In one of my last posts I told you that I wanted to do a ton of stuff
to my bike! my question is, would it be worth it ? My Gs looks like SH*T at the moment!!! im planning to put about $600 or more in to my GS,  Is it worth IT???  I love my GS. Is there something wrong with wanting it to look nice??? I like nice stuff, Its just, I like my GS the way it is, But could be nicer. I want a TRICKED out GS to go with my Name "TRICKED500"  my GS isnt worth all that much say $700 to $900 im not wanting to sell it thoe!!!  Its a 91 with 8000 miles on motor and 10,000 on bike..... It runs GR8. I would like the input from all the GS'er out there

 SHOULD I TRICK OUT MY GS500E TO THE MAX???


Thanks for your time in reading

  TRICKED500

Well, I think you need to ask yourself WHY you want to modify the bike and what you want out of the bike.

If you want to steal the show at your local bikenight, then I don't think sticking with the GS is your best option.  You'd be better off saving up some money and looking for a grey-market 400cc/250cc bike or something of the like.  

However, if you want to improve as a rider, then buy some good tires, do the relatively simple suspension modifications, and attend a riding school.  I bought my GS for this specific purpose and plan to attend CLASS at the end of the month.  

If you're interested in learning the mechanics of your GS, then mod away.  This board is quite helpful when you get into problems as you almost inevitably will.

If you want reliable, fun, economic transportation, then the GS is a good bet.  But if you don't "love" it, or have an inferiority complex about it, then I would say do minimal mods, enjoy the bike while you have it and then look for the bike that really moves you.  

Just my thoughts,

Adam

sure go ahead. i mean its your bike and you want it to look more "tricked" out. i would love to do that but because im only 14 and my dad pays for everything i cant. you know as well as i do that stuff isnt cheap. so i say its up to you but i think you should

Of course it's a personal choice.

IMO, if the bike runs well I don't care what it looks like (I haven't even done the fenderectomy   )  I read a piece that claimed a bike is a tool and should look well used.  Different perspective.

If I had $600 for mods, I would get good tires, Progressive springs, and spend the rest on long range gear.  Some nice saddle bags and more cold weather gear could extend your riding a long way, and chances are the gear will move with you to another bike later.

If it's about respect, show up in Fla with a Michigan tag and tank/saddle bags stuffed to the limit  :mrgreen:

Trev

As everyone has said... it's about personal preference.  I bought the GS500 as a good starter bike.  I figure there's not much sense in "tricking it out" cuz I'd just as soon save up for a full-blown sport bike.  But I agree, I like my stuff to look nice.  Here's my '89.  The only thing that's been done is the paint job ($300 CDN).  I plan on giving it a fenderectomy, repainting the exhaust pipes, and replacing the signal lights with Buell's next spring.

http://www.mts.net/~cfry/kirk/1989_gs500e.htm

No

If you are not looking to sell it then it is totally up to you.
I think if you are creative you can do a lot for cheap.

I should probably speak up here, eh?

its about money and about value.

If you think you're going to sell soon-like in a year or less then do only enough to make you feel good about it and improve the ride since this is your first bike. If, like me you'r keeping it long term then dropping some coin on it can be spread over longer time and not feel like you're just dropping a wad of cash all at once.

I have to say I've been very lucky in that for most of the mods I've done I got the parts for cheap or free. I expect to keep the bike for several years (situation at home makes it clear there wont be money for another bike anytime soon!). I plan on riding the shaZam! out of it in the meantime.

Do only as much as you'll be able to stomach losing money on if you have to sell or if you end up crashing it (I dont wish that on you though!).

Worry about getting to be a better rider first. Buy good tires, upgrade suspension as you deem necessary, upgrade your protective gear (leather, jacket and pants, etc.), small fairing if you want a little wind protection, etc. Then try doing the stuff that you can do cheap if you still want to personalize it. And keep an eye out for deals on stuff. I got my sv650 headlight from somene turning theirs into a race bike for near nothing.

I thought about doing alot of mods too at one time but ... like some people have said .. sort of ... if you want to turn it in to a CBR600, just go buy one.  

However, if you can accept the GS for what it is ..  a fun little bike, easy to work on, fast enough for most purposes, smooth engine for a 500 twin etc.  It can be upgraded with progressive forks for a better ride, and rejetted to smooth out the power band fairly cheap.  

For the more expensive stuff like tires ... replace the tires when yours wear out with stickier ones and you have a decent ride.  So far I have not put out the money for an aftermarket pipe because right now I think its not worth the money.  

I started doing all the repairs and maintanene on my bike because I could not afford to take it to a bike shop.  Between the GS500 forum, Clymer manual and talking to some buddies I was able to figure out how to fix anything!  

I still plan on doing some more mods ... they will however be on the cheap .. fenderectomy etc.  I am saving my money for my project bike which is a 89 Katana 750.  

I think if it will make you happy than do it.
Having a sleeper bike is sweet anyway! I say do all the mods, Itll be fun.
And in the end, you will ahve one of the most bad ass 500's around.