Ok so my first post about the fairing mod was obviously hated by all who read it and spurred no response...The other mod I would like to do is the fender elimination. Although I would like to take the turn signals back there and mount them up onto the tail so that i can remove more of the fender and leave only the license plate back there. Has anyone done this? Is it possible to do with the area back there under the seat? I also need some ideas of how to mount them so they dont look cross-eyed since the tail tapers in as it goes back. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
Been done plenty of times. Search for "flush mounts". Also search for "integrated tail". There's a how-to on making your own integrated taillight in the FAQ section. Just be aware that the big dopey looking stock signals are there for a reason: Safety. They're big, they're bright, and they're 100000x more noticeable than flushmounts.
I really didnt want to flush mount them...I just wanted to take the stock turn signal and mount it to the tail instead of on the fender. That way they perform two tasks 1) they become more noticable because they will be higher up and inline with the brake light 2) it eliminates the clutter from the ugly fender
I don't know, I'd think they would be ugly sticking out of the plastics. Plus, as you said, they will likely be at an angle because of the angle of the body work.
I moved them up and bolted them to the side of the underseat storage. It took me all of 5 minutes and this allowed me to remove every last bit of fender.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/KSUDanimal/naked2.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/KSUDanimal/naked3.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/KSUDanimal/fender1.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/KSUDanimal/fender2.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/KSUDanimal/fender3.jpg)
The tools still fit fine under the seat.
-Turd.
Damn thats sexy...exactly was i was looking for. Thank you.
I love you Turd.
Turd where are you from? I recognize your plate to be from PA.
Quote from: fenderjonesy on April 13, 2007, 09:13:33 AM
Turd where are you from? I recognize your plate to be from PA.
I won't reveal his whereabouts for him.. but it's not PA..
Kansas actually, hence the Kansas State University licence plate on the front of my Audi.
I am a big advocate of using the stock signals, or at least something that is as bright. Also, I don't really believe in shortening the signals any more than factory. Everyone behind me (and in front of me for that matter) knows exactly where I'm going. I've ridden with people who have the "bright" LED signals or similar and they may as well not even use them.
Aesthetics are just as important to me as the next guy, BUT anything that helps your visibility is much more important.
-Turd.
Thanks Turd, you have given me an idea. :icon_twisted:
what a great idea. :thumb:
Hey Turd,
Do you have a step by step write up of that?
When I get my GS I want to do that!
Looks soo sick :thumb:
I did a variation of this today.
The toughest part was fitting the stock rear signals into the little indented section of the side fairing.
I have one question for you Turd. Do you have a rear reflector???
For those that want to do this its, pretty easy.
1. Disconnect the the Indicators cables under the seat.
2. Remove the fender/wheel arch (3 screws + 2 bolts)
3. Remove the number plate, indicators and reflectors from the fender
4. With a hack saw cut the fender straight along under the tool kit housing. Then smooth the edges with sand paper.
5. Drill new holes for the relocated number plate bracket and turn signals
6. put it all back together :thumb:
I also think that turn signals should be big, bright and very visible! I bought my bike with those tiny led turn signals - barely visible in a daylight. First mod I made were new turn signals. I found that 2005 GSXR600 has very nice ones. That's what I used and love them. They look good and are very bright.
The only con is that the PO drilled the holes in the plastic (below the tail fairings) so I had to mount my new turn signals in the same holes. So they are crossed eyes a little bit.
KaMeL
I'd like to get ahold of some of those later model signals.
Apparently I'll either have to buy some buells instead, or the motorcycle gods will have to smile on me and make ebay suck less at the same time.
Nice looking bike!
I have one of those turn signals: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear-Turn-Signals-Stock-Suzuki-GSXR-750-600-04-05_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35580QQihZ017QQitemZ270101174870QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V
I bought them on eBay, used but in PERFECT condition (with wires). $15 shipped! It was a steal I think and i really like them!
They aren't as bulky as stock but are very bright and visible!
You may consider that option.
or you can get some cheap Flushmounts (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38186.0) :thumb:
I personally do not like flush mounts in the rear. But that's just me :thumb:
cheers
KaMeL
I have conjured up a variation to Turds fenderectomy, but with a few differences.
I have now ordered some 3M Red Reflective Stickers to replace the stock reflector which I will stick directly below the tail light.
I will post pictures when its all done and dusted.
So far it's looking good :thumb:
Fenderectomy and Relocate the Stock indicators Instructions with Pictures!
Step 1
Remove the seat and everything under it (toolkit etc) and disconnect the indicator wires.
You will need to cut the cable ties holding the wires if they are still there.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-1.jpg)
Step 2
Remove the rear fender. Undo the:
- two screws at the rear of the fender (note the bracket that holds the tool kit elastic band will come loose)
- two 10mm bolts in the centre of the fender (they have self aligning washers)
- 1 screw at the front of the fender
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-2.jpg)
Drop the fender down, gently pull out the Indicator wires with it.
The take the fender away to work on it.
Step 3
Remove the number plate, number plate bracket and stock rear reflector.
Unscrew the indicators (17mm spanner) from the fender.
With a hacksaw blade cut the fender straight through using the bottom of the tool box recess as a guide.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-3.jpg)
Smooth the edge with some fine grade sandpaper.
Optional Step 4
I left some of the rear panel so if I ever want to attach the stock rear reflector I can. You don't have to.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-4.jpg)
Step 5
Take the large washer used on the inside of the indicator assembly.
Push it into the bottom, back corner of the toolbox impression of the fender.
Drill a hole in the centre of the washer the same size as the washer opening
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-5.jpg)
Repeat this on the other side.
Step 6
Re-attatch the Indicators into the holes you just drilled.
Use the washers. The external plastic washer has a recess so the indicator fits into it flush. Make sure you line it up.
If you use the internal washer (recommended to stiffen the fixture) the bolt wont have much thread for the nut to grab, so tighten as much as possible. I used some locktite to make sure it stays. Make sure your blinkers are oriented evenly/correctly.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-6.jpg)
Re-attach the fender.
I recommend using 2 or 3 washers on the 2 rear screws to give some extra clearance so the indicators arn't jammed into the bike as this pushes them down making them look "droopey". Position the washers above the "tool kit elastic band bracket"
Re connect the indicators wires
Put back the tool kit etc.
Put back your seat.
Step 7
Now place your number plate on the back of your fender, mark the screw points. Hopefully like the Aussie plates they fit on the plastic, otherwise you will need to make/use a bracket.)
Drill the holes
Mount the plates using the stock screw and bolts.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_step-5a.jpg)
I then went and got some small red reflectors for the rear to keep me legal and safe!
ENJOY!!!
Better aerodynamics, less weight and better looks! Win win win!
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_result-1.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k248/galahs/gs500f/fender_result-2.jpg)
NICE write up! Kudos!! :thumb: