I'm on my way to but some feeler gauges as the ones I have are not the correct size. My question is are the straight blade or the bent ones easier for doing the valve shim duties on the ol' GS? Does it even matter?

Thanx
  E

I just use straight blades myself.

much appreciated

Straight blade can be bent to any shape u like....a little harder to bend back though. 

Also good if you get feeler gauges that can be removed from the group, like the ones that clamp together with a screw and nut as opposed to a rivet.

Thanks for the advice folks. I got the straight with the useful ones into the set being:
.038, .051, .076, .102
There was nothing smaller unfortunately to get me to the .03 mm end of the scale. 

Ok new question. Are cam profiles symmetrical? I assumed they we're at least on these bikes anyway. When I line every thing up per the manual, the two intakes are smaller than my .038. If I cheat a little and rotate the engine some now but With the main lobe still away from the shim, I can magically get the .076 in there. This leads me to believe that approach and departure curves/angles of the lobes differ. Is this true? Should I stick strictly to the Clymer and start buying shims?

I've used a set with a .0015" (.038mm) minimum one for 14 years and 180k GS500 miles.  Use the .002" for smallest measurements and if won't go but the bucket will turn with the finger tip I just call it .001".  Works for me, that .0015 (.038 mm) one doesn't last very long until it breaks off, too thin.  Here's the whole record:

http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/GSvalvelogs.jpg

Just saw your new post, stick to the Suzuki Shop Manual and set them with cams positioned like this:

http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/gs500signalgenerators.jpg

I too found the measurements with cam lobe directly away from the bucket to be smaller but when I set on timing marks the gap was to min spec. and I let it go that way on my 97 first GS.  Others here will argue it doesn't matter and that they get the same either way, not so I say but maybe some cams are a bit different, I dunno.

Thanks jack. After all my years of lurking and occasional posting I never thought I'd ask a question worthy of your wisdom. 

I haven't used feelers for years. Shim stock is easier, cut it to or bend it to whatever shape you want and its more accurate than those cheapo unbranded ebay feelers that have 20 thicknesses that you will only ever use 2-3 of.

Buy some of this in what ever size you want..... http://catalog.daemar.com/category/shim-in-a-can

..... and make some of these 

I wasn't aware such a thing existed but makes sense in hindsight. They appear to sell rolls 100"  long. That seems excessive unless someone has several differing applications. Did you get more that 8ft just to make shims? Do you use this stuff for some other ingenious application on the GS?

Engineers merchants sell it by the foot, least they do where I live. Appreciate it may not be worth the cost if you have to buy large lengths of it 

I cut a strip of steel and tape two lolly (popsicle??) sticks one either side to make a handle and use the colour of the tape to ID the thickness. An old mechanic gave me the tip years ago.

I will take a pic of one later when I get home