I am new to the group and new to the gs500f I got my 05 gs500f less then 2 months ago with 6200 miles on it and just rolled 7900 today.  There are a few things i was wondering tho.  Has anyone swapped a gs500f swing arm out for a katana swing arm?  is the width of the mounting area the same? i want to swap out for the bigger swing arm so i can get a bigger tire on the rear this winter while doing the front suspension as well.

Mods to date.
Removed grab handle (3 days after i got the bike)
k&n air filter
pro grip gel grips
Amsoil

Welcome to the site!

What size tire do you want to run. To run a 160 all you need to do is swap for the Kat wheel.
If you do some searching you'll get plenty of info about proper years and procedures.

youll want theat grab handle if you ever have to make use of teh centerstand. unless you can re-mount it, my bike i did the opposite, i removed teh centerstand, but kept the handle. i keep the stand where i can run a bolt through it, and use it quickly if needed

Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on August 07, 2008, 08:10:46 PM
youll want theat grab handle if you ever have to make use of teh centerstand. unless you can re-mount it, my bike i did the opposite, i removed teh centerstand, but kept the handle. i keep the stand where i can run a bolt through it, and use it quickly if needed

no, you can grab those steel rails under the seat too, although I LOVE the grab handle

thanks guys i use the under tail bars to lift onto center stand i just think it really cleaned up the tail section of the bike up by removing that grab handle
This winter I will be working with one of my buddies on fabing up a solo seat cap for my bike that i will fiberglass to slide over the seat but removeable in just a few mins if i put the wife on the back of the bike

Ha Ha!!
I removed the grab handle, the bars under the tail, and the center stand. I use a track stand if I need to, and I can throw the handle on in about 30 sec if I need to also.