I'm converting my GS500 to a naked and today I finally found some GS500E headlight brackets. I just finished putting them on and test-fitting the headlight, and it looks fantastic. I'm not sure about the cabling though. From what I can tell the brake and/or clutch cables will rub on the sharpish inside of the headlight bracket. (Not the 'ears', the black part that slips over the fork and supports the indicators.) Do you have to rearrange the cables or protect them in any way? I've read a whole bunch of naked conversion posts and articles, but I haven't found anything about it.
Also, removing the upper mudguard (the asymmetric one attached to the lower triple-clamp on the faired models) has exposed the inside of what I think is the steering head bearing. Does this need to be covered in some way or is it fine exposed to the elements? If someone with a GS500E could tell me whether theirs is exposed normally that would be great.
Thanks heaps in advance,
Angus
Cables on my E just went around the front of the forks and through the frame. I've had the same thought you did about the sharp edge but they were fine. As long as they're not pulling tight against it when you turn the bars you should be ok. If not you can always just run the cables behind the forks and straight through the frame. There will be a little extra slack that way but it won't hurt anything.
Bottom of my steering stem is exposed as it is on most bikes. I wouldn't worry about it. If it bugs you I'd go to home depot and pick up a little plastic plug in the hardware drawers, but sealing that up sounds to me like it would have more potential for corrosion than just leaving it open where it can dry.
Angus:
The steering stem is hallow. The bearings sit between the stem and the head of the frame. This is normal.