Hey Guys,
I plan on getting a GS500 anytime now, but was looking for a service manual.  Is the Clymers 2002 GS500 manual the most up to date service manual out?  I'll be getting a used 2004 off my friend and that's why i wanted to know.  Just wanted to make sure before i make the big plunge.  Thanks.

2002 is definately up to date..


the engine hasnt changed much, the 2002 will have some of the changes made in 2001.. so you should be okay.. the 2004 just added the oil cooler and then the fairing and a few other things..

you should be okay with teh 2002 for the most part.. i dont think the 2004 clymer manual is out.

By the way .. why is your friend selling a brand new 2004 as used??/ did he not like it..or he is upgrading (which i believe is a bad idea.. teh gs is a great learner bike).

I had the 2002 edition from Clymer. It is exactly the same as the previous editions. They do not cover the updated carbs at all or the newer brakes :x . Lucky the brakes are super simple and the changes don't effect replacing the pads. The carbs are a bit trickier but I was able to figure out everything. Although, I had to solicit help here when doing my first carb synch. My advice is to get a cheap 97 edition and download all the schematics for the carbs and brakes from Bikebandit.com make prints and put them in your manual. It took Bikebandit a year to update there schematics so next year they should have the 2004 parts up including the new oil cooler.

Welcome to the board, MotoDan!

Yes, why is your freind selling his '04!?

We it's kind of a long story, but long story short, he had an '03 and a truck backed into it last summer and insurance payed for an '04, but he's going to upgrade to an SV so he's going to sell me his '04.