[Lochlyn_Deckard]

This thread was originally in the Modifications and Upgrades forum. It was moved here after this new forum was created in early March 2008.

I posted the thread a while back because I wanted to organize all the links I had saved regarding the topic. And I figured that it would be useful to riders looking to make their 500's more suitable for longer rides. I also did a similar list for the pre-2008 Ninja 250's (www.beginnerandbeyond.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3122).

The list will never include everything and I will try to keep it updated. The links sometimes change and as a result don't work. If one doesn't work, you should still be able to find a way to the correct link. And every so often, I will try to check to see how they are.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, please post them. If something is inaccurate, please give me a head's up.


--------------------------------------------------------------


Soft Luggage:


Tanks Bags, Tail Bags, and Saddle Bags - Countless options, but here's a interesting tail pod from National Cycle: http://shop.nationalcycle.com/perl/cycle/N1370. An incomplete list is below simply because there are so many manufacturers:

- Cortech and Tourmaster: www.tourmaster.com/xcart/home.php?cat=31 and www.tourmaster.com/xcart/home.php?cat=32
- Nelson Rigg: www.nelsonrigg.com/pages/Sport-Touring-Main.htm
- Chase Harper: www.chaseharper.com/TankBags/TankBags.htm, www.chaseharper.com/SaddleBags/SaddleBags.htm, and www.chaseharper.com/TailTrunks/TailTrunks.htm
- Givi: www.givi.it/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?cat=4&lang=en and www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?cat=346&lang=en
- Hepco & Becker: www.hepco-becker.de/_eng/frameset.php (see the "Small SportStar and Sportstar" under "Softbags")
- Held: http://www.held-biker-fashion.de/index.php?plink=gepaecknylon&alink=gepaeck&fs=&l=3&lg=e and www.heldusa.com/bags.htm
- Marsee: http://marseeproducts.homestead.com
- Roadgear: http://roadgear.com/catalog/index.cfm?Series=2&SeriesTitle=Luggage
- Wolfman: www.wolfmanluggage.com
- Axio: www.axio-usa.com
- Frank Thomas: http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php?pge_id=10&category_id=4&subcategory_id=5 and http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php?pge_id=10&category_id=4&subcategory_id=14
- Oxford: www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=7&pid=0&p= and www.castlesales.com/html/products.psp?catid=6&&useid=8&&typeid=48 (U.S. Distributor)
- Mag's Bags: www.magsbags.com *
- Bags-Connection: http://bags-connection.de/?sprach_id=2 (U.S. Distributor: www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/338) *
- RKA: http://rka-luggage.com/A01 Products/prod.html
- Rapid Transit: www.rapid-transit.com/rt/index.htm *
- Bagster: www.bagster.com/en/moto/bagagerie.php *
- Motopak: www.motopakluggage.com/index.html *
- Roadpak - www.kimpex.com/catalog.php?action=search&search=&page=243&section= (pages 243-248) * (Review by member Coolguyndc - www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,8174.0.html)
- First Gear: www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb.nsf/Products/957854A2C5FED829862571F400542303?opendocument and www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb.nsf/Products/8CB7C8C044CB951B862571F4005AF079?opendocument
- Fieldsheer: www.fieldsheer.com/2007web/web3/luggage.html
- Icon: www.rideicon.com
- Joe Rocket: www.joerocket.com/001l-Luggage.html
- Teknic: www.teknicgear.com/catalog2.php?categoryid=12&materialid=0&styleid=1
- River Road: "One Bag" Tank Bag System - www.riverroadgear.com/rrweb.nsf/Products/9E931B8200A3CD0E862570690076E9BA?opendocument (Note: Their other luggage is geared toward crusiers)
- Moto-DirectUSA: www.motodirect.com/Categories.bok?category=Motorcycle+Luggage:Magnetic+Tank+Bags, www.motodirect.com/Categories.bok?category=Motorcycle+Luggage:Soft+Side+Saddlebags, and www.motodirect.com/Categories.bok?category=Motorcycle+Luggage:Soft+Side+Tail+Bags
- Dowco: http://www.dowco-inc.com/Accessories_RP.asp?seg=2

Moto-DirectUSA and Dowco are relatively inexpensive compared to the other brands. I don't know about their quality.



Hard Luggage:


Side Racks -

Hepco & Becker (only one I know that is commercially available):

- Up to 1993: www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanleitungen/650246.0001.pdf
- 1994 to Current: www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanleitungen/650201.0001.pdf

It appears that the rear turn signals have to be relocated/altered for both.

See this thread for more information: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,5790.0.html


Although Givi does not make side racks specific to the EX-500, a member here named Hielke has done this:

www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,355.msg104177.html#msg104177 (this and a few of the following posts)


There are also homemade versions -

A member here named Titanknock has done this:

www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,2239.msg25695.html#msg25695
www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,2460.msg28622.html#msg28622


A member here named RedEX has done a variation of the above:

www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,12057.0.html


And another member here named Bigfig has done this:

www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,6307.0.html



Rear Rack -

Don't know of any other than the four below:

- Givi: GPZ500S (1988-93): www.givi.it/per_la_tua_moto.asp?co_id=1099&lang=en
GPZ500S (94-Current): www.givi.it/per_la_tua_moto.asp?co_id=1100&lang=en
EX500 (94-Current): www.giviusa.com/per_la_tua_moto.asp?co_id=17417&lang=en

- Renntec: www.renntec.co.uk/acatalog/kawasaki_sports_racks.html
US Distributor: www.revsperformance.com/renntec/sports_racks.htm

- Renntec also sells soft luggage that is made to fit their racks: Expandable Tail Pack (www.revsperformance.com/renntec/expandable_tailpack.htm). Strangely, the U.K. site does not list this.

- Hepco & Becker: Up to 1993: www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanleitungen/650246.0101.pdf
1994 to Current: www.hepco-becker.de/anbauanleitungen/650201.0101.pdf

(See this thread for more information: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,5790.0.html)

- Ventura: www.ventura-bike.com/english/fitments/display.asp?manufacturer_id=7
US Distributor: www.cycleventure.com/fitments/display.asp?manufacturer_id=7



- Ventura racks consist of L-Brackets that one of three handles is attached to: Pack Rack, Sports Rack or Grab Handle. They also have soft luggage that is made to fit their racks: several diffrerent Aero Packs, a Euro Pack, and a Sports Pack (www.ventura-bike.com/english/products/pack_system/packs.htm). The U.K., but no the U.S., site also sells soft panniers and tank bags (www.ventura-bike.com/english/products/tankBagsAndPanniers/tankBagsAndPanniers.htm).


- Note that the rear racks made by Givi are not generic racks that will fit any top case. They are made specifically for Givi cases. And they are really "holders" for their top cases. The top of the Givi rack is essentially the top case mounting plate to which you attach the Givi case. The Renntec, Ventura, and Hepco & Becker racks are much more versatile because they are metal tubular racks that any top case mounting plate can be attached to, including Givi. And they can be used effectively without the top case mounting plate and top case attached (i.e. attaching luggage onto the rack with bungees). The Givi doesn't really allow this use. That being said, I do not know if some top case manufacturers have started making their cases compatible with Givi mounting plates. Obviously, this would negate some of the previous information in this paragraph.


Top/Side Cases -

- Givi: www.givi.it/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?cat=2&lang=en and www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?lang=en
- Kappa: www.kappamoto.com/eng/default.asp?lan=eng
- Shad: www.shad.es
- Hepco & Becker: www.hepco-becker.de/_eng/frameset.php (See this thread for more information: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,5790.0.html)
- JC Whitney: www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Browse/...-0/showCustom-0/N-111+10211+600014603/c-10111

The JC Whitney top cases are very popular because they are quite economical and of decent quality compared to the other manufacturers.

Also, there are a number of eBay sellers that sell imitation cases similar in style to the above brands. Search "motorcycle top case/trunk/luggage." Their quality is unknown.


Windshields:


- Powerbronze: www.powerbronze.co.uk and www.powerbronzeusa.com

UK Distributor: www.intobikes.co.uk/products?st=mn&sf=manuf&mn=0068

- See these threads for more information - www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,4712.0.html and www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,12570.0.html

- MRA: www.mra.de/html/gb/gb-englisch.htm
US Distributor: Spoiler Screen - www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/1305/139/
Touring Screen- www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/1306/139/

- Zero Gravity: www.zerogravity-racing.com/sportbikes/kawasaki_sptbks/291.htm
or
www.zgoutlet.com/home_main.htm

- Puig: www.puig.tv and www.puigusa.com (search by bike for windscreens)

- Gustafsson: www.bikescreen.com/products.asp?cat=87&pg=2

- Laminar Lip: www.laminarlip.com/test2/kawasaki.htm

- Givi: they did make one at some point, but it is no longer available


There are also homemade versions -

A member here named Bigfig has done this: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,6409.0.html


- Note that aftermarket touring shield satisfaction is much more subjective that one may think. There are many factors that influence this: screen height and width, screen shape, rider height (especially torso to the top of the helmet), rider forward lean/arm length, road speed, wind speed and direction, etc. It is often the case that while the wind blast is directed higher up (with less now on the torso and chest), the wind noise and helmet buffeting is often increased. Whereas the helmet may have previously been totally in the wind blast, it is now at the edge of calmer and more turbulent air, resulting in more noise and more wind activity. It is often a trade off: less wind pressure overall on the body, but increases in helmet noise and buffeting. Some riders do not experience this at all (probably smaller riders with smaller heights from waist to helmet). So often riders think a touring shield is one of the best modifications that they make. Others feel that they wasted their money.



Mirror Wideners:

- SW-Motech: 1987-93 - www.mo-tech.de/produkt/?produkt_id=953&PHPSESSID=7a30f08931a2bd405ee1136d0d669098
1994 - Current - www.mo-tech.de/produkt/?produkt_id=959&PHPSESSID=7a30f08931a2bd405ee1136d0d669098

US Distributor: 1987 - 93 - www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2515/139/
1994 - Current - www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2516/139/


Handlebar Risers:

- GenMar: www.zianet.com/genmar

- Motor Cycle Larry: www.motorcyclelarry.com/ninja_risers.aspx

(Related: 2nd gen Handlebar Risers on 1st gen EX500 - www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,13445.0.html)

- LSL Handlebar Riser Kits: www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/sbk.cfm (search by manufacturer and then by specific motorcycle)

(See www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,355.msg124551.html#msg124551 and a few of the following posts and www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,11290.0.html as well as www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,10044.0.html for more information)


There are also homemade versions -

A member here named Rhythm has done this: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,10831.0.html


Bar Ends:

- Throttlemeister: www.throttlemeister.com/tm.html (bar end with cruise control) *

- MANIC Salamander: www.manicsalamander.com/bar_end_weight_bolt-on_8mm.htm

- Hudson Valley Motorsports Parts: www.hvmp.com/kawasaki.htm (Video/pics by member Toxic_Ninja - www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,10153.0.html)

(I have no idea how many companies make bar ends for the 500. I believe that a number of www.ex500riders.com (site now closed) riders had and liked the ones from HVMP. If I remember correctly, the guy that ran the company went by the name JohhnyLunchBox(?) and often posted on the site).


Cruise Control:

- Vista-Cruise : www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16022&Category_Code=Vista-Cruise

- Throttlemeister: www.throttlemeister.com/tm.html (bar end with cruise control) *


- Related - Throttle Rocker: www.throttlerocker.com


Grips/Heated Grips:

- Pro Grips: http://www.progrip.com/default.asp?ite=gec and http://www.casporttouring.com/store/...gory_Code=PROG

- Ourygrips: www.ourygrips.com

- Hot Grips: www.hotgrips.com/kawasaki.html and www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2218/139/



Seats/Covers:

- Corbin: www.corbin.com/kawasaki/ninja5002.shtml (1994-Current) (a seat is not shown for pre-1994) *

- Sargent: www.sargentcycle.com/custserv.htm (custom work on existing seat)

- Russell: www.day-long.com/new_pages/reference.html

- Sheepskin Seat Cover: www.alaskaleather.com/buttpads.html

- Beaded Seat Cover: www.beadrider.com/shop/category.asp?catid=2

(Note: only two of a number of sources for these covers. Many people have found cheaper versions of sheepskin and beaded seat pads at stores like Walmart and such that they then customize to fit their bike.)

