Hey All, Just ordered a brand new GS500! Lookin forward to it :)
Upgrading from my old trusty Virago that is sitting at 57000kms and still powering. Haha
So, what do I need to look out for, modify etc on my new GS?
Cheers,
Dave
Depending on your weight ... Front springs .... Unless you are light ... Then maybe ok ..
But ride it enough to get to know what the thing behaves like ..... Then you can appreciate the difference with any modification :thumb:
first i would say enjoy it. dont worry about modifcation for a while. The only modifcation that it would need is upgraded front suspension. other than that enjoy the bike a while.
Cheers!
Post those pics when you get it!
Congrats, if it runs as cold-blooded as mine did, then you will eventually get into larger jets and such, but I agree. Choke it a bit, and enjoy.
-Anthony
Piccies!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/944436_10201429758284795_1431541367_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1016801_10201429758244794_1837939623_n.jpg)
:thumb: looks nice ... 'they' do say that ..'once you go black you never go back!' ;)
Nicely done Dave :thumb: Good to see another Qlder as well :bowdown:
ohhhh nice :bowdown:
pics :thumb:
please update with your review and what you like,....dont like,....
And now, without big goofy mirrors!
Only thing that is something I need to get used to is how quiet it is! Haha
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1017471_10201443829876576_788307630_n.jpg)
Quote from: Gorilla on June 26, 2013, 02:58:04 PM
first i would say enjoy it. dont worry about modifcation for a while. The only modifcation that it would need is upgraded front suspension. other than that enjoy the bike a while.
Agreed. can change front sprocket if you want to either gain more acceleration or speed. the front end, the k&n lunchbox filter, theres a whole host of mods to do. the filter is avail at most auto parts houses. BUT as said, ride it first, break it in, see what shes got to offer
and keep the viagra so youve got two modes of moto transport ;)
What size dirtbike do you have parked next to her?
Glad you went naked, looks good.
I just did a bunch of stuff to mine.
Hands down suspension is the best performance mod. Sonics up front. Rear is not as necessary but I dropped a replacement 2003 Katana shock.
Beyond that I love the new shield I put on keeps the bugs all out of the gauges, etc.
Lastly the hugger is probably another favorite mod in regards to function.
Theres a bunch of aesthetics you can do, but whats new that can be done to anything you buy.
Looks good. Keeping it in the wash room close to the washer so you can wash all those greasy rags? What is that little tag holder on the rear arm? Is that like a state inspection sticker?
Quote from: Snake2715 on July 06, 2013, 09:59:07 AM
What size dirtbike do you have parked next to her?
Is the mighty DRZ400E :)
Quote from: pliskin on July 06, 2013, 07:16:04 PM
Looks good. Keeping it in the wash room close to the washer so you can wash all those greasy rags? What is that little tag holder on the rear arm? Is that like a state inspection sticker?
I just throw all the dirty rags in the vicinity of the washer and let the mrs deal with them hahaha
Unsure what that sticker is, ill have a close look when Im near the bike next :)
Quote from: Dave! on July 08, 2013, 08:50:02 PM
Quote from: Snake2715 on July 06, 2013, 09:59:07 AM
What size dirtbike do you have parked next to her?
Is the mighty DRZ400E :)
Cant beat the push button!
I run a 2002 XR400. Super reliable, kicking is pretty good too once you know the process (TDC then 1 kick).
I'm on the hunt for a new exhaust although things when I punch anything into eBay it's showing kits for up to about 2011 and gs500f. Can I make the assumption they'll fit this? Being that it's a 2013 gs500e?
All GS500 exhausts fit the same.
I told him they were all the same he didn't believe me :(
Hi Dave!
Quote from: CraigR on January 29, 2014, 03:14:28 PM
I told him they were all the same he didn't believe me :(
Hi Dave!
You found me!
it was the rainpants!
Pliskin, the "sticker" you're talking about is the state Rego Label. The state govt in all its wisdom has now decided from Oct 1 this year we do not need to have them - but - we still need to pay rego.
Dave,
You Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast?
Screaming Demon exhaust sounds good on the GS. As for other upgrades... first, forget jetting like everyone here talks, our bikes are jetted differently to the USA and run fine as is. Second, get yourself a fork brace and put in 15w or 20w fork oil. You can upgrade the springs too if you want, but the oil and brace is the basic low cost mod for better handling. See chuck for the fork braces http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=58455.0
Oh I didn't realise he was talking about that lol! Yeah that's a rego sticker.
Southside man, midway between coast and city. I looked at the screamin demons, I wanna hear one before I buy though. Haha. And I did the kn filter without rejecting, runs the same if not better in terms of fuel air mixture.
Quote from: mister on January 30, 2014, 01:31:26 AMAs for other upgrades... first, forget jetting like everyone here talks, our bikes are jetted differently to the USA and run fine as is.
I just checked the an Australian parts site (Blue City Motorcycles) and for the 2010 GS500(F) they show stock jetting of 17.5/60/130, which is exactly the same as was stock for the US model GS500F. I know the pre-2001 models with the 2-jet carbs in the US market they did indeed have a slightly smaller pilot jet.
Regardless of weather it's a US model or not, it's still lean from the factory and can benefit from a rejet particularly when changing the air filter and/or exhaust.
