Parts Necessary to Convert Your GS500F to a GS500EIn order to get rid of those hideous fairings, but still have a street legal bike, you'll need a few parts from an older GS500. Any year model GS500 will work, and you can mix and match as well.
- Headlight bucket (the thing I spray painted black below)
- Headlight lens assembly (the thing that houses the bulb)
- Fork brackets (these slide over the fork tubes)
- Headlight brackets (these "rabbit ear tabs" connect the headlight bucket to the fork brackets)
- Mirrors (Gotta see behind you, don't you?)
- Applicable mounting hardware (nuts and bolts, etc)
Really. It's that easy.
Now that you have the necessary parts, simply remove your lower fairings and the mounting brackets that hold them to the frame, then remove the upper fairing by removing the fairing brace which is mounted to a tab welded to the steering stem. Don't forget to unplug the wires that power the headlight and turnsignals. After that you will need to remove your handlebars and then remove the top triple clamp in order to slide the fork brackets over the forks. Once you slide the brackets over the forks (be sure they are on the correct side, check the parts fiche for orientation) put the top triple back and and put your handlebars back on as well.
Bolt the rabbit ear tabs to the fork brackets (if they weren't already attached) and then bolt the headlight bucket to the tabs. Slide the lens assembly into the headlight bucket and use the appropriate mounting hardware (two countersunk Phillips head bolts, if I remember correctly) to secure it to the headlight bucket. Be sure to plug the headlight into the wiring harness using the same plug you disconnected from your fairing's headlight. One connection will not be used, as it was a parking light on the GS500F, which the older models did not have.
You will be reusing your old turn signals, as they bolt directly into the fork brackets. Simply thread the wire through the hole on the fork bracket and bolt the turn signal into place, connecting the wires to where they were connected before.
On the handlebars there are spaces for mirrors already, so all you have to do is simply thread new mirrors into there. I used 2nd generation (rectangular) SV650 mirrors, which did an excellent job. Also, it should be noted that not all mirrors will work. Some mirrors (those by Yamaha and Ducati, for example) have left hand threads on the right mirror. This way, if the mirror gets hit it will not over tighten it, possibly stripping the threads.
Make sure all your lights work and double check your bolt torque, and you should be good to go. It's not at all difficult, and the bikes look so much better naked anyways.
Enjoy, and ride safe!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, if any of you noticed I have a huge affinity for naked bikes, as opposed to the faired models. Many will also note that I've been begging for headlight pieces so I can complete my project. Now I realize this was an easy job, but it's nearly midnight, and I've got nothing else to do tonight.
I used the headlight off my old '92 GS which I wrecked earlier in the year. The headlight reflector itself was useable, but pretty much everything else wasn't. I managed to snag some fork brackets and rabbit ear tabs from Bluknyt (thank you!), which means I had to deal with the bent up ring and bucket.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/headlight1a.jpg)
Here's what I started with on the ring; you can see how it's tweeked.
There was a part on the top of the ring where it was actually tilted inwards, towards the center of the front of the headlight.
Anyways, with a few hours worth of bending and pulling and pushing and re-bending and shaping and checking and re-checking... well, you get the idea. After a while I got it to where it was good enough, and finally got to put it back on the lens.
The metal bucket I had was dented and a bit rusty where the paint chipped off. I took a tac hammer and a 4" long bolt and worked another hour and a half tapping out the dents and, when I got frustrated, beating the crap out of them. After a while I deemed it to be good enough, and went on to the sanding process. Some simple 200 grit 3M sandpaper and 20 minutes later I had a fully prepped housing bucket ready for primer.
After the sanding: (http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/headlight2a.jpg)
It was pretty bad looking, huh?
After everything got done, I put it together to test how round that bucket was. Lucky me! It was good enough!
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/headlight3a.jpg)
To do the painting, I used American Tradition by Valspar's Interior/Exterior Ultra Enamel Primer and Flat Black in the spray cans. The primer dried damn near instantly, which allowed me to paint the metal bucket right after I finished priming. It came out fairly nicely, as you can see in the picture:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/headlight4a.jpg)
I really like the matte black, personally; much better than the stock color. I'm going to let it dry for the night and then strip the fairing off tomorrow morning. Mounting the headlight should be easy. I'll work out the difficulties as they arise.
Yer pics are all broken.
Nope. I saw that too, but I figured it out: I've apparently used up my bandwith allocation on the Geocities website. I don't remember how to upload pictures to my other website, so I'm gonna get a PhotoBucket really quick.
