i currently ride a 04 gs500f.  i recently was given a 89 (i think i read the vin right) gs500.  naked but seems to be in good condition.  needs to be put back together somewhat tho.  if there is something wrong with it i was wondering what parts i could use off it for my 04.  i know the tires and looks like the rims.

thanks

are the handlebars clip-ons? or one hole piece. if they are clip-ons then yes, its an 89 your read right. as far transferable parts, heres some but not all the can swap

Sprockets and chain
handle bars if its not 89
blinkers (im pretty sure)
wheels
claipers
levers
gauges (also i think, not positive)
tail light

im sure theres more non-engine parts that will swap but as far engine goes, the whole engine can swap over i think.

You can move just about anything. The bodywork is going to be different, but it's still technically swappable assuming you move the tank and seat too.

Hi there,
Actually, while much of the engine is still the same between the 1989 and 2004 GS500s, in 2004 Suzuki added the fairing and accompanying oil cooler and hoses, etc.
That means the engines don't just swap in and out easily.
The 1989 engine wouldn't have the oil cooler provisions on it and your 1989 frame wouldn't easily receive the oil cooler, etc.
It can be done, but it's not a simple swap.
And brake calipers are not the same between the two years. Suzuki changed the number of pistons and the shapes of the calipers, making them different. There also different instruments -- cable operated in the early model and electronic in the later models.
There are other differences as well.
Good luck,
Trwhouse

P.S. I PM'd you to see if you want to sell parts from the 89. Thanks!

the engine would swap from 89 to 04 though. which is what he asked. not the other way around. and the calipers may have differant pistons, but its the mounting holes that matter whether itll swap over or not.

not really trying to part it out at this time.  im hoping to get it road worthy and get the title for it.  if i decide to part it out i will post it here first.

got another ? for yall tho---i dont have a key either.  how can i bypass the ignition till i can locate an ignition.  wanna try to see if it will start.


thanks

Quote from: raivis on December 01, 2009, 12:28:08 PM
not really trying to part it out at this time.  im hoping to get it road worthy and get the title for it.  if i decide to part it out i will post it here first.

got another ? for yall tho---i dont have a key either.  how can i bypass the ignition till i can locate an ignition.  wanna try to see if it will start.


thanks

I just picked up a parts bike with no key that I'd like to see if the engine runs.  I was going to tear into it on Friday but your post gave me an excuse to get an early start    I went with the junkie thief method of just busting out the lock cylinder.

-Jessie


Depending on your build date you could have a 1990 model that was built in '89.  This is a 1990 model built in 10/89.  If it's a stock bike, the '89 has clip ons and the '90 has handle bars.  The gauges are in nice shape on this bike so I removed them before starting to prevent accidental damage



The connector for the gauges is inside the headlight bucket



Now you need a Baltimore City universal key (flat head screwdriver).  Hammer it into the key slot and then clamp a pair of vice grips on for leverage.  Then start turning back and forth to break the tumblers



You'll be left with a mess like this.  Dig out all the tumblers and lock cylinder pieces



Broken bits that were removed



Once it is all removed you should be able to get the bike into the on position with a screwdriver.  I hooked the gauges back up to make sure there was oil pressure when turning the engine over.  I hope yours fires up!  (unlike mine    )

it does have the clip on handle bars.  i dont really like them bu my friend does.   and mine is an 06 not an 04   dont know what i was thinking

A lot of guys like the clip ons here.  If you don't like them you can probably sell them on here and swap on a '90 up handle bar set up.  

-Jessie


Edit:  I was just thinking that I really don't have a use for this bikes handlebar set up at the moment if you want to trade me for the clip ons.  Later

I have the old bars as well, but only one bar end.  Haha Jessie. lol

man i wish someone would just give me a free 1989 gs500. or something better.

Quote from: ver4 on December 01, 2009, 03:36:50 PM
I have the old bars as well, but only one bar end.  Haha Jessie. lol

speaking of bar ends  my 06 doesn't have the throttle side.  and there is nothing on the inside for the screw to attach.   wierd part is the 89 is missing the same one.   can some one explain what i need for my 06  not too worried about the 89

There is a rubber bushing that gets squeezed between a nut and the screw you see in the end of the bar end.  That's what holds the bar end in.  #12 i the diagram

-Jessie

bike bandit diagram?   haha    duh i should have looked there.   

Hey,

I also have a new aftermarket ignition.  It came with an old Katana I bought but on the back of the package it says it fits 89-92 GS500's. $20 if you want it.

-Jessie

Quote from: gregvhen on December 01, 2009, 03:38:28 PM
man i wish someone would just give me a free 1989 gs500. or something better.

its in pieces and missing some pieces.   don't even know if it will run.   may just end up parting it out.    gonna try to get it running soon

you can cut the wires going into the ignition switch, and twist them all together to see if it will run.  then u can replace the switch if u decide to get a title
just remember to take the wires back apart when your done trying, or it will run the battery dead

ok i have an update on my 89 gs500 e.   IT DOES RUN.   and surprisingly it sounds decent.  i am planing on a tear down and clean everything  complete rebuild, jet kit, air filters, exhaust, and a really nice looking design for paint and body.  a lot of custom will go into this.  with taxes i actually have some money left after bills to have a decent start.   stupid gasket kit is 100 tho, and piston rings are 35 and looks like jet kit is 75 so that eats over half my budget.   if i knew how to save a sound to my computer and post it i do have a recording of the first run.    gonna post pics of the current state and then update as i progress.    probably will be asking a lot of questions as well            oh and any in-site on possibly going to a wider rear tire.  nothing huge but a little wider  looks like there would be some room for upgrade

Jet kit for $75?? Ask the buddha on here, you'll Probably get
a better price for one.