GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

I bought 2 valve shims from Eastside Motorsports (Suzuki) in Bellevue WA and was charged 4.99 ea.  

I had seen on bikebandit.com (http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/oem_schematic_view.asp?schem_dept_id=706263&section_dept_id=1&section_dept_name=OEM+%28Stock+Parts%29&dept_type_id=2&model_dept_year=2002&model_dept_mfr=Suzuki&model_dept_id=703278&model_dept_name=GS500K2) where they are charging $10.35.

This gives new meaning to their name, don't you think?

Also, what's your opinion on how they are painting some of the new Bonneville motors black? My dealer is asking $6999 for this model.

(http://www.rideteamtriumph.com/images/04BonnevilleBlack_1.jpg)

OS[/url]

Stock up on shims!

That Triumph reminds me of a Vincent Black Shadow (hmm...drool).

that is a sweet looking biking. I agree with scratch it does look like an old black shadow.  There were a couple of them at the bike show last year.  I'm a big fan.  ON a related note, what do you guys think of the Royal Enfield rereleases?

jake

Bleh. But that's just my opinion.

Quote from: scratchBleh. But that's just my opinion.

That's a 'Bleh' on the Enfield?

I talked with a dealer a few months ago about the RE and he started out by saying that 'you can't ride them on the freeway'.  Why?  He said because too many 'parts fall off'.  He also said they need a long break-in.

Just bring along all your spanners I guess.

They are cute though.

well i guess you'll have that when you build a bike that's essentially from the 50's.  I still think they look kinda cool.  but, damn a black shadow would be a cool restoration.

jake

bah... i just paid $13 each for two at the local suzuki dealer.

Quote from: oldsportI bought 2 valve shims from Eastside Motorsports (Suzuki) in Bellevue WA

Since we're "mixing threads" anyway....

Does this mean you'll be retesting your petcock soon?   :roll:

I think the extra dollars for a T100 is worth it over a standard Bonnie.  Although I'm not too wild about the chrome-plated side covers (I prefer brushed aluminum), the addition of a deluxe paint job, tank pads, and a tachometer easily adds the extra value to the bike.  OTOH, if you know a fella with a steady hand and a jar of gold pinstriping paint, a little extra coachlining would look really cool on the all-black one.  Just my $.02

Re: the RE...   Even if you were masochistic enough to invest in '50s technology, I'd wait until the 5 speed left-shift trannies are available stateside, instead of the 4 speed right shift converted boxes.  I don't know if the gear ratios support a taller top gear, but the entire aura of that bike lends towards taking the roads less travelled (2-lane secondaries):cheers:

Quote from: KerrySince we're "mixing threads" anyway....

Does this mean you'll be retesting your petcock soon?   :roll:

I bet you'd like that.   :)

I thought about it but decided to let you 'sweat it' a little longer.  Never hurts to ask though.

OS

Quote from: JLKasperOTOH, if you know a fella with a steady hand and a jar of gold pinstriping paint, a little extra coachlining would look really cool on the all-black one.  Just my $.02

Now that's an excellent idea.  I think you could run the risk on this bike (black Bonneville) of having it looking like a 1970s Firebird TA (without the chicken decal).  So nice pinstripes could go a long ways.

QuoteRe: the RE...   Even if you were masochistic enough to invest in '50s technology, I'd wait until the 5 speed left-shift trannies are available stateside, instead of the 4 speed right shift converted boxes.  I don't know if the gear ratios support a taller top gear, but the entire aura of that bike lends towards taking the roads less travelled (2-lane secondaries):cheers:

Yes, using one as your 'commuter' misses the point.  Showing up at the 'Ace' is more its Forte'.  If you read some of the things online from owners, they seem to be fairly pleased.  This poor dealer sounded like he had been to court a couple times with unhappy customers.

Quote from: oldsportThat's a 'Bleh' on the Enfield?

Me likey black Triumph. :mrgreen:

Quote from: scratch

Quote from: oldsportThat's a 'Bleh' on the Enfield?

Me likey black Triumph. :mrgreen:

Thanks for the opinion, but don't you ride a purple motorcycle? Not sure if that qualifies you or not.  :dunno:

OKOS

Quote from: oldsport

Quote from: JLKasperOTOH, if you know a fella with a steady hand and a jar of gold pinstriping paint, a little extra coachlining would look really cool on the all-black one.  Just my $.02

Now that's an excellent idea.  I think you could run the risk on this bike (black Bonneville) of having it looking like a 1970s Firebird TA (without the chicken decal).  So nice pinstripes could go a long ways.

If the pinstriper has a thick brush, you could always get the "Burt Reynolds" makeover, and hire a Sally Field lookalike in a wedding dress as your pillion.  Finding a cosmetic surgeon to perform the chest hair implants is the only difficult part... ;)  

My buddy had a Norton Interstate just like the one in the background of the Vincent pic.  It was very reliable "for an English motorcycle".  I led him to a site that had a Keihin carb conversion kit which would have made all the difference.  He'd have none of it, and traded it with leaky Amals for a '71 Honda 750 and some cash. :cheers:

I had a blue '78 750 Bonnie. Does that qualify? I could tune it so it would fire on the first kick. I used to work at Raber's Parts Mart, Triumph, Norton, BSA. Almost broke my ankle trying to start a Vincent Velocette.

I hate having a purple bike... :lol:

Quote from: scratchI had a blue '78 750 Bonnie. Does that qualify? I could tune it so it would fire on the first kick. I used to work at Raber's Parts Mart, Triumph, Norton, BSA. Almost broke my ankle trying to start a Vincent Velocette.

I hate having a purple bike... :lol:

Whoa!  With credentials like that, you certainly do!

BTW, isn't it more of a 'Mauve'?

O.K., o.k....I hate having a 'Mauve' bike...

:lol: