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Main Area => Projects / Builds, Racing and Tech => Topic started by: ilarson007 on February 27, 2013, 09:11:30 AM

Title: 2008 GS500F
Post by: ilarson007 on February 27, 2013, 09:11:30 AM
Hi all, bought my first bike last year in September and have loved riding ever since! In between the first week of September and when I put her away for the winter, I rode over 2000 miles (mostly back and forth to work on the interstate).
I'm starting this thread because as with any vehicle, I can't leave
em stock.

The first thing I did after I got it was too change the taillight to a smoked Clear Alternatives integrated light:
(http://imgur.com/DhHW0.jpg)
I really like the cleaned up look by removing the rear stalks.

Next up was to get rid of the ugly front stalks as well:
(http://imgur.com/DsOnA.jpg)

You can also see from that picture that I decided to drop the stock windscreen and go with a Zero Gravity Double Bubble.  I like it slot, but it took a couple months to get it because the distributor I found was located in Canada :(.

At any rate, my next big project is an HID retrofit. More posts as I have updates!
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: ilarson007 on February 27, 2013, 09:15:39 AM
Which brings me to my first question: anyone who has done an HID retrofit, how did you get the alignment of the projector correct?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: Badot on February 27, 2013, 09:59:23 AM
Just a quick tip, when using the {IMG} tag do something like {IMG width = 480}URL{/IMG} -- this makes the image smaller but allows users to click on them to expand.

EX, 100 width:
(http://i.imgur.com/DhHW0.jpg)

Can't help you with the HIDs though. Don't forget to take it off the interstate every once in a while, I think most people have more fun on the back roads whether they're going fast or slow  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: ilarson007 on February 27, 2013, 11:14:31 AM
Sorry, I'm used to forums automatically resizing.
And trust me, I rode everywhere lol, just the majority of the miles were interstate.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: adidasguy on February 27, 2013, 12:31:02 PM
Be aware that Clear Alternatives does not illuminate the license plate - which is a requirement. Other brands of LED tail lights do. They said they didn't because people move the plate.
You will have to add a separate "tail tidy" light ($10-$15) or add some white LEDs to the bottom of the one you have. It is an offense they can ticket you for. It is an excuse for a cop with nothing to do to pull you over.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: weedahoe on February 27, 2013, 08:27:24 PM
I did and do a lot of retrofits. The best way is after you install the projector, do not put the lens on but go mount the headlight on the bike and turn it as needed. Vertical alignment can be done on the bike with the knobs on the back of the housing
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: Nugent on February 28, 2013, 06:38:35 AM
I'm interested to see your HID retrofit. Can you take night time before and after pics to compare?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: ilarson007 on February 28, 2013, 02:07:04 PM
Quote from: Nugent on February 28, 2013, 06:38:35 AM
I'm interested to see your HID retrofit. Can you take night time before and after pics to compare?
Well, the light is already off the bike, but I can take after pics.
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: ilarson007 on February 28, 2013, 02:11:54 PM
Quote from: weedahoe on February 27, 2013, 08:27:24 PM
I did and do a lot of retrofits. The best way is after you install the projector, do not put the lens on but go mount the headlight on the bike and turn it as needed. Vertical alignment can be done on the bike with the knobs on the back of the housing

I was thinking more like a way to get the light output direction the exact same. Also, what methods do you use to install the projector?
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: weedahoe on February 28, 2013, 06:23:04 PM
I use a lot of Morimoto bixenon projectors for retrofits because they require minimal work. No, epoxies, no silicon, no glues. In my truck however, I have OEM Infiniti Gatlin Q45s

Here is my thread. I also have vids on Youtube at www.youtube.com/weedahoe

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=62467.0
Title: Re: 2008 GS500F
Post by: ilarson007 on March 01, 2013, 05:55:05 AM
I have the morimoto mini