On the cowling/headlight assembly thing, there're apparently two clips.  One goes on each side.  My bike came with neither.  I can only assume the previous owner or a mechanic took them out and forgot to put them back in.  I think it's Suzuki part number 1031026 Clip(Black), but the diagram is a little cryptic.  Just want to make sure I get what I need the first time out.

I've attached a picture with an arrow pointing to one of the holes that need to be filled.  My cell phone takes poor images at night, but I think it's clear enough to get the gist.

Man I can't see that picture at all! Is it an "F" or an "E".

Mary

Not sure where you got that part number. It is not a Suzuki part number.
Can you point us to a parts diagram somewhere?
It is either a plastic push in clip or a screw from what I can tell after lightening up the photo.
How about taking a photo with a light? Flash light? During the day?

Suzuki part numbers are 2 parts like this (though this one indicates the clips come in a 5 pack)
   CLIP (BLACK)   09409-06314-5PK

Don't you have Suzuki dealers in LA? You could ride to them and ask them for the right part. Cheaper than ordering and paying postage. If it was an expensive part, then it would be cheaper for someone here to send you one.

anyway, with a better photo and a possible correct part number we can help you with it.

Hopefully this makes it a little clearer...if not I'll take another tomorrow.  It's a GS-F, pic taken from about fender height, from the front of the bike looking back.

I guess the number I gave you was the bike bandit part number.

The following is a link to the schematic.  I'm pretty sure I need part number 6 on the diagram (1031026/473588-001).

http://www.bikebandit.com/2006-suzuki-gs500f-body-cowl-installation-parts-gs500fk4-k5-k6/o/m9752sch508458

Only reason I'm ordering it from them is I'm getting a bunch of other goodies and figured I'd get these at the same time.

Yea, that looks like the part number I posted. Dealer price is $2 for a 5 pack.
If you're ordering other stuff then that won't eat into the postage costs.
Its handy to have a few extras of those anyway.

Suzi is at the dealer for a 4k mile tune up and valve adjustment otherwise I'd go to the garage and take a look.
Ooooh - I found a photo of Suzi when I put on buddha's fork brace and it is the black plastic clip

Now I see It is a plastic screw that is held in place with an 8mm plastic nut. Pretty sure I just replaced it with metal. No noises in the past month or so!

Mary

Its a push in plastic fastener. The ones with a center pin that you press in after you insert the fastener. To remove, push the center pin in farther then remove the fastener. Return the pin to the out position to reuse the fastener.

A screw will work. Getting screwed can be a good thing at times.

Really, when I took the fairing off what I described earlier is what was in there. It didn't strike me as something a person would replace a pushpin holder with a plastic screw nut combo. But, I guess stranger things have happened. If that is the case then you get a pack of 10 for $6 at the dealer. Don't buy them out of the catalog way to expensive individually!

Mary

Ya don't even need it! I leave mine off so its easier to remove the bodywork. Just make sure it is aligned correctly. Those two little plastic things don't do very much.

For something small like that, just roll up to an autobody shop and ask nicely if they can help you out.

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on February 03, 2011, 11:53:04 PM
Really, when I took the fairing off what I described earlier is what was in there. It didn't strike me as something a person would replace a pushpin holder with a plastic screw nut combo. But, I guess stranger things have happened. If that is the case then you get a pack of 10 for $6 at the dealer. Don't buy them out of the catalog way to expensive individually!

Mary

Probably someone didn't know how they work and ripped them out. When I asked the dealer about getting more he told me I didn't need them. Then he explained how they work: push the pin further in and they come right out. Rest the pin to be out, stick the fastener in and push the pin in flush. Reuse them a dozen or more times till they wear out.

Quote from: Allen on February 04, 2011, 04:09:18 AM
Ya don't even need it! I leave mine off so its easier to remove the bodywork. Just make sure it is aligned correctly. Those two little plastic things don't do very much.

Without mine in the fairings/cowling buzz.

Ditto ^^^^^^

Mary