Hi all,

I was just wondering, has anyone (esp in Aus) had probs getting parts for their GS500? Here's my scenario -

On 8 March 2004 I braked suddenly (with front brake - no time to think) to avoid a car coming across to my lane (without checking blindspot first). Bike fell on right hand side and slid a few metres.
Damage? AU$3000 - specifically muffler, handlebars bent, engine cover scratched with Suzuki badge missing, and other minor stuff.

Insurance took 4 weeks (yes, count them four !!!) to OK the repairs, and dealer then ordered parts from Suzuki Aus on 7 April. If Suzuki Aus doesnt have the parts in stock, it should take 3 weeks to get them from Japan. Well gess what - they didnt. I'm told by the dealer I'll have to wait at least another 3 weeks for parts from Japan, as Japan dont have them in stock either (go figure!)
What a joke - so I've been without a bike for going on 10 weeks (or is it 11 - I've lost count) ...Not to mention the 2 weeks it was off the road after its 1000km service - carbie needed replacing as a throttle adjustment screw (faulty from factory) was found - and if it wasnt for the dealer's generousity, I wouldve had to wait 3 weeks for it too !

What a joke. Has anyone else experienced this parts frustration? btw, mine's a 10/2003 build, purchased 23 Jan 2004 - meaning it has been off the road for 11 of the 15 weeks I've had it !

Thanks,

Gergatron.

sounds like with a set of bars....you could ride the bike til your parts show up.

OK 3000 in damage... ok send me 1500 and I'll send you a exhaust, handlebars and a billet case cover. How's that for making a deal...
Never mind... but  $50 for case covers, $40 for bars... super agressive only, but 1000 times better the stock made of paper crap...  and say $200 for full V&H system. So make it an even 300+ shipping USD and Its all going to get into a box and come over.
Cool.
Srinath.

That unfortunately, is normal from ordering parts thru dealers. They are not in a hurry to place the order (its not THIER bike), and alot of times they will wait to pool a bunch of orders to save on shipping. It once took 3 months for the dealer to get an SV tank for me and then it was the wrong color.
I have since ordered my parts exclusively thru www.ronayers.com and www.bikebandit.com. Even oddball parts (like the jet block to a '91 FZR1000) that are backordered and have to come from Japan  only took 2 weeks to arrive on my door.  I only throw an occasional bone to the local dealer for oil, spark plugs, or other bits I'm sure they have in stock.

Donno if there are equivelent Aussie internet sources for parts, but if all else fails, you can order from the above and just suck up the shipping...

QuoteJamesG

I have since ordered my parts exclusively thru www.ronayers.com and www.bikebandit.com. Even oddball parts (like the jet block to a '91 FZR1000) that are backordered and have to come from Japan only took 2 weeks to arrive on my door.

Thanks for the info James, but unfortunately this is a dare I say it - an 'insurance job', so my hands are pretty much tied as to where parts are sourced from as I am not the repairer of the bike.

btw, for anyone interested, I was told by the dealer that Suzuki Spain was on strike (thought he may be lying to stall for time until I visited Google) -

http://www.thinkspain.com/news/noticia.asp?CodNoticia=4008

so it looks like I'll just have to grin and bear it, and look forward to ridding myself of this bike and getting a Honda when i eventually get it back - I've heard other stories of bad spare parts delivery from Suzuki - not just limited to the GS500, but also the SV650.

Regards,

Gerg.