Hey everyone! Just wanted to say hi, I was directed to this site and am extremely happy I found it! I have a 06 GS500F, and have a few questions for you ( I did a search but theres so many topics to run through, I just thought maybe I would put it all in one topic).

Im a shorty, and would maybe like the bike lowered a bit more. ( I can touch both feet, but would like a bit more of my foot on the ground). Is it better to shave the seat, or to get a lowering kit and get a shorter kickstand?

Also, Im looking at getting sliders put on just in case that time comes that i knock it over by mistake.. My beautiful new fairings! hehe.

I know I have to cut into the fairings ( using a dremel tool that I have), but what sliders would fit on my bike? ( the correct bolt, etc). I already know where I am going to mount them, but which ones are the right ones?

I work part time for a Motorcycle Dealership and even our sales guys we're stumped on sliders for my bike. Go figure hey? lol

Thanks for any info.. its greatly appreciated!

I would go with shaving the seat, just to keep the geometry the same.

oh, and welcome to the site.... and good luck on the sliders.

Go with shaving the seat much better than lowering the bike.  As far as sliders are concerned I don't think anybody came out with a set that fit's the GS.  If your worried about the fairings just take them off till you fill comfortable, then put them back on.

And welcome to the mad house.

Welcome!

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=26072.msg272619#msg272619

welcome to the site.  good to see another 06 GS owner...nice selection on color too...the black and grey looks awesome.  mine's blue and white BTW

lowering the seat would be better to start with.

i havent found any sliders to fit the GS, doesnt mean they aren't out there somewhere...just that i cant find them.

again...welcome, welcome

Hi there, welcome to the board!   

If you haven't been riding very long I suggest you see if you can live with it.  At first, the GS is going to seem large, heavy, and hard to balance at a stop.   After you ride it for a while I think you'll find the GS melting away under you.  In time you'll find it more comfortable to come to a stop on one foot, and your right foot will never leave the rear brake.  Learn to make smooth starts and stops, and look ahead to where you plan to plant your feet.  (Especially if you visit New York, city of car swallowing potholes.)

However, If you do feel it necessary to gain a little more footing then shaving out the seat is the first option.   

I recall that there are some kind of aftermarket sliders available for the F model.  However, F-model owners are split on their worth.

Welcome to the site. Ditto on what everyone else said about lowering the bike. Another thing would be maybe trying to find a pair of biker boots that have alot of sole that adds an inch or two. 

Please post some pics of that new 06'

Welcome! I'm a shorty, too. If you've not found it already, I'll post the link to the "short rider's FAQ" unless someone does it before I get home. There are some good tips in it.

I'm having my boots built up. I'll post pics when they're done.

Welcome, too!!!

Quote from: kandi_apples on May 23, 2006, 03:14:47 PM
Im a shorty, and would maybe like the bike lowered a bit more. ( I can touch both feet, but would like a bit more of my foot on the ground). Is it better to shave the seat, or to get a lowering kit and get a shorter kickstand?

The ZX6R links will fit the GS500.  The shortest of the three holes on the Muzzys links is about the same as the GS500 links, approx 7 1/16 long.  Next hole is 1/2" longer which would lower the bike about 2 1/2 inches in the rear, it's about a 5:1 ratio.

I was looking for about 1-2" lower so I went with the Pingel #62018 links which have the first hole at about 7 5/16" long.  They lowered the bike about 1 1/4" in the rear.  Other 2 holes are 9/16" apart each so 2nd hole would lower it another 2 3/4 inches approx.  I dropped the front about 1/2" by sliding the fork tubes up in the tripple clamps.  I have the GenMar bar risers which allow sliding the tubes up further than they will go with the bars in the standard position.

I'm running 110/80 and 150/70 Lasertec tires which are about 1/2" taller than OE tires so my net lowering is only about 3/4" rear, but it's still 1 1/4" lower than before I added the links.      Bike sits OK on sidestand, but further lowering would probably require altering the sidestand.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=7304.msg61113#msg61113

http://www.muzzys.com/catalog/

http://www.pingelonline.com/index.htm

Bought the Pingel links from Dennis Kirk, their #588358.

http://www.denniskirk.com/

Welcome! I'm a Canadian shorty noob with a 06 GS500F as well (Actually I lived in Edmonton for awhile as well)! What a coincidence! 

Yes start with shaving the seat. If that's not enough then lower it a bit more with a lowering kit. Since you're in Canada, you may find it easier to order it from this place instead:

http://www.adjustmenttech.com/

I don't think you need a shorter kickstand. Mine is lowered about 3/4 in and it still lean fine on the kickstand.

Enjoy your bike! And watch out for the beaver!!! 

Welcome to the board, and gratz with ya bike. I've actually never heard of anyone but 1 person lowering her GS (and that was one of my familymembers).

Though, mine's been modded the opposite way. Was wondering if anyone know where to find a sidestand which is a tad longer (not alot, just a tiny bit). Cuz the current one is a little short.

Greetz, shik.

Quote from: shik on May 24, 2006, 01:58:41 PM
Welcome to the board, and gratz with ya bike. I've actually never heard of anyone but 1 person lowering her GS (and that was one of my familymembers).

Though, mine's been modded the opposite way. Was wondering if anyone know where to find a sidestand which is a tad longer (not alot, just a tiny bit). Cuz the current one is a little short.

Greetz, shik.

http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id12.html

Bottom of the page.

Hello and welcome (I'm new too!)

I'm not a shorty by most definitions, my GS is fine for me, but my boyfriend's bike is REALLY tall (Kawasaki KLR)... we shaved the seat so I could ride it and it made a big difference. Actually, we got a second seat off e-bay and shaved that one, so that if we wrecked it he'd still have a seat to use. He was reluctant to use a lowering kit as that changes the geometry of the bike. He also loosened the suspension which allows the bike to settle lower when I sit on it, although it also affects the ride so that's something I need to keep in mind when I ride.

Sorry to go offtopic again, but pantablo, wont that lower my bike? It's fairly low for me as it is so I would prefer not to do that.

Quote from: shik on May 24, 2006, 03:10:42 PM
Sorry to go offtopic again, but pantablo, wont that lower my bike? It's fairly low for me as it is so I would prefer not to do that.

Pantablo didn't post here, but if you're referring to his kickstand modification, no it won't lower your bike. Messing with the kickstand won't change anything about your bike's suspension. Putting the GSX-R shock, on the other hand, raises your bike. That's why he needed the longer kickstand.

Yeah alpha, i noticed, after I posted.. Im a lil tired here. Didn't sleep well last night. Drove 120km today (with rain from time to time - HATE that).. Ohh, btw it's 1am and im on my way to bed.

Besides I dont have anything to fix my kickstand im afraid. Since im a poor student @ shitty student housing with no garage nor anything.. Totally sucks, and my old folks got a f%&ked up garage full of shaZam!, so no working there either.
My uncles place is also a no go. So looks like i'll have to wait and see where I can find a place to work.

Goodnight everyone!

Quote from: shik on May 24, 2006, 03:58:26 PM
Yeah alpha, i noticed, after I posted.. Im a lil tired here. Didn't sleep well last night. Drove 120km today (with rain from time to time - HATE that).. Ohh, btw it's 1am and im on my way to bed.

Besides I dont have anything to fix my kickstand im afraid. Since im a poor student @ shitty student housing with no garage nor anything.. Totally sucks, and my old folks got a f%$ked up garage full of shaZam!, so no working there either.
My uncles place is also a no go. So looks like i'll have to wait and see where I can find a place to work.

Goodnight everyone!

It should only cost you a few bucks (or pounds, or whatever). A couple for the bar rod, a couple for the JBWeld, a couple for the Bondo, and a couple for the paint.

Thanks guys for the info!

I posted some pics of me, and me with the bike in the gallery section.

But the information is really helpful!

Im going to put on those sliders, and Ive already shaved the seat. It works perfectly, and has lowered it about 1 inch, which is perfect for me. I can pretty much almost flat foot both feet, which I wanted. I could always touch, but I think it was more for comfort for me. And I put on my spanky new flush mount lights.. the bikes looking hot!

Thanks again everyone!

OMG!

That's you?!?!  I'M IN LOVE!