GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Projects / Builds, Racing and Tech => Topic started by: ghand on October 30, 2012, 03:31:08 PM

Title: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on October 30, 2012, 03:31:08 PM
Hi guys, just finished a naked conversion for my GS. Hope you enjoy.

(http://i.imgur.com/zoCmt.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ofkut.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/A7J16.jpg)

Still need to get some bar end mirrors, and maybe some low profile blinkers. Besides that though, this build is complete. Whadya think fellas?
[edited for typo]
Title: Re: 2009 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: adidasguy on October 30, 2012, 03:53:55 PM
Looks good. Too often people fugley up the bike when they do that.

By the design, I thought it was a 2008.
Same tail decals I used when I painted Junior's tail and they were listed as 2008.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Juniors%20Demise/DSC00207a.jpg)
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on October 30, 2012, 03:58:39 PM
You're right, I missed the '8' and hit '9' instead. Shoulda caught that.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: adidasguy on October 30, 2012, 04:20:16 PM
In many ways 2008 is a nicer paint/decal setup. 2009 is a little busy on the front fairing. 2008 was simpler and cleaner looking.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: Slack on October 31, 2012, 03:20:13 PM
It looks good, I like how the light sits tight against the forks.
But is there enough clearance between the bottom of the light and top of the fender at full compression?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: iclrag on October 31, 2012, 04:06:56 PM
Looks good, ever think about swapping the headlight for a bucket style?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: weedahoe on November 01, 2012, 06:27:07 AM
How do you like that Yoshimura tail pipe? I bought one but it hasn't gotten here yet.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 01, 2012, 06:59:33 AM
@Slack: yessir, there is room enough at full compression. It looks tight but it fits.

@iclrag: I considered a bucket headlight but opted for the stock.. I think ultimately the bike looks more sporty with the stock headlight. I was torn 50/50, finally decided I didn't want to wait to order a bucket lamp.

@weedahoe: I love the Yoshimura exhaust, it gives the GS a GREAT sound on the road, especially at 5-6 rpm.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: weedahoe on November 01, 2012, 07:01:51 AM
Awesome. Can't wait to get mine. You should make a video of it.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 01, 2012, 07:05:38 AM
I'll give it a shot this afternoon, I got two exams to take care of today!
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: rock_rebel on November 01, 2012, 07:21:19 AM
Could you possibly give me some instructions on how you were able to use the F headlight in your conversion? I'm also torn between having a round headlight and stock. I have the round light installed now but still have the F light kicking around, may just use that instead.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ilarson007 on November 01, 2012, 08:05:40 AM
Quote from: ghand on November 01, 2012, 07:05:38 AM
I'll give it a shot this afternoon, I got two exams to take care of today!

What kind of camera do you have?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 01, 2012, 08:37:07 AM
@ilarson007: I have a Nikon L120.

@rock_rebel: Once you strip the fairing from the bike, you need to remove the mirrors from the upper fairing. Under the mirror caps there are some metric Allen screws you'll need to get out.

(http://i.imgur.com/bBiY1.jpg)

That's not a great picture but that Y-frame will need to come out. The headlight is seated underneath it. Once you get that out, if you want to use the headlight without all those funky looking tabs, you'll need to get a dremel and cut them off. If you can wait until this afternoon, I can get some much better pictures for you.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 01, 2012, 10:20:29 AM
@rock_rebel: Here's a couple of pics of where the mount goes. You'll need to drill a hole on each side in the large tab to get it mounted.

(http://i.imgur.com/AtFIg.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FKPlD.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XUlgo.jpg)

As you can see I cut all of the tabs except what I needed to mount it with, they need to be touched up so as not to look so terrible.

@weedahoe: http://youtu.be/m03GywaroXk (http://youtu.be/m03GywaroXk) Here's a link to the exhaust. It sounds a bit muted on my camera but trust me, the sound is excellent, I know you'll be happy with it!
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: Higgins13 on November 01, 2012, 01:29:14 PM
Why remove the fairings? :( I dont get it... RIP Poor 500f
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: Slack on November 01, 2012, 02:30:58 PM
Quote from: Higgins13 on November 01, 2012, 01:29:14 PM
Why remove the fairings? :( I dont get it... RIP Poor 500f

That way he can send his fairings to someone with an E model who would rather have an F.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: weedahoe on November 01, 2012, 04:21:06 PM
Or to an F member who needs new pieces as they get cracked easily
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 01, 2012, 05:36:26 PM
Quote from: Higgins13 on November 01, 2012, 01:29:14 PM
Why remove the fairings? :( I dont get it... RIP Poor 500f

It's a bit chilly right now, but in the summer here in Arkansas it can get up to more than 110 degrees.. It's going to be awesome getting that extra wind. I just wanted a change as well!
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: rock_rebel on November 06, 2012, 08:28:01 PM
Thanks so much for the headlight install pics. Great job!
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 09, 2012, 09:21:44 AM
Thank you and no problem, I hope your build goes well. I haven't been on for a few days but send me a PM if I can be of more help.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: rock_rebel on November 11, 2012, 01:54:47 PM
I guess there isn't really any way to install a windscreen with the light, is there?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on November 11, 2012, 03:39:13 PM
Not that I have seen.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ilarson007 on April 27, 2013, 04:53:45 PM
Quote from: ghand on November 01, 2012, 08:37:07 AM
@ilarson007: I have a Nikon L120.

@rock_rebel: Once you strip the fairing from the bike, you need to remove the mirrors from the upper fairing. Under the mirror caps there are some metric Allen screws you'll need to get out.

(http://i.imgur.com/bBiY1.jpg)

That's not a great picture but that Y-frame will need to come out. The headlight is seated underneath it. Once you get that out, if you want to use the headlight without all those funky looking tabs, you'll need to get a dremel and cut them off. If you can wait until this afternoon, I can get some much better pictures for you.

Hey, so you just don't have any mirrors after the conversion?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F naked conversion
Post by: ghand on September 05, 2013, 12:17:01 PM
Sorry to necro a dead thread, but didn't see the new post. I added some bar end mirrors, just standard round mirrors. Recently I've moved to a round headlamp as well.