Hi, new to the forum and I was just wondering what manual (haynes, clymer, etc) would be best to aid me in servicing my GS500 F myself?

Thanks

I use a haynes manual and find it useful, never seen a clymer manual so don't know how good it is. The bike is pretty simple to work on so you shouldn't have too many problems.

you can get clymer's manual through this site.  it's $22-$23 and it helps this site out.  Clymer's is very thorough with lot of pictures.  Have never seen Haynes so can't compare.  

you gotta get the factory one.   (just saying to be different)   the pics in the haynes one are so detailed they tell you how to scratch your ass.

Keep in mind there isn't one in print specifically for the "F", is there? Maybe the factory one th dealers use? So the differences between the faired and un-faired models would have to be taken into consideration if you buy a manual not made for the "F".

Those difference are very few and pretty insignificant. I have the Haynes and have not had a single issue with the steps outlined. Someone else can better explain the differences, but they really are not big.

D  

Quote from: davipuyou gotta get the factory one.   (just saying to be different)   the pics in the haynes one are so detailed they tell you how to scratch your ass.

But do they accurately tell me how to scratch my ass if I have an F?

Quote from: Roadstergal

Quote from: davipuyou gotta get the factory one.   (just saying to be different)   the pics in the haynes one are so detailed they tell you how to scratch your ass.

But do they accurately tell me how to scratch my ass if I have an F?

if not, there are any number of volunteers on this site who would gladly do it for you, be it for free, or a case of beer.

you have to buy the F update from the dealer.  if you don't want to I souppose I can do a write up for you.

Quote from: davipuyou have to buy the F update from the dealer.  if you don't want to I souppose I can do a write up for you.

That isn't such a bad idea.

Dave  

How To Scratch Your Ass If You Have An "F"

1. Remove all the buttons, snaps, and zippers from your fairing (ie "pants").

2. Squirt in some PB Blaster on your hips and theighs, so as not to cause friction when the pants are removed. It will also make re-installation easier.  

3. Reach your arm around to the rear "exhaust" area and, in a circular motion with a pointed object, buff the area in question.

4. Installation is the reverse of the removal.

Would you like me to make you a video clip Roadstergal?  :nana:

Quote from: PhaedrusWould you like me to make you a video clip Roadstergal?  :nana:

If you and David collaberate on a how-to, I think this site will crash from the hits.    

well, all I can say is WOW!!! I NEVER expected that amount of feedback in this space of time -   guys.   That was going to be my next question - what are the differences (if any) between the naked and "F" version - but I see that that question is already answered, lol   .   It may be a stupid question, but where do I get the factory manuals from (incl. "F" update) as I can't really see in my mind that the Suzuki team would supply the manual, or they would be out of a job, lol.

ukchickenlover - it like Chris Tarrant says - "It is only easy if you know the answer" or what you are doing in this case, lol.

Phaedrus - yeah, I know there isn't an "F" one - that was really annoying as the shop around the corner from me sells most of the Haynes and din't have that one, lol.

Davipu - Thanks for the offer - I would buy you all a beer, but I am NOT making a special trip from the UK for a couple of hours, lol (unless you are in the lancashire, UK area) - so I think we will have to stick to this - cheers lads  

If you can purchase it, buy the latest OEM manual. "What's the latest?" you ask. I have the Service Manual with part number 99500-34092-03E that covers models K,L,M,N,O,P,R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,K1,K2,K3,K4. When ever a required modification is made to the design, it will generate another model designation. "K5" would be my guess if anything changed for 2005 on ANY market model.

The OEM manual isn't the best for someone just learning wrenching. For that, the consensus is Haynes. The only problem is that, as of this date, Haynes only covers to year model 2002. The OEM will give you details not found elsewhere. Do you really need those details?  :dunno:

I bought my OEM manual on eBay for around $60US.

Yeow Starwalt ... couldv'e asked me for manual ... I have one and you can use copier  :lol:  ... It comes apart as you know ... 3 ring bound.
Cool.
Srinath.

Keep in mind that davipu ONLY looks at the pics...he doesn't know how to read.  :dunno:   Darnit..where's that halo emoticon when I need it....

I have the Clymer manual, and...yes, it *does* have nice pics!

Signed,
anonymous  :mrgreen:

Quote from: seshadri_srinath... It comes apart as you know ... 3 ring bound.

Ummmm, nope. Mine is bound like a paperback. 7 hole punched. This edition may be for the general wrencher and the leaf type for the dealers. That way they can get just the ones they need.

But then, what do I know? I work on MRI scanners for a living. We have two DVD's worth of books for those things. Global warming, tree hugging, and all that rot.

I have an OEM manual on order that covers the K5 too. It was about $55 from the dealer.

great, thanks - just to clear up, what are the differences (apart from the fairing) between the "E" and "F" versions?   sorry, just puts my mind at rest, lol.

starwalt - not sure if I do need too much detail, but I jusrt want to avoid taking the bike to the shop everytime something small happens...the most adventurour I have got so far (because of a lack of manuals) is changing the headlight bulbs in  my 125 varadero, lol...love that bike!!! :kiss:

Jhart - thanks for the links - when I click the 2005 model at the bottom, it comes up with the same 2004 search results for some reason, lol. :dunno: