Hey all on GS500.com
I am a rider of 10 yrs cut my teeth on a Honda rebel 250, and my mom's shadow 600.
I have been enjoying the wealth of info on this site and the very knowlegeable individuals
who contribute I will post up some pictures as soon as I can (need to take some more)
and the progress I am making thus far to get it where for now I want it. . . .
Around the middle of last month I became the proud new owner of an 89'
GS500 as I have been in the market for a new bike since last fall. Initially I was hunting
for an older kz650 or ninja 650, somthing a bit more sporty I never found one in my price
range, fast forward to last month as I passed by the local used cycle dealer I spot what
at first I had thought wasan early 90's model ninja ex500 (more on this in a bit)
bright tomato red (not to keen on the paint with white wheels and on a whim decided to
pull in to check it out. It had been part of an auction lot with 2 other bikes and he just
wanted to get this one out the door to fund a ninja rebuild. After looking the bike over
and reading the info tag found it to be a GS, it ran pretty good had an after market slip
on, not sure the brand, and was in my price range at a lovely $600 with (according to the
title) 36,000 miles and the dealer adjusted the carbs and changed the oil as part of the deal.
I took delivery a week later and enjoyed it for a while on the nicer days.
After riding around town for a while I noticed a bog and decided to have Larry the
owner and head mechanic at the dealer take a look what he found was that the bike had
bad intake boots, as well as after some cooperative research an ex250 upper fairng,
headlight and gauge cluster had been poorly grafted on. So began my tear down and hunt
the proper parts to make right what had been sodomized by the former owner. Aluminum
strips hose clamps and part of the ex250 bracketry had been used, an after market tail
light was fitted and not well and it had no signals. As of now I have gauges a new speedo cable
intake boots and soon stock headlight brackets on the way and a new head light bought. This
should prove a fun and intresting side project to my rx7 and just as fun to ride.
Again pics will come pretty soon and thanks for all the great info.
EDIT SEE PICS BELOW :)
Welcome.
Pics of the bike please.
Michael
Here are the pics from the day I payed for her note the fairing
side shot
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00380.jpg)
front
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00381.jpg)
more to come after work tomorrow. . . .
Welcome to the site. That's pretty crazy about the fairing. Good luck with the rebuild.
Thank you, and it's going pretty well so far, bit more than I expected at first but,
nothing I can't take care of just gotta grab head light brackets and and some barend
mirrors and I'm golden. I think the part that hit me hardest aside from the "brackets"
on the fairing(if you can even call them that) that I forgot to mention was the way
the gauges :technical:, half GS(tach), half ninja(speedo), and all wrong. The speedo
was 15mph off and the gs tach was tossed in the tach housing of the ninja and got
stuck at 8k. I'll get picks of the "brackets" as I was horiffied as fairing was already a saftey
hazard above 45mph or so and caused the bike to lift and shake. I was amazed I made it
home on the highway. The lucky thing is the wiring, aside from the tail-light wiring, it's all
stock and unmolested so all the stock stuff is mostly plug and play aside from mounting it on.
Already got some aftemarket signals and a headlight (not stock but off an 86' GS550) just
waiting for the rest to arrive and despite the odd things done and minor maintainance needed
(hey it's a 21yr old bike it's expected)I love the way it rides and handles, great acceleration
and sticks like glue. I read in a thread that these are a well kept secrect and largely over looked
by the bike riding public and thats a shame cause I love the little GS and folks are missing out on
a great bike :laugh:.
edit: ment to mention I need an ignition switch key/switch as the previous owner lost the key and
forced the switch to make it run, I have it on a toggle atm with a HEAVY U-lock and cable to scure
it and pull the main fuse when I leave it. Also need a fuel shutoff or petcock.
That's a shame about all the hacked up stuff. Almost looks half decent from the side, though even if it was fitted properly I never cared for the square headlights. I'm wondering about that exhaust aswell..can't place it, any markings?
No clue on the pipe honestly because it was painted over, but the I just got some parts in (intake
boots and o-rings aswell as the brake master cylinder elbow) so it's all coming together slowly. The
bike itself is in tacked aside from the missing gauges signals and head light and brackets, all that has
been easy to get back. The hack job was luckily contained to the faring and it's hardware so it's not to
bad. I'll post picks tomorrow as I ran out of daylight.
As promised here are pics of the brackets used to sorta mount the fairing the pics say it all.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00392.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00394.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00393.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00395.jpg)
Aside from this I got the new intake boots installed but still having idle issues work on that later.
Waiting on gauges and speedo cable and purchasing headlight mount brackets.
Seems there are lots of little things you need. Even a front fender if you want to be GS500 (your fender is not a GS500).
I do have in a place I can get at it and have someone put in the car to ship - a slip on exhaust. One of these I got for $89
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SITO-SLIP-ON-EXHAUST-89-03-SUZUKI-GS500E-FREE-SHIPPING-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b6025031QQitemZ170557329457QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
If you make a list of things you need are aren't in a great hurry, I should be more mobile next week and able to find parts. I do have lots left over from my make over of Junior. Suggest you buy a new tail fender (cut it off a little of you want) then you can mount turn signals and reflectors the proper way. I have a stock rear tail light. Extra headlight. Tail plastics in assorted colors and styles. No turn signals. Nearly new factory chain, sprockets, rear reflectors, etc. I think my extra rear fenders got tossed in recycling cause no one wanted them and they were taking up too much space (they're like $20 on ebay and sometimes include reflectors and turn signals)
Make a list. Lots of us have extra stuff taking up space.
(Life sucks when on crutches :dunno_white: )
Welcome and congrats. That's quite the Franken GS you've described! But exciting, too! Glad you're keeping such a great positive attitude about the whole rebuild. Keep it up!
If you haven't already figured out, adidasguy is a great resource of crazy aftermarket and OEM GS parts on this site. I've worked with him as both a buyer and a seller. Upstanding in both cases. :thumb:
Unfortunately, I already sold the petcock, but I have some hardware, reflector bits, and a spanking new black front fender. But it's unlikely you'll want that - I'm asking 1/6th of what you paid for the whole bike! :icon_lol:
Definitely make a list of stuff you need and put it as WTB!
Again, welcome! :cheers:
It truly was a franken bike and deffinately not in the good way. Thanks to everyone for
the support and I have ALMOST all I need to get it back on the road, last thing is head
light mounting ears/brackets. After the fact I need new side plastics, front fender, STOCK
taillight, and a few other bits here and there. I appriciate the offers for parts good to see
such a great community effort to help a fellow rider get back on the road makes me feel
great about the whole thing.:) Being optimistic about it isn't hard my other project is
a 1983 mazda rx7 and that has been up hill all the way. Adidasguy I appriciate the offer for
parts help and will be taking you up on that offer do you have a set of headlight mounting
ears and if so how much seems fair for them?
A part list is in the making lol soon very soon. . .
Yes - a list of what you need.
Have front fenders - great shape and you can paint to match your bike. Also have the extra mud flap on the back of the front fender.
Fuel: I thought there was a petcock which is in the tank and a separate fuel valve. Whatever we want to call them, I do have both.
I do have the triangle ears. I don't think I have the part that mounts on the fork tubes. Lets get a complete list. Lots of these small parts came in a couple box-o-bolts that had all kinds of small stuff from bike breakers. I'd rather get all you need then give a good price for the lot. Same for tail plastics. Point me to pictures of what you want and I'll see if I have them. If you want painters that have all the tabs and you'll sand & paint, that's no problem. Some of them:
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/GS500/DSC00514.jpg)
I should be getting around better in another week. After all, it is a broken tendon, not a broken bone. Some things I can get at easily, like fuel stuff and bolts & nuts. Bigger stuff is piled next to bikes in garage and not much room to navigate on crutches.
