I just got my GS500 yesterday and ran it around for awhile before I got low on gas.  I filled it up with premium.  Figured it wouldn't hurt.  The question I have is whether premium gas is required or if i can buy the cheap stuff.  What runs better etc...

Also, how do you get the damn seat off and does anybody sell a more comfortable seat?

Thanks

Matt

Quote from: JascoI just got my GS500 yesterday and ran it around for awhile before I got low on gas.  I filled it up with premium.  Figured it wouldn't hurt.  The question I have is whether premium gas is required or if i can buy the cheap stuff.  What runs better etc...

Also, how do you get the damn seat off and does anybody sell a more comfortable seat?

Thanks

Matt

Regular gas is what Suzuki recommends.  You will not get any benefit from higher grades unless you have modified the engine.

Standing behind the bike, the seat lock is on the left side. Standing on the left side, look along the plastic piece below the seat and you will see the keyhole for the release - you need to use your ignition key to avtivate the seat release, then lift the back of the seat up and towards the rear of the bike to remove.

If you have a 2000 or older GS then Corbin makes a great seat.  If you own a 2001 or newer I am not aware of anyone who makes a better seat - although there is someone on this board to will re-upolster your seat with more padding.

I always run premium gas. Calgary is at a high elevation, and I find my bike runs far better on premium. Premium is the way to go IMO.

You can use regular gas in the GS.  The engine is old tech and lower compression so it runs well on the cheap gas.  If you put in an ignition advancer and do some other work, you might want to go up in grade a little.  For the most part, runs perfectly well on regular and getting the better stuff won't make you go any faster

As for the seat... on a 2000 and before, the seat lock is below the tail plastics on the left hand side.  There's a keyhole for your bike key.  Seat pops up, and you put it back on by positioning the front end first, then smacking the tail part down until it locks.  On 2001+ bikes, the seat lock located in the left hand side tail plastics.  

As for a more comfortable seat... unless you want to splurge and get a Corbin or something like that    There are Suzuki gel seats available for 2000 and before bikes, and those go for umm, around 100 or so I think.  Do a search on here and you'll find plenty of links

Oh yeah... and welcome to the board!!  

My main concern is the gonadal region up front.  Not so comfortable there after about 30 miles or so.  Is there a seat the helps in that area.

matt

Go with the Corbin

http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/gs500e.shtml

Jasco,

Welcome to the board!  You might solve the problem with the boys getting squooshed by a simple modification that was submitted on this forum by Oldsport (thanx, bud!), which helped my own situation...

Is that bike graveyard by lower Cascades Park still there?  If so and they sell salvage parts, try getting another pair of upper handlebar clamps (<$10).  Then, slip a pair upside down over the lower mounts, set the bar in, and replace the top clamps.  You'll need to replace the bolts with longer ones (50mm).  Lowes or Home Depot is no help here; you'll need to visit a fastener specialty house to get them.

This procedure raises and sets the handlebar back about 3/4 inch.  That doesn't sound like much, but it enables me to sit further back on the saddle, preventing me and the boys from slipping down against the tank, with the added benefit of improving legroom.  Sloping saddles suck!

Quote from: JLKasper...a simple modification that was submitted on this forum by Oldsport...
This procedure raises and sets the handlebar back about 3/4 inch.

Check out the original thread, with a link to oldsport's web page with PICTURES:
$8. Bar Risers - How To

Quote from: merchjoGo with the Corbin

http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/gs500e.shtml

I have a Corbin gunfighter and lady without the backrest and find it nice to the boys...
You can see the seat on the Wall of Fame.