GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: afterbooster on May 21, 2009, 07:14:08 PM

Title: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 21, 2009, 07:14:08 PM
So, I happen to be a poor college student, rode a friend's sport ster and then his brothers CBR and really didn't fit into either category, finally set my sights on an 84 Honda Nighthawk 700s... I got a lot of S**t from friends for wanting a bike older than I am (23) anyways; surfing craigslist in class as usual, cam across this beauty, and decided this was it! Had to be mine! Got a road to the twin cities and drove away with my practically brand new gs! Loving every mile on the 90-mile ride home. Granted I froze to death!!! But nothing was going to stop me from enjoying that... anyways I digress, she's a 97e all stock, with a mere 4,000 miles on her, for the tune of 1,600 bucks!!! I was in the process of researching mods that I could do and different ideas from other users when the fuel that sat in it finally caught up to me... needless to say brought it right into the shop, another 90 dollars and I felt like a king on the mountain again. (This was all before I found this amazing website) So about 1700 into the bike so far and I'm still a happy camper, I'm now looking to really make this bike mine, though on a low budget kind of way... I read about the indicator led mod through superbrightleds.com and bought those within hours of reading/researching, cant wait to see em. But I'm looking for other ways or creative CHEAP ideas that anyone might have tried out that came out way better than expected. On a second note, I had a friend of mine, rode my bike; four days later bought a 94 gse! In the same boat as I am in terms of mods. I am hoping to do an aftermarket pipe sometime this summer, not sure which one though...??? I'm open to suggestions. Anyways, here she is! (Hopefully I got the picture thing right)

(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/4261_517863866658_215700960_31159572_4552919_n.jpg)
(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/4261_517863841708_215700960_31159571_6292648_n.jpg)
(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/4261_517863627138_215700960_31159532_5481428_n.jpg)
(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/4261_517863597198_215700960_31159531_7324914_n.jpg)
Afterbooster
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 21, 2009, 07:31:11 PM
Looks great man!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE that blue color.  Glad your happy with the bike so far.  Check out the wiki for some of the more popular mods.  I'd recommend a "fenderectomy" right away!  Welcome to the board, feel free to ask any questions you might have just make sure you attempt a search first lol

Thanks,

NIck
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: commuterdude on May 21, 2009, 07:35:32 PM
Wow she hardly looks broken in.    Nice snag.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: DoD#i on May 21, 2009, 07:36:18 PM
Put 3000 miles on it. Then get to the modifications - you'll have a MUCH better idea of what you want...

Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: scottpA_GS on May 21, 2009, 07:51:37 PM

Welcome to the site! You made a great choice  :thumb:

:cheers:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 21, 2009, 08:42:04 PM
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on May 21, 2009, 07:31:11 PM
Looks great man!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE that blue color.  Glad your happy with the bike so far.  Check out the wiki for some of the more popular mods.  I'd recommend a "fenderectomy" right away!  Welcome to the board, feel free to ask any questions you might have just make sure you attempt a search first lol

Thanks,

NIck
Yea, flipping through the forum board, there's tons of information, though to get to the stuff I want its like sifting through sand trying to find a pebble... It's there somewhere, there's just a lot of sand... the fenderectomy is on the list of to doos this weekend... I'm really going to try to document all the "mods" as big or small they may be, my buddy is plannin on his also this weekend. along with that, we are probably taking off the front reflectors (and refletorectomy), My friend with the sportster told me that harley sells fork reflectors that look really slick for like six bucks, so I'm thinkin I might give those a shot... Heres the link he gave me http://www.moccsplace.com/images/reflectors/reflectors.htm  I think, they'll work really good
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Toogoofy317 on May 21, 2009, 08:46:29 PM
I like those I believe they'd do quite well on my "f" model! I did the gsxr pegs from Ebay and they turned out nice for me but yeah the Wiki is a great place to get ideas.

Nice bike and thanks for the tips!

Mary
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 21, 2009, 08:54:09 PM
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 21, 2009, 08:46:29 PM
I like those I believe they'd do quite well on my "f" model! I did the gsxr pegs from Ebay and they turned out nice for me but yeah the Wiki is a great place to get ideas.

Nice bike and thanks for the tips!

Mary
I've read about a couple different issues with pegs not aligning correctly, the gsxrs are just "plug and play" so to speak? like no drilling or crazy configs?
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: kml.krk on May 21, 2009, 10:07:37 PM
great choice!! welcome to the family  :thumb:

PS that blue color is great!!
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 22, 2009, 12:07:16 AM
Check the wiki on the pegs, I believe they bolt on but need some grinding for a direct fit.  Also IIRC you need some modification for them to fold up and stay up.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: tripleb on May 22, 2009, 07:11:46 AM
besides the fenderectomy, you can lower the profile on the bike with new handlebars ($20) and bar end mirrors ($30) as well as replace the stock turn signals with something smaller/brighter ($30).

good find on the bike.  it seems you got a good deal. Welcome to GSTwins.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 22, 2009, 08:01:23 AM
Quote from: tripleb on May 22, 2009, 07:11:46 AM
besides the fenderectomy, you can lower the profile on the bike with new handlebars ($20) and bar end mirrors ($30) as well as replace the stock turn signals with something smaller/brighter ($30).

good find on the bike.  it seems you got a good deal. Welcome to GSTwins.
I've been poking around and read that the older bikes (89s) had clip on handle bars, I've read about how different people and mounted them, but any suggestions on a certain type... or a different bar style handle bar, turn signals are definatly on the list probably within the monthish, there's nothing around where I live/work for about two hours, so everything I do has to go through online sources. Then I sit by the mail box, :cheers: and wait for it! not quite that bad, but ya get the idea.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: tripleb on May 22, 2009, 08:15:07 AM
clip-ons aren't cheap (around $100).  the cheaper and easier route is to buy either clubmans, superbike or some other low bar from bikemaster for around $20. http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster-handlebars/c/a685889a623818 (http://www.bikebandit.com/bikemaster-handlebars/c/a685889a623818)  Install is pretty easy and shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 22, 2009, 10:01:25 AM
Save yourself the headache, if you like the look of clip-ons and the sportier riding position then spend the bucks and get a set of clip-ons.  The installation is VERY easy and you won't be happy with those replacement bars if you really want the clip-ons.

My first GS was an 89, now I own a 90 and my first part sourced was a set of clip-ons.  Wouldn't ride this bike any other way lol  But that is just my oppinion, some here say its to "sporty" and hurts their backs.  Thats just because half the board is over the hill.....lol JUST JOKING.

Nick
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: XealotX on May 22, 2009, 05:03:17 PM
That's a good looking bike! I'd get that ugly dude off it though. :thumb: :icon_lol: Also, putting the side stand down while on the center stand seems kinda redundant...you might forget its down while taking the bike off the center stand and end up dropping it by accident.

I talked myself out of a couple of Nighthawk 750's on Craigslist before buying my bike. Glad I did.

DOD#i is right...I wouldn't sink a ton of money into this thing until you ride it awhile first.



Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: fred on May 22, 2009, 05:15:25 PM
Quote from: DoD#i on May 21, 2009, 07:36:18 PM
Put 3000 miles on it. Then get to the modifications - you'll have a MUCH better idea of what you want...



I agree. When I started riding, I wanted something different than I want now. Get to know the bike for a while, then decide what you don't like about it.

Very good looking bike though. I wish the paint on my bike looked that good...
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: PaviSays on May 23, 2009, 07:03:38 PM
Wow no way!  I just got the same year/model/color stock just three weeks ago with 6,000 miles for $1500!  Hahah wow, that's ridiculous.  I'll be keeping an eye on this topic now.  I've been itching for some mods as well!
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: LOUiE on May 23, 2009, 07:49:58 PM
it's not too often you get a matching bike w/ a matching scooter.   :cheers: :cheers:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: PaviSays on May 23, 2009, 09:45:22 PM
unfortunately, mine came without the scooter.  :(
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: grayghost on May 24, 2009, 12:19:32 AM
congrats, love my 97 too
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: SmartDrug on May 24, 2009, 11:43:39 AM
That's a great price man, congrats!  Ride safe!
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Affschnozel on May 24, 2009, 11:59:57 AM
Congrats  :thumb:

Nice catch !
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 24, 2009, 10:10:06 PM
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4602/228/101/215700960/n215700960_31168664_2620191.jpg) new "smoothie" reflectors! way sharper than the square mounted ones!
(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v644/228/101/215700960/n215700960_31168661_7691033.jpg)   also removed the rear "quarterpanel" stickers

I even put the kickstand up for ya XealotX  :thumb:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: tulebox on May 25, 2009, 11:55:16 AM
Welcome!! Congrats on the purchase!  Get protective gear, as much as you can, and put some aftermarket fork springs in those forks. Night and day difference. Then enjoy for a while :cheers:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 25, 2009, 02:37:57 PM
(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4602/228/101/215700960/n215700960_31169478_5821485.jpg)... first road trip experience... moving...
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: DoD#i on May 25, 2009, 04:25:40 PM
If you let it ride in the back of the pickup, it will just want to start leaking oil to mark its spot...  :D

To keep Yama happy, I'll point out that that is mostly an AMF era Harley joke, with a few shades of porous casting era (and Lucas, Prince of Darkness electrics) British bikes. They would leak without even having a leak, as it were.

My favorite Lucas diss - "If Lucas made guns, wars wouldn't start either"
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 27, 2009, 02:28:16 PM
First modification results
Before
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs086.snc1/4602_518169329508_215700960_31171800_3507392_n.jpg)
(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4602/228/101/215700960/n215700960_31171805_4032077.jpg)

AFTER!!!!
(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4602/228/101/215700960/n215700960_31172430_6777883.jpg)
(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs086.snc1/4602_518169608948_215700960_31171806_5023782_n.jpg)

I have to say I'm pretty happy with the results! a friend of mine told me its not illegal to place your plate under your seat so long as it has a angle of visability at least 30 degrees true or false? maybe he's just lucky and has never been pulled over for it, not too sure.

I also installed the superbrightled.com bulbs... for some reason i misread the polarization issue... easy fix, I'm thinking of either taking out my high beam blue cover and replacing it with a yellow to have two turn lights so to speak, or I might just head to radio shack and solder up a diode on each of the "power" wires, I'm thinkin the diodes, and I went with the blue speed and tach lights, it looks sick with the blue paint. Both options are pretty simple, I put the 9 led one in Neutral to make sure I could see it during high noon... talk about overkill! but I like it
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 27, 2009, 02:31:00 PM
fender looks great, but I'd tip the plate out a bit.  I'd be concerned it won't be lit up at night?
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 27, 2009, 02:32:59 PM
Yea I'm a little worried about that, My friend's 600gsxr he put the plate all the way up practically in front of the wheel! Im thinkin I'll tip mine back... I only have my permit right now, so I dont do much night drivingthough either...
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Toogoofy317 on May 27, 2009, 07:00:34 PM
I strongly recommend it be in clear view!  :police: want to see your plates for a reason!This is what can happen to you in Florida!
"The plate must be at least 18" above the ground, be centrally located and mounted horizontally. The plate must be rigidly mounted and clearly visible from any angle behind the motorcycle. This means that plates mounted forward of the rear wheel, or on either side of the motorcycle, are in violation of the law. And, if a plate is mounted on a pivoting hanger it is also in violation of this vehicle code. The first time violation of this code is a fine of $1,141.00. The second infraction costs $2,500.00, the third costs $5,000 and loss of motorcycle license endorsement for 10 years"

Now how much they enforce it  :dunno_white: But, I don't have $1,141.00 to find out!

Mary
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 27, 2009, 10:33:05 PM
holy overkill batman!  Florida sucks!
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 28, 2009, 04:59:35 AM
NO KIDDING, a grand on the first offense! they take that stuff seriously! I'm up in Minnesota though...I'll have to do some research, the tilt definatly helps the sleek and sexy look, but legal is legal, and a ticket like that = new exhaust/jets/air filter/forks/gear indicator  :o
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 28, 2009, 12:50:27 PM
Hell, a ticket like that would be a NEW BIKE!

Nick
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Toogoofy317 on May 28, 2009, 03:21:18 PM
Yeah, just imagine the look on all the squids faces when they hit Bike Week. Yes, they enforce it strongly there even out of state folks! For Florida being such a biker destination it is not Biker Friendly! Unless well like me you get a  :police: who is also a biker!

I'm going to have to grab an updated handbook when I go do the dreaded deed of renewing my license and registration. Someone please  :2guns: me before I have to the DMB and wait in Purgatory for a whole day!

Mary
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: PaviSays on May 28, 2009, 03:30:26 PM
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 28, 2009, 03:21:18 PMI'm going to have to grab an updated handbook when I go do the dreaded deed of renewing my license and registration. Someone please  :2guns: me before I have to the DMB and wait in Purgatory for a whole day!

I waited two and a half hours in the DMV to get my motorcycle permit, no lie, haha.  Good thing I passed first try... I think my dad would have killed me.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 28, 2009, 03:36:18 PM
Quote from: PaviSays on May 28, 2009, 03:30:26 PM
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 28, 2009, 03:21:18 PMI'm going to have to grab an updated handbook when I go do the dreaded deed of renewing my license and registration. Someone please  :2guns: me before I have to the DMB and wait in Purgatory for a whole day!

I waited two and a half hours in the DMV to get my motorcycle permit, no lie, haha.  Good thing I passed first try... I think my dad would have killed me.
Yea I'm hoping to take my lisc test before july other wise its going to be another 21 dollars to throw at the wind... the mn DMV i go to only does tests mon morning cause thats when the parking lot is empty... dont most people have jobs to work at 9 am monday? who decides that garbage!!??
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: PaviSays on May 28, 2009, 03:49:16 PM
Quote from: afterbooster on May 28, 2009, 03:36:18 PM
Yea I'm hoping to take my lisc test before july other wise its going to be another 21 dollars to throw at the wind... the mn DMV i go to only does tests mon morning cause thats when the parking lot is empty... dont most people have jobs to work at 9 am monday? who decides that garbage!!??

Ah, lucky.  I'm not eligible until September since I'm still under 18, but I'm taking the MSF course in a June.  Since I'm 18, I'm not able to take the test at the end of the course?  :cookoo: Makes no sense to me.  So I guess I'm going to have to have a fun DMV test story like everyone else! :D
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: gs500ak on May 28, 2009, 05:00:57 PM
Was it hard to take off the sticker in the back?
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 28, 2009, 05:47:19 PM
Quote from: gs500ak on May 28, 2009, 05:00:57 PM
Was it hard to take off the sticker in the back?
It wasnt bad... I was actually drunk when i did it, a buddy said it would look sick, and i have to agree... I used a toothpick to get under it to start with, at the back corner, from there just go extremly slow pulling from side to side and she'll come right up, from there, it leaves ALL the adhesive, I personally used some Gas and a sponge, after the gas got most of it, I went over it with Goo-gone, washed her up with some laundry detergent and water, and polished her up, worked like a charm! the big thing is patience though. dont get excited pulling off the sticker.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 29, 2009, 04:42:03 AM
Quote from: tulebox on May 25, 2009, 11:55:16 AM
Welcome!! Congrats on the purchase!  Get protective gear, as much as you can, and put some aftermarket fork springs in those forks. Night and day difference. Then enjoy for a while :cheers:
It'll probably be a while till i get to the forks fixed up, but do you have a link of where to purchase them? and how difficult is it? I've seen the illustrated parts breakdown of how they are put together, is it really that simple?
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: utgunslinger13 on May 29, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Wow, I'd be worried the gas would hurt the paint?!
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 29, 2009, 12:08:16 PM
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on May 29, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Wow, I'd be worried the gas would hurt the paint?!
I had done it before on my Ranger... and on the plastics it doesnt really eat at them, at least in my experience, I just MADE SURE to wash all the paint off, and thats also why i went over it with the goo gone afterwards, you could prolly do the whole thing with goo gone... I only had a half of a small bottle though, and i got impatient.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Toogoofy317 on May 29, 2009, 07:23:14 PM
Quote from: afterbooster on May 29, 2009, 12:08:16 PM
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on May 29, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Wow, I'd be worried the gas would hurt the paint?!
I just MADE SURE to wash all the paint off, an

Really, what color is it after you got the paint off? I guess gas is really good at getting EVERYTHING OFF. LOL

I'm sorry I had to I couldn't resist! :laugh:

Mary
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on May 30, 2009, 08:22:11 AM
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 29, 2009, 07:23:14 PM
Quote from: afterbooster on May 29, 2009, 12:08:16 PM
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on May 29, 2009, 09:46:24 AM
Wow, I'd be worried the gas would hurt the paint?!
I just MADE SURE to wash all the paint off, an

Really, what color is it after you got the paint off? I guess gas is really good at getting EVERYTHING OFF. LOL

I'm sorry I had to I couldn't resist! :laugh:

Mary

HAHA yea i just reread that and realized that... it was a long day at work, my bad! I made sure to wash all the gas off  :cheers: mary  :D
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 01, 2009, 09:36:55 AM
Put a good 700 on the bike this weekend!!!!! lovin it, was looking at minor adjustments that I could make to gain a little more HP 8) Looking at the "ignition advancer" anyone know where I can currently find this asside from going to 411.com and asking them to custom make a batch? or maybe if there is another bike that the "advancer" would work from?
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Porkchop on June 01, 2009, 12:01:40 PM

Quotewas looking at minor adjustments that I could make to gain a little more HP

I'd look at a K&N air filter and new jets first.  Budda could probably hook you up with the proper jet size.

- Porkchop
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 01, 2009, 12:14:07 PM
Quote from: Porkchop on June 01, 2009, 12:01:40 PM

Quotewas looking at minor adjustments that I could make to gain a little more HP

I'd look at a K&N air filter and new jets first.  Budda could probably hook you up with the proper jet size.

- Porkchop

My friend that has a 92 is in the process of repainting/rebuilding his bike(fenderectomy and reflectometer etc...) and wants to do the pod air filters, personally I plan on doing the "lunchbox" setup, he thinks that we would not rejet... I strongly disagree, as I've read more of the forums than he has.  I'll have to pm budda on that, thanks :D... which is the better setup also? i.e. more bang for the effort
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: tripleb on June 01, 2009, 01:08:05 PM
if you do pods or a lunchbox and don't rejet you will regret it quickly as you'll get too lean.  I didn't do that exhaust, but did the lunchbox and am running 140 mains.  It seems about right.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 02, 2009, 10:03:27 AM
Well I was looking to do the Air filters, but after a quick question to buddha(gracias btw) I was told to probably wait and do exhaust, filters, and jets all at once.
As it so turns out, I'll be limited in riding for the next two weeks, so the bike will be sit parked, however I'm planning on taking this time to possibly do the upgrades in terms of the exhaust(full V&H, from what I've read they seem to sound 1000X better than stock! and sound to have more punch than jardine?), Air Filter(LunchBox or Pods not sure yet) and then new Jets as strongly suggested... with this setup I've found that the jets for lunch box setup should be...

96GSE
40 Pilots, 147.5 mains
2 washers, 2.5 turns out

though I have also seen...
89-00GSE
pilot 40
main 150
washers 1
turns 3

Pods....??

does anyone have any suggestions/links where to buy the parts in general, along with If these setups will both work or no? this will be my first experience working with carbs but I'm pretty mechanical and think i can handle it, im not sure what is meant by everything, but i think once i take it apart it will make a little more sense  :cookoo:...thoughts concerns advice? would Pods =more power/hp/torque
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: pronator on June 11, 2009, 10:35:45 AM
Quote from: afterbooster on June 01, 2009, 09:36:55 AM
Put a good 700 on the bike this weekend!!!!! lovin it, was looking at minor adjustments that I could make to gain a little more HP 8) Looking at the "ignition advancer" anyone know where I can currently find this asside from going to 411.com and asking them to custom make a batch? or maybe if there is another bike that the "advancer" would work from?

The man to talk to is Bob. He's not too active in terms of posting but he does get PMs and will respond:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13727.0

I've met Bob and seen his shop in Salinas. The "fee" that he asks for doesn't even cover the time it takes him to open a beer, turn on his equipment, and take your ignition advancer out of the box. With the right tools and confidence use 'em you could do the mod, but Bob helps those of us who don't. Bob is awesome. Awesome in that  :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: sort of way.

Like the others, I'd recommend that you ride your bike through this season to get a feel for it stock. Then send your IA to him during the winter when your bike is down and you're doing other mods. It's possible but not entirely easy to find a spare IA. You have to send yours to him. He turned mine around in less than ten days and that was during the Christmas holidays.

Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 11, 2009, 10:56:45 AM
Yea, I'm really happy with where she is right now in terms of cosmetics, I also replaced the mirrors this past week, 15 bucks off ebay including shipping  :) made ma a happy camper as I am no longer mocked by my friends for having a "moped wannabe" I'm just looking to get all the parts lined up for this winter, I'm already up to 2K :) and loving every minute, I appreciate all the advice, I'll prolly wait to pm bob till after the season for sure. Hopefully He still does them
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc1/4512_518416823528_215700960_31182360_6970019_n.jpg)
(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc1/4512_518416868438_215700960_31182361_2587407_n.jpg)
oh I also did a replacement of the tail lights as a friend purchased the incorrect ones:) i think they look great!
(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs106.snc1/4602_518325461618_215700960_31178716_6864442_n.jpg)
(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs106.snc1/4602_518325501538_215700960_31178718_7736407_n.jpg)
(http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs106.snc1/4602_518326584368_215700960_31178770_7176341_n.jpg)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: DoD#i on June 11, 2009, 11:11:27 AM
That more-or less invisible plate mount is a :police: magnet in most states.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 11, 2009, 11:17:14 AM
Quote from: DoD#i on June 11, 2009, 11:11:27 AM
That more-or less invisible plate mount is a :police: magnet in most states.
Yea I'm probably going to fix that today when i get off work :cry:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 14, 2009, 07:53:04 PM
WELL!!!!!! had some glorious fun today... one of my friends decided that it would be a great prank to flip the petcock to prime....... hm, so going 70 on the interstate, thinking that my petcock is set to on... starts to sputter and yea.... reserve didnt do a whole lot... lets just say that she got a little heavy after the 5th mile!!! it was a good little 6 mile walk to the next gas station :icon_eek:  :icon_eek: :icon_eek: lots of fun... i will definatly not allow this to happen to me again, lesson learned, function check EVERYTHING not just the big stuff :nono:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Chanse on June 15, 2009, 05:06:23 PM
I mounted my plate on the vertical portion of the left over plastic from the fenderectomy.the part just on top of your plate in the pic. That will put the plate more vertical. and more visible.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 24, 2009, 05:02:59 AM
After a month of waiting/budgeting, the summer job has allowed for some better modifications... put in the progressive springs last night and replaced the fork oil, along with new tires(michelin pilot activ 110/70/17 and 140/70/17) took it out for a short spin last night and oh man what a difference! I plan to give her hell tonight and really put her to the test.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: tt_four on July 24, 2009, 08:14:52 AM
Sounds good, that's definitely one of the most apprciated mods on here. I just replaced my footpegs with the GSXR pegs 2 nights ago and I'm pretty happy with it. It seriously only took 20 seconds per peg on the grinder and they fit in just fine, I do still need to get to the hardware store for the proper washers though.

Did you ever figure out your plate? Legal or not, it's definitely something a cop will use to pull you over. After they follow you for a mile, and don't catch you speeding or anything else obvious, they'll just pull you over for whatever they can find to give you a hard time, and it's often the plate. If you think it looks bad vertical, you could mount it in the opposite direction you have it, it still looks a little sleeker than vertical, plus this way it's angled in the right direction for people to see it better, and the light is shining right on it.

Are you still planning on switching the bars? 89 was the only year that had clipons, you can still find them for sale on here sometimes. I have clipons on mine, although I unfortunately can't remember what bike they came off of. You just have to find out what other bikes have 37mm forks. There were a couple, then you just have to re-route some of the cables.

Since you started messing with the suspension, a lot of people also like to switch to the yellow SV650 rear shock. It lifts the bike up an inch or two, which might be good for someone your height. Oh, the GSXR peg swap also gave me an inch or so of leg room as well, so both of those could make the bike feel a little bigger for you.