- Airhawk Seat Cover: www.airhawk.co.uk and www.airhawkusa.com



Front Fender Extender:

- Pyramid: Fenda Extenda - www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=58_267

US Distributor: www.revsperformance.com/pyramid/pyramid_extenda_fendas.htm

(See this thread for more information: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,8456.0.html)



See Also:

- Aux Power Outlet/Power Plug for Charging Accessories - www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,362.0.html *
- www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,1307.0.html
- www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,5863.0.html
- www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,11260.0.html
- www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,16472.0.html

- Improving the Charging System - www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,4468.0.html



Other/Miscellaneous: You may also want to have -

- Tire Repair Kit (including an inflater of some kind like CO2 cartridges, mini hand air pump, or mini air compressor)
- Tool Kit
- GPS Unit and/or Maps/Atlases (see these threads for more information: www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,4158.msg121130.html#msg121130 and www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,8400.0.html )
- First Aid Kit
- Earplugs
- Rain Gear (if gear not already waterproof)


www.twistedthrottle.com sells some of the products listed above (Givi, Kappa, Hepco & Becker, MANIC Salamander, and Hot Grips). www.newenough.com sells a number of the soft luggage items.

An excellent source of information on luggage (and almost all things motorcycle) can be found here: www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-luggage. WebBikeWorld is one of my favorite motorcycle websites on the internet.

And obviously many of these things are applicable to all makes and models of motorcycle, not just the 500.




* Added suggestion. Thank you.[/color]

 

[Lacessit]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

Well.. I'm currently out of town for Thanksgiving, so I don't have my links handy... BUT:

The first thing you should consider is a Corbin seat. Best buy I've made since the ex500. I'm also very pleased with my Motopak gts60 saddle bags. I plan on getting the renntec sport rack & tail pack, along with the throttlemeister bar ends. I'm also considering a new wind screen, but haven't made up my mind which model to go with.

[edit]just remembered the tank bag model:
Rapid Transit Recon 19 Tank Bag
shop around though, I've found a better price than that link.

 

[PontiacJack]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

Check out bagster... Its the craze for tag bags in France.

http://www.bagster.com/en/moto/catalogue.php

Just fill in the information for your bike and volia!


Its great! Its a full tank bra/cover with metal loops that allow for their very posh tabg bags to clip on. No more fiddling with straps lugging your akward tank bag around after you done riding. They have four tank bag models that clip on the to full tank protector. The only problem I have is the color schemes stop at 2003 and are all on european color schemes. So no Green/blk for the ex500... poop!

 

[Lochlyn_Deckard]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

Does the dog come standard? Nah, I bet it's extra:

http://www.bagster.com/en/moto/catalogue-zoom.php?id_moto=2832&code=819B1&idprod=13

 

[MrSciTrek]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

Does the dog come standard? Nah, I bet it's extra:

http://www.bagster.com/en/moto/catalogue-zoom.php?id_moto=2832&code=819B1&idprod=13

I have my own dogs. Do they customize bags for each breed?
I need a double greyhound bag with room to stretch.

 

[Guest]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

If money comes through this winter, I'll be in the same shopping boat

The Corbin seat is what I really want to find, as the backrest they come with my fiance would love. Plus I can just take that off when booting around solo.

For my past season two-up touring, I had this set up.

Only photo I have unfortunately, but I shifted the saddle bags in front of me onto the tank, so my girl could sit on the back still. Took a full weekend trip like that with saddle bags and a tank bag. That managed to fit all the clothes and snorkel gear.

As for screens, I read the laminar ones offer slightly more wind protection, but otherwise none of them really make a difference?? For the long trips, that's something I'd definitely appreciate.

I'd be curious to know if anybody on here has put an accessory plug on their bike, like a cigarette lighter in a car? I'm hoping for some long-touring this coming season, and would want a spot to recharge my cell-phone since I plan to camp and would otherwise have no place to charge it. Anybody?
If anybody has, I'll create a different thread for the technicalities of how and where to put it!

And since we're talking touring in this thread, any of you use the cruise control options, such as throttle rocker, or real cruise control grips? I'd like to hear some suggestions there too.
http://www.throttlerocker.com/ That's the one I'm leaning towards because of it's simplicity.

 

[Lochlyn_Deckard]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

I'm sure it's related to rider height and all the things forever subjective.

 

[MrSciTrek]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

Royson... that color scheme on your bike is sharp! Bart

 

[Guest]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

Crap I'm stupid. I was in a rush to post and get out of here, and realized rather quoting, I hit modify and completely screwed up Lochlyn's post - sorry, was unintentional. Again, I'm just stupid and was in a rush!

What I should ahve done is quoted...sigh.

"I'm sure it's related to rider height and all the things forever subjective."


I'd be curious to find out the heights of those who like them - probably shorter riders? At 5'11", I'm curious if I'll notice any more wind protection? I've found the stock screen is at the perfect height that when I'm in the normal riding postion, cold wind is shot up my neck and down my jacket.

Oh, and thanks SciTrek. I want to repaint it, but my fiance is adament I should just touchup the scratches and keep it red/black.

 

[illusion]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

I'd be curious to know if anybody on here has put an accessory plug on their bike, like a cigarette lighter in a car?

I have put a cigarette lighter "plug" (well i dont smoke ). I use it to recharge my gps

 

[Guest]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

I'd be curious to know if anybody on here has put an accessory plug on their bike, like a cigarette lighter in a car?

I have put a cigarette lighter "plug" (well i dont smoke ). I use it to recharge my gps

I'll create a seperate thread in the appropriate forum - but mind offering some technical advice over there?

Here's the thread
http://www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,362.0.html

 

[illusion]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

okay

a question:
does this corbin seat fit to my ex500 -92?
locking mechanism and stuff.
- Corbin: www.corbin.com/kawasaki/ninja5002.shtml

 

[Lochlyn_Deckard]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

okay

a question:
does this corbin seat fit to my ex500 -92?
locking mechanism and stuff.
- Corbin: www.corbin.com/kawasaki/ninja5002.shtml

When I put up in that link, I was wondering about the pre-1994 500's. There is nothing shown for 500's other than what I posted. A quick call to Corbin might clear it up.

 

[Lacessit]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

There are two, one for a pre 94 and one for a post 94. The one you linked is for post 94. They are not interchangeable. If you can't locate it on their site, just give them a call. I placed my order over the phone, with no troubles.

 

[illusion]

Re: Making the EX 500 a Sport Tourer

I searched their site and nothing for pre 94 ex..
got to call them next monday.

 

[coolguyndc]

If you want some roadpak saddlebags, here is the site

http://www.blackfootdirect.com/inde...83_413&zenid=98d21e9733c577f96973759683256f38

this is my review of the saddlebags

http://www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,8174.0.html

 

[Hielke]

Hey guys, I got myself a Givi Wingrack and two Givi E36N Monokey cases.....and strapped it to my poor '94 GPZ500S ;D

Sorry for the horrible phone pic. I will go out and take some more pics soon. This was during a much needed break after an hour of Autobahn speeding. The side cases take a healthy bite out of the top speed (124 versus 118mph).

I like the cases and the rack - very durable. I used to strap a giant waterproof duffle to the seat, but this is much more practical and safe imho.
However...I don't like the added width, especially during lane-splitting. I can't mount the rack any closer to the bike because of the stock side panels, but I have this sick fantasy of chopping up the panels all together and bolting the rack directly to the frame. Please convince me not to

Then there's the handling: as expected, the loaded cases make a notable difference. The front feels lighter at speeds and seems to develop a slight head shake problem. It's not too bad though...but i does make me think about a suspension upgrade.

 

[Hielke]

Hey there, check out my handlebar conversion! It's a Spiegler conversion kit with LSL adapter plates and a nice aluminium handlebar. I got it off ebay.de for about €200. I also fitted stainless Stahlflex brake lines.

I was initially looking for a more relaxed riding position....which I got...but the wide handlebars and upright position also make the GPZ hilarious to ride. Turn-in is WAY faster and easier. I'm scraping pegs all over the place. As for as I'm concerned, these should have been the stock handlebars.

Best upgrade so far! I love my little bike even more now!


[attachment deleted by admin]

 

[Lochlyn_Deckard]

Interesting.

