What parts aren't compatible between the 89-2000 GS500E and the 2001-3 GS500E? It seems like all the parts I find say "fit on 89-2000", but my bike is an '02.

More specifically, the right side headlamp mount that slides onto the fork on the '02 is unavailable now on the parts website. I was wondering if one from the older model would fit.

Here is a quick link below to reference some of the year changes below.  They are by no means all conclusive, but it is a decent overview. If there is any specific part you need to know about, be sure to check parts fiches to determine same part number across years. If are unsure or get confused, just post it up and members can chime in.

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Main.YearChanges

- Bboy

Edit: OP refined the original post before I finished typing, but I went ahead and left my message unchanged.

Cool. Thanks.

I too have an 02!
Any headlight stuff from 89-01 will fit the 02.
The tail fairings and tanks 01 and 04+ will fit the 02.
Any carbs will fit the 02, but I would stick with 01-02 carbs because they have 3 circuits and lack PAIR attachments, which i hear can be removed easily, but seems like a hassle.
only 89-01 heads will fit your 02
likewise 89-01 gauges will fit your 02

Goodluck!

Awesome, thanks.

Minor correction to the above post, all the heads will fit the 02 model, however, if you use an 04 or newer head, you will lose the mechanical tachometer, pre 04 heads used a worm gear gto determine RPM's and the newer heads do not have the access hole for it.

I am using an 05 head on my 02 right now and don't miss the tach at all......I might rig up a digital tach if I can find one on the cheap.

yea, I was giving him information so you don't have to get extra parts/dump your life into the bike to retain functionality. I lost use of my tach for a while and was not happy. Who wants a non-functioning piece of crap on their bike? I like information.

I believe you need an 04+ wiring harness to hook up an electrical tach on an 89-02 and way more skills working with electronics and engines than your average tooler possesses.

Stick with 89-02 heads, no one wants to buy a bike with a non-functional tach if you decide to sell it.

but i doubt you need a head.

To change to an 04+ wiring harness, you need to change

1. Left and right hand controls (different connectors)
2. Ignition control unit
3. Timing rotor
4. Timing pickup
5. Remember there is a change in right hand controls in 2006, so 2004-2005 are not the same as 2006+

Best to stay with the same model head and tach.
Electronic tach can be connected to the coil input and +12 but not worth all that work and expense. Get the right head and keep life simple.

Thanks for all the info.