https://youtu.be/BU5oZKco0hA?t=6m25s
Obviously I can follow the video but I assume there are more things to look into such as adjusting the carbs. I am a newbie and I have just bought my 2002 GS500 recently with only 24k km on the clock and I want to change the suspension and exhaust. I will be changing the exhaust and was wondering if you guys could provide me with some assistance for my first time doing anything on the bike. Would I be able to get a slip-on version of this exhaust? I found the same one on ebay for like 50 dollars but will I have to saw off the exhaust pipes and do the same things the guy in the video has or is there an easier way to go about it and should I possibly get a professional to do it even though I have the tools?
Another question is how do I adjust the carbs and what should I look out for when I know I have adjusted them correctly after installing the exhaust, also why is this necessary after installing this exhaust?
Thank you.
Welcome to the site man. Have a look around here for jetting info (pay close attention to the year of your bike though):
http://wiki.gstwins.com/
I didn't watch the whole video and can't hear it very well at work, but I didn't see him install a rear exhaust hanger. You'll definitely want something supporting the weight of the exhaust. Yes, if you just install a muffler (slip on), you'll have to cut your stock exhaust off. So measure the opening of the new muffler where it attaches, and where you'll be cutting the exhaust off...... they have to be the same size or you'll be doing some welding.
And never take a bike to a shop to do work that you can do yourself.
Quote from: Big Rich on January 23, 2016, 11:38:48 PM
Welcome to the site man. Have a look around here for jetting info (pay close attention to the year of your bike though):
http://wiki.gstwins.com/
I didn't watch the whole video and can't hear it very well at work, but I didn't see him install a rear exhaust hanger. You'll definitely want something supporting the weight of the exhaust. Yes, if you just install a muffler (slip on), you'll have to cut your stock exhaust off. So measure the opening of the new muffler where it attaches, and where you'll be cutting the exhaust off...... they have to be the same size or you'll be doing some welding.
And never take a bike to a shop to do work that you can do yourself.
AAAAAAAAAAH
This is overwhelming. Watching that video I know 150% I'm just gonna f%$k something up. Using the table on the GStwin's wiki, http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Rejetting, I assume I should be following performance exhaust row? In the 2002 section.
Honestly..... the exhaust isn't too bad. Unless it's rotted out, there's not a huge benefit to modding the exhaust. The suspension is the important thing.
I dont think you will have to rejet if all you are changing is the muffler. I have a megacycle exhaust on my 97 with stock air box and jets and it runs fine.
Measure the inside diameter of the muffler and then measure the outside diameter of the exhaust pipe at the point you want to cut it. You want the muffler to slip over the exhaust. If it doesnt you will have to get a flange made at an exhaust shop.
Measure twice and cut once. Should be pretty straight forward.
Good luck.
Most aftermarket exhausts will be less restrictive than the stock. If you dont want to install a K&N air filter and jetting to match, you should put something in the exhaust path to restrict the flow back to around stock levels. Buddha used to sell flanges for bolt on exhausts that had a small ~1" square tab welded on that restricted flow.
I got a K&N lunch box air filter
http://www.amazon.com/RU-2970-Suzuki-Universal-Rubber-Filter/dp/B00062YQXE
A jet kit from Buddha, he is a moderator on this board, send him a PM. Just tell him what intake and exhaust you plan to use and he'll send you the right jets.
A muffler from Ryca. It was inexpensive and good quality
http://shop.rycamotors.com/short_reverse_cone_muffler_black.html
And a baffle from eBay
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Exhaust-Muffler-Pipe-Silencer-Insert-Can-Opener-Baffle-1-5-8-X-8-80-78943-/161378339555?nav=SEARCH
I installed the jet kit and the new air filter. Installing jets requires you to remove the carbs from the bike. It isn't complicated. You will learn how to properly adjust your throttle cable if you search this message board.
I used a hacksaw and cut "far back" so that I could cut more if I wanted. I cut at a spot where there were no bends just before the stock muffler. I was inspired by the same video that you linked to. But when I did a test fit I liked the angle of the exhaust so I just stopped there.
I inserted the baffle, wide-end first, then used a rubber mallet to wedge it in there in the bend of the exhaust. I used a car jack-stand to support the exhaust tube so that it wouldn't bend while hammering away. This might not be the way a pro would do it but that baffle isn't going anywhere. The baffle hangs out of the end of the exhaust tube a couple inches but that's OK, there is plenty of clearance inside the muffler.
UPDATE: This method failed catastrophically for me. Install your baffles more securely.
Then I slipped the muffler over the exhaust tube and bit of baffle. I used the included muffler hanger to secure the muffler to the right boot guard (that chrome blade lookin thing above the right foot peg). I had to bend the hanger a little and drill a couple holes in the boot guard and throw some small bolts and nuts in there to support the muffler.
Don't be daunted by this job. If you have a hack saw, the parts and an afternoon or two you can do this. If you open the carbs yourself get a JIS screwdriver. The screws may look like Phillips screws but they most assuredly are not and you will strip them if you don't use the correct tool. If you feel nervous about swapping the jets just do a search and you'll find a few write-ups with photos N stuff.
(http://i.imgur.com/RHZ9yPE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/48O9iHw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/plcJLHB.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/U88HhDR.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/5WBp8TJ.jpg)
If you want the muffler to be like in the video you just need to cut forward of the bend to slip the exhaust onto the horizontal section.
Quote from: Big Rich on January 24, 2016, 02:52:15 PM
Honestly..... the exhaust isn't too bad. Unless it's rotted out, there's not a huge benefit to modding the exhaust. The suspension is the important thing.
I just really like this exhaust. The look, the sound, everything about it idk I just love it. I will be doing the suspension with or without the new exhaust, just trying to get all the information I can before going ahead.
Quote from: Bluesmudge on January 24, 2016, 04:51:44 PM
Most aftermarket exhausts will be less restrictive than the stock. If you dont want to install a K&N air filter and jetting to match, you should put something in the exhaust path to restrict the flow back to around stock levels. Buddha used to sell flanges for bolt on exhausts that had a small ~1" square tab welded on that restricted flow.
What do you mean put something in the exhaust path? Like inside the muffler? E.g. baffle?
Quote from: lucas on January 24, 2016, 05:06:02 PM
I got a K&N lunch box air filter
http://www.amazon.com/RU-2970-Suzuki-Universal-Rubber-Filter/dp/B00062YQXE
A jet kit from Buddha, he is a moderator on this board, send him a PM. Just tell him what intake and exhaust you plan to use and he'll send you the right jets.
A muffler from Ryca. It was inexpensive and good quality
http://shop.rycamotors.com/short_reverse_cone_muffler_black.html
And a baffle from eBay
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Exhaust-Muffler-Pipe-Silencer-Insert-Can-Opener-Baffle-1-5-8-X-8-80-78943-/161378339555?nav=SEARCH
I installed the jet kit and the new air filter. Installing jets requires you to remove the carbs from the bike. It isn't complicated. You will learn how to properly adjust your throttle cable if you search this message board.
I used a hacksaw and cut "far back" so that I could cut more if I wanted. I cut at a spot where there were no bends just before the stock muffler. I was inspired by the same video that you linked to. But when I did a test fit I liked the angle of the exhaust so I just stopped there.
I inserted the baffle, wide-end first, then used a rubber mallet to wedge it in there in the bend of the exhaust. I used a car jack-stand to support the exhaust tube so that it wouldn't bend while hammering away. This might not be the way a pro would do it but that baffle isn't going anywhere. The baffle hangs out of the end of the exhaust tube a couple inches but that's OK, there is plenty of clearance inside the muffler.
Then I slipped the muffler over the exhaust tube and bit of baffle. I used the included muffler hanger to secure the muffler to the right boot guard (that chrome blade lookin thing above the right foot peg). I had to bend the hanger a little and drill a couple holes in the boot guard and throw some small bolts and nuts in there to support the muffler.
Don't be daunted by this job. If you have a hack saw, the parts and an afternoon or two you can do this. If you open the carbs yourself get a JIS screwdriver. The screws may look like Phillips screws but they most assuredly are not and you will strip them if you don't use the correct tool. If you feel nervous about swapping the jets just do a search and you'll find a few write-ups with photos N stuff.
If I do buy the air filter you linked, I would rejet the carbs to suit the airbox and also have to adjust again after I have installed the muffler? How would I go about rejetting, like the whole process confuses me just looking at the table on the wiki, considering I am a complete noob to this.
I will definitely be buying that muffler, luckily they have a warehouse in Australia, otherwise I don't think they would have shipped to me.
With the baffle....would that just be inserted inside the exhaust? Not the muffler but the actual exhaust? I interpreted what you said as I would first saw off the exhaust to where I would like it and also where I would be able to 'slip' it on, then insert the baffle as far in as possible? What would be the threshold on this? Is there a certain amount I should aim to achieve of it not hanging out of the exhaust.
So the hangar is supplied with the muffler from rycamotors? Sweet, all the ghetto DIY stuff of installing the hangar should be easy.
Okay so this is the process that is going through my head right now, correct me if I'm wrong.
1. Buy all the stuff you linked and get a JIS screwdriver.
2. Install airbox rejet carbs. This confuses me a bit, do I buy new jets and install them at this point? Also the adjusting thing confuses me as I don't know what to adjust to suit the needs of the bike currently with the airbox.
3. After this I would cut the exhaust to my preference and to the point where I can slip on the muffler. Insert the baffle (this part worries me a little as I don't really know what you mean. Am I shoving the baffle down the exhaust pipe and just wedging it in leaving it there? Would this be annoying to take out later on if I wanted to install a new muffler or can I just leave it there? Also, what is its purpose, would there already be a baffle installed?)
4. Install the hangar supplied by rycamotors with the muffler keeping the muffler in place and safe from falling off lmao
5. Would I now rejet the carbs again?
The main issue I have with all this is rejetting and adjusting? Would I be taking the engine apart with all the tubes and everything as well then putting it back to together? This process seems so easy to f%$k something up real bad lmao.
But yeh, those are my questions/worries right now. I really like preplannign what I am doing so any sources of information or videos would be awesome.
If you buy that straight through exhaust and don't install a baffle you will start to lose your hearing unless you wear ear plugs for every ride. Also your neighbors will start trying to figure out a way to kill and dispose of your body without getting caught.
The actual prices of rejetting is simple. You will take off the air box and carbs from the bike after draining the fuel. Remove the bottom cover, unscrew the old jets and screw in the new jets. Put the bottom cover back on. Take off the top cover, get the needles out and slip on the washers provided/prescribed by Buddha. Send him a PM and he will tell you which jets, how many washers, and sell them to you too. If learning about jets is overwhelming let Buddha do the thinking for you in this area. The only major danger here is with stripping screws. To prevent this use a JIS screwdriver, and use flathead screwdrivers in good condition on the jets themselves, and go slow be careful.
Do the airbox, jets, and exhaust together. No sense in rejetting twice especially because finding a good set of jets for exhaust only or air box only is not easy. Just do it all as one job, no benefit in increasing potential intake without freeing up exhaust or the other way round.
The baffle thing is not a science, you just need to insert it into the exhaust steam and don't allow it to shake loose. There is no subtlety to the baffle as far as I know.
UPDATE: my method failed catastrophically for me. Install your baffles more securely. Don't be stupid like me.
The baffle is too small to be attached inside the muffler, it is the right size to wedge into the exhaust tube.
The baffle goes in first, the muffler last.
The way I have my baffle "installed" I believe I could use a pair of pliers and roughly wiggle it out of the exhaust tube. It is wedged in where the exhaust tube makes a bend.
UPDATE: or it will eventually shake loose and get shot through your exhaust like a bullet...
Another thing. If you cut your exhaust in the same place in the video you might not be able to wedge the baffle in the exhaust tube. You can try wedging it, be sure it is firmly wedged.
If it won't wedge you can drill a hole in the exhaust tube and use the supplied nut and bolt with the baffle to secure it.
Another option is would be to use a bit of exhaust header wrap to make it fatter and squeeze it in the tube. I am skeptical about the long term use of header wrap inside the exhaust, you could look and see if regulardan has an update video about his exhaust.
I forgot to mention, regulardan wrapped his header in exhaust wrap. That is another thing you would buy from amazon, and follow the instructions online or with the product. It is a standard type thing, nothing technical about it.
Does anyone know where th catalytic converter is in the 2009 exhaust system? Given the price of a complete system (~$1500) there must be one in there somewhere, and if you change the muffler you don't really want to throw it away.
Thanks
I believe there is one cat in each down tube. You can see some small spot welds on the down tubes and that is where the cats are. I have a feeling there is another in the rear single pipe too. but i could be wrong about that one.
The gs500 got a catalytic converter in 2004 and OP has a 2002.
Quote from: lucas on January 25, 2016, 04:14:20 PM
Do the airbox, jets, and exhaust together. No sense in rejetting twice especially because finding a good set of jets for exhaust only or air box only is not easy. Just do it all as one job, no benefit in increasing potential intake without freeing up exhaust or the other way round.
The baffle thing is not a science, you just need to insert it into the exhaust steam and don't allow it to shake loose. There is no subtlety to the baffle as far as I know.
The baffle goes in first, the muffler last.
The way I have my baffle "installed" I believe I could use a pair of pliers and roughly wiggle it out of the exhaust tube. It is wedged in where the exhaust tube makes a bend.
The main thing that I wanted to know was how much should the baffle stick out of where I cut the exhaust? Should I try push it all the way in?
Also, I assume the process of installation for all these mods would be:
1. Carbs (Jets, etc.)
2. Airbox
3. Muffler
The exact position of the baffle does not matter.
I only mentioned that it stuck out of my exhaust tube because that was what it looked like when I installed mine. Depending on where you cut your exhaust will give you different results than me.
Your goal with the baffle should be simply to install it in a way that it will not rattle around while you're going down the road, n that's it
Alright sweet, thanks for the help bro.
When I'm done with everything I'll upload some photos
Quote from: lucas on January 26, 2016, 11:28:45 AM
I got one more question.
Today someone told me that tuning the jets differs based on where you live. e.g. Me living in Australia but you guys (America, I assume). With that information I assume that the climate and shaZam! is taken into account when tuning unless this information is wrong.
So would it be better to get advice from another Australian or are we talking about something different?
EDIT: Side question. I really need new mirrors for the bike, any suggestions?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-CHROME-E-MARKED-RECTANGULAR-Mirrors-Suzuki-Bandit-GSX1400-SV650-SV1000-/161815436308?hash=item25acf39c14:g:h2wAAOSw91NTubQU
I was looking at these but they are a bit pricey for what I am getting, is it worth it?
I'm an aussie, but it seems you over looked my advice.
Quote from: crackin on January 27, 2016, 10:50:09 AM
I'm an aussie, but it seems you over looked my advice.
I only saw your cat post to the other guy, didn't even see your original post :SS
Soz man.
So your bike seems to run fine without any rejetting, sweet. I'll try it without rejetting and if there are no problems then....awesome.
You will only have to rejet if you mess with the air intake, and messing with the air intake is not worth the trouble IMHO. Check out all the threads that say "trouble with rejetting" or similar. There is a new thread every week. The baffle will only make the exhaust gases escape slightly quicker. And those "trumpet" baffles like the one you are looking at will in-fact, probably slow the gasses down.
The more i look at the pipe in the video the more i think it is going to hit the ground when you tip it into a tight or fast corner. I would put it on like how Lucas has fitted his. You have to remember that when you are in a fast corner the suspension compresses so the bike is lower to the ground and that baffle is gonna hit the ground and when it does, you will soon follow. Just sayin.
If you are in the melbourne area , Megacycles make a fantastic stainless baffle that i highly recommend. I got mine for $400 fitted.
Good luck John
And one more thing. Forget about "back pressure" on a four stroke engine, its a myth. It's only important on two stroke engines. You don't see race mechanics stuffing the exhausts of race cars or bikes, full of stuff saying" We need more back pressure". Most of them are straight out exhausts.
Yeah well just more of my :bs: opinions, but something to think about none the less.
Perhaps some of the "back pressure gurus" can explain exactly what it is and what the benifits and or draw backs of having it or not on a four stroke engine actually are?
UPDATE
I gave some advice to wedge the baffle into the exhaust and this turned out to be a bad idea. On my motorcycle the baffle came loose and punched a hole in the metal screens of the muffler.
If it was a straight through exhaust it would have fired that baffle a good long distance. It really hit with some force and ripped up the metal screens inside muffler pretty good...
Use a more permanent method of securing your baffles. Don't be dumb like me.
Learning experience! :thumb:
Also an aussie.
I'm running a pipe similar to that with k&n filter, only had to shim the needle.
My local dyno tuned one with a similar straight pipe and gave me the advice for it, this is all they did.
Bikes been running perfect for the past 6 months.