As a community, why don't we make a GS500 FAQ? Let's all post common questions in this thread and then work on answring them, together. Then someone can take it and clean it up a little, consolidate it, put it into an HTML or TXT or PDF FAQ to be downloaded and updated periodically.
Anyone like this idea? :thumb:
if you were'nt joking. slap yourself.
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/redyRthgiN/FAQ.jpg)
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
good one, nightryder
phaedrus, you're such a noob! :lol:
Well :nana: ya's then :lol:
Check in the "FAQ"; look at it's contents. Almost everything people commonly ask is NOT covered in there. If you don't want to participate, no one is going to force you. I was thinking more of a format like this:
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/motorcycles/how-to-roadrace/
Much easier to read, follow, understand, keep up to date, organize, etc.
The current FAQ just needs to be updated. It also doesn't have the '04+ carb info in there; things like that.
Having only mods update it is not such a good way of doing it, IMO. The mods are busy making people moderate. Grab a few terminally honest posters to be FAQ minders.
Quote from: PhaedrusWell :nana: ya's then :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote from: RoadstergalGrab a few terminally honest posters to be FAQ minders.
Are there any besides Kerry? :dunno: :lol:
Here are some questions that we all see pop up ALL the time...it's a start. :dunno:
GS500 Frequently Asked Questions v1.0
General
What are the differences between a GS500E and a GS500F?
How big is my fuel tank?
How does the GS500 compare to the EX500?
How does the GS500 compare to the SV650?
What octane of fuel should I use?
How can I lower my bike?
What are the differences between model years?
What kind of fuel mileage can I expect?
How do I pop a wheelie?
What problems should I look for when purchasing a used GS500?
Appearance
How can I improve the appearance of my bike?
What is the GS500-R body kit and where can I get it?
Performance
What exhaust systems are available for the GS500?
How can I improve my bike's suspension and handling capabilities?
How can I increase the performance of my bike?
What kind of 0-60 and 1/4 mile times can I expect?
What air filter is best for my bike?
Should I consider a NOS system?
Maintenance
Where can I buy OEM style replacement parts?
What spark plugs should I use and at what gap?
What tires should I get?
How long can I expect my tires to last?
My bike won't start, what should I check?
How do I "pop start" my bike, and why would I do it?
Can you suggest a good motorcycle cover?
How do I properly winterize my bike?
How often should I lube my chain and what should I use?
I noticed a small oil leak by my kickstand. What could it be?
GSTWIN Related
How do I use search?
Why is Jetswing such a post whore?
Ok, ok, I added the last one for "shiggles" :P
Looks like we have a FAQ ing director!
Quote from: callmelennyQuote from: RoadstergalGrab a few terminally honest posters to be FAQ minders.
Are there any besides Kerry? :dunno: :lol:
We have a lot of
really good tech people here. Dgyver comes to mind. And Srinath when you can understand what the hell he is typing ( :lol: ) and Davipu when his head isn't up his ass ( :lol: ). RG is very proficient, and a whole host of others that aren't on here quite as much but still really know what they are talking about.
Sucks to be me, I don't happen to be one of them ( :lol: ).
Can we agree to call that a "Pulling a Phaedrus"?
JK.
Quote from: Jake DCan we agree to call that a "Pulling a Phaedrus"?
JK.
Well, there always seems to be this ongoing theme of "search noobie search..we don't want to answer your questions because we answered it 100 times before". Well, like they say in the food service business:
"It might be the 100th cup of coffee you pour today, but very well could be that customer's first". Same idea. :dunno:
Quote from: PhaedrusWell, like they say in the food service business: "It might be the 100th cup of coffee you pour today, but very well could be that customer's first". Same idea. :dunno:
a very good "bad" analogy. :dunno:
except we don't get paid 5.15 a hour to answer your repeditive questions.
Ive got it. Only one more entry need be put into the FAQ.
an 'All other Questions Answered Here' thread.
inside it will read; "do a search here (http://gstwins.com/forum/search.php)"
:P
Seriously though, Phaedrus, you should go for it. I'm sure the answers are all around here. Give it a start, and if you seem serious maybe more people will help.
I guess this is a good way to separate the cream from the corn ;) People don't ask the same questions because they want to be annoying. They ask because they want to know something. And you would not have to keep answering the same thing over and over, or refer them to some obsecure search results that are between 10 pages of lesbianism and purple. :lol: .
Point is, I think if the information were more easily accessible, it would really help everyone out- noobs, regulars, and the board in general. This is NOT a very "noob" friendly site; despite the GS being considered a "noob" bike by many.
But I think it is stupid to respond to people with "Search. I am not going to waste my time responding". When with the same amount of effort, you could have answered their question or refer them to a potentially more concise guide.
And if no one wants to help, I don't think any of us should act like a bunch of jackasses the next time the same question comes up for the 100th time, because none of us wanted to do anything about it.
I am probably not the best to make this, but it seems no one else has the ambition. I'm still a noob in many ways (mostly mechanical). I don't have the mechanical savvy as some of the people around, but damn it, atleast I'm willing to help when I can. Not just sit around and Buddha Loves You about the same thing over and over, I'd rather do something about it.
Is that more serious NightRyder? :mrgreen:
Is it easier to post "Run a search noob" or just ignore the question? I think people that tell noobs to search are trying to teach/train noobs to use the search function and feed themselves. Once a noob has been properly trained, then Bob's your uncle.
Picturing the Dissing Your Dog skit with Will Farrel.
I think you have a very good idea, telling a newbie to search will piss them off they will end up going to another board.Also really you sound like a ass by doing it to all the newbies.
Agree with Jake D :thumb: but as a noob LOOOOOOVE Phaedrus' idea :mrgreen:
Seriously, even if you do a search, there are bits and pieces here and there and it takes hours to find it all with a chance of missing something -> asking -> being referred back to the search.
And then again, why make everybody search when one person responsible for one small question can keep it up to date all the time? :dunno: very time inefficient. Still being noobish and quite busy I'd still be glad to be responsible for some small bit of info that I'd search, organize and type in to the best of my abilities and understanding
Phaedrus: I think you have a point there...
I'm rather new on this board and it has been somehow difficult to find the right answer to all the questions a new or newcoming rider have. The GS is a perfect beginners bike and therefor should this board also be beginners friendly...
Yes, I also agree with you other guys that doing a search first before you ask a question is essential to cut down the postings and also to minimize the "do a search noob" comments which are not very polite....
I have seen alot of threads thats actually, in a slightly modified version, belongs to the FAQ but never ends there. and that is a shame...
Phaedrus: keep pushing the others, i think it is a good idea... :thumb:
Just to put an ekstra idea in to the mill... How about making room in the main area for reviews of all the gear you guys and girls buy and use all the time??? I have seen some posts the last weeks about pants, jackets and other clothing, and its a shame its just get a brief moment of attention before its being pushed further down the slope of old posts...
Hehe... just my 2 cents of thoughts... ;)
Yours
Awesom
:cheers:
So what we are saying here is that there is already a FAQ but it doens't cover most actual frequently asked questions.
Perhaps a wiki style FAQ would work better than the current system.
Currently if someone feels a post is unclear, incomplete or just plain wrong, all we can do is add a comment to the FAQ post.
This leads to large amounts of text to wade through.
A hyperlinked wiki would allow the FAQ to be clarified and corrected in one place and the internal linking would make it easier to find things.
<sarcasm>
Oh, goodie... will we end up with a FAQ that is a accurate and reliable as wiki is?
</sarcasm>
I think Phaedrus has a great idea I remember when I first came on this site and didn't know how to search. I made a post and my response was try searching. . . use the search function. . .or something along those lines. RG at least post the links to what you are looking for after she tells you to search :lol:
This message board has a lot to offer to all GS owners for example me, I learned how to work, how to maintain and even how to modifiy different parts of the GS. It could be a better site if the FAQ section was updated. Oh and most importantly I also learned how to use the search function :mrgreen:
thirdman:
It'd be as reliable as the info suplied by the users.
So are you offering to supply/check info?
I just made this really cool invention, it's round right, and you put a stick through the middle and then you tie two more sticks to the ends of the first one, and you can haul stuff around.
Quote from: RoadstergalGrab a few terminally honest posters to be FAQ minders.
Phew! Counts me out. :thumb:
I nominate Starwalt. :thumb:
I don't see how anyone could think this is NOT a good idea. :roll: It is not "reinventing the wheel". We would not be reinventing anything, just improving, supplementing, and consolidating existing information in a more user friendly and efficient format. What's not to like? :dunno:
Well!!!
Get workin'!!!
I'm useless, so... :dunno: YOU gotta do it. :) (And Starwalt too... I nominated him!!)
Phaedrus' lists is excellent and appropriate. What we are really talking about is the organization of the information currently here and to come.
Nearly all the questions are addressed to some extent on this forum or the connecting sites. What is missing is FAQ off the GSTwin.com site verses the FAQ here on the forum section. Unfortunately that is the problem with what is essentially updated bulletin board software with pictures. This stuff is great compared to 1983 technology I used before.
Now for the current FAQ, there is nothing stopping ANYONE from building answers to any/all of the questions Phaedrus listed. ANYONE can make a FAQ. Only the mods can post it there. Kerry is MIA and probably making loads of OT (we hope that's it), but he wasn't born with the knowledge of working this software either.
So there's your chance for fame and fortune, well actually limited fame and no money. :lol: Write it up and put it in the test section and point it out to a mod. Have someone else look it over for editing purposes. Once reviewed, plead for a mod to FAQ it. Perhaps then someone with higher rights can move some of the forum FAQs to a FAQ based off the main site where most newcomers come to start with.
The bath water is fine. The baby is fine. We just need to work with them both and we can all have fun getting wet and clean. :? You know what I mean?
See!! I told you Starwalt is the man! :thumb:
Phaedrus that list you put together definitely needs to be in some sort of up-datable FAQ. Great Idea :thumb:
Quote from: starwaltWrite it up and put it in the test section and point it out to a mod. Have someone else look it over for editing purposes. Once reviewed, plead for a mod to FAQ it. Perhaps then someone with higher rights can move some of the forum FAQs to a FAQ based off the main site where most newcomers come to start with.
Yeah! I've already started researching and answering some of the questions, and will follow this advice. Peer review is the best way to go. :thumb:
Quote from: starwaltThe bath water is fine. The baby is fine. We just need to work with them both and we can all have fun getting wet and clean. :? You know what I mean?
Umm, not really sure what you mean there :P But I'll give you a HELL YEAH anyways. :thumb:
Quote from: starwaltThe bath water is fine. The baby is fine. We just need to work with them both and we can all have fun getting wet and clean.
I'm going to save my 10' pole for other occasions and let someone else touch that one.
Quote from: red_philthirdman:
It'd be as reliable as the info suplied by the users.
Aye... therein lies the problem.
Quote from: red_philSo are you offering to supply/check info?
Heck no... that would only make things worse.
Quote from: davipuI just made this really cool invention, it's round right, and you put a stick through the middle and then you tie two more sticks to the ends of the first one, and you can haul stuff around.
Now thats Funny!!! :lol:
Quote from: Scorpio65Quote from: davipuI just made this really cool invention, it's round right, and you put a stick through the middle and then you tie two more sticks to the ends of the first one, and you can haul stuff around.
Now thats Funny!!! :lol:
What is really funny is, if we went by davipu's standards, there would be no modern wheel. Our GS's would have stone wheels. :lol:
"I know we have a stone wheel, but you know what would make it really great?" - Phaedrus
"What?" - Davipu
"If it were lighter and more efficient!" - Phaedrus
"Ha! That's hogwash and a waste of energy. This 150lbs stone wheel is just fine.." - Davipu
:lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Ok folks - I've been quietly and diligently working on the FAQ that I wanted to create.
It is a ROUGH copy to date, but I figured I would publish what I have in case SOMEONE wants to help out - they can see what more it needs. Some of the questions still need answers, and some need more complete answers. I would appreciate everyone to look it over and send me corrections, submissions, anything that will make it better.
To Do List:
-Finish answering questions
-Add more questions if we can think of any
-on index page, link each question to it's specific question (html)
Remember, I am still popping my noob cherry - so I need help with technical information as well as grammar/spelling nazi help. Basically anyway you can contribute would be awesome.
Here is the URL:
http://gstwin.variders.com
I've still got a few more ideas for it, such as better hosting options, but I want to see how well this goes over before I get all crazy with it. :P
EDITED to change the URL
Oh yeah, by the way...
Each part is has a letter-label (A,B,C, etc) and the question #. For example, question 1 of section "A" would be "A01". This is for reference. So if you want to add to something, reference it using the letter/number combo..ie, "A01". etc.It will be easier to maintain this way.
:thumb:
It's a nice start for sure...
But... Where's the 150 tire FAQ? :P
located with a bullet under the search FAQ :lol: :lol: :lol:
Nice goin, Phae!! I'll try to make my contribution during my work hours tomorrow (you don't expect me to do this when I'm not getting paid for it, do you?? :? ;) )
pm sent yesterday...
:cheers:
Awesom
Yeah! To everyone that sent PM's and emails already, thank you! I'll be getting it put up there sometime today. Keep'em coming, too ;)
I must congratulate Phaedrus for the work done. As a relatively new member, I found the existing FAQ below par. There is so much knowledge in the forum that making it more structurally available can only enhance the GSTWIN.com !!! :cheers:
Excellent job! :thumb: :thumb: I'll see if I can also contribute. Hope that posting pics is easier... :(
Also thanks to Jetwing, we may have already found a new (GOOD) home for the GS500 FAQ. It's current and temporary home has popups, while the new home won't. The current one is also "old school style FAQ" whereas the new one will have a cleaner, sleeker, more modern appearence.
Wow, how quickly things can progress when people work together :cheers:
<bump>
I've noticed a couple things missing from the FAQ that used to be there (before the server conked out). So I am adding some things back slowly and also trying to add some new stuff as well.
Anyone else have anything to contribute?
</bump>
I can't see it from work, I'm not allowed to download Flash8.
no flash at all?
Quote from: Phaedrus
Here is the URL:
http://gstwin.variders.com
I've still got a few more ideas for it, such as better hosting options, but I want to see how well this goes over before I get all crazy with it. :P
EDITED to change the URL
great idea Phaedrus. How do you want to integrate it into gstwin so we always have it handy? a sticky link at the top of the gstwin FAQ perhaps? other ideas?
also, the FAQ was started by some of us moderators and was intended as a work in progress that we never were able to get back to so a big thank you to you P for stepping up and addressing this missing peice of the gs500 puzzle. its a huge undertaking. I know-my site started the same way sort of. I had a bunch of stuff saved in Word from my searches. then the old server took a dump and much of it was totally lost so I found that free site to put it up on...yours will be much the same. it is very rewarding to hear when the site has helped people out.
p-
Quote from: JetSwingno flash at all?
Correct. :(
Bump :thumb:
I've still been working slowly at the FAQ here and there, trying to get it tweaked just right and have the most up to date, accurate, and helpful information. It seems to have been a really good complimentary resource for the site, but it still has a way to go.
If anyone gets bored, go through it and check out sections you know a bit about and see if you can add anything to it. Or if you see it is UNDER CONSTRUCTION, maybe see if you can come up with something to add to it?
I might be the "editor" of it, but I see it as a GStwin community project. If you find any mistakes or would like to add to it, email or PM me the info and I'll update it as as I can :thumb:
Searching the forum and sifting though hundreds if not thousands of posts kind of gets annoying...
We should create a page with all of the different areas of the bike such as "engine","suspension", and whatnot and submit articles to the page.
If someone spends 2 hours and makes a nice instructional post it eventually gets lost and forgotten about. If we would collect these and put them on a static page, then we could update them. So if there's a good useful post that everyone can use.. copy that info to the proper category on a static web page so everyone can simply browse pages and pages of helpful info.
I can do database work, html, css, etc. If there's other IT type folk on here, we could join together and create a semi automated system for this.
Thats a great FAQ, I found it a while ago when I started looking at the GS. I was pretty impressed with the volume of information, hopefully I'll learn to ride soon enough and be able to write some :cheers:
I realize that its a little late now, but why the flash?
I realize that I'm in the minority here, but I don't like windows and don't use it if I don't have to. Flash is a wonderful idea, but it doesn't always work when you leave a windows environment. The current iteration of flash player is pretty good at making firefox hang under OSX, so I block all flash plugins and enable them only when I have to and I know I'm not going to lose anything that I'm working on in firefox.
Wouldn't a wiki be a better platform for this, though? You can setup wikis so that only authorized users can edit them but that way a group of people can be editing/adding content instead of putting most of the burdon on phaedrus.
Other than that, its a good idea and it looks great! If you are looking for some help, I am willing to help but I don't know how much i will be able to in the near future. Keep us posted on your progress and what we can do to help.
Well, when the FAQ gets a little more filled in, I was hoping to turn it into a downloadable PDF file as well as the updated online version. Then have a GS500 FAQ 2006, GS500 FAQ 2007, and so on. :thumb:
No one needs to contribute large amounts, I realize it is a lot of work. But just look through the faq, point out mistakes, errors, things to add, etc. etc. Some sections are not complete; send in what you know about them, etc.
Cool.
I have two for ya'... General: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y205/RVertigo/MotosPhotos/KeyHole.jpg
Safety: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y205/RVertigo/MotosPhotos/Boots.jpg
:thumb:
I just removed one of my tank "suzuki" stickers and installed a new one. Is this procedure FAQ worthy? I did take pics.
Chris
Pretty much anything that gets asked a lot, performed a lot, searched for a lot, etc., is "FAQ worthy". Not really up to me per se, but I don't see any harm in adding it. Post up or email it to gs500faq@yahoo.com and I'll get it up when I can :thumb: