I was wondering if I bought one of the newer gs500s if there is a kit to buy or an easy way to take the plastic fairings and front assembly off to make it naked. I can see the naked bike under there screaming to get out. But I don't want to go buy one and find out later that it would take a small miracle and a welding torch to do. Anyone tried this before?

Buy an older GS that is already naked.

Or, I'll sell you my fairing removal kit for $45 shipped.

Dave  

Heresy!!!!

It's easy to take off.  You'd want to cut off the brackets that hold the fairing on.  Then you need to get a headlight and fabricate a mount.  And your resale would tank.

Just buy a naked one.

Quote from: ChaseI was wondering if I bought one of the newer gs500s if there is a kit to buy or an easy way to take the plastic fairings and front assembly off to make it naked. I can see the naked bike under there screaming to get out. But I don't want to go buy one and find out later that it would take a small miracle and a welding torch to do. Anyone tried this before?

You will need only simple hand tools and ambition to remove the fairing.  You will need some inginuity (or earlier year parts off e-bay) to mount athe headlight and turn signals.  If you want the option of re-installing the fairing, you will have to leave some brackets attached to the bike that might make that more difficult.  Easiest is probably to just take off the lower part of the fairing leaving the headlight and upper fairing intact - an hours work tops.

Quote from: mjmEasiest is probably to just take off the lower part of the fairing leaving the headlight and upper fairing intact - an hours work tops.

20min tops... but IMO, that looks like ass.  All a matter of taste, of course.



Oh, yeah, you'd have to rig up mirrors as well as turn signals.

Where are you located Chase?  If near me, I would be willing to help, if I get the faring and mounting brackets.

Let me know if you want that removal tool kit; I have one left.

Dave  

I'll trade bikes with ya!  I've got a 2001 that I added an aftermarket fairing to, because the wind was killing me, especially in the fall when it's below 50 degress.  I'd love to have an F faring because it's a much better professional looking fit than what I have (an Airtech).  However, the Airtech is great for what I wanted it for.  Keeping the wind offa me.

here is a how-to: http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18912

the fairing brackets are bolted to the frame so they're easy to get off. The only difficulty would be the brace attached (welded) to the steering tube.

It's WELDED?!

CRAP!

No way. I'm checking that out tomorrow.

nah, there is just a little tab welded to the steering tube that the front fairing support bolts to.  It wouldn't affect the looks or get in the way if switching to naked.


Actually have a pic here.

Yeah, that is nothing. Looks like three-fourths of an inch, if anything. Going naked is as easy as taking off your clothes!

Holy cow, I didn't think I'd get this much response.  or invoke this much emotion towards either side.  I haven't bought a bike yet but the gs500s that are available all seem to be faired versions, especially the newer ones.  Do they even make a naked version now?  I'm in the market for a sv650 but the naked gs500 does appeal to me.  I'm taking the MSF course in 2 weeks so right now I'm just shopping around and seeing whats out there.  Thanks for all of the suggestions.

is the wind a real issue with the naked bikes?

They only offer Fs now in the US.  But they offered nekkid ones up through '03.  If it's your first bike, you don't want a new one or a faired one anyway.  Get a used nekkid one for cheap.

Yeah...  Get a naked used one...  It costs less and when you drop it, you won't feel as bad.

Or you could do what I did: Buy a brand new one so you know exactly what's been done to it (at-home services) and are certain nothing is wrong with it. And then eff it all up by mucking with the wiring. Then you have what I have:

A great looking bike with custom lights that won't start! It looks so great just sitting there.  

Dave  

Buy the bike in Canada we still have the naked ones...you might in the states too

Come on Dave, its all about looking good anyway!!