One other cheap(free!) mod I've seen a lot of people do is shorter their turn signals. You just pull them apart and cut the arms shorter, then put them back together.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: The Buddha on July 24, 2009, 09:02:46 AM
The fenderectomy usually is a cut below the licence plate bracket, then I usually bend that bracket's carrier ears to put the plate more at a 45 degree angle.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 24, 2009, 10:54:29 AM
AN INCH FROM GSXR PEGS!!! done! well as soon as I find them on ebay... I've looked into the rear shock a little bit, and it would be nice to get a little less spring out of it thats for sure, I looked a little bit at clip ons, but a local parts store wanted 100 for them :2guns: so I've been kinda poking around for cross refference ones to see what else might fit. I did the fenderectomy, though i chopped it all the way up and tossed on those "flush mount" blinkers which I really like. I talked with a couple of the Security Forces guys on base who are  :police: on the civilian side and got two points to note the first was as long as headlights from a vehicle behind you can see the plate it is legal (in the clear there), and the second was that It needed to be Lit up at night (in case passing a cop who has had one of those days trying to catch speeders and uses it as a excuse to pull me over) so Its legal and I can't get a ticket for it, but it just may attract more attention to the bike... I havent had any problems with it yet and I dont do anything crazy in residential areas so I'm gonna roll with it, If it happens Ill be sure to post it right away...
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: The Buddha on July 24, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
89 clip on's 100 bucks if you want em I'd find em ... prolly somewhere under this fiant pile of parts in my garage. It fits like nothing else ... aftermarket clip on's are junk ... or atleast ... not that great.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on August 05, 2009, 05:29:41 AM
So as I was warned by multiple thread users in the angle of my LP I thought I should toss out an update. I flagged down a city cop the other day and he said that it looked just fine to him and that it's completly legal. the next day I happened to get pulled over by a state trooper on the interstate for "unsafe lane deviation" he also said that the LP was alright... So I'm thinkin its pretty good. Bought a used nelson rigg CL-450 off ebay the other day and tossed it on, its a little big for the gs(10 X 15 X 7/10) but it has the amount of space that i was really looking for. Also bolted on some "highway pegs" I used some 6" L brackets from Fleet Farm and they work great! dont look too fancy... but they get the job done, I'm thinking I might try to build my own set (that look more professional) once i get back to school. I might have to take you up on those clip-ons buddha, not sure yet though.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on August 26, 2009, 06:26:21 AM
Recent modifications:
accessory outlet (12V car adapter)
alarm system, with emergency shutoff switch
home made case guards (hopefully will never have to test out my craftsman ship)
Installed a glass fuel filter, which is awesome in my opinion

just replaced all the fuel lines, still need to do the brake lines
replaced the gaskets in the carb float bowls... upon cleaning i found one of the ?diaphram? springs was actually broken, i did a quick fix for this with some heat shrink, which is workin like a charm for now, but the new spring should be in today at the dealership.
Got a 15 and 14 sprocket from a guy that used to race, not sure yet if i want to test my luck with them, from the stats that I've read the 16 is the most economical along with a good combination of "giddy-up"
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 03, 2010, 06:55:32 AM
So as I've kinda been settling down in terms of modifying how it looks, I made a couple of mistakes... but I think I've got her pretty well figured out, newest upgrades are LED front blinkers, replaced the fuel lines, upgraded the fuel filter, and tossed in a K&N air filter. I luckly found a Corbin gunfighter lady with the 02-s backrest on Ebay for $340 and I think it makes all the difference in the world. Me and a friend are planning a trip around lake superior here in mid july which will put the seat to the test 1600 miles total, we're taking a whole week to go around and taking a day off at Ely MN and Thunder Bay Canada. As I've progressed in school I've learned that I can fabricate and weld just about anything up in and hour, the other day I made some new handle bars just to see how well i could Wing it, tried bringing them further back so that it would b a little more comfy. I put them on and they fit great so I think the next huge upgrade ill be doing is running new cables, wires and break line so that they'll fit my five inch riser handle bars I made. I dont want to do this before the canada trip just in case I fail...
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 28, 2010, 07:30:28 AM
If you'd like a picture step by step please just let me know and I'll do some break down photos

I recently installed... the vista universal throttle lock, annodized blue aluminum bar ends(1.5 inches to make up for the hand space lost with the throttle lock), fieldsheer's compact saddle bags, new mirrors with integrated led blinkers (four front led blinkers total). Due to the placement of the saddlebags they now hide my "smoke" blinkers which installed when I had done the fender elim. my solution: i bought and bolted together (2x) 2 4" angle brackets which i bolted together in a z patern, (I also sanded and repainted my exhaust with the 1200 degree grill paint) with the left over paint i had, I painted these brackets and bolts black (everything has been locktited! :D)... I then bolted these pieces under the tail light and the liscence plate to the outside bolts. this allowed for the clearance that was needed to for the blinkers to be seen behind the saddle bags, I then bolted some WalMart Trailer marker lights to the end of those soldered them up and clipped them on to the hot blinker wires, I havent gotten a chance to take pictures yet, but I'll get them up when I can. Leaving for the haul around lake superior on saturday, hopefully the weather holds out for us.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 28, 2010, 08:06:29 AM
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/afterbooster/IMG000491.jpg)
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/afterbooster/IMG00046.jpg)
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/afterbooster/IMG000471.jpg)
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/afterbooster/IMG000481.jpg)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: james311 on June 28, 2010, 08:40:27 AM
That blue looks amazing, congratulations on the bike, man.
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: pandymai on June 28, 2010, 09:06:58 AM
looks like your plates are out? =P
very nice setup though. kudos!

i hope your trip goes well. take pictures along the way =]
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on June 28, 2010, 09:31:59 AM
Quote from: pandymai on June 28, 2010, 09:06:58 AM
looks like your plates are out? =P
very nice setup though. kudos!

i hope your trip goes well. take pictures along the way =]


heh, yea, I noticed bout a month ago, I keep forgetting to put them on, It'll happen tonight when I'm home, thanks for the catch ;)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on February 14, 2011, 12:47:34 PM
Hey I'm looking to do a fiberglass project, I'm wondering if anyone has a gnawed up rough shape seat they'd be willing to part with?
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 06, 2011, 12:02:55 PM
Well I think I'm due for an update... last month I blew out a rod bearing... crankshaft is toast... I recently bought a whole 89 with no choke cable...for a pretty good price, this however means that I have a complete parts bike, anyone need anything? I'm hanging on to the engine from this 89 but I have all the crank case covers, heads and pistons from my 97...
(http://images.craigslist.org/3n23o53p55V45Q15R1b6qcda55b0e26901265.jpg)
(http://images.craigslist.org/3nf3kb3oe5O25T55S1b6qcd4b7ac2bba919ef.jpg)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 06, 2011, 12:03:51 PM
I'm in the MSP area
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: ben2go on July 06, 2011, 12:38:38 PM
Quote from: afterbooster on July 06, 2011, 12:03:51 PM
I'm in the MSP area

Where is MSP for those of us that are clueless.  :dunno_black:
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: Trwhouse on July 06, 2011, 08:18:41 PM
Hi afterbooster,
Would you want to sell the front fairing on the 89?
Do you know what brand it is?
I'm interested.
Also, are you thinking of selling the tank and side panels?
Let me know and we can go from there.
Thanks, man.
Yours,
Trwhouse
P.S. I'm in PA for shipping purposes.  :)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: mike__R on July 07, 2011, 06:25:53 AM
Quote from: ben2go on July 06, 2011, 12:38:38 PM
Quote from: afterbooster on July 06, 2011, 12:03:51 PM
I'm in the MSP area

Where is MSP for those of us that are clueless.  :dunno_black:

Minneapolis/St. Paul (I assume since I live there too)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 07, 2011, 12:51:27 PM
Quote from: Trwhouse on July 06, 2011, 08:18:41 PM
Hi afterbooster,
Would you want to sell the front fairing on the 89?
Do you know what brand it is?
I'm interested.
Also, are you thinking of selling the tank and side panels?
Let me know and we can go from there.
Thanks, man.
Yours,
Trwhouse
P.S. I'm in PA for shipping purposes.  :)

The fairing is the oem from 89... yes I'm down to sell it
the tank and fairings I'd like to sell the blue ones from my 97, I'm a pretty big fan of the black red and silver now that I've seen it on the bike, but I'd be willing to give em up for the right price.

I also have the title for the frame and a working key...
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: lucky4034 on July 07, 2011, 02:17:32 PM
I might like to have an extra set of rims...

What shape are they in?  (including the paint job)

...and if you are interested in parting with them, shoot me a pm with the price and estimated shipping.  (Elkhart IN, 46514)
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 09, 2011, 01:16:18 AM
(http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264126_555808550208_215700960_31882508_7275641_n.jpg)

got a new chain from the 89, swapped out the handle bars to the 89s, swapped the 89 engine, and am in the processes of swapping out the 97 blue tank with the 89... not bad for 16 hrs....
Title: Re: New stock 97
Post by: afterbooster on July 16, 2011, 10:06:15 AM
Veronica....
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/281350_556262959568_215700960_31888897_248813_n.jpg)

I bought some new tires for a buddy, time for the maiden voyage.