Just purchase my first GS500. First bike in 20 years! Any suggestions? Thinking modern streetfighter build.
How about this one? http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=70953.0
I'm kind of partial to it :tongue2:
Sweet! I like the cafe seat and the triple clamp/clip ons. I was looking at similar LEDs for turn signals. How do you like them are they safe/bright enough?
Hi JJ2004, welcome to the forum and congrats on the bike!!
There are loads of good ideas around here, plenty of pictures and tons of info. Glad you're here and good luck with your GS!
:cheers:
Thanks man! Is there a trick to uploadin images, even 500k ones wouldn't work for me.
Quote from: JJ2004 on October 24, 2016, 05:09:47 AM
Thanks man! Is there a trick to uploadin images, even 500k ones wouldn't work for me.
You have to upload the image to an external hosting site (tinypic, imgur, photobucket, etc) then, link to it here. Write it out like this
[img]your image link here[/img] to make the image appear in your post
Quote from: JJ2004 on October 23, 2016, 11:15:23 AM
Sweet! I like the cafe seat and the triple clamp/clip ons. I was looking at similar LEDs for turn signals. How do you like them are they safe/bright enough?
I'm sure they're nowhere big or bright enough...
Though even if they were as big as hot air balloons, I'm still not sure that would be big enough for bonehead drivers on their cell phones.
So I try to make a point of always giving myself enough of a space cushion wherever I'm riding, and assume no one is looking at my signals.
There are now led turn blinkers that are much brighter than incandscents BUT you have to check them out properly. Any with the later Cree Xr-m or -l will brobably be more than bright enougn. I have only seen ONE bulb replacement led turn and stop/brake mob that makes a direct swap and gives BETTER light than the stock inc. bulbs but I can't remember the brand ( stop/brake is on my GS500F project).
Do not compare wattages. Current new LEDS use a tint fraction of the current to produce way more light.
If you find some good bright led blinkers they also have the advantage that they are visible bright LONGER than incandescents as they got to full brightness in milliseconds Inc. bulbs are only visible for 40% of the cycleas they have to heat up, leds are 50%, ie 25%longer, so they are safer IF they are as bright or brighter AND visible over a decent arc.
Thanks for the tip qcbaker. Here is what I'm starting with. Stock 2004 GS500 E in blue.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h43/jjwinklr/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-10-24_07-09-09_zpsebmtxva3.jpg)
Planning to add LSL headlight, Dekelic slip on, bar end mirrors and adjustable levers over the winter. Have to get the headers soda blasted also. Looking rusty/rough.
Can I have these ugly blue body pieces before you make them all cool looking by painting them flat black.
Oh, was this a naked conversion from a full fairing bike ???? you're likely not in the US then.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: JJ2004 on October 24, 2016, 04:19:34 PM
Thanks for the tip qcbaker. Here is what I'm starting with. Stock 2004 GS500 E in blue.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h43/jjwinklr/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-10-24_07-09-09_zpsebmtxva3.jpg)
Planning to add LSL headlight, Dekelic slip on, bar end mirrors and adjustable levers over the winter. Have to get the headers soda blasted also. Looking rusty/rough.
I've heard that people have add difficulties preventing exhaust leaks when converting the stock headers to accept slip ons. Let us know how that goes, and what you do to mitigate that issue. I think the prevailing idea is high temp silicone or something like that? Could be wrong though.
Quote from: qcbaker on October 25, 2016, 06:10:17 AM
I've heard that people have add difficulties preventing exhaust leaks when converting the stock headers ... the prevailing idea is high temp silicone or something like that?
Permatex Ultra Copper (https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/ultra-series-gasket-makers/permatex-ultra-copper-maximum-temperature-rtv-silicone-gasket-maker/) works on cars. Probably will work on a GS.
Thank you for the tip. For $100 more I can get the full exhaust, but then I would need to re-jet the carbs. What do you think?
