$50 modification thread

[jfsebastian]

Hi guys
Borrowed this idea from dotheton.com.
The idea is to share any appearance/techical/performance mods done for less than $50.
Could be drilled brackets, LED lights, muffler fillings, seats, paint stripping, rust remover on chrome etc. Come on, this is a chance to show how creative you guys are and show that inexpensive is not the same as cheap.

JF

[SteveA]

Look at dropping a tooth on your front sprocket, instant tune up through the rev range, after all do you really need a theoretic top end of 160.

[Nessism]

Look at dropping a tooth on your front sprocket, instant tune up through the rev range, after all do you really need a theoretic top end of 160.

Or go up one size if you want to drop the engine speed rpm and reduce the buzzing at freeway speeds.

[Nessism]

My tips for cheap improvements...

- shim the stock needles for CV carb equipped bikes. Remove the plastic washer on top of the stock needle and replace with two thin metal washers. This will result in raising the needle which will reduce the cold-blooded tendencies of the stock ultra lean carburation.

- stiffen up the stock fork springs by removing them and cutting off a few inches of coils. Dremel with a cut off tool works well or you can even use your bench grinder wheel. Remove a few inches of coils and then replace the lost stack height with a section of PVC pipe. This will increase the spring rate which is what you want to do. Simply adding a spacer without cutting the spring will increase ride height but won't change the spring rate.

[8trackmind]

Lower handlebars and a new set of grips will have you looking, and feeling more sporty.
With some thoughtful cable routing, and a couple hours, your bike will take on a whole new personality. Won't break the bank either.

[80GS1000]

Try a new Sylvania Silverstar headlight bulb and light up the night.

[Paul_IOFJS]

Try a new Sylvania Silverstar headlight bulb and light up the night.

Or a Wagner Trueview. Same thing, different brand and can often be found for a little less money (not enough to warrant moving on if the store you go to has Sylvania, just enough to make you grin)

Paul

[jfsebastian]

Well done guys, exactly in the spirit of this thread.
Keep´em coming.

JF

[KiwiGS]

It didnt cost anything like $50 not even $50 NZ, but the coil relay mod is well worth the time and very little money.
Cheers

[knowyourenemy66]

coca-cola an #0000 steel wool takes rust off of chrome-but I use mountain dew so I can drink as I go!

[waterman]

In Ohio for $25 you can take the BRC, BRC2, or the ERC. Not exactly a bike mod but maybe a rider modification

[posplayr]

$1 Quick Turn Throttle Mod

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=135697

UPDATE:

Even better Idea. I just cut a peice of 1" schedule 40 water pipe about 10mm wide and then cut a section out of the ring and it fits right around the throttle tube and is captured inside of the right hand housing. You can glue it as well but not nessesary and no worries about it falling out or glue breaking.


Merry Xmas for that less than $0.25 performance upgrade

Throttle tube goes from 29.6mm dia to 37.5 mm WOT throttle twist drops by 20%

[tas850g]

aluminum foil takes surface rust off chrome. Doesn't seem to scratch the chrome either. I've used it on my exhaust with good success and bumper of my car.

[Nessism]

Lower handlebars and a new set of grips will have you looking, and feeling more sporty.
With some thoughtful cable routing, and a couple hours, your bike will take on a whole new personality. Won't break the bank either.

Good one!

Bikemaster Daytona bars are an excellent choice; not too low, not too high. Very similar to the stock bars on a GS1000S (Wes Cooley model). And speaking of 1000S (or 550M - Katana), get the clutch cable and throttle cable to go along with the low bars about $11 - $16 each. New cables are S-M-O-O-T-H and the shorter length will improve routing beyond anything you can do with longer cables.

[bwringer]

Grip heaters run about $40 delivered:

http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CST&Product_Code=16011&Category_Code=cgid

Add in a relay and some bits of wire and connectors, and you should still squeak in under $50.

Re-use your grips if you're really cheap, otherwise splurge $5-$10 more.