GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: kandi_apples on May 23, 2006, 03:14:47 PM

Title: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: kandi_apples on May 23, 2006, 03:14:47 PM
Hey everyone! Just wanted to say hi, I was directed to this site and am extremely happy I found it! I have a 06 GS500F, and have a few questions for you ( I did a search but theres so many topics to run through, I just thought maybe I would put it all in one topic).

Im a shorty, and would maybe like the bike lowered a bit more. ( I can touch both feet, but would like a bit more of my foot on the ground). Is it better to shave the seat, or to get a lowering kit and get a shorter kickstand?

Also, Im looking at getting sliders put on just in case that time comes that i knock it over by mistake.. My beautiful new fairings! hehe.

I know I have to cut into the fairings ( using a dremel tool that I have), but what sliders would fit on my bike? ( the correct bolt, etc). I already know where I am going to mount them, but which ones are the right ones?

I work part time for a Motorcycle Dealership and even our sales guys we're stumped on sliders for my bike. Go figure hey? lol

Thanks for any info.. its greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: TragicImage on May 23, 2006, 03:17:00 PM
I would go with shaving the seat, just to keep the geometry the same.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: TragicImage on May 23, 2006, 03:18:44 PM
oh, and welcome to the site.... and good luck on the sliders.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: blue05twin on May 23, 2006, 03:20:16 PM
Go with shaving the seat much better than lowering the bike.  As far as sliders are concerned I don't think anybody came out with a set that fit's the GS.  If your worried about the fairings just take them off till you fill comfortable, then put them back on.

And welcome to the mad house. :thumb:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: scratch on May 23, 2006, 03:24:09 PM
Welcome!

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=26072.msg272619#msg272619
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: afplayboy18 on May 23, 2006, 03:51:26 PM
welcome to the site.  good to see another 06 GS owner...nice selection on color too...the black and grey looks awesome.  mine's blue and white BTW

lowering the seat would be better to start with.

i havent found any sliders to fit the GS, doesnt mean they aren't out there somewhere...just that i cant find them.

again...welcome, welcome
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: GeeP on May 23, 2006, 07:33:40 PM
Hi there, welcome to the board!   :cheers:

If you haven't been riding very long I suggest you see if you can live with it.  At first, the GS is going to seem large, heavy, and hard to balance at a stop.   After you ride it for a while I think you'll find the GS melting away under you.  In time you'll find it more comfortable to come to a stop on one foot, and your right foot will never leave the rear brake.  Learn to make smooth starts and stops, and look ahead to where you plan to plant your feet.  (Especially if you visit New York, city of car swallowing potholes.)

However, If you do feel it necessary to gain a little more footing then shaving out the seat is the first option.   :thumb:

I recall that there are some kind of aftermarket sliders available for the F model.  However, F-model owners are split on their worth.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Dwn4whadever on May 23, 2006, 07:39:32 PM
Welcome to the site. Ditto on what everyone else said about lowering the bike. Another thing would be maybe trying to find a pair of biker boots that have alot of sole that adds an inch or two.  :thumb:

Please post some pics of that new 06'
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: pandy on May 23, 2006, 09:51:30 PM
Welcome! I'm a shorty, too. If you've not found it already, I'll post the link to the "short rider's FAQ" unless someone does it before I get home. There are some good tips in it.

I'm having my boots built up. I'll post pics when they're done.

Welcome, too!!! :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: runsilent on May 24, 2006, 07:37:47 AM
Quote from: kandi_apples on May 23, 2006, 03:14:47 PM
Im a shorty, and would maybe like the bike lowered a bit more. ( I can touch both feet, but would like a bit more of my foot on the ground). Is it better to shave the seat, or to get a lowering kit and get a shorter kickstand?

The ZX6R links will fit the GS500.  The shortest of the three holes on the Muzzys links is about the same as the GS500 links, approx 7 1/16 long.  Next hole is 1/2" longer which would lower the bike about 2 1/2 inches in the rear, it's about a 5:1 ratio.

I was looking for about 1-2" lower so I went with the Pingel #62018 links which have the first hole at about 7 5/16" long.  They lowered the bike about 1 1/4" in the rear.  Other 2 holes are 9/16" apart each so 2nd hole would lower it another 2 3/4 inches approx.  I dropped the front about 1/2" by sliding the fork tubes up in the tripple clamps.  I have the GenMar bar risers which allow sliding the tubes up further than they will go with the bars in the standard position.