EDIT: Wait... it's working now. Ah well. I have a photobucket just in case.
looked for those screws, couldnt find em. those brakets make it ok?
Yeah, the brackets came fine. I tell ya though. I didn't expect the rabbit ear tabs, so seeing though was a wonderful relief. I'm going to use a rubbing compound on them tomorrow so I can hopefully make them look a bit cleaner. I've got the bolts from my old headlight that I can use.
paint makes things come to life.
you got a lot of "stuff" in your garage. :lol:
Alright, I've got everything done, and it looks fantastic! Bluknyt, I used your fork brackets with the rest of my mounting parts. Thank you for the rabbit ear tabs, they would have been used had I not been able to get mine back to their correct shape.
Going to Cycle Gear to pick up some mirrors and some new grips, I'll post pictures as soon as I can!
Alright! I'm done with modifications for this week! Stay tuned next week when I re-jet and install the full Yoshimura exhaust system!
Pictures! And yes, yes. I realize it looks like the rest of y'alls, but it looks so much better to me.
2004 GS500F (before):
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse13.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse12.jpg)
Lowers come off, uglier yet:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse11.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse10.jpg)
The upper comes off - gettin' closer:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse09.jpg)
And since mine has an oil cooler, unlike my old '92, I had to retain these brackets that held the oil cooler lines:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse07.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse06.jpg)
Fenderectonomy:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse05.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse04.jpg)
The headlight goes on!! :
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse03.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse02.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/gse01.jpg)
The headlight looks WAY better in matte black:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/headligh_completeR.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/headligh_completeL.jpg)
All in all, I am EXTREMELY satisfied with it. I went on a ride afterwards to pick up grips and look for mirrors, and having all that wind getting into my jacket was SOOO nice. It's still 100+ here in Texas, and all that extra wind is very cooling. It's also nice how the wind blows directly on my chest, which supports my skinny ass self.
However, it feels as if it takes longer to accelerate at higher speeds. I highly doubt that's the case, though. It just feels that way because I've got air blowing on me.
Highly reccomended, very easy, very quick to do when your parts aren't bent :lol: I can easily convert this back to a GSF within an hour or so. Anyone want to go for a ride?
That looks so cool!!! I like it. Congrats!! Naked Bikes forever!!
can i buy your fairing from you
:)
Nice jyorb...
I like my bikes like I like my women... :mrgreen:
Quote from: RVertigoI like my bikes like I like my women... :mrgreen:
Hmmm, your bike had a lot of junk in the trunk... :P
X5, I'll say happy things about your bike when I'm on a better connection.
I think it looks great! :thumb: Good job.
Looks great. :thumb: :thumb: to naked bikes.
put those fairings up on ebay and youll make hella money
Quote from: RoadstergalQuote from: RVertigoI like my bikes like I like my women... :mrgreen:
Hmmm, your bike had a lot of junk in the trunk... :P
Ed-Zakly!!
:lol:
If I sell those fairings, my resale will go to hell. Plus, the fairings aren't exactly in "perfect" condition in the slightest. They aren't cracked, but they are scraped up on both sides (was like that when I bought it). There are places where the paint is just plain gone, too. i.e. there are spots where it's just the black plastic. It's only on the left side lowers, and it's also below a viewing line, but it's still there. The fairing is all bubble-wrapped up and sitting in boxes in our store room (my old bedroom).
I gotta say, though. I did not expect how strong the wind blast would be a 85+ mph. On my old GS I had a windscreen on there, so I guess I'm not totally used to having a true "naked" bike. Despite how ugly that fairing is, it does a great job at cutting through the wind. Depending on how fast I'm going, I feel like I am just hanging on for dear life! :lol: Well, not really, but I think y'all get the idea.
looks nice 8) :thumb:
You always hear about people wanting to make their "F" into an "E"
but you never see anybody actually do it.
Looks good, well done!
Changing 'E' to 'F' is a surprisingly simple thing to do, actually. I'm surprised no one else has done it. Aren't '04+ the only ones with black frame? I'd like SOMETHING unique about my bike :lol:
Nice job X5.
We in the northern climates are more inclined to go the other way, but I fully understand the appeal of a naked bike. :thumb:
Hey, that bike's naked. You could probably look on ebay for some fairings, then...
Just kidding, looks really cool without it's clothes. The headlight came out great, too. :thumb:
After getting used to the fairing and the silence behind it, the wind blast and not seeing anything in front of that guage cluster really makes it feel like a hooligan bike!
Maybe that and the fact I've only got one mirror on there right now, and it doesn't do piddly for me. Anyone have any ideas for mirrors? My only requirement is that they do a decent job and don't look like shiet.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5Anyone have any ideas for mirrors?
Suzuki Burgman mirrors (The only cool thing on the scoot :nana: ) They're a lot like the GSE mirrors, but the stem looks cooler... Two part, rather than a bend.
SV Mirrors... Stems like above, but round instead of rectangle.
I'm pretty sure just about every other after-market mirror will fit too.
Good think Suzuki left the screw hole for ya' huh? (They did right? :? The GSF I saw had 'em)
Yeah, they left me the screw holes :), thankfully. I'll check out the SV mirrors and see if I can find some cheap off the SVRider board. I know most aftermarket ones fit, but I was hoping people knew of some brands/models that look and work nicely. I hope mirrors are fairly cheap, I just spent another $100 on a Teknik Lightning jacket.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5I hope mirrors are fairly cheap, I just spent another $100 on a Teknik Lightning jacket.
I've got 2 of those, I love them :thumb:
Dave :cheers:
I absolutely hate the fairings on the F. They they turn a decent looking naked bike into an ugly-as-sin faired bike. Yeah. That definitely is a huge improvement. Rich likey.
Ha! We should have just traded bikes and saved you and srinath a lot of hassle. My bike went from a butt-nekkid '89 to a fully faired '04 doppleganger!
It seems that you have done the reverse. Are you selling the fairings and the other pieces?
Naw, I'm not selling anything off the '04 (the '92, on the other hand, is in pieces in my garage. All I need to do now is photograph, price, and advertise them). If I do sell the fairings my resale will go down the toilet, and I can't have that.
Who needs resale? Just ride it.
I need resale. I'm poor and in college (althouth the two usually go together), and I need all the money I can get, especially when I decide to get a new bike. Maybe I'll keep the GS though... or sell it and buy another one, a la RG ;).
:lol: Yeah... She's on her 3rd GS and posted about "missing" her F... So, she might just get a 4th. :lol:
And... Poor and in college... Why would you want to sell it and buy another bike? Another one is just gonna cost you even more money.
And.,..... Gas isn't going to go down. 50 MPG is pretty good until gas reaches $6.00 or so...
Well, I figure that I'll eventually get some money from either internships, or whoring myself. We'll see which one pays better. I'm definitely going to get another bike sometime, albeit I have no idea when right now, but eventually...
Maybe I'll turn it into a track bike. I don't know. A new bike is so far away.
So it seems there is a lot of talk lately from beginners looking at the new GS500F models and thinking about getting into motorcycling. I'vev seen numerous suggestions from members on here suggesting to take the fairings off in order to prevent plastic damage in the event of the eventual first drop.
When I bought my bike the fairings already had rash on both sides, so taking them off to prevent that was not an issue for me. My issue was that they looked ugly as sin, as if the nose of the bike was scrunched up. It looked like someone had punched it in the nose, flattening the front and making it tallish and ugly. It kinda reminded me of a KTM 950 Adventure. I also didn't like how the fairing was so wide, sticking out 2 inches from the bike at least. Not only did it limit the use of case guards, but it wasn't even possible to have frame sliders!
The main reason for my conversion, however, was the desire for a naked bike like I had before with the '92. With the Texas heat easily topping 100oF, some wind blowing on me to cool me off was more than welcome.
Naked bikes are just plan sexier.
So, bump for all the newbies!
I switched my headlight to a clear SV lense ala Pablo's site, much sexier than that frosted glass
It's 100*F in Texas right now?
Jesus do I hate Seattle weather :cry:
TarzanBoy, do you have any pictures/walkthroughs of how you put the F fairing onto your 89? I have an '89 and I'm interested in doing exactly that. Naked is fun, but not in cold rain.
Quote from: tophyr on February 27, 2006, 02:54:52 PM
It's 100*F in Texas right now?
Jesus do I hate Seattle weather :cry:
TarzanBoy, do you have any pictures/walkthroughs of how you put the F fairing onto your 89? I have an '89 and I'm interested in doing exactly that. Naked is fun, but not in cold rain.
Naw, it's not 100 yet, but it'll get there soon enough. High today was mid to low 70s. High for the week is going to be 85
o, so even 90+ days are right around the corner.
