Alright, so I just bought a 92 gs500. It's a little slow and the front suspension is soft to say the least but I've got to admit these bikes are alot better than the critics say. So I have an issue, The chain was dryer than a popcorn fart and needed replacing, as did the sprockets. So I bought the parts and went to install them only to find that the splines on the drive shaft are worn half way through where the front sprocket sits. How the hell does theat happen in 21,000 Km (13000 Mi)? Anyone else seen this or is this jsut a shitty piece of steel?

Wow, sorry to hear that. I think that's only the second time I've heard of that. Worn gearshaft splines are not common. It probably happens due to a dry chain and lots of hard launches off the line.

Well, at least, welcome to GStwin.

You can stiffen up the front suspension by slipping in some washers. I really suggest reading this www.peterverdonedesigns.com and setting up your suspension to your weight.

hey, welcome to the board!

I've heard of this on several other high mile, neglected bikes. And one trashed one I bought for parts also had mangled splines.
Usually the culprit is corrosion on the output  shaft or using a cheap sprocket.  The stock and good aftermarket sprockets have collar/lip on center hub that makes the sprocket twice as thick there to distribute the load better.

Avoid ones that don't. If you still have enough "meat" on the splines to engage the sprocket then just replace the sprocket and as counter intuitive as it sounds, grease up the shaft good between them so that it doesn't keep wearing as it rocks back and forth.
If its worn to the point that you think it might start slipping under power, you will have to replace the entire shaft.  Not the end of the world, but a pain.

Good luck!

Quote from: JamesGThe stock and good aftermarket sprockets have collar/lip on center hub that makes the sprocket twice as thick there to distribute the load better.

Only '94 and newer GS'es use the collared sprocket, the older models don't have enough room on the shaft between the sleeve on the shaft and the retaining ring groove.

that was the problem with mine, had to strip the engine and replace the output shaft(drive shaft) as its called, luckily the bottom end comes to bits without disturbing the head,

Welcome to GSTwin!!!  

And.....dryer than a popcorn fart???  :lol:  :lol: Never heard that one before!  :lol: