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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: doublejnyc on November 22, 2005, 11:09:17 AM

Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: doublejnyc on November 22, 2005, 11:09:17 AM
Hey all,

I'm a newbie GS500 2001 owner that just bought it used and I have a couple of issues (which may be cleared up when I get it tuned up) :

1) The seat.  I didn't realize how uncomfortable it is for my crotch.  I have seen this after market corbin seat.  Is it any good?  I think I'd like to make my seat higher so my family jewels are not so pressed against the tank.  Any ideas for an inexpensive home-crafted solution?

2) The Clutch.  Does the clutch on this GS normally require a lot of pressure to operate?  My last bike was a hydraulic clutch and it didn't take so much muscle to squeeze.  Is this normal for a cable clutch?

-Also, I notice that when I fully let the clutch out I have to REALLY gas it so it doesn't stall.  Again, is this normal or does the clutch and/or timing need to be tuned up.

3) Good Online Parts Site.  Could someone recommend a good online site to get parts.  The most inexpensive with decent service.

Regards,
DoubleJNYC
(Upper West Side, NYC)
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Mr.7 on November 22, 2005, 11:12:32 AM
Even though I don't really know much about motorcycles, I have had my GS for a little bit and I know that the clutch isn't that hard to operate.

About giving it alot of gas: sound like you need to let it warm up a little bit

Lets hear from the real experts, shall we
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: scratch on November 22, 2005, 12:03:45 PM
Welcome!

The clutch cable may need to be lubed. Or, the bolt for the clutch pivot may be too tight. Or, there might be a lot of dirt (or it's dry) inside the clutch perch.

For the stalling problem, my first response would be operator error, but because I can't witness it in person, I can only conjecture. Are you giving it enough gas? Are you letting the clutch out slow enough? Does the clutch only engage with the lever completely out? If so, adjust the cable looser and test. If it still does it, I'm thinking the clutch fiber plates may need to be replaced. But, before we start spending money replacing parts, I'd like to eliminate other less expensive potential problems. Is this your first bike with a cable clutch? How long have you been riding? Oh, and the timing isn't really adjustable, so it's unlikely for it to get out of timing.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Alphamazing on November 22, 2005, 12:09:00 PM
You've got a 2001 model, and the '01+ bikes don't have a Corbin seat available. Only the 1989-2000 models.

+ 1 to what scratch said on the clutch.

Online parts store: depends on what you need.

www.maw.com and www.motorcycle-superstore.com are fairly good. I got Pirelli Sport Demons from Motorcycle Superstore for the cheapest I could find.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: GeeP on November 22, 2005, 12:11:40 PM
Lube the clutch cable.  If that doesn't help, just replace it.  They're about $20-25 as I recall.  (Just replaced mine)

Also check and lube the clutch release cam inside the sprocket cover.  It has a habit of collecting road grit and contributing to poor feel and stiffness.

The GS clutch isn't stiffer than any other bike I've had experience with.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: oppy00 on November 22, 2005, 12:29:58 PM
for OEM parts Bikebandit.com is ok.  I've ordered several things from them.  They are a little slow shipping stuff out, but besides that just fine.

Check on the main page in the How to section.  I think there is a seat mod in there, if not use the search function, cause I know there are some posts about it.  Some people have removed the vinyl seat cover, and added more foam, then re-covered the seat.  I have small bits and pieces, so I don't have too much trouble with the seat.  You could always just try to scoot back a bit on the seat.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Jake D on November 22, 2005, 12:34:17 PM
You might find it easier to modify your crotch!
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: scratch on November 22, 2005, 12:37:39 PM
Or, your seating position (maybe new handlebars, higher handlebars so you're not laying on 'them'; or, rotate your pelvis so you're not straightbacked).
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Roadstergal on November 22, 2005, 12:39:06 PM
Quote from: Jake DYou might find it easier to modify your crotch!

I do custom crotch modification.   :lol:

When you sit on the bike, pull your tackle up so you're not sitting on it.  Make sure your back is straight and that you're back a bit on the seat (i.e. not pinning the jewels against the tank).
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Slowe30 on November 22, 2005, 02:16:12 PM
am i the only one that thinks it's hilarious that, not only is RG is giving advice on hardware she doesnt posess, but is also completley right.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Jake D on November 22, 2005, 02:30:53 PM
Quote from: Roadstergal
Quote from: Jake DYou might find it easier to modify your crotch!

I do custom crotch modification.   :lol:

She must have one of those Black & Decker Pecker Wreckers.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Phaedrus on November 22, 2005, 02:34:36 PM
Quote from: Slowe30am i the only one that thinks it's hilarious that, not only is RG is giving advice on hardware she doesnt posess, but is also completley right.

Yeah, she has a knack for.....common sense  :P

Anyway, Doublejcyn, I have also had good results with Mr. Cycles:

http://www.mrcycles.com
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: GeeP on November 22, 2005, 02:38:26 PM
Quote from: Slowe30am i the only one that thinks it's hilarious that, not only is RG is giving advice on hardware she doesnt posess, but is also completley right.

:lol:
Title: Wow! You guys freakin' rock....
Post by: doublejnyc on November 22, 2005, 05:43:01 PM
Thanks for the ton o feedback all....in just a few hours no less.  This site kicks ass.  I'm definitely donating real soon.

Cheers,
Justin
:P
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Turkina on November 22, 2005, 05:56:21 PM
Even after lubricating, still think the clutch is too stiff?
(http://fog.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pG01-1713055reg.jpg)
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Lukewarm Wilson on November 22, 2005, 10:31:52 PM
:lol:  :lol: great feed back :lol:  :lol:
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Blueknyt on November 22, 2005, 11:28:55 PM
Quoteam i the only one that thinks it's hilarious that, not only is RG is giving advice on hardware she doesnt posess


what makes you think she doesnt now or at one time posess said equipment?
its been said the men dont own thiers, its only on loan from the wemen they are with.

its also posible she has listen to someone discribing said process to another.    
though i do love the term Tackle.  gave me a giggle.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Badger on November 23, 2005, 09:33:26 AM
Quote from: Blueknyt
Quoteam i the only one that thinks it's hilarious that, not only is RG is giving advice on hardware she doesnt posess
what makes you think she doesnt now or at one time posess said equipment?
I would just assume she posseses several...

From Odds n Ends, Thu Sep 29, 2005
Quote from: RoadstergalThe place we went for my PI's promotion party was open until 2, but it moved to Capitol Hill. Which is another good place to hang out. Oh, make sure you stop by Babeland. Across from BMW Seattle. The best sex shop I've ever been to.
I'm not sure I want to know what she keeps in her tackle box.  ;)

Wow...that sounds all wrong when you read it out loud.  :oops:
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: pandy on November 23, 2005, 10:50:24 AM
Welcome!  :cheers:
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: Roadstergal on November 23, 2005, 10:58:52 AM
Quote from: BadgerWow...that sounds all wrong when you read it out loud.  :oops:

:lol: @all...

It's just rational - if you have something sensitive hanging off there, don't sit on it or squish it.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: ballyhoo on November 24, 2005, 06:04:02 AM
I found this advice contained in another post, maybe it would help. I know it sounds a little kinky, but maybe worth a try...
----------------
A few days ago I installed a cargo net I bought at a bike shop on my gs and have been using it to protect my "tackle." When I try to rub the net material on the paint nothing happens, and the net itself feels clean and soft.
Title: Any good seat modifacation ideas? Plus other questions
Post by: SuZuki10 on November 24, 2005, 08:57:53 AM
1  For parts, you could always check out the "For Sale..." thread right here on this page.  You can post what you need and someone may have it!   :thumb:

2  Welcome to the site :mrgreen:

3  As far the junk situation...one of my guy friends inserted these gel packs under the fabric of his seat to act as a protective barrier, and he actually formed it like a donut so the goods are cupped.  It's cheap and easy.  Good luck!