I just bought a 1994 GS500 for $1000 cash. I think thats a pretty good deal, although it does need a new front tire, fork seals, and a new chian, but I work at a bike shop so I should be able to get a good deal on that stuff. I haven't even gotten to ride the thing yet, and
I'm really curious about how bad the vibration is going to be. I resently road a vintage 500 twin and the thing shook the sh!t outa me. I'm hopeing the newer GS will be alot better.
I've been doing alittle bit of research on the GS500 and I've come across afew people who speak of a 555cc big bore kit. does some one still manufacture these kits, or was it a home made kit? I was also looking for the jet kits from dynojet, but when I went to www.dynojet.com, the web site wouldn't work. whats the deal? is dynojet still around? anywhere elase to get a jet kit? I'm also looking for any preformance part websites for the gs500 so if anybody knows of any particularly good ones could you please let me know. thanks alot

First of all, I love your handle.  Secondly, search is your friend.  It will find you all of the information you need.  Big-bore kits were just discussed a few days ago...
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14401
I would recommend getting the bike back to snuff and riding it a while, though.  Get the maintenance done, get good sticky tires, play with suspension mods (most people bigger than I am need to play with the suspension to get it set well).  Get some track time in, if I can talk you into it.  Although it's not fast in the world of superbikes, it has plenty of power in general (provided it's in good tune).  I'd leave power mods as the very last thing.

Vibration is relative.  It's buzzity compared to some, and smooth compared to others.  But it's on the buzzity end of the broad spectrum.

welcome.

check my site (and search here) for loads of info on jet kits and the like. I wouldnt bother with a big bore kit. You'll never pull alot more power from the bike. Work on suspension (fork springs, shock, wheels), then get faster as a rider (track schools/trackdays).

With stock wheels you should look at Pirelli Sport Demons in stock or near stock (rear) sizes. Progressive fork springs are a necessity. Katana or gsxr rear shock go a long way to make it a better canyon/track ride.

my opinion about gs power is as follows...it's got like 39hp and that's what it is...no point spending money making it faster.

Well, if you don't care about top speed I would say... a sprocket change should do you good.

when you'r scraping parts on that thing, and are consitently smooth and fast...move up or keep it around.

oh yeah, 15t sprocket up front will make it a rocket.

Quote from: budget speed demonI've been doing alittle bit of research on the GS500 and I've come across afew people who speak of a 555cc big bore kit. does some one still manufacture these kits, or was it a home made kit?

Weisco stopped making the 79mm pistons for the GS in '92. As far as I know there was never a kit available. I probably was the last to build a 555 last year. It took me almost 6 months to find two pistons from different people. I sold the bike and it is racing at Brainerd. I since have acquired one more 79mm piston and looking for another, maybe one day. Your best option is using 78mm pistons for a 541cc motor. Weisco stocks the 78's for the GPZ. Here is all the info needed: http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14401

These are high compression pistons. Better think about adding some cams and upgrading the valve springs as well to gain their full potential. //www.megacyclecams.com see page 50 in their catalog

79mm is the largest bore you can go with the stock sleeves. Anything larger requires replacing the sleeves and some minor milling on the cases to make them fit. I would not do this except on a race only bike.