Suzuki GS500 Broken Filter Cover Mounts

Because I turn to the Internet for solutions every time anything goes wrong with the house, the cars, the children, a spatula - I thought I'd post about changing the oil in the Suzuki.

Granted this is a very rudimentary issue that anyone who changes his/her own oil could handle without blinking. However, when it first happened I panicked and thought about going online to find out what to do. I didn't go online but if anyone else has that impulse, this post is for you.

My problem occurred when I over tightened the nuts that secure the oil filter cover on the bike. As you can see above, I snapped the bolt. If you do this, don't worry.

Get a clean pan to capture all of that expensive 10W-40 motorcycle oil you just put in (because if you're like me, you're kind of a rube and you'll pay two more dollars a quart just because it says motorcycle on the container).

Re-remove your filter cover. Get a pair of vise grips and use them to unscrew remaining part of the mount you just snapped in two. For me, this was a slow process, but it will eventually come out.

If you don't have a 24-hr. Genuine Suzuki Parts Store in your area then use an M6-1.0 x 30mm cap screw. I used a hacksaw to remove the top portion of the screw. The actual screw, bolt, or whatever the hell you want to call it is around 40 to 45mm. But if you're like me you have completion issues and will want to make do with what's on hand rather than wait to get the proper parts.

Screw your makeshift mount just far enough to make it even with the other two mounts. Now you can replace your filter cover. Re-introduce the oil you lost while making this repair and you're ready to ride. I suggest you head to the parts store and get a bolt/screw that's the proper length. Swap it out with the hacksawed version on your next oil change.