GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Something has got me thinking...are we blindly in love with our baby GS? If Suzuki had stopped by this board today, they would think they've got a perfect bike on their hand. There isn't even a single complaint about the bike. They wouldn't even think about changing anything for another 10 years.

What do you all think? Is it time for Suzuki to make some mechanical/technological upgrades on the decade old bike?

I just want FI...  Other than that, they already screwed it up by adding all the plastic.   :dunno:

So... I vote that they make it FI and leave everything else alone.

FI and make it burn booze (aka: E85)!
In all honesty, I think the GS is great and will add to it, but never replace it.

The beauty of the GS is it's simplicity. Right? If they go and change that, it will lose it's main attractive trait.  :dunno:

There are plenty of bikes out with with advance technology. But we all bought our GS's for a reason, and I think the reason for many of us is the simplicity  :thumb:

the need to take the fairing back off, and treat it like a harley confedarate edition.

Quote from: daviputhe need to take the fairing back off, and treat it like a harley confedarate edition.

sell both nakid and faired versions

Quote from: JetSwing

Quote from: daviputhe need to take the fairing back off, and treat it like a harley confedarate edition.

sell both nakid and faired versions

Sell either, but make it so you can switch for cheap. (and easy) ((and have it look like it came that way))

If we didn't already enjoy modifying the hell out of it already...

Wider rear rim (4.5inch)
Add drain screw to bottom of forks
Preload adjustment to forks
Better oil pump
Redesign the head for better flow and compression
Fix the leaky valve guide prob

* Fuel Injection
* I'd like to have a clock
* Make the damn turn signal indicator a different freakin color than the neutral light (I know they are different on some gs's...not mine, both green)

Some nice-to-have's
* Low fuel indicator light (do away with the res petcock)
* Engine/oil temp guage (overtemp light?)  I'm not sure it really needs it, but it is an air-cooled engine.  Seems odd it doesn't have one.

Oh...and an accurate speedometer might be a bonus.

Quote from: JetSwing

Quote from: daviputhe need to take the fairing back off, and treat it like a harley confedarate edition.

sell both nakid and faired versions

Bingo. I think they should sell both the E and the F model, with the E being slightly cheaper than the F.

- FI
- Sell both E and F variants
- Better front suspension (stiffer springs minimum)
- Clock would be nice, but not totally necessary
- More accessories
- Passenger footpeg bracket BOLTED onto the frame rather than welded. Allows for easier customization and removal.
- Wider rear rim/tire
- More accessories (Yeah. Twice.)

Quote from: NightRyder

Quote from: JetSwing

Quote from: daviputhe need to take the fairing back off, and treat it like a harley confedarate edition.

sell both nakid and faired versions

Sell either, but make it so you can switch for cheap. (and easy) ((and have it look like it came that way))

You can. All you need is the headlight mounting equipment. I did it with mine and it looks pretty damn good, if I say so myself.

Or import one from Europe.

or jsut drive up to vancouver. :roll:

Also, larger diameter fuel lines and a better vacuum actuated petcock to help alieviate the fuel starvation issues.

Are my requests too altruistic? I'm just not a big fan of FI becuase that means I wont be able to work on it.

Oh, and a better protected ignition rotor and plate. Upgrade the alternator, too.

Quote from: davipuor jsut drive up to vancouver. :roll:

Oh, look at that.  Lucky canucks.

Quote from: davipuor jsut drive up to vancouver. :roll:

Canada is a lot farther of a trip for me than it is you, ya bum.

and how far is it to mexico from austin?

Quote from: davipuand how far is it to mexico from austin?

The only vehicle by Suzuki Mexico sells is the Grand Vitera. No Mexican Suzuki motos.

I've got one request to add with the others... A frame and tank that won't rust!  :lol: No, really... a redesigned frame with a better (aka less corrosion) grade steel.

FI is good, just put in injectors that can handle a higher duty standard than required.  I'd rather remap a little black box than have to deal with constantly cleaning carbs  :x Oh, and add a fuel filter!

So do you think Suzuki could just halve a Kat 750 engine that's been bored out?  That would probably do the job :)

Don't need another liquid cooled engine...  :roll:

Quote from: Badger* Fuel Injection

+10,000

If the GS500F offered FI and dumped the carbs, I'd have given it serious consideration...and I wouldn't now be involved in a torrid affair with my new Big Red man.  :oops:  :mrgreen:

4 valves per cyl

FI, I can deal with either, but fi is so much better when there is a problem as long as there is obd

, and I like the clip on flairing idea. I love the flairing in the winter, but naked is better when warm.

more accurate speedo.

Aluminum frame to drop a few pounds
wider rear wheel/tire combo
fuel injection
digital gauges on F model/ standard on an E model
accurate speedometer
about 5 to 8 more horsepower

If they upgrade it too much the cost will go up and so will the insurance rates.

they need to do something - tacking on some fairings to a bike that really hasn't change in forever just ain't enough. That's why I'm buying used :D

I don't think they should go with 4 valves per cylinder. That's what makes the GS so simple. Valve adjustments are so much easier on a 2 valve-per bike. It's way cheaper too.

they could do all that i suppose, but then again, youd end up with a gs in a gix 600/750 price range by then. to me anyway, id settle for fi by itself, the rest srinath can come up with parts to do the rest. hell, id settle for a gs right now, im bike less :x  :roll:  :lol:

FI.  The rest is fine.

Quote from: RoadstergalFI.  The rest is fine.

How about 15 to 20 lbs less and keep the power the same?  I would settle for that.

Not if it costs more.  FI is the only change for which I'd be willing to pay extra.

FI would be nice. I'm still very serious about getting Suzuki to offer the E model in the US as well as the F. Anyone want to write a letter with me?

I think making those improvements would encroach to much on the SV line and they don't want to compete with themselves.

Here's what I've liked so far:
-Weight redux
-Offer nekkid and faired (maybe a 1/2 faired and full faired version)
-better shocks
-better brakes
-accurate/improved guages

Not sure I like the FI idea, I agree that low cost and simplicity in a competant  package is what makes the GS great.  My next bike will almost assuredly be FI, but it will also be bigger and more expensive (and I'm keeping the GS).

I totally disagree with putting a bigger rear wheel/tire on.  There is no need for that, except cosmetics.  The GS doesn't have to power to need a bigger tire, and a bigger wheel/tire means more weight and drag.  That translates into lower mpg and less performance.

Now I would like to see more SUZUKI accessories for the GS.  Specifically:

-Hard-luggage and luggage rack
-cosmetics packages
-uprated headlight
-better mirrors
-adjustable throttle rebound

Quote from: scratchIf we didn't already enjoy modifying the hell out of it already...

Wider rear rim (4.5inch)
Add drain screw to bottom of forks
Preload adjustment to forks
Better oil pump
Redesign the head for better flow and compression
Fix the leaky valve guide prob

4.5 inch but 16 inch rear wheel.
Oil pump and cooler and for god's sake make it not use oil by putting in rings that are nice and tight and valve seals that seal up nice and tight.
Belt drive like the savage ... but better belt and pulley's ... like a buell.
Spin on filter.
4 pot caliper in front.
Less noisy valve train and a better cam chain tensioner ... maybe one that takes an oil pressure line ...
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: seshadri_srinathBelt drive like the savage ... but better belt and pulley's ... like a buell.

:bs:

dear suzuki, please do not listen to srinath. he's crazy  :nana:

Belt drive would be cool, but then Suzuki would have to engineer a new frame around that and the 4.5" rear rim. If the rim were to be 16", I would suggest a 3" rim width so that we can use Harley-Davidson tires  :lol:  haha, just kidding.  :lol:  A 130/90-16 would fit better on a 3" wide rim.

Shaft drive!

Quote from: RVertigoShaft drive!

(Shaft!)
Can ya dig it?

Ed-Zakly!

I want my drive to be black private duck that's a sex machine with all the chicks.

:thumb:

Damn I love that movie.

Quote from: oppy00Not sure I like the FI idea, I agree that low cost and simplicity

Pay a little more up front for FI for simplicity down the line.

Carbs are a pain.  Everything on an FI bike is easier to work on except the brain, and I've never heard of an FI brain going off on a bike or a car.

Now that Srinath said belt drive, the idea is festering in my brain.  I really can't think of any arguments against it.  It's lower-maintenance than chain, and the performance difference isn't going to be noticed on a street bike...
(Yeah, but it's what Harleys have...  :P )

dear suzuki,

please find the SOB that took my baby and return him to me.   :x


I agree on the fuel injection...i would fork over some cash for that...

not sure about all this belt and shaft talk....

harleys scare me. :dunno:

Accessories...anything would be better than what they offer now...

.
I wish it was a 750cc air-cooled twin with FI and shaft drive.  And made by Moto Guzzi.


Oh, wait....
(http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/breva_l.gif)
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/bikes/breva/index.html

Unexpectedly uncomfortable, and lousy mileage.  But "It ees better to look good than to feel good..."

Quote from: Roadstergal

Quote from: oppy00Not sure I like the FI idea, I agree that low cost and simplicity

Pay a little more up front for FI for simplicity down the line.

Carbs are a pain.  Everything on an FI bike is easier to work on except the brain, and I've never heard of an FI brain going off on a bike or a car.

Now that Srinath said belt drive, the idea is festering in my brain.  I really can't think of any arguments against it.  It's lower-maintenance than chain, and the performance difference isn't going to be noticed on a street bike...
(Yeah, but it's what Harleys have...  :P )

OK who ever said that FI is simpler ... OK some aspects are easier albeit pricier ... like putting in a chip instead of rejetting ... Chips cost like 250, but putting it on is nearly as easy as putting in gas ... OK ... but those things also wear ... they also need to be cleaned and adjusted and there is more to go wrong ... and when it does it will cost a whole looooot more ...
Cool.
Srinath.

4valves per cyl. ( probably have to watercool it after that)
stronger front suspension aka progressive type springs.
4.5 in rear rim (by 17, Srinath)
racier, lighter pegs/ linkage

Quote from: RVertigoShaft drive!

While I would like to have shaft drive, too, it would be heavier and suck away what little power the engine produces already. And, again the frame would have to be redesigned.

We should look to provide Suzuki easy, inexpensive ways to improve a 1977's engine, late '80's running gear, and a better fuel delivery system without major engine and frame changes.

Srinath - would nikasil lined bores help with the rings sealing better?

Would a Savage engine fit in the GS frame...with the tank?

Quote from: scratchWe should look to provide Suzuki easy, inexpensive ways to improve a 1977's engine, late '80's running gear, and a better fuel delivery system without major engine and frame changes.

Yeah...  You got me.   :dunno:

I still vote for FI.

Quote from: callmelennyI think making those improvements would encroach to much on the SV line and they don't want to compete with themselves.

If they could produce a supersic GS, that outperforms an SV, with a lower production cost...wouldn't you think they would drop the SV line altogether?

Quote from: scratch

Quote from: callmelennyI think making those improvements would encroach to much on the SV line and they don't want to compete with themselves.

If they could produce a supersic GS, that outperforms an SV, with a lower production cost...wouldn't you think they would drop the SV line altogether?

only if majority of sv owners are willing to migrate to gs...truth is gs got long ways to before before it would catch up with sv.

Quote from: RVertigoI still vote for FI.

I don't think the intake ports allow for a straight shot from a fuel injector.
This is the type of engineering we have to deal with.

I'm not trying to be a naysayer, I'm just trying to be realistic from a manufacturer's view. I've ridden FI bikes, and they're WONDERFUL!, and I would love FI (if it didn't make me want to go out and buy a $2500 tool, that I'd only use once a year), but for our humble, little giant-slayer, it may not be possible.

I just hate certain little personality quirks that come with carbureted engines...  Especially in cold weather. :(

Quote from: RVertigoI just hate certain little personality quirks that come with carbureted engines...  Especially in cold weather. :(

This is a big reason I became a traitor. :(

Quote from: pandyThis is a big reason I became a traitor. :(

And if I had the money and a place to keep both bikes, I would have already moved to the dark side.   :roll:

Quote from: RVertigo

Quote from: pandyThis is a big reason I became a traitor. :(

And if I had the money and a place to keep both bikes, I would have already moved to the dark side.   :roll:

me too..... :roll:

Carburetors are what gives bikes character.

Oh...my Baby G is a character all right...  :roll:  :lol:

Quote from: scratchCarburetors are what gives bikes character.

If by "charachter" you mean "tempermental and fickle", then yah.

Well, my Yamaha single wasn't tempermental or fickle, but she had oodles of character (and two carbs).

One feature I'd LOVE to see on the GS is a gas tank that rotates. It would be SOOO much better to be able to rotate it backwards to do maintenance rather than having to take it off every freakin' time. That shaZam! gets old.

Or at least a tank Off that is easy to get to.

Quote from: RoadstergalOr at least a tank Off that is easy to get to.

Yeah, but I'd still like to be able to look at my air filter and carbs without having to remove the whole fricken' tank. It's a pain in the ass trying to do that on your own with a full tank of gas.

I'm hopping on the FI bandwagon.  Never again will I own a carbed bike as my only bike.  I'm a nerd, so I'd prefer being able to spring for a $300 PC USB III to duck around with my fuel delivery via a laptop as opposed to monkeying around elbows deep in carbs for a weekend.

Better/redesigned petcock (both tank and frame petcock) -- just go to gravity feed already.  I think all Suzukis have the vacuum-based petcocks though, so this is probably barking up the wrong tree.

Slightly more powerful charging system.  My headlights dim when I light up my brakes.  This does not bode well for being able to use heated grips or accessory lighting.

Better stock suspension.

4.5" rear wheel for better tire choices.

Fork drain bolts.

i doubt i will ever buy a new gs500, no real reason in particular, except that i don't plan on buying a new bike of this type, but i would buy old ones, and make them sweet.

sooooo..... if i could buy a new wrecked gs500 to rip parts off of for mine i would like.... (wish list)

EFI
ummmm....
a supercharger
a non crap pocket having gas tank
better and or stiffer front suspension (i'm fat)

yep.
that would be cool.

Quote from: AlphaFire X5

Quote from: RoadstergalOr at least a tank Off that is easy to get to.

Yeah, but I'd still like to be able to look at my air filter and carbs without having to remove the whole fricken' tank. It's a pain in the ass trying to do that on your own with a full tank of gas.

i like that idea...those kind of upgrades don't cost much but invaluable for us.

Oh yea ... non crap pocket tank and while they are at it ... I'd like to see some steel that doent crap out at the mere mention of water ...
And Nikasil will ironically be cheaper for them, and since aluminum cylinder and aluminum pistons will heat and expand at the same rate, you will likely have better sealing at all temperatures ... now better fitting tighter rings can make it close enough with the steel liners I guess, but nikasil being cheaper for them will obviously be better for them as well as us. Now nikasil will stand up to mileage a lot better though ... not show linear wear like the steel liners do.
Cool.
Srinath.

So, BMW did Nikasil in the M5s and they conked out.  Thought to be an issue with the quality of US gas vs. Euro.  What's your take on that one?

In the old days nikasil was susceptible to getting eaten by sulphur in the gas ... BTW honda never had a problem with that, they been nikasilling them back to the mid 80's, CBR 600's and hawk's were nikasilled in the late 80's I think ... just that they kept it quiet till everyone started doing it, cos they were afraid it may bring it a bad rap. Anyway now the new nikasil (each manufacturer has a slightly different type of composition BTW) is entirely resistant to all sorts of crap.
Cool.
Srinath.

Schweet.

I'm going to reiterate, and edit what I'd like to see, with the addition of things that are plausible (at least in my warped mind)

-Weight redux
-Offer nekkid and faired (maybe a 1/2 faired and full faired version)
-better shocks
-better brakes
-accurate/improved guages

and FI if it ain't too much trouble.  If a different size rim would not detract from mpg or performance too much, and was of a more popular size (giving more tire options) I could go for that as well.  For Bob's sake keep it air-cooled, and 2-valves per cylinder for simplicity.

More power, and stiffer, adjustable suspension. Otherwise leave it be.

i'd like to see the thing shed about 75lbs.

Leave it as-is.

That way I don't have to go rummaging through boxes of NOS is some warehouse somewhere looking for parts in 30 years.

Sometimes "improvement" is not the best thing.  My HyVac vacuum pumps are a perfect example.  They haven't changed one bit since the turn of the century.  A HyVac reciprocating pump will run 24/7/365 for 100 years with nothing more than an oil change every year.  Why change that?

Quote from: pandy

Quote from: Badger* Fuel Injection

+10,000

+another 10,000 :thumb: