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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: gypsy on January 16, 2006, 08:43:45 AM

Title: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: gypsy on January 16, 2006, 08:43:45 AM
Hi folks I just found this site. I just bought a bike for my wife and I to share. I also ride a 2004 FJR 1300 but wanted something else so my wife would join me on trips. After a lot of research we decided on the GS. I feel pretty good about the decision.

What I need to know is if anyone has information about after market sliders, seats, etc. Has anyone put different bars on to make them higher? We will want to get saddle bags, any suggestions?

Thanks
gypsy
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: Phaedrus on January 16, 2006, 09:54:57 AM
Good choice on the bike!  :thumb:

You you might want to read the GS500 Frequently Asked Questions Guide available at:

http://gstwin.variders.com

And a search on this site would proove useful, too.

But basically, there aren't any real frame sliders out there yet that I am aware of.  There are some fairing protectors, but they are only useful for standstill spills or low speed drops. I think Srinath mentioned making some engine guards, and you can go the custom route like Alphafire X5. I am not aware of any seats for the 01+ GS's (like the F's), but if you find one let us know!

For saddlebags, try these:

http://www.newenough.com/tour_master_cortech_sport_saddle_bag_page.htm

:thumb:

Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: Jake D on January 16, 2006, 10:57:14 AM
I can't imagine bars higher than those already on an '05 F.

Welcome to the site! 

Seats: maybe check out a corbin.  Otherwise, not much aftermarket support in that dept.  Unless she wants a James G Carbon Fiber Solo Race Tail (like I'm purchasing) that has no padding at all. 

Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: Destro on January 16, 2006, 11:01:21 AM
 I like these saddlebags:

http://motorcyclecloseouts.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=WP470-1030

On my bike:

(http://gotpicturesonline.com/families/castelano/photogalleries/21383/img4.JPEG)
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: Alphamazing on January 16, 2006, 12:30:30 PM
Actually, my case guards aren't custom, they're just for E model only. But yeah, basically what Phaedrus said: no love for the GSF. You can always strip the fairing off so you can have case guards, but that probably isn't the best idea for touring. For the bars, I think your best bet would be to get some bar risers. They aren't very expensive and retain the stock bar pull back and width. As for seats, Corbin doesn't make anything for the '01+ GSes (including the GSF) so you're out of luck there too. If you can find a place that does custom seat work it will run you about $200 or so, but it IS a custom fit seat.

Oh, side note: my case guards are by SW-Motech http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=22851.0
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: scratch on January 16, 2006, 01:39:40 PM
Welcome!

I have Bikemaster's Daytona, bend G, handlebars that are 29"wide with a 6.5" pullback/sweep and a 4" rise, which is 1.5" wider and .5" higher, but has 1" less sweep. But, I feel like I'm in the 'sit-up-and-beg' position. If you want to use the stock length clutch and throttle cables you will need to remove at least a half inch off of each end of the bar. Stock width is 27.5".
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: TM_Dearborn on January 16, 2006, 02:41:04 PM
I can recommend the Cortech Sport Saddlebags.  I also have a matching tailbag that clips into them - very nice.
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on January 16, 2006, 05:06:53 PM
Welcome!!

Destro - Thankz for the link...  They're on clearance for only $60.  I'm gonna grab one! (technically I'll grab two  :laugh:)
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: makenzie71 on January 16, 2006, 05:11:01 PM
Quote from: Destro on January 16, 2006, 11:01:21 AM
I like these saddlebags:

http://motorcyclecloseouts.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=WP470-1030

On my bike:

(http://gotpicturesonline.com/families/castelano/photogalleries/21383/img4.JPEG)
wow...do you think those would interfere with pillion seating on a larger bike?
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: solarpulse on January 16, 2006, 07:01:57 PM
Quote from: scratch on January 16, 2006, 01:39:40 PM
Welcome!

I have Bikemaster's Daytona, bend G, handlebars that are 29"wide with a 6.5" pullback/sweep and a 4" rise, which is 1.5" wider and .5" higher, but has 1" less sweep. But, I feel like I'm in the 'sit-up-and-beg' position. If you want to use the stock length clutch and throttle cables you will need to remove at least a half inch off of each end of the bar. Stock width is 27.5".
i woudl liek to see a picture of that....do you have any!
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: starwalt on January 16, 2006, 07:29:51 PM
Quote from: gypsy on January 16, 2006, 08:43:45 AM
... Has anyone put different bars on to make them higher?
Kerry raised his bars for a more upright postion by using a riser clamp. Not sure about the brand, but look at his homepage for some pics. He may have them spec'd out there.

You have to be careful with rising too much, control cables and wiring could be affected.
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: solarpulse on January 16, 2006, 07:35:36 PM
i think i would like a lower position rather then higher
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: surlybruce on January 17, 2006, 06:01:51 AM
You can find what you are looking for at [ motorcycle-road-and-race.co.uk ]  They have a set up that brings you up and back on the bars /comes with longer brake line but a little pricy at 105 brit pounds [aboot ]$ 210.00 in CANADIAN DOLLARS.
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: Destro on January 17, 2006, 07:10:03 AM
Quote from: makenzie71 on January 16, 2006, 05:11:01 PM

wow...do you think those would interfere with pillion seating on a larger bike?
Quote

I don't know... I think they could be placed a little further back on the gs than they are on that picture.  The literature that came with the bags show them on a YZF600r and they look a little too long for a passenger to be comfortable.  If your TL has a longer seat you might be able to make it work.  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: scratch on January 17, 2006, 10:14:58 AM
Quote from: solarpulse on January 16, 2006, 07:01:57 PM
i would like to see a picture of that....do you have any?

Kinda: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13493.msg123294#msg123294
The rest of the pictures are on Sportbikeworld.com
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: scratch on January 17, 2006, 10:17:24 AM
Quote from: solarpulse on January 16, 2006, 07:35:36 PM
i think i would like a lower position rather then higher
It would be better for a more agressive rider, as it puts more weight over the front tire for better weight-forward bias and traction.
Title: Re: Just bought a 2005 GS500F
Post by: scratch on January 17, 2006, 10:38:07 AM
Quote from: starwalt on January 16, 2006, 07:29:51 PM
Quote from: gypsy on January 16, 2006, 08:43:45 AM
... Has anyone put different bars on to make them higher?
Kerry raised his bars for a more upright postion by using a riser clamp. Not sure about the brand, but look at his homepage for some pics. He may have them spec'd out there.

You have to be careful with rising too much, control cables and wiring could be affected.
Kerry used Gen-Mar risers available through CaliforniaSporttouring.com (or something like that): http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=7147.msg59879#msg59879