Hello everybody!
I'm curious what you think of my somewhat modified 1996 model.
Some of the mods:
Front brake caliper: Kawasaki ZX6R 1999 (with custom steal braided lines)
Brake master cylinder: Suzuki GSXR600 2006 radial master cylinder
Front forks: Hyperpro progressive springs & oil
Rear shock: Yamaha R6 2006
Exhaust: Takkoni Slip-on with custom removable DB-killer
The mods made a huge difference in handling, braking performance and overall stability and fun-factor of the motorcycle.
I'm curious if any of you have done the same or similar mods!
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All I know is, I love those full fairing GS500Es. Very few of those out there, especially in good condition.
I have the same front caliper on my GS and love it. Way better brake feel than the stock caliper. With the stock caliper there was no feedback through the brake lever which seemed dangerous because you could wash out the front without realizing it. With the upgraded caliper I feel like I can tell what the front tire is doing. I haven't even upgraded to a radial master cylinder yet.
I also know what a difference the spring and shocks make. I have Sonic .90 springs and a katana 600 shock. Totally transforms the bikes handling and lets you take advantage of the GS's nice frame. 2-up riding is 1000% better.
Exhaust is totally user preference. I've had 3 or 4 different aftermarket cans and didn't really like any of them. What I would want is something that's quieter than stock with a slightly deeper note.
Very nice, I'd like to see some more beauty shots showing off that fairing too!
Nice!
Were the break caliper and the master cyl a straight fit or any mods needed?
@Bluesmudge With such a light bike I feel like suspension upgrades is definitely the way to go! Agree with you there!
@chris900f Thanks man! Appreciate it. You asked for beauty shots, here they are!
(Some photos may be a bit dated, thus not showing my most recent mods)IMG_6870 Small.pngIMG_2424 Small.png IMG_2435 Small.png
@nsharg The master cylinder from a Suzuki GSXR600 2006 was a straight fit apart from a different banjo bolt. The GS500 master cylinder uses a fine thread, whereas the GSXR uses a coarse thread. Size is the same though.
I made the brake caliper from a '99 ZX6R fit using a custom CNC machined bracket. A friend of mine helped me with this part. The same result should be achievable using CAD (cardboard aided design), an angle grinder and a drill.
Wow it looks epic! Where are those fairings from? I think GS500F fairings look different.
Sweet looking ride, and the color is primo; a classy Italian look for the humble GS. It makes me wonder why they waited so long to give us the full-faired F bikes.
Quote from: Sparker on June 18, 2023, 01:23:12 PMWow it looks epic! Where are those fairings from? I think GS500F fairings look different.
@Sparker Yeah the GS500F model uses different fairings. Before they made the F-model they made these. I have no idea what they are called and I can't find any spare fairings or anything like that. So the fairings are in fact stock.
Quote from: chris900f on June 18, 2023, 01:41:15 PMSweet looking ride, and the color is primo; a classy Italian look for the humble GS. It makes me wonder why they waited so long to give us the full-faired F bikes.
@chris900f I know right. It makes the GS look like a much more expensive machine. The colour is named 'candy red' and I think only '96 and '97 models have it. The past owner of my bike definitely polished the paint at one point. It looks like it just came out of the factory.
So I'm curious, this variant doesn't have the oil radiator unlike GS500F, correct? So it's all same engine as standard GS500?
Quote from: Sparker on June 19, 2023, 02:49:11 AMSo I'm curious, this variant doesn't have the oil radiator unlike GS500F, correct? So it's all same engine as standard GS500?
@Sparker Yes, exactly the same as a regular GS500 . My brother had a naked GS500 from '94 and there were no differences at all.
I think the company that made these fairings was called "5-star." They were never sold in the US afaik. I think they were an option like a lot of hard bags on other bikes, they were offered as official Suzuki options from the dealer and came with color matched paint but not actually made by Suzuki.
Quote from: Bluesmudge on June 20, 2023, 10:42:56 AMI think the company that made these fairings was called "5-star." They were never sold in the US afaik. I think they were an option like a lot of hard bags on other bikes, they were offered as official Suzuki options from the dealer and came with color matched paint but not actually made by Suzuki.
Oh damn! That explains the sticker of 'Five Star' on the inside of one of the fairings :laugh:
I never knew that.
:rstar: :rstar: :rstar: Loving that sweet gs
I bought 20 years ago a blank kit of that fairing, manufactured by TCP, S.A. a local company in Barcelona, Spain, and got a friend to carry it with her by plane to here, Mexico City, I've always thought this fairing looked way better then F's, but with age the headlight got me some trouble. The headlight shape is the same as Yamaha ZZR600 and 1000 from early 90's, despite they use an H4 reflector instead the H1/H3 combination of TCP's, the ZZR400 had a similar double headlight so I tried to catch on ebay, but they were scarse and expensive.
https://www.facebook.com/p/TCP-SA-100066670592009/