I'm heading to my first track day this march and I'm using it as an excuse to get the things for my bike I've been dreaming about.
I've already got my Katana 600 rear shock and I have my front springs picked out (.85).
Braided brake lines next.
Only thing thats really bugging me right now is how high the handlebars are. I'd really like something more aggressive, and I base this off of riding my friend's '07 ZX6R. The handlebars on that are very aggressive which I like but I dont know that I can pull off that kind of angle without clearance issues.
What is everybody using?
Lots of threads about this. First, GS500E, or GS500F? The F Models have clearance issues with the fairings, which limits your options.
On the E, you can use the 1989 handlebars, install clip-ons above the triple, remove the headlight (or replace the mount) and install clip-ons below the tripple, install clubman bars, or install any number of after-market handlebars.
With F Model bikes, 1989 model year bars are the best bet.
Sorry, its for an F model. I do like the looks of the clip-ons. Seem very straight forward on the install.
Is there any adjustability on the angle with the clip-ons?
With the 1989 "clip ons" or with proper, over the tripple clip-ons? With the 89s, there's no adjustability. With proper clip-ons, you usually can adjust the sweep, and a few manufacturers sell clip-ons that also allow you to adjust the angle (up or down.) However, you have to check that they will clear your fairings - there's a good chance that they wont. Remember that most clip-ons are angled down 10-15 degrees.
I'm not a GS500F person, so my answers are based on what I've learned from other people on the board. You should probably search the general forum, or post there. It tends to get more attention than the racing forum.
From what I've seen, most of the people with GS500Fs end up with the 89 clip-ons.
Racing forum tends to be the guys who want to make major mods to their bike, or ask racing questions. We don't usually keep our bikes street legal, and rarely run GS500Fs, so we have a lot more flexibility with what we build.
Edit: not to say that we're not happy to answer questions... We just aren't so good with street legal mods. :)
Thanks for the info. I bought my bike to have fun with it but it will be streeted on a regular basis. It did seem to me that the clip-ons were the way to go.
Are the fairings useful on the track? I have to tape or remove my turnsignals, headlight, brake light. And completely remove the mirrors. Seems like removing the front fairing completely would take care of that. It's gotta increase wind buffeting a lot though. I hadn't really decided which way to go yet.
Clubmans are great handlebars for dickin around town or racing. If you dont get risers they'll pull you really close down to the tank. Great look though.
I have Suburban Machinery Type 2 SV650 bars on mine.. apparently they fit the F model too. I really like them, they offer a much more aggressive riding position