Quote from: JJ2004 on October 25, 2016, 01:05:22 PM
Thank you for the tip. For $100 more I can get the full exhaust, but then I would need to re-jet the carbs. What do you think?
Full exhaust + rejet is a better performance increase, so dollar for dollar is probably the better option if that's what you're going for. If you just want it for aesthetics and sound, slip on is probably better.
I just rejetted and it was way easier than I thought it would be. Don't ask me how well the bike runs, I'm still working on that part. :technical:
Fixing up the paint used a kit from TouchupDirect in Canada, looks good!
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20161103_2016260_zps0ehdcsfi.jpg)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20161103_2132485_zpsn68aoqlr.jpg)
Worth the $60
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HFD6GAS/ref=pe_386430_126088100_TE_item
Included primer, base, secondary and top coat and stuff like gloves, wax and sand paper. Some of the small dings are impossible to see. Bigger imperfections are much improved.
Added some bike master bar ends :)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170110_2005227_zpsmikxta7u.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170110_2005227_zpsmikxta7u.jpg.html)
Decided to ditch the huge factory exhaust, planning to sandblast the headers and repaint them black.
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170115_1448117_zpslyqpkgfl.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170115_1448117_zpslyqpkgfl.jpg.html)
The headlight is gone now too, final got the LSL in the mail.
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170115_1315555_zps0u4ql2a5.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170115_1315555_zps0u4ql2a5.jpg.html)
And suggestions for turn signals?
Added some adjustable levers also.
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170117_2027098_zpscnmarnbe.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170117_2027098_zpscnmarnbe.jpg.html)
Took a bit of adjustment to clear the mirrors, looks cleaner with them being black.
Turn signals are proving to be a pain in my arse. They're either ugly, poor quality or wildly expensive. Bikes coming along nicely though :thumb:
Chris
O0
Tell me about it! The choices are skeleton hand blinkers, eBay specials or like $80 per blinker.
Hoping for something small, modern and bright.
sweet,....then what happened,....
Decided to order these guys:
http://www.carpimoto.it/en-HK/44090_XL-01-Traf-X-Led-indicator-X-Light-01.htm
Ended up around $160 CA for all 4, the blinkers are aluminum frame and similar to rizoma, same factory, but a bit cheaper.
aww yea
(http://mateuszgorecki.com/wp-includes/Text/Diff/Engine/dancing-me-gusta-gif-i8.gif)
Lol, I'll post picks so you can see how it's looks on the bike. I'm working on the headers now also. They were as rusty as F. I have them being sandblasted right now.
Not sure where you're located but if you can avoid salt corrosion getting the headers polished up and letting the heat turn them bronze looks pretty darn good. It does require some maintenance, though. They get progressively darker with heat cycles so it goes from bronze, to dirty copper, to awful.
Before:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/924/6N6cyO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po6N6cyOj)
After:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/924/BbORC1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poBbORC1j)
Later:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/924/MOAPyW.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poMOAPyWj)
I've had good luck in the past with VHT header paint, it's fairly durable but it will show dirt and grime easier.
And of course, the top GSTwin recommended treatment is Rutland Stove Polish. Gives the headers a nice satin black finish.
Quote from: Watcher on February 07, 2017, 02:42:10 PM
Not sure where you're located but if you can avoid salt corrosion getting the headers polished up and letting the heat turn them bronze looks pretty darn good.
I think that may only apply to stainless headers.
As far as I can tell the GS headers are ordinary carbon steel, not stainless. At least on my bike they are. They will rust very rapidly if there is no surface coating, like paint or some other anti-rust treatment. You might be able to get away with regular treatments (like, weekly) of something like Breakfree CLP. Or the stove black stuff.
The Buell pipes look great Watcher!, nice patina. I'm in Ontario Canada and the pipes are definitely not stainless as Mr72 mentioned. Planning to do the VHT paint you referenced. I have a lot of black bits on the bike so it should look decent.
He's missing all the fairing hardware and the oil cooler, so I'm guessing it's not a conversion and it's outside USDM.
