Future fighter, now even babier...GS500E inside...

[valvesprung]

I just snagged this little gem to replace the KZ400. I'm also snagging another KZ400 as a long term project if all goes as plannned.

It only has 9900 miles and I got it a couple weeks ago for $1450!

Ran into fuel starvation issues first trip out, but got them sorted

Pulled the wheels for some fresh rubber, the rear was BALD, HARD, and 2 SIZES TOO BIG!!!!
Old rear tire:

Fresh rubber:

Next on the list is a "fenderectomy" and new signals, have some small smoked ones on the way

I'd like to add a Vance & Hines exhaust, K&N filters, jets, a Ducati Monster seat and cowl, a Thruxton style fairing, lower chin cowl, and some fresh paint and graphics, but none of that's likely in the near future. I'm just glad to have an extremely comfortable, modern, and reliable bike to ride daily. (and the 52% horsepower increase over the KZ400 helps too ;D)

 

[thompsonmx100]

Ahhh the gs 500. I have one. Nice little bike. I did a little fenderectomy myself. I used some apc turnsignals and put them on the sides. in the back then used some ebay small t/s in the front. I actually had to convert mine from the fairing to non fairing. I did pods and a a vance and hines for performance. it runs pretty good going to the pods def opened it up a bit. bumped up the jetting a ton. i think I went from 137 mains to 150's.

Heres a pic

 

[valvesprung]

Sweet scoot. I definitely prefer the later tail....

I started the bike with out the air box while dialing in my fueling issues, and man dig it sound angry...made me want to get a K&N lunchbox and exhaust that much more...

 

[valvesprung]

Well no more rusty exhaust. Anyone who knows the GS can tell you, these require repainting of the exuast about every other year...mine was no exception

It's tough to make out in my crappy pics, but it's slightly visible in the first two pics at the top of the thread.

After:

 

[fastcat14]

nice project you have going there. how did you clean up the pipes? and what kind of paint did you use? they turned out really well. I have been putting off doing the same job on my CBR. If they turn out half that nice I'd be happy.

 

[valvesprung]

I used Plasticote 1500 deg manifold paint. Once you paint and let dry,rub it down with a rough dry rag to shine it up, takes of the chaulky egde

 

[Swagger]

DUDE!!! You got rid of the 400??! How did I miss that?
hell you're local and I didn't get to check ti out...I suck.

Hope you dig this one though.....

 

[valvesprung]

Yeah I posted it on Craigslist and it barely lasted a week. Honestly I wasn't even emotionally ready to sell when I posted I was just testing the water, but everything fell into line for this GS and I couldn't be happier.

I'll DEFINITELY be building another KZ400 in the near future, I love those little bikes.

I broke the ton in this little scoot my second time out, I'm amazed at how quick and tossable it is considering it's "low" power. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bike!

My buddy Matt and I are going to a BMW motorcycle ralley in Bend this July and I'me excited as it's my first semi-long trip. I just ordered a set of these to help with the goods:

 

[Swagger]

I have a buddy who'd got one (GS500) and we've been developing all sorts of silliness for it.
It's got a good engine, lots of potential there for more power. Racetech is your friend!

 

[valvesprung]

Yeah I can tell it has much potential for more power, and love the feel, but it'll remain pretty stock for a while I suspect...kid on the way and all...

 

[JRK5892]

very nice man! i have seen some wicked fighters out of these!

 

[WeberKid]

I am new to these parts "streetfighter" forum, but after a frustrating evening with the carbs of my cb450, I'm considering a modern upgrade and these bikes really look promising. Keep up the good work!

 

[valvesprung]

Thanks man. I truly thing this is the most perfect bike to transition from vintage. Air cooled, inline twin, simple to work on, very forgiving, but still tons of fun.

Check out www.gstwins.com for TONS of good info. They have a Wiki page dedicated to all of the good DIY upgrades too!

 

[WeberKid]

I've actually already checked out that website. The bike seems like exactly what I'm after. That's why tomorrow I'm going to the dealer. We'll see what happens.

 

[valvesprung]

I doubt you'll be disappointed. It's far from "fast", but it's damn quick and tons of fun

 

[goodfornothing]

I was about to pickup a gs500 before I got my cbr600! The one thing that turned me off about it was that it's air cooled. I opted for a liquid cooled bike.

I think it'll look great once you start going with your plans. Can't wait!

 

[valvesprung]

Ah, see the air cooled part was a big selling point for me, but I live in Oregon...

Alrighty! Got the new turns on last night, so much cleaner now...I wanted LED arrow turns, but could find any reasonably priced ones until I had ordered these...sorry Dime City...

A little before/after in one:

Rear done:

Front done:

No, this is not perspective playing a trick on you...they're HUGE!

All that's left for now is to remove those silly purple GS500E stickers from the side covers, and to chop the rear fender off...and then go ride the crap out of it some more...

 

[WeberKid]

Ah, see the air cooled part was a big selling point for me

ditto!!! pure minimalism is the goal for me.

 

[thompsonmx100]

you should be able to remove the muffler and cut into it to shorten it. it sounds good with it cut down. I would go with the V&H exhaust again as you have to remove the headpipe to access the oil filter. kind of a pain. new ts look good. I'm sure you already know you can bump up the jetting some even with it stock and it will help performance.I put a 91 zx750 front brake lever on mine cause I had it and it fit its a nice adjustable one. Keep it up.

 

[WeberKid]

^ I agree the the muffler is huge and chunky. Here's a pic of my favorite GS:

He just seemed to have said to hell with it. To be honest, I really like this look (in general, but referring specifically to the stock pipe cut)