First Post here and thought I'd introduce myself. I've been a Buckeye since birth and am just now getting into motorcycles at 30 years old. I picked up my 2001 GS from a guys front yard pretty cheap as it had been sitting for about three years but only had about 4100 miles. After having a little bit of carb work done at the local shop have been riding for a whooping couple of weeks now. Im not all that mechanically inclined but I'm trying so expect quite a few technical questions from me as I go about learning. While I won't be able to add much to the site in the way of bike info, I've accumulated a fair amount of firearm knowledge over the years and have been a cop for the last 10 years so I can answer a few Law Enforcement questions too (keep in mind Im in Ohio and laws vary from state to state)
Any first time first time owner/rider advice ?
Welcome! I'm in Dublin OH, where are you located? Good luck, and feel free to post any questions in the general forum.
Hey! NW C-bus here. Bikes n' guns rock! :2guns:
I've been here roughly one year but have been busy with work. Is there a decent shooting range around these parts?
As for first time owner... no advice really. I just got mine a few months ago and wonder if I should be fixing things or leaving 'em be. Not too knowledgeable about machines with moving parts.
First time rider advice: if you haven't already, take the MSF course (or H-D Rider's Edge). Also, "Proficient Motorcycling" by Hough is a great book.
Just think: if we get enough Columbians/Dubliners on here...
Welcome to GStwins! First things first, the "search" function can be your friend. With a bike that's been around as long as the venerable GS, most questions have already been asked, so all you have to do is search and read. There are common intake and exhaust upgrades varying from free, to cheap, to pricey. There is plenty of advice and how-tos for engine upkeep and maintenance (be sure to check valve clearances). Lastly, if you want to customize your GS, you can find a myriad of appearance modifications!! Many people do the mud-flap delete, some polish wheel lips, and the mods can be from mild to extreme.
Again, welcome to the site, and feel free to ask questions. Many will be happy to help!
Thanks for the Welcome guys. I have yet to take the MSF as I can't get in any of them until late September, just riding on my permit and watching lots of How to vids on youtube. So far I really like riding, but want to look into a few things to make it more enjoyable. I've been told adding a small windshield can make a world of difference on a naked bike, I've heard them referred to both as windscreens and flyscreens. I don't want to add anything that's going to throw off the look of the bike too much. Any recommendations on what to look into? Also want to add some padded grips.
I did the rear flap removal the other day, I cut it just below the light stems, lowered the LP bracket and raised the rear reflector so they all meet and hide the rough edge of the cut. I'll probably shorten the light stems too but it's just been too hot in my garage to spend any real time out there. I searched around on the site and found a little info on replacing the signal bulbs with LED's, anyone done this and if so where did you get the LED replacements? I was told that adding one of those new style "blue" head lamps will help increase visibility but did not see much posted about anyone doing so. Other than a bit of oil seepage from the filter cover, which is probably from a screwed up bolt and stem ( previous owner) the bike is mechanically pretty sound at this point. Im going to order a replacement bolt and hope that takes care of the leak.
I'm sure I'll need to report most my questions in the tech forum but I thought I'd ask here too.
Tires will be my next issue.......
Oh and utgunslinger13 , Im in Wayne County just outside of Wooster.
Just show up to the MSF. People book months in advance and might not be able to make it, spots open up and you could get in.
I'm in Beavercreek and work in Cincinnati. Best upgrade for me was new springs and fork oil, the front end was way too unpredictable going into hard corners and botoming out if I sneezed hard.
I use the blue tinted Philips Crystal Vision bulbs and love them. I do a lot of night riding and they make a huge difference to me over standard stock bulbs. No idea on how long they will last since I've only had them in about 2 months.
Greetings from the west side of the cleveland area! :cheers: