It is cold, snowy and I miss riding my bike. Toronto just had the bike show this past weekend and filled my head with all sorts of ideas for my bike. I've done some searching on the site already and have some threads saved, but more help is always better.
I have 2 yrs under my belt and love working on the bike, but will be the first to admit my skills aren't advanced, but I do enjoy learning.
I have done a fair bit of custom work to the bike and will post pics soon (I have a nice 2002 GS 500e street fighter look going).
My list for winter chores is as followed (any comments, referrals to other feeds or websites would be greatly appreciated):
*I am a fresh out of university poor student trying to balance a bike addiction. I want it to look nice, but I'm not exactly rich
-Pin striping the tank (anyone try the vinyls with a clear coat or I have a friend with an airbrush machine)
-K&N air filter (should I look to go for just the airfilter or a lunch box set up -I still need to research my options a bit more and would love people thoughts)
-need to change the lights in my instrument gauge, prolly put some LEDs in there (I burnt mine when I put on a new front end to the bike)
-integrated tail light
-Considering painting my exhaust or maybe a slip on muffler (if I find a good price)
Also, just for fun and to learn a little more about my bike a really want to take apart my carbs and give them a good cleaning.
Thanks :cheers:
For pin striping, either way can work. Go to eastwood.com for all the stuff, DVD's and instructions on how to do it. They're experts at restoration and pimping your ride.
Clear alternatives is OK for a tail light. I have one (in my unneeded parts drawer now) and replaced it with one from http://stores.ebay.com/lights4all
I like their products because it is a complete tail light - everything - just bolt in and plug in. ClearAlternatives is just a board and a clear lens. Be aware you might not be legal if you put on the integrated tail and remove the factory turn signals. USA DOT requires turn signals be separated by at least 9 inches. You should check Canadian laws.
K&N air filter is just a drop-it-in job.
Replacing muffler may or may not require re-jetting. My 92 is a Canadian bike and hence was jetted different than a USA model. Dealer did not need to rejet when I had him tune up and do a full maintenance after I changed the muffler (to V&H) and air filter (to K&N).
Eastwood also has any paint you would need for the exhaust and pipes.
You can get Sito mufflers for a good price as they are discontinuing them. I got one and they're nice looking. I put on the V&H so the Sito is on the unused/unneeded parts shelf. Someone else might know how they sound. I never put it on so I don't know how loud it is. Here is an ebay listing for one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sito-Replacement-Muffler-Suzuki-GS500E-89-03-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem483e0c93c5QQitemZ310278656965QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
ive got a long list of stuff to do as well
new rear light and indicators
new seat
tidy up some wiring
repaint tank
cut the exhaust off, stick a backpressure baffle up the pipe
clean the carbs, maybe a new float valve
remount handlebars
check valves
maybe put new front springs if i have money
new spark plugs