im looking at lowering my 06 gs500f.  seeing pro-tek links ($52), street bikes unlimited links ($40).   which are better.  only looking for maybe 2" drop (seems to be the average).   also anyone know where i can pick up a short kickstand.  this town sucks and there arent any machine shops!

You may want to look at having the seat shaved down and a gel pad installed. My GS came that way, and the seat is super comfy! I think it took it down an about 1 1/2 inches.

i wanna lower it for the stance and handling.  i think the back sits to high off the tire

Quote from: raivis on June 24, 2010, 01:40:51 PM
i think the back sits to high off the tire

Wow, I think that's the first time, and probably the last time I'll ever hear that about the GS. I don't think lowering it will do much for handling either.

My new bike came lowered from the factory, and I've gotta say it's pretty enjoyable for city living. I don't really notice much when I'm riding, but it's nice to be low to the ground when I'm stopped.

I used lowering links on MY bike, and got MUCH better handling.
So, I don't know WHAT you're talking about, tt!
My friend says it looks like his Busa.

What do you think?

Ravis, serious answer:

First, look at any modern supersport - the tail is way above the rear wheel, so much so that they typically don't have a wheel well.

Secondly, the rear end is already fairly low; enough so that most of us drop the front end a bit. For handling, it would be ideal to lift the rear end, rather than lower it.

see i dont like the super bikes where the rear end is up like that.   looks funny.  everyones got a different opinion.    anyone have an idea of best prices on lowering links and a shorter kickstand?  also how low can i go before having to worry about not being able to ride my wife on the back?

Ebay is the cheapest:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-2009-GS500-2-Lowering-Links-Dog-Bones-GS-500-F-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a579879c7QQitemZ250577713607QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

It's where I got mine, and where I am going to get another set (SV650 rear shock lifts up the back a lot.  Already lowered it 1.5 inches and still can't flat foot it.)

If you like the lowered look then lower it by all means, but for handling the back needs to be raised. Cars handle better when lowered but they have different handling physics.

Quote from: tialloydragon on June 24, 2010, 07:03:55 PM
Ebay is the cheapest:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-2009-GS500-2-Lowering-Links-Dog-Bones-GS-500-F-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a579879c7QQitemZ250577713607QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

It's where I got mine, and where I am going to get another set (SV650 rear shock lifts up the back a lot.  Already lowered it 1.5 inches and still can't flat foot it.)

not sure i would trust those personally.   no name which means no R&D.  id rather pay a little more.   anyone have ideas on kickstands?  are lowering links the same from 89-09?  found these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-SUZUKI-GS500-GS-500E-500F-1989-2007-LOWERING-LINKS-/170472344230?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b0f18aa6

I don't really trust the adjustable ones.  Just not enough material between the holes for my taste.  As for no R&D, all the piece is is a piece of steel or billet aluminum.  Not much research needed, but if you prefer a website instead of ebay:

http://burkhartcycle.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_18&products_id=87

ok that solves that bt anyone got anything about a kickstand?

I don't know if I've ever seen anyone actually selling a short kickstand. You're probably going to have to find someone to cut and weld yours.

As far as lowering and still being able to have a passenger..... be careful with that one,

will 1.5" still allow me a passenger?  i know my bro has a 09 ninja 500 and has it lowered 2 inch and bottoms out with me driving (180lbs) and passenger (she was about 230lbs).   my passenger will only be about the same as me.   

this is all helpful info for my project bike. (89 gs500 custom)   which i still have parts for sale including frame with title

I bought my bike from a really short girl. I am having it *raised* back to normal on Tuesday with original dogbones. You are welcome to the ones that were used to lower it. They only have 600 miles on them. Pay shipping and they're yours.

I put some lowering links on my 02 GS about 4 years and over 40k miles ago.  That was before I discovered the Burkhart links and I got some ZX6 links from Pingel for $50 or so that lowered it 1 1/4" which I measured before and after at the end of the swingarm.  I am currently running a Roadrider 150/70 rear tire that is 25.8" in diameter so that makes the tire approx 3/4" larger on the radius than a stock 130/70 tire.  So my tire is the same distance from the inner fender as a 130/70 stock tire would be with 2" lowering links.  I was a mere 235# when I bought my first GS about 11 years ago but had crept up to 255# by the end of 2008.  I have never once bottomed out the tire against the inner fender in all that time.

I have progressive front springs that are a bit on the stiff side with a stock rear shock.  When I put the lowering links on the rear suspension was stiffened up a noticeable amount to make it more like the front end and it all worked nice together.  I had a RoadAttack radial rear tire on when I changed the links and have since gone to bias ply Roadrider tires that are stiffer and the the bike seems a bit too stiff in the rear now so I may go back to a radial when I change the rear this summer.  I've also lost 40# in the past year down to a svelt 215# now so that might be contributing to the rear stiffness too.

When I was running the 3/4" taller rear tire with the 1 1/4" lowering links which resulted in a net 1/2" lower rear end and also had a 1/2" taller 110/80 front tire I didn't like the resulting slower steering.  I lowered the front 1/2" to quicken it and will be going to a stock 110/70 front tire next time.