I have the tank mounted petcock but not the frame one, fender I can do without for a while but, want it
before to long, like I said first part I need is those headlight mounts. Guy on e-bay I got gauges from wants
$43.74 shipped here's the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380228553984&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
The list so far after that is:
*frame petcock (a non vacum if avalible
*a front fender
*side plastics
*stock rear tail light
I'll add more as I work more on it but these are of definate importance and priority after mechanicals.
Again I appriciate the support it is nice.
As far as I know there were no stock non-vacuum petcocks. If you want non-vacuum look into the Pingle conversion.
Being on crutches is a pain. But I'm so bored with not riding I went to the garage and did some looking around.
Fuel valve (n/c as needs to be cleaned).
Headlight brackets. What you need? Look grungy, but is just a clear coating that's dinged up. Will clean up really nice.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Assorted/DSC00841a.jpg)
Have it but still looking for tail light. It might be at the office as I think that's where I changed it with the European LED tail light and smoke turn signals at the same time. I know its somewhere.
Have black fender. Will include the rubber splash guard as 89's had it. One has a slight melt spot on the back I can let go cheap. Hardly noticeable (especially since on the bottom back part) and if you paint it, you can smooth it over (about the size of a quarter) or one without the blemish for a little more. Will include a fork brace if you want so you have the right one.
Let me know what you want for tail plastics - good ones ready to go or painters.
Then we'll figure a price. Others will tell you I'm very reasonable on prices.
That is EXACTLY the ones I need to finish up my fairing removal and fuel system.
Right now those 2 items pictured are what I need MOST the rest will be over time
(couple monts or so), both look good to me, heck I'll clean and paint um lol. How
much for the petcock and brackets is fair to you flebay was gunna run $50-75
shipped for just the brackets. I can't thank you enough for all the help.
Now for a question I installed new intake boots and STILL have problems with the carbs,
when I first got the bike it wouldn't hold revs at idle unless choked OR warmed up then
wouldn't accelerate unless pushed to 4k, now with new boots I get. . .THE SAME ISSUE!
What may this be bike mechanic I talked to said spray the boots with carb cleaner to help
them seal/seat and clean/change plugs. What do you guys think ??
On a more positve note I picked up a nice anmost new Icon riding jacket with liner and pads
for $80 will post pics later as well as progress pics.
PM me your address and I'll PM back my paypal.
I can ship them out Monday. Is $15 OK?
The fuel valve will need cleaning. I see some gunk in the vacuum input. Therefore I can't really guarantee the valve will work perfectly. I think the diaphram in it is easy to replace if necessary. Maybe just soaking and rinsing will do OK for cleaning it.
The vacuum is the fuel OFF control. The vacuum from the carbs opens up the fuel. You have run and reserve positions. The PRIME position lets fuel go without the vacuum - as when needing to fill the carbs if they are empty after working on them. I will see if I have a cleaner one and throw that in. I have a couple for the 2002-+ GS500F's but they have different hose diameters and won't properly mount on an 89.
If someone knows if you could use the newer fuel valve - please sound off - and I'll include one.
Pm sent sounds more than fair to me and I am fine with rebuilding/cleaning the petcock if
need be.Thank you for the info on the petcock aswell, and sir you just made my weekend
thank you very much.
After may afternoons and much effort it's starting to run and look like it's suposed to
here is a pic and a couple of my new jacket:
bike
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00396.jpg)
jacket I got for $80
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00398.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00397.jpg)
Bike is looking good!
Did you get the jacket on ebay? Should work well! I'm due for a new one this spring as well and I've just been keeping an eye out on ebay.
Thanks and a local used lot where my dad picked up a 68 El Camino
took a 2006 GS500F as trade(found it well after I got my mess lol)
with that jacket and helmet, jacket didn't match the bike, bike is black
and silver, so the sold it separate. It has a winter liner and shoulder,
elbow/forearm, and back pads, nice thick leather and venting for summer,
it's a nice warm jacket winter jacket and a nice cool summer jacket and in
the event I eat asphalt, it should provide adequate upper body protection.
That fender looks an awful lot like a pre Kat one shoehorned into GS forks.
It honestly wouldn't surprise me seeing as the kawasaki mishmash franken
hack job it started as but, I love this bike like I love my 7 so it will be road-
worthy by spring if not back to stock and ready for paint.
If you decide you don't want a stock fender, I do have a fender eliminator with a stainless steel bracket for license plate and turn signals for a GS500. I also have a combo chain guard/rear wheel hugger. Those two would make for a real nice rear if you don't want to go stock on the rear fender.
I thought of using them but decided Junior should have a stock fender, stainless steel chain guard and Airbrush's rear hugger.
Got my gauges today early so was only able to see ig they functioned and horray they do.
here's a pic:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00399.jpg)
@adidasguy: if you may have a pic later on that sounds right up my alley.
She's coming back together. . .
Quote from: adidasguy on January 14, 2011, 06:03:02 PM
Have black fender. Will include the rubber splash guard as 89's had it.
I would like to get my hands on one of those splash guards. Is there somewhere a person can buy one? (94 GS500E)
...ken...
Quote from: Ken in Regina on January 20, 2011, 09:22:55 PM
I would like to get my hands on one of those splash guards. Is there somewhere a person can buy one? (94 GS500E)
...ken...
You mean one of these?
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Assorted/IMGP0927a.jpg)
I see you're in Canada - eh? Not sure aboooot postage, but that would probably be abooooot $10 so assuming that, $20 US mailed with tracking? PM me if OK. I'll include 2 screws and nuts for it if you want.
Saw a new one in the UK on ebay for $27+p&h. One guy in Vancouver WA has a fender with the flap for $20+20P&H to USA (don't know Canadian postage rate).
They are pretty rare.
If you have a Suzuki dealer near you, they might be able to order one if still available. $20 new in the US: MUD FLAP, FRONT FENDER part #53311-01D01
http://www.aurora-suzuki.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=92756&category=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=1989&fveh=2103
Thanks for the part number. I checked with the local dealer and he has a current listing. It's backordered. If it doesn't come in in a reasonable time I'll take you up on the offer.
...ken...
Got the gauges installed now were just waiting on ups to deliver those
brackets bloody ups lol anyway heres a pic:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00403.jpg)
more when the ups guy comes. . .
Quote from: pk500 on January 21, 2011, 12:19:15 PM
Got the gauges installed now were just waiting on ups to deliver those
brackets bloody ups lol anyway heres a pic:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00403.jpg)
more when the ups guy comes. . .
Don't forget the mirrors!
UPS delivered - left at your front door.
And don't forget a clutch lever.
Got the box a few hours ago and put on the head light and will be set in gup the petcock soon.
my clutch lever BROKE off so it will be replaced asap. Any way MORE PICS :woohoo:.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00405.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00404.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00406.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00407.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/wileykyle8096/IMG00408.jpg)
Looking good. Glad I was able to help with some parts.
Keep a list of parts you need posted.
I'm off crutches now - able to gimp around with the plastic boot on. Was in the garage looking at sets if tails for a guy in Brazil.
I can look for things you need.
Looking great all ready. Makes you really wonder why someone would go through all the trouble with that other stuff in the first place.
The thing about it is was all that stuff was damaged to begin with held together with
strips of sheet metal and pop rivets :dunno_black:. The brackets (and I use that term
loosely) were nothing but hacked up ninja stuff, screws, hose clamps and strips of bent
aluminium and it really looked bad up close. Unfortunately the side covers suffered a similar
treatment but, atm I'd rather get it running smooth than looking super smooth.I reall like
this look better and after getting it smoothed (running wise) out and getting the plastics
replaced it MIGHT get a cafe fairing just to cover the wires and gauge backs. Next item is
plugs and a clutch handle, mine broke at the perch. It's all comin together albeit a bit slow
she'll be ready for this summer.