Just wanted to say hi, I'm new to these bikes and I'm very impressed with this site. I just picked mine up last night (97 w/ fairly low miles), looks to be in great shape. Cant wait to get out of work and go ride! Well I just have a couple of Q's for you all: Is there anything in particular that i should look for before getting out and riding? I know the carbs were just serviced, tires are new, no rust inthe tank ,etc. I'm just wondering if there is anything that I'm missing, again the bike is in really good shape. Secondly, where do you guys go for parts? I can do most of the work myself, just looking for parts that are cheap. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, Thanks!
Welcome to the site. First up - are you a new rider, and have you taken the MSF course? If you're new and haven't taken it, try to get signed up pronto. Buy a copy of "Proficient Motorcycling".
Make sure to check the oil level pretty regularly. The bike tends to "consume" it. Top off as needed.
Get some chain lube. I like the Bel-Ray spray on stuff, give the chain a squirt every 500 miles or so.
There are a lot of options for parts. Don't overlook your local Suzuki dealer. Sometimes their prices are fine, no shipping charges, and no waiting on in-stock items. I've also ordered from Chaparral, Bike Bandit, and a few others. Several of them have the parts diagrams online, so you can search for the stuff you need.
jeff
For parts you can also try www.oneidasuzuki.com their prices are good.
And welcome to gstwins :icon_lol:
Thanks for the info, I'm actually not new to riding, just getting back into it. I've been converted from the kawasaki world cause i thought these were pretty cool bikes. Mostly will be using for the commute to work and weekend cruises. There seems to be an endless amount of mods to do to these and I cant wait to get started! I just want to make sure everything is perfect on the bike so I have a good foundation to start with. I've heard that the rear shocks kinda suck on these, what is the most common replacement? Looking for a little stiffer ride but not uncomfortable. thanks for the replies, I will try to post some pics of the bike in the next couple of days.
Welcome!
For suspension I suggest starting here: www.peterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm
After a ride, check your chain slack with the bike on the sidestand, it should be between .8-1.2 inches; right around where the foot of the centerstand is.
Perfect choice for a low cost, fun commuter & weekend cruiser. I've had mine for 3 years doing just that sort of riding and can't really justify spending more cash on a fancier bike.
Others can comment better about the rear shock than me. I've got the stock one on my '96, it's fine. I know people put in the one from a Katana 600 (I think) to stiffen things up.
A lot of people (myself included) have put in the Progressive Suspension springs in the front forks. A lot of people find the stockers too soft. There's a current thread about them. And countless old threads too :laugh: $60, another $10 for fresh fork oil, and a couple hours in the garage and you're good to go. Mainly I notice it in braking, not as much dive.
jeff
Welcome to GSTwin, and welcome back to riding, too! :thumb:
Don't miss this site:
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/
Pantablo is an admin here on GSTwins, and that is his personal website, full of excellent information which can help you decide which rear shock to install. I have a '99 Katana 600 shock on my GS, which was a simple bolt-on.
Thanks for all of the quick replies, there seems to be a great amount of support here! I think the only thing that I overlooked was the chain which can be had pretty cheap,right?(>$100?) I'll be riding tonight for sure and will post feedback on the ride and any issues that arise. Have any of you done a different rear end on these? The stock one looks kinda dated to me with those ugly turn signals and stuff. Is there a cheap alternative for a cleaner look that doesnt require to many mods? I think I remember reading somewhere about an R6 rear end or something...
That is also covered on Pablo's (pantablo's) website:
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id13.html
hth
Cool thanks for the help
I make rear huggers and gs500 keychains, available in the for sale section of the site, if those interest you. :thumb: