Hey everyone! I'm new to the Gs. I just picked this beauty up 2 days ago and already broke the clutch handle. The new one will be here Tuesday though so I can start riding it again.
It's a 2005 GS500F with 18k miles (kind of higher than what I wanted but its a starter bike) and I am wondering what are some good quality of life upgrades to do to these things are? My main issue right now which I am going to get checked out by the Suzuki Dealership is that it feels shakey on the highway.
Anyways here are some pictures!
(http://i.imgur.com/wAzkdvx.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/4WXc0aq.jpg?1)
Fixing the suspension will prolly give the most bang for the buck, constant rate springs in the front forks are a popular mod http://sonicsprings.com I'm also waiting for a delivery of a fork brace which is a super simple mod to do http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=67475.0 These two mods will have the most impact for you. Depending on your size, you might find that some SW-Motech barbacks and risers give you a better riding position. From there on it's mainly the feelgood factor, lots of people put in K&N air cleaners and chuck out the stock airbox, however this is not really worth doing unless you are prepared to put on a slip on muffler and rejet, I really like the OEM muffler anyway and I would not recommend the K&N plus slip on option others will disagree. Maybe a more subtle quality of life mod is a headlight modulator, I like the one from http://www.signaldynamics.com due to the way that it works with both high or low beam with an easy off switch. Then there's the R6 replacement for the rear suspension, (do a board search). Braided brake lines are worth doing if your hoses are more than 4 years old.
Before taking your bike to the dealership, check the front wheel and headset bearings. https://youtu.be/3fqLmSY_4sw
(https://s11.postimg.org/qg3y67ufn/IMG_4063.jpg)
Absolutely agree with @user11235813. Rather than replacing the front springs in the first instance go for a 15W oil and a reduced air gap. I'm the better part of 100kgs and found this set up on stock spring made a great improvement.
Those bar back/risers are great. 'Suze' and I have done many 500+ km days and having a more upright posture makes it a lot more comfortable.
Also, if you are looking at touring, a windscreen really helps. The National Cycle F-Series are simple to fit. ( http://www.nationalcycle.com/f-series-mt.html (http://www.nationalcycle.com/f-series-mt.html)). The taller, touring options don't look sporty but they do work.
Have fun.