Quote from: radodrill on January 30, 2014, 07:14:53 AM
Quote from: mister on January 30, 2014, 01:31:26 AMAs for other upgrades... first, forget jetting like everyone here talks, our bikes are jetted differently to the USA and run fine as is.
I just checked the an Australian parts site (Blue City Motorcycles) and for the 2010 GS500(F) they show stock jetting of 17.5/60/130, which is exactly the same as was stock for the US model GS500F. I know the pre-2001 models with the 2-jet carbs in the US market they did indeed have a slightly smaller pilot jet.
Regardless of weather it's a US model or not, it's still lean from the factory and can benefit from a rejet particularly when changing the air filter and/or exhaust.
We've had this discussion before... our bikes down here do not need rejetting. Whether the upsidedown gravity is to blame or the reverse spinning water down the gurgler, or our atmosphere full of kangaroo farts, rejetting is Not Needed. The guy just bought a brand new bike from the showroom. Leave him be to at least run the darn engine in before trying to convince him he needs to start messing with his carbs.
Dave, check your messages...
Amen mister! I've put as many miles on my GSs as any have and my 02 with 3 circuit carbs did/does not need rejetting riding year around here in NE Ohio for the 10 years and 100k miles I've had it. My 97 with the 2 circuit carbs ran like a scared rabbit spring, summer, and fall with stock jets and ran 7-9k rpm thru the mountain twisties for endless hours to my complete delight and to the amazement of a few others. It did however need rejetted for winter use here in the northern US. I had an old CM400 I used for a winter bike back then.
Other than that the only real need for rejetting and/or cleaning GS carbs is on bikes that have sat unused for long periods of time. I looked at radodrill's first post and he bought a four year old GS with only 2678 miles on it so I have no reason to doubt the improvement in performance a rejetting made for him. I think he is right on the US/AU jetting being the same, the only difference being in the older 89-00 models.
The stock jets for the GS500 are according to the wiki:
1989 - 2000: Pilot 40 (37.5 USA), Main 122.5 (yup, only two!)
2001 - 2003: Pilot 17.5, Mid Main 60, Main 127.5
2004 - 2007: Pilot 17.5, Mid Main 60, Main 130
Quote from: radodrill on January 30, 2014, 07:14:53 AM
Regardless of weather it's a US model or not, it's still lean from the factory and can benefit from a rejet particularly when changing the air filter and/or exhaust.
You are rejet crazy man :dunno_black:
Its a brand new bike and under warranty, if he starts screwing with the carbs and then has a related issue Suzuki are gonna laugh in his face if he takes it back :dunno_black:
Quote from: sledge on January 31, 2014, 08:55:37 AM
Quote from: radodrill on January 30, 2014, 07:14:53 AM
Regardless of weather it's a US model or not, it's still lean from the factory and can benefit from a rejet particularly when changing the air filter and/or exhaust.
You are rejet crazy man :dunno_black:
I like spirited performance vehicles that pull hard when you need them to. The 2007 Ninja 250 I had prior to the GS did just that, but I did not feel comfortable on it on the freeway as it got pushed around by the wind a lot due to the light weight; not to mention it was running 10.5K RPM at an indicated 80mph.
Right of the bat I noticed that the GS was a lot more stable and better suited for freeway riding; but for my tastes it lacked the pull and spirited nature and seemed flat on the top end. The rejet got me exactly the performance I was expecting from upgrading to a bigger bike, though at the cost of a bit lower fuel economy.
I guess it all comes down to personal preference and riding style. For more docile riders and commuters who won't change the intake or exhaust, the stock jetting will certainly suffice and run many many miles (e.g. gsJack). On the other hand, a rejet can give a noticeable performance upgrade at low cost, which is great for people like me who prefer peak performance.
Edit: just because I went with bigger jets than The Buddha would have expected, doesn't mean everyone else has to do the same.
Quote from: radodrill on January 31, 2014, 09:32:16 AM...............I guess it all comes down to personal preference and riding style. For more docile riders and commuters who won't change the intake or exhaust, the stock jetting will certainly suffice and run many many miles (e.g. gsJack). On the other hand, a rejet can give a noticeable performance upgrade at low cost, which is great for people like me who prefer peak performance...................
Quote from: gsJack on January 31, 2014, 08:43:45 AM
..................My 97 with the 2 circuit carbs ran like a scared rabbit spring, summer, and fall with stock jets and ran 7-9k rpm thru the mountain twisties for endless hours to my complete delight and to the amazement of a few others..................
Wish you were there. ^ But now 10 years later I'm finally acting my age, I have to. :icon_sad:
Keep in mind:
Quote from: gsJack on January 31, 2014, 08:43:45 AM.............the only real need for rejetting and/or cleaning GS carbs is on bikes that have sat unused for long periods of time. I looked at radodrill's first post and he bought a four year old GS with only 2678 miles on it...............
The rejetting only by others might not be so dramatic as yours was.
Quote from: gsJack on January 31, 2014, 11:22:42 AM
The rejetting only by others might not be so dramatic as yours was.
My carbs were clean as a whistle when I started, no gummy fuel etc to screw things up. Granted my rejet was so dramatic that The Buddha was surprised and thought it shouldn't run at all :dunno_black: