Suzuki GS500f | GTAMotorcycle.com

Suzuki GS500f

G

gordoff

Well-known member
Hey everyone,

I have an 06 and wanted to make some changes to the bike but really wasn't sure where to start. The previous owner put the yoshi on it but other than that it's completely stock. Another thread I saw a while back had a bunch of gs owners talking about their upgrades and said for me to come to their meet but I live in durham so it wasn't realistic for me to do.

Obviously gs500f owners would probably know best of what upgrades or changes I could do but I will consider everyone's advice as I'm a newb and still learning.

No trolling.. I have searched around and a lot of people say that not much can be done to these bikes but I doubt that.

Thanks.

edit** not sure if this was the right place to post this thread
 
Kedo said:
This is the link you need.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/
Click to expand...

What kedo said. They have many wonderful guides for doing many wonderful things. And you can do ANYTHING to this bike, if you have the right tools (a welder is really useful)
Sometimes you'll have to cut and grind, sometimes weld, and sometimes it's just a simple bolt on/in job.

Granted: there are probably less bolt on/easy mods you can do to this bike compared to other bikes, there are still plenty. The rear and front suspension is HIGHLY suggested to mod. I haven't done it on mine, but it makes it soooo much different (the front is so soft on these bikes stock, and the rear could use a bit of hardening.)
 
Hey, if you'd like to meet up for a ride and chat sometime then just let me know. Durham the town, or Durham region? Either way :D

My mods have been all bolt-on so far.. no welding or cutting (except for my fender). Like the others said, check out gstwins. They are very friendly and helpful. When it comes to mods, the gstwins wiki is your bible http://wiki.gstwins.com/

I'll try to remember all I've done, and point you in the right direction. This should be close to the order I installed them in

1. Steel braided brake lines (front and rear)
2. Race Tech .9kg/mm front springs
3. Suburban Machinery Type 2 SV650 bars
4. R&G crash protectors (frame sliders)
5. K&N lunchbox high flow air filter
6. Jardine full exhaust system
7. Rejet, 20/65/145 if I remember correctly
8. Fenderectomy
9. Clear Alternatives integrated tail light
10. Bar end mirror
11. 15t front sprocket (on it's way to me now)

- The front suspension was important, the stock GS is so washy and loose. The springs will cost about $100, but no more bottoming out. The front holds it's own under braking now, much better.
- The steel braided brake lines made a bit of a difference, but it's hard to say how much because I got my front suspension done at the same time. Either way, I don't have to worry about them degrading now.
- The SM Type 2 bars are by far my most favourite change. They give it a much MUCH sportier feel. I was ecstatic after getting them installed. I saw a marked change in how I ride the bike, too
- The R&G crash protectors don't really work for anything more than tipping over standing still, I would do engine guards if you were concerned about protecting the bike.
- The air filter, exhaust and rejet were done at the same time. The bike comes from the factory running really lean, so a rejet is a good idea. Consult the GStwins wiki page for an idea of the proper jetting for your situation.
- The fenderectomy was an aesthetic choice, but I think it looks so much better without that massive rear fender hanging down.
- The integrated tail light is brighter than the stock one, and makes the back look tidy. Not that important though
- Again, my bar end mirror was an aesthetic choice
 
Same as stated above. Some mods popular among gs:

Front forks swap out with gsx
Exhaust. You have one
Led Gauge lights
Fenderectomy
Some go as far converting their gs500 f to a naked street fighter.

I have a gs500f as well. But I'm keeping this one bone stock. Only mod is an extended windshield.
 
RednBlax said:
Front forks swap out with gsxr
Click to expand...

what I want more than anything..... :agave:

It's too expensive and way overkill for the streets, but I find myself staring at them on ebay, longingly...
 
Hey tricky, quick question about the nakeds. The headlight is attatched to the front forks right? So when you move the bars, the light also moves?

Also: if you ever replace your gauge+cluster lights with LEDs let me know, because I'm looking to do the same also. (although the only place that sells LEDs in the color I want that I've found is online shipped from states, and require a $25+ purchase to ship overseas, when my purchase would be like 20 lol)

also: im in the process of deciding if i want to streetfigher my bike or not. my current mods, and current work in progress are in my sig.
 
Sabex said:
Hey tricky, quick question about the nakeds. The headlight is attatched to the front forks right? So when you move the bars, the light also moves?

Also: if you ever replace your gauge+cluster lights with LEDs let me know, because I'm looking to do the same also. (although the only place that sells LEDs in the color I want that I've found is online shipped from states, and require a $25+ purchase to ship overseas, when my purchase would be like 20 lol)

also: im in the process of deciding if i want to streetfigher my bike or not. my current mods, and current work in progress are in my sig.
Click to expand...

Yes, the headlight and front turn signals are mounted to the forks, so the light moves when they move.

I haven't really considered switching to LED bulbs, but that could be kinda cool now that you mention it
 
mine is i 1999 gs500e
i ride in durham the black and yellow bike with the bright light blue helmet! lol cant miss me!

i got;
15t front sprocket
katana rear shock
i just rejetted my carbs
fenderectomy

i already have and putting in;
ignition advancer
front shocks
drag bars
r6 rear end

i would like to see how you bike looks with the type2 bars if you have a side view of it send it to me
 
wow I didn't expect so many answers haha its awesome. Thanks for all the advice and yeah I would be down for a durham meet for sure.
 
cbcanada said:
i would like to see how you bike looks with the type2 bars if you have a side view of it send it to me
Click to expand...

I don't have any recent pics of the bike, this is before I put on the Jardine, did the fenderectomy or installed the integrated taillights
2011-12-15221755-1.jpg

2011-12-15221741-1.jpg
 
tricky said:
I don't have any recent pics of the bike, this is before I put on the Jardine, did the fenderectomy or installed the integrated taillights
2011-12-15221755-1.jpg

2011-12-15221741-1.jpg
Click to expand...

so what is the major difference between the type2 and the stock bars? i read the wiki, so its more down?
 
tricky said:
Yes, the headlight and front turn signals are mounted to the forks, so the light moves when they move.

I haven't really considered switching to LED bulbs, but that could be kinda cool now that you mention it
Click to expand...

I wanted to Replace the stick bulbs with LEDs. I went to that same website requiring min $25 merchandise.

Should we organize a group but?
 
RednBlax said:
I wanted to Replace the stick bulbs with LEDs. I went to that same website requiring min $25 merchandise.

Should we organize a group but?
Click to expand...
I'd be in... it's the only place with ultra violet t10/194 (which 2002+ gs500f's need for gauge)

I couldn't find a NON-POLARIZED t6.5/74 for the turn signal though (turn signal indicator needs to be non-polarized or they'll only work in 1 direction), but the rest of the indicator lights can use polarized.

That's also the reason I told him to let me know, lol.

Shipping, I'm guessing, would only be something like $10 max. (heck, we could also install them at the same time, and if people get different colors we get to see them all in action :D)

Its suggested that you get LEDs the color of your cap over the indicator lights (blue led for highbeam, green for turnsignal/neutral, red for oil. but may need to keep the stock turnsignal indicator in if we cant find a non-polarized) as it'll appear brighter.

and a note: the year of your bike will determine what size LEDs you need. http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.LEDIndicators listed here. pre 2002 and post 2002 are different.
 
Sabex said:
I'd be in... it's the only place with ultra violet t10/194 (which 2002+ gs500f's need for gauge)

I couldn't find a NON-POLARIZED t6.5/74 for the turn signal though (turn signal indicator needs to be non-polarized or they'll only work in 1 direction), but the rest of the indicator lights can use polarized.

That's also the reason I told him to let me know, lol.

Shipping, I'm guessing, would only be something like $10 max. (heck, we could also install them at the same time, and if people get different colors we get to see them all in action :D)

Its suggested that you get LEDs the color of your cap over the indicator lights (blue led for highbeam, green for turnsignal/neutral, red for oil. but may need to keep the stock turnsignal indicator in if we cant find a non-polarized) as it'll appear brighter.

and a note: the year of your bike will determine what size LEDs you need. http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.LEDIndicators listed here. pre 2002 and post 2002 are different.
Click to expand...


I'm in as I can barely see mine somedays.:happy7:
Perfect small group buy:3some: but will definitley pay for the shipping costs.
 
Sabex said:
I'd be in... it's the only place with ultra violet t10/194 (which 2002+ gs500f's need for gauge)

I couldn't find a NON-POLARIZED t6.5/74 for the turn signal though (turn signal indicator needs to be non-polarized or they'll only work in 1 direction), but the rest of the indicator lights can use polarized.


and a note: the year of your bike will determine what size LEDs you need. http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.LEDIndicators listed here. pre 2002 and post 2002 are different.
Click to expand...

I would also be interested in ordering t10/194.. can barely see some of my indicators sometimes.
 
cbcanada said:
so what is the major difference between the type2 and the stock bars? i read the wiki, so its more down?
Click to expand...

Yea, the bars have no rise, so they are even with the top plate. It puts you further down and farther forward. I believe they aren't as long as the stock bars either, so the whole position feels much more aggressive than stock.

I'd be interested in the LED group buy, now that I've thought about it
 
RednBlax said:
I wanted to Replace the stick bulbs with LEDs. I went to that same website requiring min $25 merchandise.
Click to expand...
It's not just the bulbs that you'll be buying. You also need either the resistors or the "digital" turn signal relay to replace your existing thermal turn signal relay. Otherwise your blinkers will be way too fast. That's how you get over $25. If you do your research, you can even find the relay, which is plug and play (i.e. has the same connector as the original relay). I found mine on ebay for around 20 bucks.
 
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