My GS500 did what it was supposed to do, get me endorsed and comfortable cheaply. I've added 2k miles to the 11k that the last owner had on it and I've been looking to replace it with something a little sportier. Not wanting to be broke for the summer, I changed my mind and decided to put some $$ into the GS and keep it a while longer. Even though it's old as dirt ('93), the engine is in good shape with fairly low miles. It has been kept outside, though for most of it's 15 years, so the paint is pretty faded. This last weekend, I tore the body apart and threw the pieces into my truck to take to the body shop for a quote. I'm going to have it all repainted red. If it's not too expensive, I want to get a racing stripe with pinstripes on either side down the middle of the tank and tail piece (a la Ducati). I'm trying to decide between silver (to match the frame) or black stripes.
I'm tired of looking like I'm trying to contact the mothership, so I'm going to replace the mirrors with something like this (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=4129&gift=False&0=assets%2Fhtml%2Fd%5Fstreet%2Easp%2CnavId%3Dd%5Fstreet%2A0%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CStreet&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D425%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2CStreet%20Handlebars%2C%20Controls&2=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D418%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D1%2CStreet%20Mirrors&3=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D408%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D2%2CBikemaster%20Street%20Mirrors&mscssid=005B7F15535C6747DA8B535274415C50) (I like the black ones). I'm also going to replace the stalky turn signals with something like this (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=10659&gift=False&0=assets%2Fhtml%2Fd%5Fstreet%2Easp%2CnavId%3Dd%5Fstreet%2A0%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CStreet&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D827%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2CStreet%20Electric&2=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D3392%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D1%2CLighting&3=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D3446%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D2%2CStreet%20Turn%20Signals&4=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D3479%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D3%2CUniversal%20Mini%20Stalk%20Turn%20Signals&mscssid=0441B05B2A86345A78460FD4D4524D4C). (I like the black/clear ones).
I like the gunmetal grey wheels, so I'm going to leave those alone. I would prefer a black frame, but the paint on the frame is in good shape, so I think I'll leave that alone for now.
Once I get it put together, I will probably give it a fenderectomy as detailed on this website.
Can you guys forsee any problems with these ideas? Do you have any others that might go well with this project?
Here are some "before" pictures:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2228101984_4d7a91f407_o.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2180125708_da34ef1fdf_o.jpg)
Removing the bodywork was fairly easy with the exception of the front fender. Fifteen years of road grime had corroded those bolts too much to turn. I had to drill three of the four smaller bolts out.
Now that all the bodywork is removed, it truly looks like a "naked bike".
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2063/2228114366_f1efcc5702_o.jpg)
I think you're off to a good start with it. Fenerectomy... a MUST. If you're looking to go sportier, possibly a new set of bars or a set of clip ons. If you're going to do a racing stripe, I'd go a little deeper red with a white stripe. A lower chin fairing makes a world of difference in the looks. Throw a yosh pipe on it, a new air filter and re-jet and call it good!
A nice gold USD front end would look pretty nice
Quote from: BarePaw on January 28, 2008, 11:12:08 PM
Here are some "before" pictures:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2228101984_4d7a91f407_o.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2180125708_da34ef1fdf_o.jpg)
Man, that orange (hope it's supposed to be) is rockin. In your second picture, you can see it would look awesome with the darker color gray frame. Some of the gs's had that stock, and IMHO it's a great look. Shine up your hardware (bolts etc) on the cases, and you're in business.
I haven't seen stripes on a gs I liked yet, they're for cafe racers and all you know ;) It takes some work and time for them to look right, and the gs tank has a 'unique' shape.
+1 for deciding to keep the gs. It's such a fun bike, and you earned your endorsement on it. Can't sell it now ;)
Save up for your next bike, and keep the gs. O0
Actually, it's supposed to be red, not orange (now you see why I'm repainting it). I'm starting to doubt the stripe, as well. I think I'll keep it stock color and slap on a black tank protector and a decal or two for looks. As for performance, it already has the Vance & Hines pipe, which sounds pretty sweet. If I did clip-ons, I think I'd have to find a new home for things like the brake fluid reservoir and the mirrors. What would be a good option for aftermarket handlebars?
