GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

This is the project bike, so there are still a lot of rough spots (rusts, old pegs, need for paint) but here is this last weekends mods:

1> new tires Michilins Pilots front and rear (150rr)
Got them off ebal for $154 for the set.

2> 4.5 inch GSXR rr rim.
(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/150rwheel-copy.jpg)
Had a tough time with the spacer between the caliper bracket, and the spacer. Also had to heat up and straighten the caliper bracket.

3>Katana shock. quick and easy swap, but I need to dial down the preload its a bit stiff, other then that I love the feel.
(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/katshock-copy.jpg)

4> Added an axlegrab. This is helpful for racing. It is a u shaped rod on the end of the axle that keeps the axle from turning, so you don't have to use a wrench on that side. Also,  So you don't have to hammer the end of the axle to get it out, you can pull from that end of the axle. Makes wheel removel quik and easy.
(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/axlegrab-copy.jpg)
Shown on the right.

(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/150rr-copy.jpg)

5> Added nuts to swing arm. This to accomodate swing arm spools for a rearend stand ( spools are on order)
Nuts 8mm
(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/nuts-copy.jpg)

(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/c-clamp-copy.jpg)

(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/weld-copy.jpg)

6> replaced my tach bulb with a blue (194r-blue) bulb. Now I have to decide which color I like. ( they also have Amber/ orange.
(http://usera.imagecave.com/ratz/lightchoice-copy.jpg)

7> Aftermarket mirrors. I bought them from a loacl shop for $15 they fit perfect, they are black, and they look like the stock SV650 mirrors. no picture yet.

Quote from: ratz
6> replaced my tach bulb with a blue (194r-blue) bulb. Now I have to decide which color I like. ( they also have Amber/ orange.

Blue, all the way.  You could even combine it with the all blue warning light idea that's floating around the forum.

I had a 7-up grade weekend.

(http://www.polarbev.com/images/7up.jpg)

Keep the amber and the blue side-by-side.

blue warning light.... hmm interesting.

Next, I will do some frame sliders, grips , and different pegs/rearsets.
Then blinkers, steal braided brake line/'s

Quote from: RoadstergalI had a 7-up grade weekend.



Keep the amber and the blue side-by-side.

Thats the original white, on the left. I haven't put in an Amber bulb yet.

Oooh IC.  It looks amber in the pic.

Has anybody else tried these mods?
4.5 inch rr
150 rear

The other things I did is fluff.

But two of them I haven't seen done before  on a gs500(spool nuts on swing arm, and axle grab, I know thats a wierd one)

I am the one who has been asking about converting to all blue warning ligths  :thumb:

I have 2  :mrgreen:  still need the others  :thumb: I think it would look sweet w/ the blue tac & spedo  :thumb:

Quote from: ratz6> replaced my tach bulb with a blue (194r-blue) bulb. Now I have to decide which color I like. ( they also have Amber/ orange.

Hard to use Seach at work since I'm not supposed to be on here, so please bear with me if this is a stupid question.  Are both the tach and speedo bulbs the same (194R)?  I like the look of the blue and since the rest of my bike is blue ....

Edit - also, where do you get a blue one?  I can only seem to find red ones at the usual auto parts stores.

You can also make blue lights using LED's as explained By Jeffrey Dahle  (http://gstwin.com/led_gague_lights.htm)in the modifications page.
here is one I did.
(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/bluebellylint/Bike/2005_0901002.jpg)

I found the 194r bulb at the Autozone (autoparts store).

yeah - i'm a moron.  i went out at lunch and dropped a whopping $2.08 (incl tax) to get a pair.  hopefully i can get them installed before i head home for the night.  shouldn't be that difficult should it?

Good idea with the axle bolt.

As for the swing arm spools, I just drill a hole in the swing arm and bolt them on.

Quote from: ratzHas anybody else tried these mods?
4.5 inch rr
150 rear

The other things I did is fluff.

But two of them I haven't seen done before  on a gs500(spool nuts on swing arm, and axle grab, I know thats a wierd one)

I'm interested in the rear wheel. Do you feel a big difference in handling/grip and acceleration? Can you go any bigger than a 150?

Quote from: fat_sacDo you feel a big difference in handling/grip and acceleration?

By going with a wider tire, you will slow the bike down. Which includes accelleration and turning. The only performance gain is greater selection of race rubber.

Quote from: dgyver

Quote from: fat_sacDo you feel a big difference in handling/grip and acceleration?

By going with a wider tire, you will slow the bike down. Which includes accelleration and turning. The only performance gain is greater selection of race rubber.

Tire choice is number one.
Bias-ply tires don't flex as much and seem less forgiving then the new radials..
Better grip with the new technology tires, and it should be more grip area when leaned over.
Going from a 140 rear to a 150 rear, isn't that monumental in slowing the bike down ( most people will not ever notice)  The bike is already quite light and flickable.

I don't mean to step on any toes, dgyver is right on all accounts.

I think the benefits outweigh the shortcommings, but I will let you know as I ride this more.