I have a 1990 GS500e project bike. Im just getting started and in a hurry to ride. I am building from frame up and looking for any suggestions to make improvements. I will be doing mostly city ridding and want to change the gearing to best suit that environment. looking at 15t front and a 45t rear. Any experience with this? Top speed with this set up? I am using SV rear spring and rebuilt the swinger bearings. I had some trouble finding the appropriate needle bearings, Anyone have a source? Mainly need the 27mmX25mm (?) that attaches to frame. I have found a substitute but would like to get the right one. I will leave the front forks, brakes, and wheel stock but will likely add heavier springs. If any one has suggestions for a 180 pounder i would like to hear them!

Sounds like you might be looking for more than daily city riding if you're asking about gears and top speed. I do a lot of both city and country riding. Stock gears are more than sufficient.

There are several sites online with all the parts you might want. I too did a build from the frame up. I weigh around 180-190 (been a while since I checked). Most of what I've done is a new my signature but none of it all started major IMO

Here is a pic, This is what I have so far. I'm not looking for a racer, just a fun bike for romping Downtown. I have done rough calculations and using a 46t rear and 16t front i should only lose 12-15 mph. that's fine. I'm looking for red light to red light type acceleration. My main concern is the front springs. I have used .80 to .90 kg springs in my SV's but this is a different bike for a different purpose. Just wanted to see what others are using and there opinions of them. I will also be rejetting the carbs for cone filters and a Yosh pipe that was on it. So I might get it running right first and go back to supension stuff later.

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sonicsprings.com has a calculator based off of bike, weight, and type of riding. Just go there and select "find your spring rate"