'92 gs500e: rough idle?

[mutsu]

Hi,

Beginner question,
Rough idle on a gs500e at 11k miles which is selling for 825$.
Any tip on what to look out for, for a used bike?

thanks,
mutsu

[scratch]

Welcome!

Because of the rough idle I would question the owner about maintenance. When was the last tuneup performed? Who does the maintenance on the bike? If it's the current owner who does the maintenance, when was the last time he balanced the carbs (every 4000 miles)? Checked the valves (also, every 4000 miles)? What color is the brake fluid (should be a clear yellow, not cloudy or dark)? What does the chain look like? Rusty=bad. Does the inside of the swingarm have rust? When was the last time he changed the fork oil (should be changed every two years)?

Also, a rough idle may be from sitting too long and the carbs need to be cleaned, but I'd rather wait until he says something about it (or anything above) to prove that he knows what he's talking about, and by that, then you know he knows how to properly maintain a motorcycle. So he should be able to tell you why the bike has a rough idle and what it needs to fix it. Otherwise, you don't know what's its service history and if there is anything else wrong with it.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

It may be that this bike only needs an oil and oil filter change, fork oil change, brake bleed or flush, and the carbs re-synched. Lube the chain.

Oh, yeah, and check the inside of the gas tank for rust. With a flashlight.

[mutsu]

thanks Scratch!

Hopefully the bike will work out!

btw, What to do if there is rust in the tank?  look for another bike?


thanks,
Mutsu

[se7enty7]

rough idle is almost definetley gummed up carbs.


it wouldn't stop me

[scratch]

I added an edit to the brake fluid in my previous post to include 'not dark' brake fluid.

For the price it sounds like a really, really good deal. If it was me I'd hop on it, but I'ma licenced m/c mech.

It depends on the severety of the rust and if there is an accumulation of rust flakes and chunks at the bottom of the tank and around the in-tank fuel filter (to the left). If it does look really bad, like the insides are being eaten away by the rust, either start looking for another tank or another bike. Some rust can be treated, some retarded, and some removed. If it's simple surface rust, or just discoloration of the metal, a rinse with just gas may be all you need (providied you're gonna ride the bike every day (with use every day, the rust doesn't have a chance to take hold).

[Jake D]

Have the carbs cleaned.  $175 -$200 bucks.  Tops.  

The GS is pretty much reliable.  When they start running bad, all roads tend to lead to the carbs.  That is the jumping off point for tune ups.  

I'd take that deal, anyway.

[Kerry]

Have the carbs cleaned.  $175 -$200 bucks.  Tops.

For that kind of money our very own Srinath might even consider making a house call!  

If you're a DIY guy you can do the job yourself for the cost of a manual (~$25) a few sockets and screwdrivers, and a can of carb cleaner.  Oh, and a couple hours and a lot of patience the first time around.

For that matter, as long as you don't mind taking the carbs off and putting them back on you could get someone like Srinath to do the cleaning (and even rejetting) for you for around $50 + shipping.  I would volunteer to clean 'em for free (+ shipping) myself, but I wouldn't want to tackle a rejetting job for someone else until I've at least done my own once.  And I'm not in any hurry to rejet mine - it runs great as is.  Besides, Srinath could use the money....