intro and help needed.....

[Throst]

Hey all, my name is Colin and today I got my first bike, a brand spankin new yellow GS500f, which I promptly crashed in a parking lot while practicing..... It had been a while since I took my MSF course. now on to my question.

After the crash, it was a low side slide into a curb tires first, the chain was missaligned, upon closer inspection i noticed that the metal plate under the adjuster nuts at the back of the swing arm thing by the axel was sucked into the opening of the swingarm, so I realigned it. Awsomely I forgot to tighten the axel nut.....yes I know, bring it to a shop next time....
Anyway when I took it for a test ride the chain fell off and now its really loose, i think it fell off somthing in the front, I guess im wondering if there are any good recources for stupid mechanics, stupid POOR mechanics? or somthing?

[weaselnoze]

you already found the best resource!

[pantablo]

if your chain fell off something, and its still on the rear sprocket then the front sprocket is the only thing left. its easy to get to the sprocket. simply remove the sprocket cover and there it is. this should be the cover that is immediately at rear most part of side of engine, where the chain enters the engine. I'd post a pic but I sold my gs long ago.

the thingy that got sucked into the back of the swingarm is the adjuster plate. its very weak and probably happened because the force on the wheel pulled quickly and with force on the chain when it hit the curb. this also happens to those squids on here that wheelie the bike... :nana:

Some have replaced the plates with 2 plates each side or with thicker plates they make up. In your case I doubt it'll be a problem later on so just replace the adjuster plate (have your dealer do it so they can align the wheel again).

by crashing your new bike you have just discovered the reason people (like me) always recommend a beater used first bike...but now you have one. More practice is in order. take it easy and you'll get it.

a good thing to do is buy a repair manual (through the link at top of page-helps support this site). this will help answer your basic questions. Check the home page of this site for a link to a oil change how-to. Very useful and something you should learn how to do.

then check my site for some 'personlization' ideas....

welcome to the site-this site is THE best resource for your gs500 and we're a great bunch too.

[Throst]

Hey man thanks Pablo, I really appreciate the help, and ill definently be practicing in the parking lot MUCH more before I take it on the open road with *Gasp* cars! Sweet site by the way, but I think Im goin to learn to not crash my bike before I pimp it out. Lataz and thanks again.

[Kerry]

The Stupid question..but... thread should help you get the front sprocket cover off.

You shouldn't need to remove a snap ring or anything - just get the chain back on the sprocket, replace the cover, and adjust the tension at the rear wheel.

[raylarrabee]

Congrats on your new bike and sorry about your get-off.

Getting the chain back on the front might be easier if you loosen the rear axel bolt and slide the rear wheel forward a bit to give you some slack at the front sprocket...although, if it fell off while you were riding, there's probably plenty of slack.  Either way, you're gonna have to loosen the back wheel to align it properly.

Get a manual through the link up top and get a cheap-o mechanics toolset from Sears or Walmart.  With the Clymer manual, some tools and the forum, you can fix anything.

Keep practicing!

[Throst]

Hey guys thanks a lot, the stupid question post helped a lot, I practiced in the parking lot for what must have been 8 hours then took a quick trip on the highway. I live in a fairly rural area so there wernt many cars. Man that is a rush! Im gonna be lovin this for years to come.

[Mat]

this also happens to those squids on here that wheelie the bike... :nana:

hasn't happened to me yet

and don't be a hater

[pantablo]

I'm just teasing.... :kiss:

[octane]

Sorry you dropped your new bike!! GSTwin is a great resource. If you want some reading material though, there are many good books. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a great one for new mechanics.