hi everybody, i decided i want to convert my gs into a cafe racer of sorts. i have already searched for the questions i have although they may seem redundant. i already have a fairing and clip ons are coming. i want to get fork gaiters and was wondering which older bikes had them that will fit the gs500e, for example nortons or bsa's or what not, or a good place to find them in the right size, rubber is preferable. next i was wondering about signal lights. i know buell's are popular and i figured i would go that route. my question is whether or not they require additional hardware/fabrication to fit onto the gs. i also wanted to know if anyone knows of come good (cheap) bar end mirrors. lastly, i found some good posts on painting plastics and gas tank, but i was wondering about the best method to paint wheels. i think i remember davipu once saying he painting the wheels while on the bike, but i couldn't manage to find the post. thanks for the help guys and wish me luck!
~facio
you can either A. sand and paint the wheels using duplicolors wheel paint. I have used this on car wheels in the past with GREAT results.
or B. you can have the powdercoated. The results would probably be better with powdercoating. The finish would be much more durable and probably just be a better quality.
A. is cheap and easy and would last a good while. B. costs a little bit but end results would probably be better..
This will give you some idea of the type of forkboots available:
http://tinyurl.com/96xbt
Polyvinyl boots are stronger and much more durable than rubber forkboots, don't rot or disintegrate from exposure to ozone or the elements like rubber, come in a variety of colors, and are much easier to care for and keep clean. Of all the OEM boots I've used, I prefer the Honda products, though, for all I know, all of the OEM boots were made by the same company...
Check that link to see what eBay has to offer (probably the widest variety), then find what you want locally, or buy them online.
None of the BSA/Norton fork gaiters will work; they are all for 26mm diameter fork tubes. You will need some more modern gaiters from either Japanese dirtbikes or BMW F650's.