Bought my gs500 today, black/grey.  I like it because it doesn't have the fairing, and it has the classic round headlight.  I just stare at it sometimes, I like it so far.

I got it used, the previous owner owned it for a short time before he layed it over and the he said that was enough and decided to sell it.  It does have a little ding in the tank and some paint scratched off, but I got it $1000 bucks cheaper because of it.  I need to re-align the tank because it got knocked off center somehow - I'll just wait till I get my manual.

If you experienced guys have any need to know info about these bikes, I'd love to hear it.  Things to look out for, things to expect, best parts stores, secrets, tips, ..etc.  I guess I begin learning what I've gotten into now.

I have the 2002 with almost 19000 miles.  Got it new.
Get yourself a set of engine guards.  I got mine after going down for the second time.  None were my fault.
Just add gas and check your oil on a regular basis and have fun.  Around 6000 miles I would check the valves.

I've got a 2002 and sometimes just sit and stare at it too.  It looks retro from the front (that big headlight just reminds me of something from the 40's) but that rear end is almost futuristic.

You can readjust the tank by loosening the bolts on each side just under the front of the seat....the tank front is held on by a tab that fits under the frame.  Hopefully the side tabs that bolt to the frame aren't bent, but if so I bet you can straighten them out.

Have fun! But remember...this is a utilitarian machine to be used only for transportation...no daydreaming allowed (especially if your significant other or mother is watching).

CONGRATS!!

Have Fun! and Ride Safe!

*Brat*

Welcome and congradulations!

The valves should be checked every 4000 miles, or multiples thereof.

Same thing with oil. You might be able to get away with valve checks every 6000, if you change your oil every 2000.

Check your airfilter.

Change your fork oil, one of the most neglected fluids on any motorcycle; it is supposed to be changed every other year.

Brake fluid - is it a dark color? If so, replace it. Same service interval as fork oil; every other year.

Check to see how much brake pad you have left (always better than replacing a $200 rotor).

Check the tank for rust; shouldn't be any if the owner stored the bike with a full tank of gas.

Check your tire pressures (33 front, 36 rear).

I like to oogle my bike from the 4o'clock position with the front wheel turned right. And, from the front...and from the rear...and starboard...

thanks for that info.

I ordered a shop manual today.

A website that sells moto parts had an exploded view of the tank, it looks like it'll be fairly easy to move, almost like it was designed to be alignable, but I've been wrong before.

Fork Oil - I would have never thought about that, even though I 've seen  a change done before, I forgot all about that.

Valves - I saw the link on this site to the valve check page.  What do you do if they are off, wouldn't you have to replace them or at least get them machined?  What is the likelyhood that they will be off?

I've also got to replace a turn signal bulb.  I'm gonna go after it tonight with a multimeter to make sure it's just the bulb.  Any recommendations on where to get parts reliably, preferably not outragious on price?

I have tons of pics, sometime I'll shrink 'em and put 'em up here if I can.

Welcome aboard!

Quote from: Savory TidbitsValves - I saw the link on this site to the valve check page.  What do you do if they are off, wouldn't you have to replace them or at least get them machined?

When the valve clearance is off you adjust it by replacing the shim between the camshaft lobe and the valve with one of a different thickness.

You need three bits of information to know what the replacement thickess should be:  the current clearance, the current thickness and the desired clearance.  (See my Valve Shim Selection Chart.)

Quote from: Savory TidbitsWhat is the likelyhood that they will be off?

That can range all over depending on the bike.  I didn't change any shims until about the 15,000 mile mark - but that's unusual.  Go ahead and check the clearances early on, so you'll have some idea of where they're at.

If you would be interested in a "How To" DVD showing how to check and adjust the valves, I'm getting close to finishing one.  It will cost between $2 and $3 shipped (in North America) depending on where you are and how you choose to pay.

(See this post.)

Congrats, bro.

congrats on the 02, we have an 02 also. love the naked look.
have fun, ride safe.

Thanks guys, amazing how fear and dread are dispelled once knowledge is attained, but anyway, I've looked through the site a little, time is a factor here lately though.  Sorry if I've asked questions about things that are thoroughly explained elsewhere on the site.   Maybe after work tonight I'll try getting some pics up.

And I would definitely be interested in one of those dvds, especially if they're $5 or less; awesome!

the first thing you will want to do, after getting that whole tank thing sorted out of course, is replace the stock handle switches with a custom carbon fiber set (yet to be created by some skilled genius), and send the old, clumsy ones to me. it's basically a mandatory mod, everyone's going to have em soon, be the first on your block...i mean, what could be cooler?