I'm looking to fix up my GS500F before I sell it. I won't be selling it next year but I want to get all the scratches fixed just so I can ride it around in perfect condition before then. The repairs I need to do are:
1) Fix a good size scratch on the left fairing
(http://s1334.photobucket.com/user/dakotabayer/media/BigScratch_zpsf38abd1d.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4%5Bimg%5D%3Cbr%20/%3E2)%20Fix%20a%20small%20crack%20in%20the%20side%20of%20the%20left%20faring.%20Bondo?%3Cbr%20/%3E %20 %20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/CrackedFairing_zps81777d71.jpg)
3) Make the plastics by the instruments/windshield not so faded. Armour-all?
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/FadedPlastic_zpsc88ba317.jpg)
4) Fix the end of a handlebar and possibly replace it because it is scratched and bent.
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/HandlebarBent_zpse44d56cc.jpg)
5) Replace the handlebar gauge light caps. They appear to have a covering on the inside of them. The blinker cap and brights cap are the bad ones.
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/HandlebarGaugeLightCaps_zps93ea640b.jpg)
6) Buy and then put on the handlebar screw caps.
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/HandlebarScrewCaps_zps17b5481f.jpg)
7) Fix two scratches on the tank. On the picture of the right side of the tank, the scratch is to the metal. Would a paint pen be ok? I've matched the color from ColorRite.
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/TankScratch_Left_zpsf79e61b0.jpg)
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/TankScratch_Right_zpscffc81d6.jpg)
Does anyone know the most inexpensive way to repair all of these problems?
If anyone can help me out on repairing my bike, it would be greatly appreciated!
Repair #1 was to fix a scratch on the left side fairing. The image is not showing up for some reason so I'll try and repost the picture.
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w651/dakotabayer/BigScratch_zpsf38abd1d.jpg)
Also, repair #2 wasn't showing up and it was to fix a small crack in the left side fairing. Would bondo work?
(http://s1334.photobucket.com/user/dakotabayer/media/CrackedFairing_zps81777d71.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
Try "back to Black" on #3. It wont be permanent but will last some time. Armor all will most likely give it a cheaper look and not last as long.
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back-Black-Trim/dp/B0002U1TXK
Quote from: Snake2715 on May 15, 2013, 08:22:57 PM
Try "back to Black" on #3. It wont be permanent but will last some time. Armor all will most likely give it a cheaper look and not last as long.
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-06108-Back-Black-Trim/dp/B0002U1TXK
I'll probably give that a shot. Do you have any experience using that?
NOt on bikes, but bumpers etc on cars that appear similar to that trim. I dont have an F.
Bar end probably has a bent bolt or is just in crooked. Held in with a compression washer like you see here:
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/GS500/IMGP0982a.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/adidasguy/media/GS500/IMGP0982a.jpg.html)
Gauge indicator plastic caps: these are not available as a separate item. Suggest clean them good. They appear to be sun faded. Good clean & polish should do it. Then replace all gauge lights with LEDs.
Quote from: adidasguy on May 16, 2013, 01:22:11 PM
Bar end probably has a bent bolt or is just in crooked. Held in with a compression washer like you see here:
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/GS500/IMGP0982a.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/adidasguy/media/GS500/IMGP0982a.jpg.html)
Gauge indicator plastic caps: these are not available as a separate item. Suggest clean them good. They appear to be sun faded. Good clean & polish should do it. Then replace all gauge lights with LEDs.
I'll try replacing the bent part in the handlebar, thanks.
As for the gauge lights, could I replace the whole electrical system right there? I wouldn't do this because it would be a waste of money. It looks like it would be part #12 in this OEM part page: http://suzukipart.com/oemparts/a/suz/508b076bf87002353072352c/speedometer-tachometer-gs500fk4-k5-k6
Also, would I just scrub the top of the gauge lights or would I take off the cap? Is it even possible to take off the cap?
Loosen the bar end screw just a little then wiggle it off. Don't remove the screw - you'll leave a nut in the bars and the rubber bushing.
No need to replace any electrical stuff. There are plenty of threads on replacing the T-10 lamps in the gauges with wedge T-10 LEDs. and using T-5 LEDs to replace the 4 indicator lights with a dual diode mod to the wiring for the turn signal indicator when switching it to LED.
Plastic caps are glued in. Polish them is best you can do or buy a replacement bracket which has new plastic caps for $110. Caps not available by themselves. You can remove the gauges and the back plastic cover to get at the underside of the plastic caps if thy are dirty on the back side.
Quote from: adidasguy on May 17, 2013, 11:49:07 AM
Loosen the bar end screw just a little then wiggle it off. Don't remove the screw - you'll leave a nut in the bars and the rubber bushing.
No need to replace any electrical stuff. There are plenty of threads on replacing the T-10 lamps in the gauges with wedge T-10 LEDs. and using T-5 LEDs to replace the 4 indicator lights with a dual diode mod to the wiring for the turn signal indicator when switching it to LED.
Plastic caps are glued in. Polish them is best you can do or buy a replacement bracket which has new plastic caps for $110. Caps not available by themselves. You can remove the gauges and the back plastic cover to get at the underside of the plastic caps if thy are dirty on the back side.
If I remove the screw what would happen? I think that is what I would need to replace if something is bent there. I'll figure it out this weekend when I open up the end of the handlebar.
Thanks for the info on the lights and removing the back cover to get at the caps!
If anyone has any other suggestions load up this thread with repairs because I'm going to be working on it this weekend!
naval jelly on a qtip in the bolt heads but they may be replaceable as they will just rust again.
Otherwise that covers it I believe. No fixing the decal or scrap. The tank can be touched up if you wish.
A good coat of wax on that tank may help the fine scratches.
Quote from: Snake2715 on May 17, 2013, 07:32:52 PM
naval jelly on a qtip in the bolt heads but they may be replaceable as they will just rust again.
Otherwise that covers it I believe. No fixing the decal or scrap. The tank can be touched up if you wish.
A good coat of wax on that tank may help the fine scratches.
Would getting a paint pen from ColorRite do the job for the scratches on the tank? Or no because they're down to the metal?
Colorrite would recommend also getting a primer pen to start with since you're down to the metal. Will help give the paint something to adhere to.
Quote from: jdoorn14 on May 18, 2013, 01:50:18 PM
Colorrite would recommend also getting a primer pen to start with since you're down to the metal. Will help give the paint something to adhere to.
Thank you!