So, I finally had a "real" crash on my bike :( [2006 gs500f]
single vehicle round a curve. slide on left side.
Damages:
left frame slider, AND supporting metal thingie, gone
left lower fairing toast
left footpeg: frame support bent, footpeg without pin
left rear plastic (around the seat) toast.
left mirror, toast. (but at least the mounting is still there)
I would appreciate advice on a few things:
first of course, where's a good place to get cheap replacements.
secondly, I'm considering whether I should replace my stock footpegs, with non-fold-up variety.
(and if so, with what?)
I'm feeling rather disappointed by them. Seems to me like the left footpeg basically "failed", and because of which, allowed for more damage to my bike. Is this basically true; that the stock foldies, are less robust than [insert type here] ?
What would folks recommend?
Just commented on your other thread, didn't know it was an '06. I'd still check the dates on your tires, if they are original they may have gotten hard or dry rotted by now.
As for parts, check the for sale section on this forum. If you don't see what you need, put up a "wanted" post. And you can always check ebay. It would help if you posted a pic of the damage.
Motorcycle footpegs are supposed to fold up. If you lean too far in a turn, the foot peg is designed to lift up instead of digging in to the pavement. That's not something I'd recommend changing. Some people do put on generic GSXR aluminum foot pegs (I think they are passenger pegs on the GSXR) for aesthetics. I believe there is a write up on it on the wiki page. The down side to swapping is vibrations. The rubber on the stock GS pegs help keep some of the engine vibrations off you feet.
Another option you have is converting your bike to a naked version or going the streetfighter route. Good luck and be safe whichever way you go :thumb:
-Jessie
Nuts. I had hoped more "fixed" footpegs would somehow cut down on vibration. They get quite buzzy at hwy speeds as-is
(70mph)
I'm pretty sure it was my technique, not the tires, but thanks for the info on the ages :)
You make it sound like "naked bike" is different from "street figher". I thought they were basically the same thing
By naked bike I meant turn it into a '01-02 GS500 USA version with the stock round headlight. The headlight set up should be the same from '89-02 with just the bucket and trim rings changing colors. Not sure if the wiring harness connector is the same. Streetfighter to me means modifying your stock parts (like making brackets to hold the "F" headlight without the fairing) or using parts from other bikes or the aftermarket.
-Jessie
'01 GS
(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/01GSb.jpg)
Can I make it a 'Half fairing" like the SV650? Just remove the lowers?
By the looks of it it seems doable, but before I start ripping off parts, I'm wondering if I'm missing something.
You don't have to rip anything. You can take off the lower fairing and put it back. Easy removal. Has to be done for maintenance so pretty simple job. If you don't like it off, put it back. There are people selling off their fairings so get replacements if you want.
Pegs: those snickers bars are best for highway riding. All metal pegs will have more vibration (ask how I know: stock snickers on Suzi, metal swing up Raask on Trey and fixed metal Gimbel in Junior).
If vibration is a problem - try to find out why your bike vibrates so much. Suzi is smooth as silk on the highway. Maybe carbs need balancing. If one cylinder is firing harder than the other, you could get vibration.
Comparing my bikes, Suzi is best for highway riding. The full fairing really smooths out the wind for a better ride.
Shoes make a difference.