I recently made a copy of what I think is the official Suzuki gs500 manual.  I found it among the items that cheesy gave to me along with my bike.

I can't be absolutely sure that its the official manual because there is no cover page (or cover)... but what I have are very thin (onion skin... thinner than newsprint) 8.5x11 3-hole punched pages with chapters 1-12.  

There is no copyright information listed anywhere, and the manual covers '89-'93 models which is what leads me to think that it is probably an official manual.

Anyways...

We have a copier at work that has a document feeder and can automatically scan straight to pdf.  It would take me about 5 minutes to convert the whole thing to PDF, which could be subsequently distributed (or published) to/for members here.

I don't see a conflict with Suzuki or existing law because there aren't any trade secrets in the manual, and every gs500 owner is entitled to owning one.  Would any 2nd or 3rd hand gs500 owners out there need a manual?  Respond if you're interested and I"ll figure out a way to make it available.

I don't peronally need it but I am sure it would make a great resource for GS owners    And you would be out what, 5 minutes?

If it's legal, I say go for it.  I would be interested.

Who cares if its legal, do it anyway. :lol:   We've got to have some kind of server space we (read John and mods) could put it, and then link to download it.


Tell you what as a last resort I could hide it somewhere on the server at my work, and maybe even hide a link somewhere.  I'd rather not do this, not for ethical reasons, but because I like my boss and I wouldn't want to screw him over.

Why not put it up for download for small paypal fee. The money could help support the site. Although selling it might not be Kosher?

Quote from: callmelennyWhy not put it up for download for small paypal fee. The money could help support the site. Although selling it might not be Kosher?

now, that would make it illegal...

ive got a clymer and the yellow factory paperback. i was looking to put the yellow one on CD in PDF,   then laminate each sheet of the yellow for a perm book but me scaner be blind.

The pdf on CD is a really good idea, make it free to members +shipping and handling, that way you're not selling the info, and it should be completely legal.


Hey, just send out the CD free with any GSTwin decal purchase.

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Hmm, I don't want to take money away from the site.   This bears more thought.

making a PDF out of the original manual was one of the first things I did while I was waiting on my registration.

gotta love those all in one printers.  

Just for the record, I did buy the Amazon book to support the site, and I would still be interested.

Maybe that could be the hook... buy the Amazon book to get the "right" to download the PDF.  

Don't fool around with the copyright laws... it could turn out to be a quick and nasty way to get the website shut down.  (Just ask google.)

If it is in print and from Suzuki, you can bet it is copyrighted. You may not have the page with that info.

NOT LEGAL

and i know somebody who will make your life hell if you get cought.....

Thanks for the warning.... but i'm already so broke and poor, that I'm not sure what else a lawyer thinks they could do as far as punitive measures go .   My life savings wouldnt' even cover Suzuki's consultation with her/him.

Obviously, they could compel a halt to the distribution of their manual.  I'm not going to give up on the idea of an online resource.  It just bears more thought first....

which gives me an idea...  davipu... have you ever thought about seeking any sort of relationship with Suzuki?  In all honesty... this site has done 10x more to sell me on their bikes than any literature/advertisement that I have ever seen from them.  I don't know if official sponsorship would be the right path to go down (as they would probalby want a hand in what is said on the site)... but they might not be opposed to buying ONE ad/link to their motorcycle site/parts store from here.

I just love the moral police. I call them the "do-gooders" since they like to flaunt around and pretend how rightous they are, when in reality they are just trying to divert attention away from what they are doing wrong.   Like Ben Franklin said, you better clean your finger before you point at my spots.  :lol:

All that is probably right but the fact remains that breech of copyright is both a criminal and civil offence in law. OK it's not a best selling CD/DVD/Book but if Suzuki got the hump about it they could make life difficult, on the other hand they may not be concerned and possibly see it as good PR.

John whould be the guy to ask about a factory sponser for the site, as he is the site owner.  I'm just a post whore.

I could give a ratz ass if you copy to .pdf
using the company copier.....your deal with your boss
giving away .... killed napster
selling....takes $ from amazon.com....and this site
unless you want to pay the site bills with your new found wealth

There's already one floating around...

In fact, someone has posted about it here...