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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Frost on December 22, 2003, 02:43:29 PM

Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 22, 2003, 02:43:29 PM
Are there any mods i can do to get a more aggresive riding position?

Also, are there any efficient mods to get better performance?
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 22, 2003, 02:46:39 PM
well...basically i just want to do some mods to get better perfomance...
any ideas?...
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Lerxst on December 22, 2003, 03:08:58 PM
What kind of performance?

More HP - Jetting, Exhaust, Porting, valves, etc...
Acceleration - HP, 15-tooth sprocket, etc...
Braking - aftermarket pads, steel-braided brake lines, new tires, etc...
Handling - progressive springs, gixxer rear shock, new tires, etc...

Start by looking in the modifications link of gstwin.com, do some thread searches, you'll find a whack of stuff.  Pantablo's got a great site too.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Adam R on December 22, 2003, 05:09:49 PM
Swap your stock handlebars for some lower bars and change the front suspension fork springs.  If you do that and upgrade to decent tires, maybe like BT-45s, I think you'll find the GS a lot sportier.  

You could also raise the rear a little by fitting a 1991-1995 GSXR rear shock.


Adam
Title: Riding Position
Post by: alerbaugh on December 22, 2003, 09:24:54 PM
for a totally leaned over riding position, when there's not alot of traffic I'll put my passenger pegs down and put my feet on them.  Slide all the way back on the driver seat. and put my head just under the slipstream.  I don't know jack for performance.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: pantablo on December 22, 2003, 11:11:59 PM
Quote from: Adam RSwap your stock handlebars for some lower bars and change the front suspension fork springs.  If you do that and upgrade to decent tires, maybe like BT-45s, I think you'll find the GS a lot sportier.  

You could also raise the rear a little by fitting a 1991-1995 GSXR rear shock.


Adam

This is the best advice that addresses the first question. Your bar choices are a)drag bars, many complain about wrist position but many more arent bothered, b) suburban-machinery.com handlebars (see my page), they're quite good and mimick clip-on position getting more weight over the front wheel helping handling, c) buy srinath's s-m knock offs for same result but lower build quality/finish at substantially reduced price, d) install clip-on handlebars, very involved actually...

Progressive suspension fork springs are a must on the gs, as are better than stock tires. Do these things and the bike will be completely transformed for the better. Raising rear ride height does same as handlebar switch but dont do the rear shock until you've done the forks and tires.
Title: Re: Riding Position
Post by: chimivee on December 23, 2003, 02:12:10 AM
Quote from: FrostAre there any mods i can do to get a more aggresive riding position?

To go w/ the handlebar swap, consider installing rearsets. Especially w/ the more forward position of the lower bars (SM), I found myself wanting the pegs a bit further up/back.  There are aftermarket ones made for the GS (kinda pricey) or you can modify a set off another bike (cheaper, but requires some rigging).  Not sure which ones are "compatible," but I managed to make cbr600 rearsets work.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 23, 2003, 04:49:26 AM
WOW...you guys are great...just what i'm looking for...Thanks a lot

any idea how much Progressive Springs, and handle bars will cost?
Title: Riding Position
Post by: scratch on December 23, 2003, 08:34:38 AM
I've heard that Woodcraft makes a good pair of rearsets for the GS or the CBR rearsets may work.
Title: Hey who you calling lower quality...
Post by: The Buddha on December 23, 2003, 08:47:23 AM
Hey who you calling lower quality.....
Not lower nothing... S-M uses stainless steel, which costs more for material, and more to weld, and their markup is like 100% cos they make large quantities and stock them, and cos SV guys will pay more for a part that is prettier to look right on their pretty bike...
The bars I make are steel, 3/16 wall... that is thick - twice as thick as stock atleast, and welded up for strength... It is strong, weighs as much as a stock bar with the weights and made to fit and feel right on a GS. Its got cheap ass black paint... to keep it from rusting in shipment... and its the only cheap aspect of it. oh yea... My markup was nearly 0 for the first lot, the second lot may be ~3 bucks. I can make them in stainless if enough people (8-10) wanted it for ~$80-90.
Btw They are lower than stock, they are lower than the 89's even, they are a bit wider than the 89 but nowhere near as wide as the stock 90+.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: rideLIKEjehu on December 23, 2003, 09:47:56 AM
Quote from: scratchI've heard that Woodcraft makes a good pair of rearsets for the GS or the CBR rearsets may work.

what is a 'rearset'?
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Adam R on December 23, 2003, 10:13:54 AM
A "rearset" is the name given to a bikes peg and pedal set-up (i.e. left peg and shifter along with right peg and brake lever).  Aftermarket rearsets, as James says, usually raise and move back the set-up.  Sometimes the shifter needs to be extended or swapped in order for your foot to reach it with the new set-up.  I have seen James set-up and must say it looks really good.


Adam
Title: Riding Position
Post by: dgyver on December 23, 2003, 10:44:14 AM
I have Woodcraft rearset (thanks to JamesG  ;) ) and have switched it to GP shift but could easily run it standard.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: TheGoodGuy on December 23, 2003, 01:11:39 PM
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Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 23, 2003, 02:46:27 PM
lower handle bars and rear sets plus progressive springs...
how will this affect the performance?...in a good way or bad...
will it be too stiff in a tight turn?
Title: Riding Position
Post by: chimivee on December 23, 2003, 03:29:45 PM
Quote from: Frostlower handle bars and rear sets plus progressive springs...
how will this affect the performance?...in a good way or bad...
will it be too stiff in a tight turn?

The springs tighten up the front end, making far less nose-dive under braking and a more consistent and controlled feel overall.  The progressives seem to do a decent job of stiffening up the front w/ out becoming becoming overly harsh on the street.

Lower bars may not necessarily improve performance directly, but they definitely provide a more "direct" feel when it comes to handling.  Probably a slight aero advantage too since your hunched over more.

Rearsets should give you more cornering clearance and make it a little easier to move around on the bike.  But the lower bars/rearsets also tend to be less comfortable for cruising.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 23, 2003, 03:44:47 PM
so that means there isn't really any disadvantage to those mods i listed except for maybe comfort when crusing...

thx a lot ppl...
Title: Riding Position
Post by: chimivee on December 23, 2003, 04:11:13 PM
Quote from: Frostso that means there isn't really any disadvantage to those mods i listed except for maybe comfort when crusing....

Yeah, I'd say so.  Actually, the springs probably improve comfort as well, since they just make the bike generally nicer to ride - shocks don't bottom out over big dips, less drama under hard braking.

My rearsets put my pegs up about 3/4" and back about 1" over stock and have no problem w/ comfort - I actually prefer this position, even for cruising, but I'm a small guy, so being cramped isn't an issue.  Maybe with stock bars, I'd prefer stock pegs.

As for, lower bars, they'll definitely be less comfortable for cruising.  The less upright you are, the more weight that is on your wrists. Although, I've found the lower bars to be more conducive to a tucked position when you're flying down the freeway...
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 23, 2003, 05:31:37 PM
'tucked in' that's the word i'm looking for...

how much will all this cost?
Progressive springs $100 CDN

handle bars from suburban-machinery type 1 $150 US (what's the difference b/w Type 1 and 2??) ---so expensive???

rear sets $300 US??

tires i'll get it when it's worn...prob in a year or 2...

so all together approx $500 US...is this right?
it's quite a lot...
Title: Riding Position
Post by: dgyver on December 23, 2003, 07:13:00 PM
An alternative to new rearsets are relocator plates. Easy to make and very cheap. 1/4" thick aluminum flat bar 2" wide cut to fit the frame. Drill 4 holes and tap 2 of them (or use a nut on the back) to mount the stock rearsets. Takes less than a hour to make a set and thats with basic tools. Cost is about $5 for the aluminum flat bar at most hardware stores. I use a palm sander with 220 grit sandpaper to give them a brushed aluminum look.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 23, 2003, 07:56:51 PM
why are rear sets so expensive???
Title: Riding Position
Post by: dgyver on December 23, 2003, 08:07:43 PM
CNC aluminum is one of those precious metals  :P
Title: Riding Position
Post by: chimivee on December 23, 2003, 11:19:54 PM
Quote from: Frost
it's quite a lot...


Try to find the SM bars used - check out the SV forums.  I think I paid  $100 for mine... still not cheap.  I believe the type 1 is lower than type 2 - I know a few of us hear have the type 2's, not sure about fitment of the type 1.  Or try the Srinath bar for way less money!

Aftermarket rearsets are kind of pricey... which is why I opted for some crashed cbr600 rearsets for 25 bones.
Title: Re: Hey who you calling lower quality...
Post by: pantablo on December 24, 2003, 02:03:47 AM
Quote from: seshadri_srinathHey who you calling lower quality......

YOUR BARS.
I've seen the large versions of the pics and I think they are worth the price but not more. Their welding and finishing leaves much to be desired. Lower build quality in my opinion (granted, based on what I saw in a picture, I can only imagine how much worse it could actually be in person). Hell, If I can make out bad welds in the pictures, how much better could they be in person.

Dont get me wrong. I think its great that you're making these up for the group. Just call a spade a spade.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: pantablo on December 24, 2003, 02:08:16 AM
Quote from: chimiveeTry to find the SM bars used - check out the SV forums.  I think I paid  $100 for mine... still not cheap.  

Mine will likely be available soon. maybe within a couple months. Type 2 (not type 1) bars for $80.

Quote from: chimiveeAftermarket rearsets are kind of pricey... which is why I opted for some crashed cbr600 rearsets for 25 bones.

I have same rearsets as Chimivee but never installed them. They're a bit of work to get right as Chimivee will attest (you should do a write up to accompany my pictures, james).  These will also be for sale around same time...$50 (thats what I paid for them).

Various other parts will be available as well (fairing, hugger, gsxr shock, maybe progressive springs)-keep an eye out for them in for sale section or get your requests in early...planning for the Speed Four!
Title: Re: Hey who you calling lower quality...
Post by: The Buddha on December 24, 2003, 09:25:28 AM
Quote from: pantablo
Quote from: seshadri_srinathHey who you calling lower quality......

YOUR BARS.
I've seen the large versions of the pics and I think they are worth the price but not more. Their welding and finishing leaves much to be desired. Lower build quality in my opinion (granted, based on what I saw in a picture, I can only imagine how much worse it could actually be in person). Hell, If I can make out bad welds in the pictures, how much better could they be in person.

Dont get me wrong. I think its great that you're making these up for the group. Just call a spade a spade.

The prototype in the picture is actually much worse looking than the actual ones. It also hae some exposed tubing at the welds... made on purpose so I can check the depth and strength of the weld, and they have not been ground and smoothed out too carefully. They also aren't painted over... agreed, the paint itself is'nt the best ... but the finish is much better on the ones I sell. Welds are cleaner, actually they are ground out smooth, the tubing is set and fitted without exposed holes, and overall made to look prettier. Yes stainless steel is goig to be still prettier but for mild steel its not bad. Its for function, comfort, and a solid feel... more than to look nice really... come on how many GS owners keep their bikes pretty... well pretty is fine but $140 new or $80 used pretty... I dont think so, I bought a beautiful gas tank from Greg G here for less than $80, a whole body set from KevinC for less than $80, and can buy 4 Katana shocks off ebay for $80. $80 is a decent chunk of change in GS parts. Heck So is $40, if I can figure how to make it for less I would have. But a plain drag bar, with rather paper thin wall costs $20 so $40 doesn't sound too bad. Also These are made on a GS. Not an SV. No fit problems what so ever. No brake banjo hitting the dash, no Katana grips not leaving room for the hardware nothing. Well enough ranting... Merry christmas...
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: Hey who you calling lower quality...
Post by: pantablo on December 24, 2003, 10:46:19 AM
Quote from: seshadri_srinath

The prototype in the picture is actually much worse looking than the actual ones. .

you should use more current pics to "sell" the product then. glad to hear they're better than prototypes.

And I agree wholeheartedly about the GS crowd not really being the types to drop huge wads of cash on stuff...most would never consider paying $700 for an exhast system but any other bike that would be standard fare...

mery christmas.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: rideLIKEjehu on December 24, 2003, 11:14:30 AM
come springtime, i'll probably be in the market for new bars. some good quality pics of srinath's bars (unmounted, mounted, compared to stockers, etc...) would definitely be a big selling point in my book. right now, all i have to go by is some old shots of unpainted prototypes. i think there was a thread that had a few pics of the bars mounted, but i couldn't really make out a difference 'tween his and the stockers.

srinath, you need a marketing crew!  :thumb:
Title: Riding Position
Post by: chimivee on December 24, 2003, 11:44:39 AM
Quote from: pantablo

Mine will likely be available soon. maybe within a couple months. Type 1 bars for $80.

Pablo, I think yours are type 2's (higher than type 1) - same as mine.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: pantablo on December 24, 2003, 01:02:37 PM
D'oh, that's what I meant. They're type 2's
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 24, 2003, 01:12:52 PM
which one is better?...
type 1 or 2?
Title: Riding Position
Post by: chimivee on December 24, 2003, 01:45:40 PM
Quote from: Frostwhich one is better?...
type 1 or 2?

I don't think one is better over the other... just different.  It sounds like you're trying to get as aggressive a position as possible(?), so maybe you should give the type 1's a try (1" lower).  The type 2's on my bike put the bottom of my wrists right about level w/ the top of the forks... I think.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: pantablo on December 24, 2003, 01:46:13 PM
type 1 is a little lower but not much-IMO not worth the extra $30.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Frost on December 24, 2003, 02:37:56 PM
that's what i thought too...not worth the extra 30 bucks

if i get the Type 2...will the bars touch the tank? or anything touching anything???
Title: Riding Position
Post by: pantablo on December 24, 2003, 11:16:37 PM
nothing touches the tank-plenty of clearance. See my site for photos of tank clearance.

One thing that does touch is the forward point of the handlebars will rest against the tach and speedo housing. You can tilt them a bit up to avoid that but will still barely touch there. Has not been an issue though.
Title: Riding Position
Post by: Blueknyt on December 25, 2003, 01:26:00 AM
QuoteAn alternative to new rearsets are relocator plates. Easy to make and very cheap. 1/4" thick aluminum flat bar 2" wide cut to fit the frame. Drill 4 holes and tap 2 of them (or use a nut on the back) to mount the stock rearsets. Takes less than a hour to make a set and thats with basic tools. Cost is about $5 for the aluminum flat bar at most hardware stores. I use a palm sander with 220 grit sandpaper to give them a brushed aluminum look.

Do you cut and graft the shifter too? im considering relocator plates too, brake side isnt an issue i dont want to make the throw on the shifter any longer either.