convince my friend to sell this to me.  It would be the perfect bike for my wife!

just get another GS for her...you can lower it to make it easier to ride...

but seriously...DON'T buy the Blast!!!...it's a piece of shaZam!...

I like tri city cycle in waterloo.  It's on weber at columbia.  I've had my safety's, tune ups tire mountings etc all done there.

I'm in Waterloo :)

I can't stand Tri City...back when they did storage for the winter, they gave me the wrong friggin' bike in the Spring, and then tried to switch the speedos on the bikes because I put 3000km on in about a month or so.  :x

I second the Zdeno's. They have been so fair with me, and if I roll in for an emergency service, they do it right then and there; no appointment needed. They are the best bike shop in the Tri cities, AFAIC.

When the weather gets better (Soon, I bloody well hope!) we should get a meet of GS riders together.  :mrgreen:

Nothing like seeing a whole whack of under-powered bikes all together, with a combined hp of one 600cc race rep.  :lol:

:thumb:

Quote from: GSRiderI'm in Waterloo :)

I can't stand Tri City...back when they did storage for the winter, they gave me the wrong friggin' bike in the Spring, and then tried to switch the speedos on the bikes because I put 3000km on in about a month or so.  :x

I second the Zdeno's. They have been so fair with me, and if I roll in for an emergency service, they do it right then and there; no appointment needed. They are the best bike shop in the Tri cities, AFAIC.

When the weather gets better (Soon, I bloody well hope!) we should get a meet of GS riders together.  :mrgreen:

Nothing like seeing a whole whack of under-powered bikes all together, with a combined hp of one 600cc race rep.  :lol:

:thumb:

I actually got my Shoei helmet from Zdeno....Yea I think a KW GS500 meet would be great once the weather gets good......Well I still have not got my bike yet.....but Im excited to pick it up soon as the weather gets good!

keep me updated about the group ride!  this is a long winter.. compared to last few years...

lesh, when do you take possesion of the bike?

etam; whereabouts in T.O are you located?

What I'm thinking for a meetup would be some place in Milton. A nice half way spot between K-W and T.O. That, and they offer some really nice roads to tour on. Of course, the limited amount of decent riding roads around K-W is also a consideration as well.

Conversely, Elora is very biker friendly, as well as Bellfountian (This side of Orangeville), Campbellville, and other numerous Mom and Pop joints at all points between...

But I think if we were to do this, we would definitely need a LOT more warmer weather, and no more of that white shaZam! of the road. Maybe a nice Sunday in May?

My husband has one of the best reputations out there for knowing bikes inside and out - he used to be known as Dave of DPE Racing Engines but now he wrenches at Suzuki of Brampton. :)

Quote from: GSRiderlesh, when do you take possesion of the bike?

Well I really can pick the bike up whenever but I dont want it out on the salty roads and Apr 29 till May 23 I will be out of the country on Business so I dont want the bike just sitting at home......Since the bike is currently still in the crate I prefer just to pick it up when the weather is good and im in town......I CANT WAIT......

Quote from: JeneratorMy husband has one of the best reputations out there for knowing bikes inside and out - he used to be known as Dave of DPE Racing Engines but now he wrenches at Suzuki of Brampton. :)

I bought my bike and most of my riding gear from Brampton Suzuki.

They've had quite the crappy rep for service, so I must add that he only started working there in October of 2004... ;)

Best prices on the best  prices on gear and the bike.

Hey GSrider....   I've heard that Bellfountain is a really nice place to go, and I was thinking of taking a ride over that way when the weather is nicer.  I think your idea of a ride in May is good.  It might even stop snowing by then!!!
I actually heard that it was supposed to warm up a bit by next weekend, so I'm hoping to get out for at least a short ride in town.

If I could figure a way to attach pics in the thread, I'd show you a couple of pics of The Forks of the Credit road, which is near Bellfountian. The best I can do is link it from sportbikes.com: http://www.sportbikes.com/UBBimages3/859784-DSC01696-1.jpg

That is one part of a two part chicane. The whole section of good road is about 17km long, littered with OPP, but a very enjoyable road to ride nonetheless.  :thumb:


I too saw that next weekend is supposed to be a bit better; but with rain. I really don't want to ride in the rain with all the salt on the roads; I think that'll be a recipe for disaster for sure. Patience, young grasshopper ;)

Quote from: Recreational_AnxietyI just got my GS a couple of weeks ago and I'm dying to get out on it.  
Is it just me or is this snow & cold really starting to become irritating!  I really want to get out and  ride, but the fear of hypothermia always  seems to stop me at the last second.  Any other  riders in the Tri-cities share my frustration?

How long have you been riding for......


I find it interesting the amount of ppl that are from K-W with GS's........now who has what for different models......again mine is a
2004 black GS500F

[/quote]
How long have you been riding for......


I find it interesting the amount of ppl that are from K-W with GS's........now who has what for different models......again mine is a
2004 black GS500F[/quote]


This is actually my first bike (1993 GS500E).  I've been wanting to get a bike for years (I'm 28 now) but never had the time or money.  I got my M2 last year but wasn't planning on getting a bike until this year.  I also have 4 buddies in London with bikes and I was starting to really get the "itch" last summer when I was always driving my car behind all the bikes on road trips!
We should really have an occasional "meet" with all the GS riders in the area... kind of like a cruise night, except that  we might scare some people with all the bad-ass 500's  :lol:

Quote from: GSRider

etam; whereabouts in T.O are you located?

?

North York

toronto here

I'm in Waterloo :-)

wow...seems like most GS riders in ontario are in kitchener/waterloo area...

You know, when I first got my GS in 2000, I didn't start seeing any other GS riders until about 2002. Now, it is nice to see GS riders sporadictly throughout the K-W region.

But even the T.O area has a good following, London coming in afterwards. :)

Toronto here as well !!  :P

Dudes, we should have a gsfive'undred meet sometime soon !!!!!!!!
:cheers:  :mrgreen:  :cheers:

Well, why don't we organize a meet/ride sometime this spring?

We could do a forks of the credit run after the rainy season.

Are you then thinking about May?

I am up for a meet; The Forks would be a good place to meet up; or even in Milton.
It works for me either way  :thumb:

I wholeheartedly agree !!
:thumb:

So when is this meet gonna happen......?

Check the meet and greet forum...I think something is coming together :)