Dont think it has been posted but interesting read


http://adventure-motorcyclingh.com/suzuki-gs500r-overlander/


Suzuki GS500R Overlander
The Other GS

Get on the scene
I've always fancied parallel twins, ever since my first decent bike aged 18 – a T140V Bonneville. When a GS500 overtook me on my GSX400 in the Pyrenees one afternoon in the late 1980s, I beheld one of the sexiest bikes in its class. And right up until 2009 they were still banging them out off the Suzuki steam press in Spain, a hefty, no-nonsense two-pint twin that returned 64mpg coming back from Cornwall where I bought this 2003 with 10k for £1500.



Being a Suzuki, for it's own protection it was sprayed in oil, and sat in the barn of my spannery mate for a year or two while he slowly adapted it into what they now call an 'adventure motorcycle' but I prefer to call an overlander.

Why a GS500...
Let me tell you why. What do we actually need of an overlander? We need simplicity, reliability, economy, comfort, lightness and a little dirt road utility. Although it's nice, we don't really need enough power to punch holes in autoroutes, or a bike we can barely pick up, or one that intimidates us on unmade roads, or one fit to take on a desert rally. Out in the adventure motorcycling world (as opposed to regular touring), 60mph is plenty to keep up with local traffic on rough roads. Alone out on the altiplano, the steppe or the sand sheets, riding speeds are even lower. It's not a race, it's about the long ride.

I also believe that now more than ever, a bike needs to be inexpensive (though I'd have said that any time you asked me). Half a litre gives you enough poke but won't shred tyres and chains. And two cylinders avoid the chain-snatching lumpiness that an otherwise adequate single can't always get round. A smooth bike is less tiring.

The GS's modest power gives great economy on its twin carbs (although I'd take efi any day). With good economy there's no need for giant tanks; with a 10-litre fuel bag I'll have a potential autonomy of nearly 700km. Used spares for GSs are as cheap as chips, the online GS knowledgebase reaches up to your chin, and now they've finished with mine, it's running a DR650 front end (left), an adapted SV650 shock (right) and identical 19-inch wheels and tyres (right – photoshoppery before suspension mods – see other posts); something you can re-shod in Nepal without calling on DHL.

So, with a few easy mods my 'GS500R' has become enough of an overlander for me to get the job done for the price of a set of ally luggage and a snazzy riding suit.

This guy did something very similar, except for its an adventure bike.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59785.0

His looks awesome! As does the one you posted.

LOL damn an idea i had in '03 but never persued. but i suppose theres always future projects Eh? 

http://adventure-motorcyclingh.com/2012/12/25/sahara-motorcycling-tours-for-2013-14/

Nice post Cods, I like it!

So if the DR650 front end is a bolt on to the 500, it must be close to the same for my 450... hmmmmm... I wondered how it would be with some longer legs and spokes to really make it more of a scrambler...

No, must not think about it... must focus on other things instead like a Kat...

Very very nice! One thing, have you thought of moving the foot pegs? I was standing up on my bike a while back and thinking that, with the bars I have it almost felt like the dirt bikes I grew up riding, but something was different. Then it dawned on me, the pegs on off-road bikes are lower and more forward. Just a thought, it may give you better handling for tougher off-road conditions.

Chris built this bike several years ago and writes about it in his books.If you get a chance read his books," Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" there are atleast 6 volumes and all are great..

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Quote from: NortwestRider on April 07, 2013, 04:18:25 PM





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Thanks for that

I just found out that Chris Scott,the builder will be in town next weekend talking about riding across the Sahara unsupported ( I think he did it 4-5 times ).I'm going and plan to ask him about the GS!!.


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Quote from: NortwestRider on April 08, 2013, 07:26:31 AM
I just found out that Chris Scott,the builder will be in town next weekend talking about riding across the Sahara unsupported ( I think he did it 4-5 times ).I'm going and plan to ask him about the GS!!.


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Just got done talking to Chris about the GS,he still has it and loves it.It's in a mild state of disrepair but he's going to tidy it up and do some more ADV touring on it in the very near future.He told me what we all know,it's bullit proof as long as you keep good clean oil in it and IF it dies there are plenty SPARES around!!.



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You rock Have some karma for the photo

And I see it available from Amazon.

It was a amazing 2 hour presentation about riding in Northern Africa !!.
I hope I remember what he said when I get there !!!.


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