I'm running 110/80 and 150/70 Lasertec tires which are about 1/2" taller than OE tires so my net lowering is only about 3/4" rear, but it's still 1 1/4" lower than before I added the links.   :thumb:   Bike sits OK on sidestand, but further lowering would probably require altering the sidestand.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=7304.msg61113#msg61113

http://www.muzzys.com/catalog/

http://www.pingelonline.com/index.htm

Bought the Pingel links from Dennis Kirk, their #588358.

http://www.denniskirk.com/



Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: bbq on May 24, 2006, 08:12:35 AM
Welcome! I'm a Canadian shorty noob with a 06 GS500F as well (Actually I lived in Edmonton for awhile as well)! What a coincidence!  :laugh:

Yes start with shaving the seat. If that's not enough then lower it a bit more with a lowering kit. Since you're in Canada, you may find it easier to order it from this place instead:

http://www.adjustmenttech.com/

I don't think you need a shorter kickstand. Mine is lowered about 3/4 in and it still lean fine on the kickstand.

Enjoy your bike! And watch out for the beaver!!!  :icon_lol:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on May 24, 2006, 01:58:41 PM
Welcome to the board, and gratz with ya bike. I've actually never heard of anyone but 1 person lowering her GS (and that was one of my familymembers).

Though, mine's been modded the opposite way. Was wondering if anyone know where to find a sidestand which is a tad longer (not alot, just a tiny bit). Cuz the current one is a little short.

Greetz, shik.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Alphamazing on May 24, 2006, 02:08:22 PM
Quote from: shik on May 24, 2006, 01:58:41 PM
Welcome to the board, and gratz with ya bike. I've actually never heard of anyone but 1 person lowering her GS (and that was one of my familymembers).

Though, mine's been modded the opposite way. Was wondering if anyone know where to find a sidestand which is a tad longer (not alot, just a tiny bit). Cuz the current one is a little short.

Greetz, shik.

http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id12.html

Bottom of the page.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: GS Jenn on May 24, 2006, 02:37:26 PM
Hello and welcome (I'm new too!)

I'm not a shorty by most definitions, my GS is fine for me, but my boyfriend's bike is REALLY tall (Kawasaki KLR)... we shaved the seat so I could ride it and it made a big difference. Actually, we got a second seat off e-bay and shaved that one, so that if we wrecked it he'd still have a seat to use. He was reluctant to use a lowering kit as that changes the geometry of the bike. He also loosened the suspension which allows the bike to settle lower when I sit on it, although it also affects the ride so that's something I need to keep in mind when I ride.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on May 24, 2006, 03:10:42 PM
Sorry to go offtopic again, but pantablo, wont that lower my bike? It's fairly low for me as it is so I would prefer not to do that.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Alphamazing on May 24, 2006, 03:34:29 PM
Quote from: shik on May 24, 2006, 03:10:42 PM
Sorry to go offtopic again, but pantablo, wont that lower my bike? It's fairly low for me as it is so I would prefer not to do that.

Pantablo didn't post here, but if you're referring to his kickstand modification, no it won't lower your bike. Messing with the kickstand won't change anything about your bike's suspension. Putting the GSX-R shock, on the other hand, raises your bike. That's why he needed the longer kickstand.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on May 24, 2006, 03:58:26 PM
Yeah alpha, i noticed, after I posted.. Im a lil tired here. Didn't sleep well last night. Drove 120km today (with rain from time to time - HATE that).. Ohh, btw it's 1am and im on my way to bed.

Besides I dont have anything to fix my kickstand im afraid. Since im a poor student @ shitty student housing with no garage nor anything.. Totally sucks, and my old folks got a f%&ked up garage full of shaZam!, so no working there either.
My uncles place is also a no go. So looks like i'll have to wait and see where I can find a place to work.

Goodnight everyone!
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Alphamazing on May 24, 2006, 04:29:13 PM
Quote from: shik on May 24, 2006, 03:58:26 PM
Yeah alpha, i noticed, after I posted.. Im a lil tired here. Didn't sleep well last night. Drove 120km today (with rain from time to time - HATE that).. Ohh, btw it's 1am and im on my way to bed.