Red rimstripes! :icon_mrgreen:
Black, red and silver = stunning moto! Very Ducati.
Hmm, ok, it's supposed to be red. This would be nice with the charcoal frame:
or even better, CANDY red, charcoal frame, and rim stripes to boot. Verrrrry pretty indeed:
(http://www.arthurwu.com/gs500_mod.jpg)
Google does a great job of finding a picture of whatever you're looking for. Couldn't find any with a USD fork, or gold for that matter. If you really went crazy with asthetics, you know, kat front end, paint em gold, rim stripes, charcoal frame, candy color, candy color charcoal FRAME too, two-tone wheels gray on dark gray, man, it would be too pretty to ride. Or would it ?
I'm a big fan of the gs's that get subtle changes most people wouldn't know about or recognize. Sexy is just a few hundred dollars away. ;)
The ducati sin-spired rim stripes are a great idea.
Good luck, keep us posted.
Dude, that's not f%$king healthy looking :cookoo: :cookoo: :cookoo: Why the f%$k are you posting pictures of swollen and pierced genitalia???????? Jesus f%$king Christ...................
Agreed... take it down!!
I edited the post ... I think ohgood may be the victim of an automatically-changing image or something. (http://bbburma.net/Smilies/headscratch.gif)
Yeah, I can't imagine that was intentional. Thanks Kerry!!!!
look up motorcycle bodykits and they have some nice stuff. I like the tailpiece that goes over the stock seat. Awesome........ They also have other stuff too..I ll find the web site and post it.
I also have a 93 and I am looking to make it look and run a bit more on the sporty side. I like your mirrors and turn signals idea im glad you posted the link....Helps with my ideas. Is there any other exhaust that fits our bike besides the V&H one?
(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh93/thrash67/100_2619.jpg)
(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh93/thrash67/100_2615.jpg)
I just got the quote for the paint. $550.00. Is that normal, or does that sound a bit high? I didn't do much prep work and there was still remnants of a decal left. That's probably why. The guy works through a local motorcycle shop and as far as I know that's all he does. He also told me it would take 2-3 weeks, so it sounds like he's thorough.
I love the sound of the V&H exhaust. I've heard others and IMHO, that's the way to go. I also like the idea of the rimstripes. I think I'll add that to the list.
Thrash, are those the stock decals for '93? Mine were gone when I got it. I like the white outline "Suzuki" on your tank. I wonder how that would look in silver. Double check the bolt size on those parts I posted before you order. I haven't figured out if they would fit yet.
As far as I know the bike is all stock so the decals are most likely stock too. I like the one on the tank but the tail decal looks a bit dumb....
Quote from: spcterry on January 30, 2008, 10:47:50 AM
Dude, that's not f%$king healthy looking :cookoo: :cookoo: :cookoo: Why the f%$k are you posting pictures of swollen and pierced genitalia???????? Jesus f%$king Christ...................
Odd, I used 'preview' once before the post and it was fine. I've checked the link a couple of times. Haven't seen the offending image myself yet. Guess that's what I get for ripping an image from google's cache. :(
Sorry folks for whatever it was, I'll make sure to -not- use google's cache again, still don't understand why I didn't see the offending image though. That's weird.
Update:
Mirrors and signals came UPS today. The mirrors I posted fit just fine and look sweet (see pic below). The signals look like they will work. I'm now thinking about cutting the fender off above where they mount and mounting them where the reflectors are now. I think I'll wait until I get the plastics back from the painter to decide.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2234472494_e2c7355170_o.jpg)
I think I'm going to have to add some new grips and bar ends to the list.
Quote from: BarePaw on February 01, 2008, 12:28:26 AM
Update:
Mirrors and signals came UPS today. The mirrors I posted fit just fine and look sweet (see pic below). The signals look like they will work. I'm now thinking about cutting the fender off above where they mount and mounting them where the reflectors are now. I think I'll wait until I get the plastics back from the painter to decide.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2234472494_e2c7355170_o.jpg)
I think I'm going to have to add some new grips and bar ends to the list.
Hold on to the stock bar ends. Someone always looses one ;)
this is the site(www.airtech-streamlining.com) check it out the kit they have for the gs is sweet.
