Hi all! I've been lurking for a bit, but this is my first post. I bought a 2004 GS500 as my first bike a few months ago, and though it's been great for the most part, I somehow managed to break off the choke lever on the left handlebar. The choke still works (I just use whatever is handy to pry what's left of the lever up when I start it in the morning), but I want to get it fixed before winter rolls around and I really need it. Is there a way to replace the lever, or do I need a whole new grip assembly?
You can't buy just the lever from a dealer. However it is a separate piece of plastic available on flea-bay or with a control set. The plastic changed (from a whole ring to a crescent) , so be sure you get the right one for your bike.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-SUZUKI-GS500-LEFT-HAND-CONTROL-SWITCH-CHOKE-LEVER-/330603984047?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4cf98874af
Interesting, price varies from $15-$30 but one person has the whole left set WITH choke lever with bidding starting at $10. Go figure.
Open up the controls and you'll see the choke lever is just a separate little plastic thing. Do be sure you get the correct one or buy a whole left control set if you can get one for less than the cost of that little plastic thing. I have one of each in the bins but haven't checked to see if they are interchangeable. I'll have to try that - it would be good to know. They may have changed it just to make it possible to remove it without taking off the bars & grips.
Thank you! I'll try to pull it apart next time I have a day off and see which one I have and get it ordered. Sounds like a pretty simple job, and that makes me happy :D
Having just replaced my bars I can confirm that its easy to remove/replace the choke lever.
good find on ebay adidas!!
if that one gets bid up too high i'd let mine go from the parts bike for cheap. let me know if yer interested!