As for the '89 to '04 F, it was quite a chore for Srinath to do.
From the GS500 FAQ:
QuoteThe short answer is "no".
The fairing on a GS500F mounts to brackets which are bolted onto the frame. The holes these brackets mount to are not present in the earlier models. Also, the upper fairing, where the headlight is housed, is bolted to a tab which is welded onto the steering stem.However, if you've got the time and skill, it can be done.
One such example is GStwin member TarzanBoy's bike, which was converted from an '89 into an '04 doppelganger. However, there are some fitment issues and apparent gaps between the seat and tail cowling, as well as the seat and the frame.
On the 2001 through 2003 models, the task will be much easier, as the body work (minus the fairing) is the same. All that would be required is to drill holes in the correct places in the frame, as well as welding on a tab to the steering stem so that the upper fairing can be bolted into place.
With the 1989 through 2000 GSEs, the task is much more daunting. Not only do you have to do the things listed above, but if you want proper fitment between the fairing and the tank you will need to find a way to adapt the 01+ bodywork to the pre-01+ frame. There are different mounting points for the body work and tank, as well as seat latch differences.
-Courtesy of GStwin member Alphafire
Dear Alphafire
thanks for the information on the fairing removal. i just got hit while parked and the shop wants $2700.00 to put new fairings on so I suspect the insurance company will total it. I may be able to buy it as salvage and remove the fairings which are expensive.
stephen r. brown
Not a problem. It's pretty easy, but finding the headlight setup might be a problem. You could also get your fairings, sand them down, and then custom paint the thing to your heart's desire. :)
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on September 25, 2005, 02:37:53 PM
If I sell those fairings, my resale will go to hell. Plus, the fairings aren't exactly in "perfect" condition in the slightest. They aren't cracked, but they are scraped up on both sides (was like that when I bought it). There are places where the paint is just plain gone, too. i.e. there are spots where it's just the black plastic. It's only on the left side lowers, and it's also below a viewing line, but it's still there. The fairing is all bubble-wrapped up and sitting in boxes in our store room (my old bedroom).
I gotta say, though. I did not expect how strong the wind blast would be a 85+ mph. On my old GS I had a windscreen on there, so I guess I'm not totally used to having a true "naked" bike. Despite how ugly that fairing is, it does a great job at cutting through the wind. Depending on how fast I'm going, I feel like I am just hanging on for dear life! :lol: Well, not really, but I think y'all get the idea.
I had my fairings off last Saturday and went to the dealership to pick up some o-rings. I jumped on the highway, and I was blown away at how much of a difference the fairings made... That's the last time I ride a naked bike (even tho I still had the upper fairings on)
Quote from: annguyen1981 on March 28, 2006, 09:16:03 PM
I had my fairings off last Saturday and went to the dealership to pick up some o-rings. I jumped on the highway, and I was blown away at how much of a difference the fairings made... That's the last time I ride a naked bike (even tho I still had the upper fairings on)
Yeah, but imagine that with the temperature in the 100
oF range. Now you see why I took the fairings off?
Maybe, but I could NEVER degrade my baby like that! She never treated me poorly, so I can't make her trot around nekkid... I prefer her with her beautiful skirt on. :laugh:
Quote from: annguyen1981 on March 28, 2006, 09:23:19 PM
Maybe, but I could NEVER degrade my baby like that! She never treated me poorly, so I can't make her trot around nekkid... I prefer her with her beautiful skirt on. :laugh:
Enjoy that extra 20lbs ;) Your bike is fat :laugh:
Considering I'm 5'6" 208lbs, that don't matter anymore... I still can't figure out how to stiffen the read suspension... That stupid circular thingy won't budge. :laugh:
Quote from: annguyen1981 on March 28, 2006, 09:36:40 PM
I still can't figure out how to stiffen the read suspension... That stupid circular thingy won't budge. :laugh:
It takes some effort, so go out there and give it a shot. Your best bet would be to change out the rear shock so you can get some true adjustability.
Bump...
Sorry, just doing this conversion this weekend and wanted this post towards the top for reference. I had to search for 1/2 hour to find it...
YES!!! Everyone is following me in my path to nakedness!!
It's really really easy. If you need any help at all send me a PM and we'll get everything straightened out for you.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 18, 2006, 02:18:47 PM
YES!!! Everyone is following me in my path to nakedness!!
