are there aftermarket one available?  I came across a problem. the viewing piece on mine broke and I can't find the. 50 cent piece anywhere. an OEM assembly is pricey.any suggestions?

I'm guessing you mean the front brake fluid reservoir?
Regardless the front reservoir is typically $25 used on ebay, and the rear is almost always cheaper (around $10)...
I'd still check ebay for cheaper though, these parts are usually plentiful on there, as they aren't typical damaged badly in a crash.

Someone please jump in if this is misinformation (of jump in to reaffirm), but I believe any year GS500 should work for the front reservoir.

- Bboy

Here's one on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/06-Suzuki-GS500F-GS500-500-Front-Brake-Master-Cylinder-/130826122081?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e75d83361

Also you might ask adidasguy.

There are quite a few there.
I have always received good parts from Pinwall Cycles

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=gs500+front+brake+master+cylinder&_sacat=0&_odkw=gs500+front+brake+master&_osacat=0&_from=R40

Any year will work - so go for the newest you can as older ones could be nearing the end of their life before a rebuild is needed.

The newest OEM has a glass window instead of plastic. My 2006 did the same thing, I just got the new revision to preven future issues.

The pee cup style reservoirs from other bikes can be used to replace the OEM Suzuki one. I know slipperymongoose used a street triple one on his GS.

I've been seeing more and more people putting sweatband covers over those cup-style ones. Something about keeping the sunlight off the oil or something.

Michael

Basically any non abs handlebar type reservoirs you can use cause they simply clamp to your handlebars. For me when my brake was squishy and the rebuild kit didn't work I managed to score myself as twisted said a speed triple one. If you go down this path make sure you get one where the fitting is the same orientation as OEM. You will just need to splice up the two wires for your brakelight and and you should be good to go. And you will have to be very careful on your braking cause most likely the new master will be for a twin disc setup and will be more powerful so locking your front will be easier just adjust your technique to suit. I would suggest a sv650 one and while your at it get a clutch perch and you can buy aftermarket adjustable levers. As for the socks you see on these 'pee cup' reservoirs it's to protect the hygroscopic thing in the brake fluid itself so it doesn't go bad quickly.

http://newrivercyclesalvage.com/sight-glass.html

Winning...

Just did this to mine, its like new...

Quote from: bombsquad83 on December 28, 2012, 12:46:13 PMAlso you might ask adidasguy.

Why did I ever sell my GS when adidasguy lives 15 minutes from me 

Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on December 28, 2012, 07:46:39 PM

Quote from: bombsquad83 on December 28, 2012, 12:46:13 PMAlso you might ask adidasguy.

Why did I ever sell my GS when adidasguy lives 15 minutes from me 

Come over and we can build you another one with all the spare parts.    ...over some beers.

Quote from: mister on December 28, 2012, 04:08:00 PM
I've been seeing more and more people putting sweatband covers over those cup-style ones. Something about keeping the sunlight off the oil or something.

The covers really started with drifters who put them around power steering and brake fluid reservoirs. Power steering fluid boils with hard use (eg drifting or general track driving) and the brake fluid reservoir lids on cars aren't as airtight as bikes so in both instances there tend to be leaks. Japanese brands like HKS and Cusco make "socks" specifically for this purpose.

The cheapest fix... A dime with some JB Weld on the OUTSIDE

Outside view

Now you have no idea if your running low or what condition your fluid is in 

It will require more work to take the cap off and check every so often, but can't beat the price if that's the factor 

just change the fluid once a year.

I like the idea 

Graham 

Couldn't you glue in a clear glass cat's eye marble? Might look pretty cool! (See - I turned this into a CAT thread!)

Always gotta bring kitty cat into it don't u addy? Geez Louise

Quote from: slipperymongoose on January 04, 2013, 11:18:08 PM
Always gotta bring kitty cat into it don't u addy? Geez Louise

It happens to be one of my part time jobs.
Meow!