Quote from: DeeJRedE on July 30, 2008, 08:44:27 AM
Really, I'm looking for something that I could go to home depot and pick up like 15 bucks worth of random stuff and make something unique. I have plans for a kat rear wheel,

I don't think those home depot Kat wheels are real good quality.

I like the idea of the fan on the oil cooler, would that be necessary though? Ive also been thinking of using some white leather to cover the passanger seat. I hate the look of the bannana seat. I thought about trying to make a cowl, but i have no experience with fiberglass. and my girlfriend will kill me if i she didnt have a plalce to ride.

Low budget enhancements you can make;

Remove that grab rail, fill it in
Mesh up the fairing holes
Valve caps and rim tape
Fit a half decent push bike computer with rare earth magnets...gives you digital speedo + lots more (clock etc!)
Have some custom made decals...not that expensive and nobody else has em!

Here's my bike with the above:



I next plan some of the mods you have already and reckon the fatter rear tyre, K&N and some other bits n bobs are in order 

What did you use to fill in the holes from the grab rail? And what's involved with fitting the bike with a push bike computer? I haven't came across anything about that on this site yet.

Quote from: NEWGS500F on August 01, 2008, 04:08:09 PM
Low budget enhancements you can make;

Remove that grab rail, fill it in
Mesh up the fairing holes
Valve caps and rim tape
Fit a half decent push bike computer with rare earth magnets...gives you digital speedo + lots more (clock etc!)
Have some custom made decals...not that expensive and nobody else has em!

Here's my bike with the above:



I next plan some of the mods you have already and reckon the fatter rear tyre, K&N and some other bits n bobs are in order 

Quote from: DeeJRedE on August 04, 2008, 06:11:40 AM
And what's involved with fitting the bike with a push bike computer? I haven't came across anything about that on this site yet.

Bicycle computer thread:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38219.0

$15 (or less) major customization - pick up 2-3 rattlecans and give it a custom paintjob. Then don't spill gas when filling tank (I have no problem with that part, others do, evidently.) You'll blow your budget if you want decals and such, however. I don't consider decals an improvement, so I'm happy to lose them. "Real" paint costs MUCH more.

Quote from: DoD#i on August 04, 2008, 06:22:47 AM

Quote from: DeeJRedE on August 04, 2008, 06:11:40 AM
And what's involved with fitting the bike with a push bike computer? I haven't came across anything about that on this site yet.

Bicycle computer thread:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38219.0

$15 (or less) major customization - pick up 2-3 rattlecans and give it a custom paintjob. Then don't spill gas when filling tank (I have no problem with that part, others do, evidently.) You'll blow your budget if you want decals and such, however. I don't consider decals an improvement, so I'm happy to lose them. "Real" paint costs MUCH more.

DoD#i - You can cure the paint on the gas tank problem (im presuming your refering to when you use low quality paint it is 'smeared' when gas gets on it) get some high quality laquer (clear coat) and spray that on, 2 or 3 coats and you should be good. Also allows it to be polished beautifully and protects and stickers from picking up grime and peeling off.

Quote from: DoD#i on August 04, 2008, 06:22:47 AM

Quote from: DeeJRedE on August 04, 2008, 06:11:40 AM
And what's involved with fitting the bike with a push bike computer? I haven't came across anything about that on this site yet.

Bicycle computer thread:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38219.0

$15 (or less) major customization - pick up 2-3 rattlecans and give it a custom paintjob. Then don't spill gas when filling tank (I have no problem with that part, others do, evidently.) You'll blow your budget if you want decals and such, however. I don't consider decals an improvement, so I'm happy to lose them. "Real" paint costs MUCH more.

Improvements are in the eye of the beholder I guess.  Decals I had made didnt cost much at all and are top quality vinyl...I had others made for my last bike and they were cool too....7 year quality vinyl for much cheapness.  There's far more chance of someone doing a bad paint job with a rattle can - spraying a bike is far harder than sticking some decals on.  I certainly wouldnt consider a botched paint job an improvement.......

"REAL" paint, costs a lot more...when done properly, by professionals.  As  I said, the poster was looking for cheap, DIY tricks.  Decals are cheap, DIY and if you get something half decent, needn't cheapen the bike.

As I said though, improvements are in the eye of the beholder...

not to be an a-hole, but isn't your picture in your profile a bit big??

DoD#i   I agree decals are not an improvement. Save your money for real mods.

lol plainfield. iv egot family there, anyhoo consider perhaps audio? or something liek that?

Yeah I know the pic in my sig is big, but my computer has taken a dump so I've been using my phone for internet and it doesn't support a lot of stuff. Sorry.
I thought about audio, but I haven't come up with a good way to shield the radio from the elements, and I'm worried that the electrical system might not be able to handle it.
I really like the idea of getting a digital speedo, I'm going to start looking into that for sure.

I got an idea!! Not sure if anyone mentioned that (did not have time to read entire thread)

Design and build FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR!! I'm serious.
If you could make it or anyone else this would be great!!
Digital or analog, whatever...

This would be great addition to our bikes!!
Kamel

Quote from: kml.krk on August 05, 2008, 10:47:11 AM
Design and build FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR!! I'm serious.

Needless complexity. You have a tripmeter, and you have a reserve. Don't need anything more than that.

Quote from: DoD#i on August 05, 2008, 01:35:28 PM

Quote from: kml.krk on August 05, 2008, 10:47:11 AM
Design and build FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR!! I'm serious.

Needless complexity. You have a tripmeter, and you have a reserve. Don't need anything more than that.

I agree, plus i dont think it would be very accurate with how much the fuel sloshes around in the tank. Although if it were efficient, it would be nice to have

Quote from: DoD#i on August 05, 2008, 01:35:28 PM

Quote from: kml.krk on August 05, 2008, 10:47:11 AM
Design and build FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR!! I'm serious.

Needless complexity. You have a tripmeter, and you have a reserve. Don't need anything more than that.

Since ive never owned a GS where is the fuel reserve tap? And can you switch it easily when riding.

I ask because im actually going to sell my bike soon and never buy a bike with a reserve switch again. My first bike had a light and altho occasionally with fuel sloshing it would flicker you would know when you were in the "reserve zone" No switches to be flicked or anything you just had to head for the station.

On my ZXR however it has a reserve switch petcock and its located and designed in the WORST POSSIBLE way ever.

problem 1... switch is on the clutch/gear change side right behind the knee flush with the plastics

problem 2... instead of you reaching behind the knee and turning it anti clockwise - which would be easy as your pushing the top down and the hand position your in aids this, you actually have to turn it clockwise. but you cant get your hand infront because your leg is there to use your thumb to push it anti clockwise.

problem 3... its stiff as hell as there is virtually no leverage.

Its built to be switched off the bike and even then its stiff. Often when riding and you have to go to reserve you end up switching it to off (middle) and not being able to get it the full 180 degrees to on. It sucks ass and i hate it. A light is a much better idea. I can't take my bike on the motorway unless i know it wont need to go onto reserve or ive already switched it onto reserve for the sake of that bit of the journey. As if i needed to switch to reserve i would have non chance stuck in 3 lanes of high speed traffic id be f%&ked and end up stranded.

Under your left buttock. Easy enough to switch while riding. Practice helps.

yeah! it's easy enough to do while riding. I've done this recently doing 70mph quite easily.
I haven't been practicing before 

cheers
Kamel

I only dream of having an accessible reserve switch. Even with practice your always on the danger of wobbling (as its so stiff to twist the friggin thing) and when you get to the OFF position you have to fiddle around with your hand to try get in a position to continue to the RESERVE. So damn dangerous and stupidly designed

Quote from: Kasumi on August 07, 2008, 02:13:53 AM
I only dream of having an accessible reserve switch. Even with practice your always on the danger of wobbling (as its so stiff to twist the friggin thing) and when you get to the OFF position you have to fiddle around with your hand to try get in a position to continue to the RESERVE. So damn dangerous and stupidly designed

get the GS then 

Hehe i was thinking more of an FZ1 or KTM duke