Besides the F425 Monorack kit ([/color]http://giviusa.com/per_la_tua_moto.asp?mrc=7&lang=en) for their top cases, Givi doesn't make a Wingrack kit specifically for the 500 do they? How did you know what Wingrack kit to buy?

http://giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?cat=361&lang=en[/color]

Which LSL kit did you buy? [/color]

www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/sbk.cfm

Which handlebars did you go with?[/color]

www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/handlebars.cfm

You gonna add some weighted bar ends?



Edit: I realize that the links I posted aren't U.K., but I'm figuring the product names are the same...

 

[Hielke]

Hi

Interesting.

Besides the F425 Monorack kit ([/color]http://giviusa.com/per_la_tua_moto.asp?mrc=7&lang=en) for their top cases, Givi doesn't make a Wingrack kit specifically for the 500 do they? How did you know what Wingrack kit to buy?

http://giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?cat=361&lang=en[/color]

No, they don't, but this one has some sort of universal fitment kit. It comes with rods in several lengths that can slide through the clamps to adjust the fitment. I bought it secondhand from a guy who had them on his GSX-R 750 and assured me it would work. He seemed like a nice guy, hehe In the end I had to cut the rear fairing somewhat to make it fit, nothing shocking.

Mounting the side cases makes the bike a little too wide for my taste and I doubt that I'll ever need the full carrying capacity. I'm more a light-weight kinda guy and find myself using just a 36 liter top case, a big tank bag and some straps for tent and sleeping mat.

Which LSL kit did you buy? [/color]

www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/sbk.cfm

Which handlebars did you go with?[/color]

www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/handlebars.cfm

I bought it off ebay.de --> http://cgi.ebay.de/SPIEGLER-Superbi...8819177QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

The kit comes down to this:
- LSL adapter plates (two separate parts, uses the stock holes to bolt onto the crown plate)
- Spiegler superbike handlebars (type 0229)
[/img]http://i6.ebayimg.com/03/i/001/06/10/b261_1.JPG[/img]
- Stahlflex braided upper brake line. I ordered the other two lower brake lines as an extra...might as well go the whole nine yards.

You gonna add some weighted bar ends?

Yes, I just did. Mounted the cheapest ones I could find. Can't really tell a difference....but it's ok I guess.

Like I said, the wide handlebars are awesome!! Not only do you get a very comfortable seating position for cruising along, but also way more control over the machine. It's a hoot around the corners, I couldn't stop laughing on the first ride.
There is one thing though: if you spend lots of time cruising at 90mph or faster, you're better off with the stock handlebars. I catch a lot more wind in the new upright position. Ofcourse you could counteract this with a larger, flip-up screen etc etc but for me it's OK. It saves me tickets and highway riding sucks anyway.

I just came back from a weekend in the twisties. I'm convinced that this bike will keep me entertained for at least a year or longer and is probably all the bike you'll ever need to keep up with the supersport crowd in the twisty bits. Last week I also upgraded the suspension.

My GPZ500s / EX 500 experience so far:

- bought it with 46.000km for 650 euro / $950 as my first bike
- put about 7000km's on it in the last 6 months
- replaced the tires with Bridgestone BT45's, original size for about 280 euro / $410
- replaced the chain kit (DID X-ring 520 something) for 100 euro / $146
- got a secondhand Givi Wing Rack + two 36l Monokey cases for 110 euro / $160
- mounted a Spiegler superbike steering kit with braided brake lines, about 240 euro / $350
- replaced the front and rear suspension with Wilbers parts (progressive front springs, Classic Line rebound-adjustable shock + spring in the rear) for 550 euro / $800

Things still to be done:
- exhaust headers are leaking....considering either a full Motad Nexxus 2-in-1 system or just stainless 2-2 headers with the original cans. I'm not in the business of "buying" more horsepower, I think Kawa did a great job on the engine as it is.
- the fairing could use a paint job. I crashed the **** thing three days after buying and managed to solder the upper fairing back together...but it's still **** ugly. Maybe I'll ditch the stock fairing and make it a naked...but that means losing the highway cruising ability.
- not satisfied with cable routing around the superbike handlebars. I'm thinking of fabricating the longer cables myself.
- heated handlebars for winter riding

All in all...the GPZ is a great little machine. Mine is almost the allround go-anywhere machine I want it to be. I'd like to do a more thorough write-up on the upgrades, but right now I'm too busy just riding it ;D