Quote from: The Buddha on October 25, 2016, 05:58:41 AM
Can I have these ugly blue body pieces before you make them all cool looking by painting them flat black.
Oh, was this a naked conversion from a full fairing bike ???? you're likely not in the US then.
Cool.
Buddha.
That's true, Buell headers are stainless, I guess I didn't really think of that...
Yeah, it would definitely be worth the time to prep and coat the GS headers.
Thanks for the compliments! I'll always have room in my heart for the GS, but right now the room in my parking space is occupied by something with a little more pep in its step and I don't intend to change that, lol!
No not in the US I'm in Canada.The GS is 500e non faired bike also. I'm trying to get a modern fighter type look though. I liked the carburated air-cooled simplicity and size of the GS.
I kinda like the stock blue paint on the tank and tail. Might keep it blue for now.
If you want more Street-fighter posture as well you might consider some different handlebars.
Drag bars or "superbike" bars will place you more aggressively on the bike while more or less keeping the same look. Clubman's replicate the placement of sportbike clip-on bars, but look a little wonky to me.
I thought of the bars a bit, mostly for the look as you mention Watcher. I hear clip ons are hard on your body if you ride for more then an hour at a time. So I was thinking maybe clubmans so the drop isn't as severe.
Any tips are appreciated!
IIRC clubman's can be as low if not lower than clip-ons.
But your comfort depends a lot on your physiology. I find full-tuck sport bikes more comfortable than cruisers, if you can believe it.
Signals came in and they look awesome!
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170210_1750014_zps5svdhje4.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170210_1750014_zps5svdhje4.jpg.html)
And on the bike:
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170212_1703434_zpsoc6qlxtg.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170212_1703434_zpsoc6qlxtg.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170212_1703104_zpszppctmbq.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170212_1703104_zpszppctmbq.jpg.html)
They look cool, but they don't seem too bright.
They seem very bright, but definitely much smaller then OEM. The front face is much smaller and they stick out about half as much from the headlight.
Decided to paint the headers.
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170222_2015384_zpsrz0kjlpe.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170222_2015384_zpsrz0kjlpe.jpg.html)
Looking good! Keep up the good work. And welcome. :cheers:
Thanks frink!
Pipe backs on and ready to ride!
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170421_1836452_zpszcpgg58u.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170421_1836452_zpszcpgg58u.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170424_1552081_zpsbgztgnsx.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170424_1552081_zpsbgztgnsx.jpg.html)
Lookin' pretty sharp there JJ!
Thanks!
shazamin hot :rstar: :rstar: :rstar:
BA GAWD that is a clean bike. Dat exhaust tho. Did you cut the pipe to fit the slip-on?
Thanks guys! For the exhaust I cut the pipe myself using a exhaust pipe cutter. This was super easy to do. Just rotated it a few dozen times and it popped. The slip on needed a couple mounting rings welded on to attach the springs. This was pretty cheap to do at a local shop. I used black exhaust paint to cover the work after getting the pipe sandblasted to remove rust.
Decided to ditch the ugly rubber pegs:
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170430_1812278_zpsf2jgpqsa.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170430_1812278_zpsf2jgpqsa.jpg.html)
Used this walk through:
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Pegs
Bunch more updates in May. K&N airbox, jet kit, fenderectomy, renthal bars, new grips, smoke trail light and LED dash updates. Posting picks once the jets are done.
Can't wait to see!! :woohoo:
loving the changes! cant wait to see more :rstar:
Some more pics:
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170624_1649307_zpskmafv2ye.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170624_1649307_zpskmafv2ye.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170624_1648551_zpsd5t0hchb.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/%3Cbr%20/%3EIMG_20170624_1648551_zpsd5t0hchb.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah3/jramage51/IMG_20170624_1648466_zps3rst9iu9.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/jramage51/media/IMG_20170624_1648466_zps3rst9iu9.jpg.html)