It's really really easy. If you need any help at all send me a PM and we'll get everything straightened out for you.
Sounds good, thanks Alpha... I've got everything lined up except mirrors... Oh yeah, and my bike may not be back from the shop (stupid broken header bolts), but I can get started on painting the headlight bucket. I think the black bucket on your bike looks tons better than chromed...
I've got my Katana Rear shock, my racetechs coming, going naked and painting my exhaust pipes...It's gonna be a different bike when I get done!!!
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 18, 2006, 02:18:47 PM
YES!!! Everyone is following me in my path to nakedness!!
Some of us were smart enough to start out nekkid. :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: flyingbeagle71 on August 18, 2006, 02:24:05 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 18, 2006, 02:18:47 PM
YES!!! Everyone is following me in my path to nakedness!!
It's really really easy. If you need any help at all send me a PM and we'll get everything straightened out for you.
Sounds good, thanks Alpha... I've got everything lined up except mirrors... Oh yeah, and my bike may not be back from the shop (stupid broken header bolts), but I can get started on painting the headlight bucket. I think the black bucket on your bike looks tons better than chromed...
I've got my Katana Rear shock, my racetechs coming, going naked and painting my exhaust pipes...It's gonna be a different bike when I get done!!!
My Katana rear shock is giving me trouble... I need to figure out what's up.
Sounds like your bike is getting nothing but better and better!
Quote from: aaronstj on August 18, 2006, 02:43:14 PM
Some of us were smart enough to start out nekkid. :icon_mrgreen:
Hey, I started out naked too. Remember my poor '92?
Quote from: aaronstj on August 18, 2006, 02:43:14 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 18, 2006, 02:18:47 PM
YES!!! Everyone is following me in my path to nakedness!!
Some of us were smart enough to start out nekkid. :icon_mrgreen:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
My wife would agree with your implication...
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I'm going to keep my fairings and put them back on when it gets cold...which here in MI will be...next week... :cry:
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 18, 2006, 02:46:49 PM
Sounds like your bike is getting nothing but better and better!
:thumb: Maybe I'll even look into an exhaust, airfilter, and jets...after riding with denman a few weeks back I kinda got the itch to start modding, his bike sounded sweet with his aftermarket exhaust...
Wow dude, welcome to the club. Be sure to post lots of pictures!
Naked 05's are the best dammit.
-Turd.
Quote from: Turd Ferguson on August 18, 2006, 03:04:49 PM
Wow dude, welcome to the club. Be sure to post lots of pictures!
Naked 05's are the best dammit.
-Turd.
Thanks...I'm planning on tons of pics... :cheers:
Now if I could find someone to trade rear plastic with...why Suzuki decided on a blue tank and white tail, I'll never understand...
Looks cool!
Are those the "BIKE NIGHT" lights that attach to the back of the plate?
if you want a naked bike go buy one, there cheaper
Quote from: nascarkeith on August 20, 2006, 05:54:17 PM
Looks cool!
Oh heck yeah it does :)
Quote from: annguyen1981 on August 20, 2006, 05:57:58 PM
Are those the "BIKE NIGHT" lights that attach to the back of the plate?
The red things? Those are just the stock reflector screws that hold the plate on.
Quote from: rangerbrown on August 20, 2006, 05:59:14 PM
if you want a naked bike go buy one, there cheaper
When I was looking for a GS I couldn't find a naked version in decent condition. Hell, finding a GS period was pretty difficult.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 21, 2006, 02:06:35 PM
Quote from: rangerbrown on August 20, 2006, 05:59:14 PM
if you want a naked bike go buy one, there cheaper
When I was looking for a GS I couldn't find a naked version in decent condition. Hell, finding a GS period was pretty difficult.
You could have done what I am going...building my own.
Quote from: dgyver on August 21, 2006, 03:00:27 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on August 21, 2006, 02:06:35 PM
Quote from: rangerbrown on August 20, 2006, 05:59:14 PM
if you want a naked bike go buy one, there cheaper
When I was looking for a GS I couldn't find a naked version in decent condition. Hell, finding a GS period was pretty difficult.
You could have done what I am going...building my own.
Yeah. Could have. But I didn't know much about the GS then and didn't have any sort of estimate as to how much it would have cost. Hell, I might have lost money trying to build my own for all I knew. When i first started to sell of my old bike I only then realized that I probably could have built it back up on my own for fairly cheap. But again, didn't know that at the time.