Quote from: TobySuzuki on February 01, 2008, 08:16:49 AM
this is the site(www.airtech-streamlining.com) check it out the kit they have for the gs is sweet.
No thanks. I like my bikes like I like my women: Naked.
What are the options for replacement footpegs? I can't seem to find any that fit the GS500.
the wikki has a whole list...includeing gsxr adn cbr
Thanks. Are we legally required to have those reflectors on the side, or can I get rid of them. They're old and don't really reflect anymore. Do I have to replace them?
That was the first thing to go on my bike.
Quote from: BarePaw on February 03, 2008, 12:20:06 AM
Thanks. Are we legally required to have those reflectors on the side, or can I get rid of them. They're old and don't really reflect anymore. Do I have to replace them?
Depends on the LEO (law enforcement officer). If you're playing / speeding in the least, you better believe the LEO will be nit picking for everything he can. There are posts on tampasportbikes.com about 'harrassement' by local leo's for things as simple as no tag light, no reflectors at rear-most section of the bike, improper tag (guy had a reflector bolt partially covering his registration DATE), etc.
That being said, I leave all things as close to 'right' as state and local statutes require. Given the local LEO's see 15-20 bikers riding improper equipment / stunting / speeding / running everyday, _I_ don't want to be the one to feel their wrath in the form of tickets. ;)
One of the guys on a local north run (the curves are north of Tampa) was a leo and commented that anything non-compliant is just fuel for the fire when a 'rider gets belligerent'.
Before you go 'modding' your tag location, check local statutes. It's a reason to pull you over and ticket, even if you've done nothing else wrong, well, that they saw anyway ;)
Oh, and from a safety standpoint, imagine being on the shoulder at night/rain/whatever and having no reflectors. All you have is your gear to reflect, and since you're trying to revive your bike, you're likely hidden beside it screwing with the petcock/whatever. Yikes!
Leave the reflectors, work the system.
My 2 cents :)
Good advice, thanks. I think I'l pick up a couple of the sticker ones from the local hardware store to place more conveniently.
Update:
My fiance came to visit this weekend and seemed a bit shocked to find a motorcycle (or most of one anyways) parked in my living room. She wasn't impressed. She said it's my house and I can do what I want, but this sort of thing won't be happening once we're married. I told her that as long as I get a shop, she won't have anything to worry about.
The bodywork came back from the painter today looking better than new. I had them spray it all the stock red color with no graphics. I kind of like the clean look.
This evening I preformed the fenderectomy, cutting the mudflap off right along the bottom edge of the trunk. I left just enough plastic behind the trunk to mount the license plate and new signals. I then moved the reflector brackets up, and mounted them at an angle to flow with the lines of the body. Here is my new rear end:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2267/2243968252_bb2a6472ec.jpg)
I'm looking at some grips that are not compatible with bar-end weights. Are those weights necessary for dampening or balance, or can I do without them?
According to the guy at the local dealership, the bar ends keep the handlebars from vibrating like a tuning fork. I think I'll keep them and just re-spray them black.
The carb jets still haven't arrived. I put the tracking number into the USPS website. I ordered it from San Bernadino, CA. It made it to Spokane, WA (just a few hours away) and then was diverted to Salt Lake City, UT. I shot an email to the USPS and got a cheesy "we don't know what's going on either" response. The carbs are sitting on my kitchen table ready for the new jets. I guess they'll have to wait a few more days. That's all I have left, save for the touch up painting.
Ehhh my clip-ons dont have any barends and they dont vibrate that mutch from stock bars and ends to these no bit change in vibration this aint no harly so you wont have the bike vibrating down the street but its your call. as far as your plate does try removing all the flap and drill some holes in the little buldge where your tools go and put your plate there, it really cleans the rear alot and positions your plate at a downward angle and further from the light (Harder for a cop to read it at night always a plus)
Mach1, I worry about you sometimes. Don't you think that it's going to arouse police suspicion more if your license plate is barely visible than if it's fully visible. I know in SC they just freakin pray for shaZam! like that so they can pull you over. 'Improper placement' not trying for one of those tickets seeing as the cheapest ticket around here is $230.
IDK in LA I guss cops dont care, I have seen people with plates on their swing arms,ust in fronty of their rear shock(that was on a bike whicj belonged to an OC police officer) I suppose in other staes police have an open eye for things like that but here nah not really. I have had my bike on the rode with no tags,l no mirrors no blinkers and no muffler( not all at the same time) and ran itno no trouble unless I did something stupid like speed or something, I dont try to make myself stand out.
Quote from: spcterry on February 09, 2008, 11:12:29 PM
Mach1, I worry about you sometimes. Don't you think that it's going to arouse police suspicion more if your license plate is barely visible than if it's fully visible. I know in SC they just freakin pray for shaZam! like that so they can pull you over. 'Improper placement' not trying for one of those tickets seeing as the cheapest ticket around here is $230.
Ya, a couple of LEO's I ride with have said the tag not visible from >60 feet alone is >$100 fine. They weren't sure the exact fee, someone chimed in what it was from experience (I don't recall) and pointed to their newly re-mounted 100% legal tag. ;)
Quote from: mach1 on February 09, 2008, 11:38:12 PM
IDK in LA I guss cops dont care, I have seen people with plates on their swing arms,ust in fronty of their rear shock(that was on a bike whicj belonged to an OC police officer) I suppose in other staes police have an open eye for things like that but here nah not really. I have had my bike on the rode with no tags,l no mirrors no blinkers and no muffler( not all at the same time) and ran itno no trouble unless I did something stupid like speed or something, I dont try to make myself stand out.
If LEO Joe Schmoe is having a shitty day, say the wife lashed him, POS car wouldn't start, then some joker wheelies past him on his way to work....
You really don't want anything out of spec. >$100 just for placement, then >$50 for missing side reflectors, >$50 just for not being clean enough (the tag), >$50 for missing reflector bolts, >$100 for not properly illuminated (this will get you pulled over EVERY time in Tampa), and then they can actually start getting into things like tread depth (another "Improper Equipment" >$50 fine) and stuff like is your headlight aimed properly, horn loud enough, blinkers working, mirrors, a whole slew of fines coming now, oh, and you better make sure the renewal DATE is 100% visible on the tag (not obstructed by the required reflector bolts ;) there's another >$50 flying away) ...
Do what you like for asthetics, some setups look really clean and simple. I'm not knockin you for that. Just know that if any LEO has a bad day, he has an excuse to start raping your wallet for one of those simple things.
Oh man, and court costs: wanna contest tickets ? cool, that's $200 just for 'not guilty' before you even get to whether you're right or not.
;)
I got pulled over up here for having too much mud on the license plate of my car. I'm not going to push it. I like the way it looks now. Besides, if I cut back to where you said, I would lose the strap that holds the tools down.
Well, it's all back together. I'm having issues with the carbs (see other thread). It looks sweet, but it doesn't run right. It's almost painful to look at the thing sitting in my driveway and not be able to take it out. I've fixed several carbs before, but I can't figure out what's going on here. I think I'm going to have to take this one in.
Total mods:
Short Signals
K&N Drop In Filter
Shorter Mirrors
Rejeted Carbs (Still working on that)
Repainted tank & plastics
Shortened Fender
Anyways, here are the pics:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2316/2288667669_8dd16e310e.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2288667591_eac5d23d8c.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2288667491_9535c93246_o.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2288667353_7e99a76340_o.jpg)
Man, that red really looks good now ! Is that just a gs headlight, or is it on ? It's really clear.
OK, time to do something about the wheels. Where are they ? They disappeared when you painted the RED !
Red rim stripes ? Polished lip ?
Maybe it's just my eyes ;)
Thanks. It's the stock headlight. It was cloudy, so I think the light was reflecting funny. I've thought about painting the rims, but I want to make sure it will run right before I sink any more money into it.
Ya, I've heard stories about FL cops, especially in the orlando and tampa areas. Up here on the island they don't care much about equipment violations, they are much more aimed towards moving violations. Especially tourists, they get raped, minimum ticket is $232.50 and they range up to $750 for 24+ over. Thankfully, most of the cops cut residents a break and even if they do ticket them the DA will drop court fees.
Slick looking bike there by the way. I kinda miss my GS, I might get another so I can turn the Gix into a project bike.