Well, technically I'm the dad of the new owner as we got my son an 05 GS500F with about 9600 miles on it two weeks ago. But I tent to do most of the maintenance on the bikes.
1. The chain adjustment plate on the left side of the swingarm is bent in somewhat. I've never seen this on a bike before. Is it something that happens with this model or did we just inherit the results of a home mechanic worse than me? I've got a new one on order but it also looks like the chain will need replacing as I adjusted it two days ago and this morning it was already too loose. Which leads to question two.
2. What is a decent quality replacement chain for these bikes? The chain on it now has a clip so it doesn't seem to be the original from what I've read. Which would mean it's gone through 2 chains in 10,000 miles. Poor maintenance/over tightening from the previous owners or do these things eat chains?
3. What is a sportier tire for these than the BT45? My son rode an R6 for a year and a half and he finds these tires aren't that sticky. He's used to BT-016, Pilot Powers and Roads. I see the Pilot Activ comes in the right size, are they a bit sticker? The previous owner had both BT45s at 30lbs. Normally I would have put them up to about 35-36 for greater longevity but didn't want to make them any less sticker than he already found them.
4. The signal indicator light on the panel doesn't work. Should it just be a matter of replacing a bulb? There doesn't seem to be any other electrical issues. No manual came with the bike.
5. How can I tell what the rear shock is set at? I can see the number 4 5 6 on the bottom of it - I still have to clean off some more corrosion on it. No tool kit came with it so there is no spanner to adjust it.
6. Is there any benefit at all from putting premium gas in this? That is what he put in his R6 and he seems to think it would be better but I'm of the opinion if it doesn't call for premium don't bother.
7. Is there any particular brand of front flush mounts that are commonly used? He put the ones from his R6 on the back of this and is looking for front ones. I don't care about such things but he does.....
So far it seems like a nice little bike. It's obviously slower and less powerful than he's used to but he does acknowledge the fuel economy and lack of ability to do things to threaten his license are good things :laugh:
BTW I've been riding for 31 years and currently have an 05 V-Strom 650. I'm learning to do more maintenance on our bikes as time goes by. I appreciate any advice/info given.
1. Sounds like poor mechanic. Maybe tried adjusting the chain without loosening the axle nut.
2. Don't know, haven't replaced mine. Anything name brand will be fine. You're correct, that's not an original. I'm pretty sure mine is original and it has 14,000 miles so far.
3. BT45 is excellent. If you want even better, Pirelli Sport Demon is held in very high regard. I've been using ContiGo! and they're certainly better than I am. They saved me from a deer this morning.
4. Yeah, just replace the bulb. Couple bucks at local auto parts store.
5. Look at the rear shock from the left hand side of the bike. One of the slots you look through will have an indicator thing behind it. No toolkit? It's not under the seat? How can someone lose that? Previous owner isn't winning any points here.
6. None.
7. Don't know, mine is stock E model.
Lastly, it's not his license he should worry about.
If you want to give your son an even better gift than the bike, make him do the maintenance and help him out with it. He might like it. (Assuming you're not already.)
1. Could have been bone-headedness trying to adjust the chain tension without loosening the axle nut. Or not enough torque on the axle nut. Or abuse trying to wheelie.
(Rear Axle Nut (self locking) -- 60-96 Nm -- 44-70 ft-lbs
Rear Axle Nut (cotter pin) -- 50-80 Nm -- 36-59 ft-lbs)
2. O-ring chain. EK, RK, DID, etc.
3. Sport Demon is popular, as is the Roadrider. I have ridden with Metzeler M1 and M3 (I have a wider rear wheel), very nice but will only get you about 3000 miles. Search for "tires" by gsjack.
4. Probably just a blown indicator bulb, but could be another issue if it has had LED turnsignals installed.
5. Don't know, someone with stock shock can probably get a pic or describe it to you.
6. No benefit using premium gas. The engine is low compression and ignition timing is somewhat late anyway.
7. Don't know, mine's naked!
7. I've got flush mounts from a GSXR600 I bought off ebay.
The indicator lights are always hard to see in bright sun. The turn light is especially hard to see since it is wired in a strange way through both turn signals, which I believe drops its voltage a little making it always dimmer than the others. You might do what I did: put 2 high intensity LEDs inside the front cowling in the black plastic. You can see pictures elsewhere ("What did you do for your bike..." as well as recent member bike photos).
I like having separate indicators for left & right plus I can see them in bright sun and with my peripheral vision. My key fob was always covering the indicator lights and they are so low, to see them you really have to take your eyes off of the road.
Just connect the LEDs in parallel with the wires for the front turn signals. LEDs draw so little current they have no effect on anything. You can buy 12v LEDs at FRYs and other places in assorted colors. Mine just snapped into a 9/16" hole. Its really easy to add LEDs and I think more work to take the assembly apart to replace the standard bulb. If you do replace the bulbs, use LEDs. There are direct replacements for the bulbs.
Quote from: thecdn on August 08, 2010, 01:51:47 PM
Well, technically I'm the dad of the new owner as we got my son an 05 GS500F with about 9600 miles on it two weeks ago. But I tent to do most of the maintenance on the bikes.
1. The chain adjustment plate on the left side of the swingarm is bent in somewhat. I've never seen this on a bike before. Is it something that happens with this model or did we just inherit the results of a home mechanic worse than me? I've got a new one on order but it also looks like the chain will need replacing as I adjusted it two days ago and this morning it was already too loose. Which leads to question two.
Chain should never get out of adjustment with proper tightening and lubrication under 1000 miles!
2. What is a decent quality replacement chain for these bikes? The chain on it now has a clip so it doesn't seem to be the original from what I've read. Which would mean it's gone through 2 chains in 10,000 miles. Poor maintenance/over tightening from the previous owners or do these things eat chains?
Any Quality chain with proper lubrucation will be sufficient. Have over 10,000 miles on original but then I am anal about taking care of my babies.
3. What is a sportier tire for these than the BT45? My son rode an R6 for a year and a half and he finds these tires aren't that sticky. He's used to BT-016, Pilot Powers and Roads. I see the Pilot Activ comes in the right size, are they a bit sticker? The previous owner had both BT45s at 30lbs. Normally I would have put them up to about 35-36 for greater longevity but didn't want to make them any less sticker than he already found them.
The original tire that comes on the GS500E and GS500F is crap! Metzler tires have done me right since replacing the OEM.
4. The signal indicator light on the panel doesn't work. Should it just be a matter of replacing a bulb? There doesn't seem to be any other electrical issues. No manual came with the bike.
Um yes transfer the bulb first and then go from there. These bikes are like "Ol Yellers", unless you mess with them they are rock solid. If you have issue from there...contact me.
5. How can I tell what the rear shock is set at? I can see the number 4 5 6 on the bottom of it - I still have to clean off some more corrosion on it. No tool kit came with it so there is no spanner to adjust it.
There is a stock tool that is under your seat. If that is not present a typical snap ring tool will work. And there is a mark next to the ridge that will show you what height you are at. Correct me if I am wrong guys, the higher the number the higher the bike is.
6. Is there any benefit at all from putting premium gas in this? That is what he put in his R6 and he seems to think it would be better but I'm of the opinion if it doesn't call for premium don't bother.
I got my first GS500E in 1991 and it was a show room left over from 1990 and I have never ran anything but "regular" gas in it. On that note I have always put "Stabil" in it over the winter months and have no problems.
7. Is there any particular brand of front flush mounts that are commonly used? He put the ones from his R6 on the back of this and is looking for front ones. I don't care about such things but he does.....
As long as you match the wiring IE. 2 to 3 wire, 3 to 2 wire it really don't matter.
So far it seems like a nice little bike. It's obviously slower and less powerful than he's used to but he does acknowledge the fuel economy and lack of ability to do things to threaten his license are good things :laugh:
I average 62 miles per gallon. I ride hard some times, I ride in traffic some times...One chink in the armor..don't let it overheat. I did that to my 1990 and the carbs loaded up and I had to rebuild them. Don't ask me why. My GS 500F no worries but the "E" model will over heat.
BTW I've been riding for 31 years and currently have an 05 V-Strom 650. I'm learning to do more maintenance on our bikes as time goes by. I appreciate any advice/info given.
The GS500 Series takes almost no maintence. Keep new plugs,oil, Stabil when not in use. and I have had my GS500E for 20 years.
Does anyone have a picture of the collar on the rear shock showing the setting its on? I am also not sure how to tell although im replacing with an SV shock soon anyway :D
Quote from: Twism86 on August 09, 2010, 08:29:01 AM
Does anyone have a picture of the collar on the rear shock showing the setting its on?
That would be useful to me as well.
Thanks for all the input guys. I ordered a new did chain last night and hopefully the new pieces will be here by Friday when I have the day off. The boy started a new job working 2-10pm so it's hard to match up our schedules now for me to check out the bike. The front tire is starting to show signs of wear so I'll be looking into those Sport Demons and Pilot Activs soon.