As the title says I am new around here. I have been lurking in the forums reading threads and posts for probably a month now, but decided it was time to introduce myself. I just started riding street bikes in April of this year. I bought my 2007 GS500f April 2nd because I had heard so much good things about it being a good first bike. I really liked the looks of it and found a pretty good deal on it. It had only 1500 miles on it from the 1 previous owner. Despite a few random scratches here and there it is in pretty much perfect shape. The only thing close I have to motorcycle experience was riding/working on ATVs since I was about 3 years old. I'm 22 now and just sold my last ATV, I just didn't have the time to get out and camp and ride like I used to and I had been itching for a street bike for some time. I work full-time for QuikTrip distribution and am also a volunteer firefighter. When I am not with the girl I am also kind of a closet nerd. I love playing online shooters (L4D, TFC, TF2, CS...). I am extremely addicted to motorcycles now. I really thought my GS might just be a transition bike, but as of now I don't see why I would need to upgrade. I have plenty of power for the riding I enjoy and it is actually quite a nice experience. Doesn't matter how crappy of a day I have I can just hop on the bike and find a nice quiet, curvy back road and I can't help but to feel better!
I have taken the extended MSF course and had got my motorcycle endorsement about the same time I got my bike. I typically ride alone or with my dad and uncle. The only gear I have right now is a nice protective jacket, gloves, and of course a full-face helmet, which I always wear :). My dad and uncle both ride Harleys but for the life of me I can't think of what they have at this exact moment. Since I have got it I have put just a little over 2000 miles on it. We had a really wet and rainy spring this year and my first month or so I really didn't get to get out on it much. Recently after a bunch of research on here I finally started modifying my setup. I started off with a Yoshimura TRS Slip-on that I just got about a week ago. I also removed the reflectors and performed a simple fenderectomy. I have a K&N Lunchbox sitting on my bed right behind me that I just got today actually. I ordered some jets (20/65/140) and a 15tooth front sprocket from a local Suzuki place by my house. The jet prices and sprocket prices were just a tad more than online, so after shipping they came out the same (possibly even less). However I am waiting til next week on the sprocket and the pilot, mid-main jets to arrive. So right now I only have the 140 mains and the lunchbox so I am hesitating putting those in right now and might just wait until they come in. I also am going to be upgrading some things like signals, pegs, handlebars, and stuff like that when time/money allows. I'd like to get more protective wear like a pair of pants/boots in the near future as well.
A few pictures, its kinda dirty right now, shhhh!
#Before!
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs150.snc1/5574_558704984192_62102251_32864614_7939668_n.jpg (http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs150.snc1/5574_558704984192_62102251_32864614_7939668_n.jpg)
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704974212_62102251_32864613_3431670_n.jpg (http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704974212_62102251_32864613_3431670_n.jpg)
#So far
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704954252_62102251_32864610_1985695_n.jpg (http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704954252_62102251_32864610_1985695_n.jpg)
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704959242_62102251_32864611_3870426_n.jpg (http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704959242_62102251_32864611_3870426_n.jpg)
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704969222_62102251_32864612_3749544_n.jpg (http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs130.snc1/5574_558704969222_62102251_32864612_3749544_n.jpg)
This is where my first question (probably of many in the future) comes in. My dad and I enjoy working on our bikes together, kind of a father/son bonding thing. Open up a few brews do a little work here and there and then go on a ride together to test them out. So I usually just work on it when hes around because I know he enjoys it just as much as I do. Would I be okay installing the 140s and the lunchbox tonight and doing the others later? Or would I be unhappy with the performance for the next week or so until I can toss in the others? The reason I ask is because he is leaving for Sturgis this weekend I believe and I would probably wait until he gets back to finish putting the stuff on. Should I wait? Yes/no/why?
Thanks everyone!
Welcome aboard. I am useless when it comes to answering anything useful so I'll leave that to someone else . . . .
i would wait to do the lunchbox atleast until your dads there unless your goin to jet the bike tonight. if your goin to jet it tonight go for it but if you run stock jets with that pipe and air filter youll run way to lean and possible smoke the motor. you can tho do the sprocket and tire is you like,
I'm pretty sure you can ride the bike as is with the Yosh exhaust and stock jetting, but if you put that lunchbox on you could have problems. Make sure you rejet and change the air filter at the same time. BTW, the recommended jetting for a lunchbox and performance exhaust is 150 mains IIRC.
Alright Ill just wait the extra week or 2 for all my parts to get here. I can already tell it runs leaner with the exhaust but the lunchbox would probably put it a little over the edge.
As far as 150 mains, I thought I saw a thread around here where a few people were running a similar setup to mine except with 137.5 mains or 140 mains since it is just a slip-on and not the full system like the V&H. I do see a few people running 22.5/65/147.5 with my setup. We will see how it runs when I get my current ones in. If it still feels a little lean ill just spend another 6 or 7 dollars and put in some 147.5s. No biggie!
Welcome to forum and pretty bike. Black and Grey sure looks nice. Kudo's on your introduction too I might add. Sounds like you have a grasp on the mechanical side also which is a bonus!