Besides I dont have anything to fix my kickstand im afraid. Since im a poor student @ shitty student housing with no garage nor anything.. Totally sucks, and my old folks got a f%$ked up garage full of shaZam!, so no working there either.
My uncles place is also a no go. So looks like i'll have to wait and see where I can find a place to work.

Goodnight everyone!

It should only cost you a few bucks (or pounds, or whatever). A couple for the bar rod, a couple for the JBWeld, a couple for the Bondo, and a couple for the paint.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: kandi_apples on May 25, 2006, 08:17:37 AM
Thanks guys for the info!

I posted some pics of me, and me with the bike in the gallery section.

But the information is really helpful!

Im going to put on those sliders, and Ive already shaved the seat. It works perfectly, and has lowered it about 1 inch, which is perfect for me. I can pretty much almost flat foot both feet, which I wanted. I could always touch, but I think it was more for comfort for me. And I put on my spanky new flush mount lights.. the bikes looking hot!

Thanks again everyone!
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 01, 2006, 10:27:30 PM
OMG!

That's you?!?!  I'M IN LOVE! :kiss3:
:laugh:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: pantablo on June 02, 2006, 01:43:31 AM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on June 01, 2006, 10:27:30 PM
OMG!

That's you?!?! I'M IN LOVE! :kiss3:
:laugh:

it was only a matter of time...
real cutie, I must say.
(http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/14769/g.jpg)

if the frame sliders require you to cut a round hole dont use a dremel, use a drill with a hole saw bit instead. I have some good links to how-to's on that. I had to do that to my 600rr and it was unnerving but worked perfectly. I'll try to post them up sometime soon, except I will be in NYC till 6/12. I'll see what I can do.

(google is my friend: http://www.rc51.org/slider.htm) not specific to the gs but good to know the process to get the hole in the right place...
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on June 02, 2006, 06:41:02 AM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on June 01, 2006, 10:27:30 PM
OMG!

That's you?!?!  I'M IN LOVE! :kiss3:
:laugh:

Hehe, I was thinking the same thing.   :cheers:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 02, 2006, 06:59:57 AM
I didn't even notice that picture...

I was referring to this one:

(http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/14769/final.jpg)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 07:57:55 AM
where do you go to get to the gallery section ? if you could do a link or just tell me the site
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 08:05:47 AM
never mind just found it lol
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 08:09:45 AM
in that one is really nice compaired to the 2005 one alot beter
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: nick_villan on June 02, 2006, 08:16:11 AM
sorry im a lil late, but u could have got some timberlands like i did.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 02, 2006, 09:04:14 AM
I would rather see more pics of the bike. Am I  :cookoo:


(Damn, why is the GS500 just so damn sexy!)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on June 02, 2006, 10:15:09 AM
Quote from: galahs on June 02, 2006, 09:04:14 AM
I would rather see more pics of the bike. Am I  :cookoo:


(Damn, why is the GS500 just so damn sexy!)

Yes, you are  :cookoo:

I would rather see more pics of kandi_apples  :icon_rolleyes: :oops:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 02, 2006, 10:21:02 AM
but the bike!

it's just so damn sexy!


(http://www.beaudrymotorsports.com/images/suz/suz_gs500f.jpg)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 11:53:21 AM
yeah your right bot the girl and the bikes are very good looking !!!! wouldnt mind goin to ride with her lol
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on June 02, 2006, 12:02:28 PM
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 11:53:21 AM
yeah your right bot the girl and the bikes are very good looking !!!! wouldnt mind goin to ride with her lol

Hehe, me neither.. too bad i live on the wrong side of the "pond" :(
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: nick_villan on June 02, 2006, 12:51:08 PM
hey shik does it ever get like warmer than the 60s here in europe?
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Kasumi on June 02, 2006, 02:51:24 PM
No. . . Im freezin. It hasnt even reach 20 celcius here.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: shik on June 02, 2006, 04:39:38 PM
Quote from: nick_villan on June 02, 2006, 12:51:08 PM
hey shik does it ever get like warmer than the 60s here in europe?

Well, it's been below 20 celsius the last couple weeks, and we've had loads of rain.

I can tell you that the next 5 days they've promised between 15 and 18deg celcius at daytime. (59 - 64,4F - http://www.stabb.com/tools/convert.html).

http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/index/danmark.htm
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 02, 2006, 08:15:44 PM
Quote from: galahs on June 02, 2006, 10:21:02 AM
but the bike!

it's just so damn sexy!

You are incorrect my friend...

The bike looks good...

Kandi is the one who is "just so damn sexy!"

Kandi:  Will you marry me??  I'll treat you like a godess!  :kiss3: :)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 02, 2006, 09:03:42 PM
Loosers!

I bet you wouldn't talk like this if your GS500 was present in the room. And as Dr Phil says, flirting is saying anything you wouldn't be comfortable saying in front of your partner!


Cheaters, the lot of you!  :nono:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 02, 2006, 09:06:31 PM
Actually, if you read a past thread, I'm looking to get rid of the GS for either an R6 or CBR600rr.  So I WOULD say it in front of my GS.

And sadly, I'm all alone, so it's not considered cheating... It's considered PATHETIC!!!  Get it right! :laugh:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 02, 2006, 09:11:06 PM
So your ditching the girl next door GS for a gold digging R6 babe!

Shame on you! What will your mother say  :2guns:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: nick_villan on June 03, 2006, 01:35:57 AM
ya im in luxinburg visiting some friends and freezsing my ass off. i miss my lil gs, u guys have nicer roads than we have down in miami
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: phire on June 03, 2006, 08:37:33 AM
Well, here's the thing... Shaving the seat is much more cost effective, but then it makes the already uncomfortable GS seat suck more for 'long distance' rides. You could have your local bike shop make you a custom set of dogbones which would lower the bike without altering the suspension so you get the best of both worlds but it'll cost you a bit more to do that. The local shop that does that sort of work for me quoted me $110 installed and they'd take some measurements to make sure it was an exact fit for me.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: badkarma506 on June 03, 2006, 10:28:42 AM
eh, why fish for pike in canada when there's salmon in detroit.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: phire on June 03, 2006, 11:16:53 PM
mmm, salmon.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 04, 2006, 06:30:25 AM
Grilled salmon

:)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 04, 2006, 08:32:01 AM
or Barra in the Kimberleys.

Mmmmmm Barra!  :thumb:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Egaeus on June 04, 2006, 05:04:03 PM
You guys sure made a mess of the floor with all the drool.   :nono:  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: badkarma506 on June 04, 2006, 05:07:40 PM
mmmm, skoozi.  (still drooling)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: ajgs500 on June 04, 2006, 05:09:05 PM
Speaking of skoozi, where has she been lately???
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 04, 2006, 07:59:24 PM
Yeah.  Where'd she go?
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on June 04, 2006, 08:25:35 PM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on June 04, 2006, 07:59:24 PM
Yeah.  Where'd she go?

As far away from us (YOU) as possible, probably!  :)
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: annguyen1981 on June 04, 2006, 08:28:34 PM
Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on June 04, 2006, 08:25:35 PM
As far away from us (YOU) as possible, probably!  :)

:2guns: :2guns: :2guns: :2guns:


:laugh:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: kandi_apples on June 07, 2006, 03:58:44 PM
Haha, I read through all those posts. Wow you guys are a bunch of post whores! (kidding, Im the same way on our sport rider site here in Edmonton)

No need for shaving or lowering it, Ive had it out everyday for the past week or so, and am LOVING IT. Got my lights on finally, shes looking pretty hot!

And thanks for the compliments guys lol.  :kiss3:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: galahs on June 07, 2006, 10:17:48 PM
QuoteAnd thanks for the compliments guys lol

That's ok, the GS deserves it!  :thumb:
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: Jason on June 08, 2006, 08:09:48 AM
Men we are pathetic. If Kandi wasn't hot there  would have been 50 "use the search NooB" useless post's on here.
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 08, 2006, 09:40:16 AM
lol atleast it makes ya feel good lol just jokin nice bike buy the way  :thumb: and ride safe "BURN RUBBER NOT YOUR SOULl"
Title: Re: New to Site.... Have 2006 GS500F
Post by: BOSS500 on June 08, 2006, 01:57:55 PM
Welcome to the site!

Yes i know i'm late.