Clutch operation GS500

[finmac]

Hi,

I'm a new rider, just purchased my first 2002 (used) GS500.  When operating the clutch going from stop to moving, I've got to keep the clutch in about halfway while revving to 3-4000 rpms to get the bike going. Any less and letting the clutch out fully brings the engine to a shudder, needing plenty of throttle to keep it from stalling. Is this fairly typical of the GS500's power delivery, or do I have a carb/power problem, is this going to wear out the clutch? Are rpms like this typical for getting a bike going? I'd greatly appreciate any feedback,

Thanks,
Fin

[scottpA_GS]

I can't tell you the problem, but that is not normal operation for the GS  

You may want to check your clutch adjustments and make sure your brakes arent hanging up on ya  

you deff. have something wrong there.

Welcome to the board!  

[Narcissus]

I do the same with mine heh... I guess I should get that checked out now that I know its a problem.

[rritterson]

i disagree. That's normal.

My gs500 has been mine since new and it's always had that behavior. In fact, the bike hates to be below 3000RPM no matter what speed. Mine starts to lug heavily at about 2700RPM, and even sooner when I'm going uphill.

[pandy]

If I don't get him up to about 4k RPM, he doesn't think I'm serious about moving out. This is how my bike's been since I've owned him (over a year now).  :dunno:

[Narcissus]

Hahaha good thing. I didn't want to have that problem bugging me all winter.

[Badger]

Sounds normal to me (assuming mine is normal).  I either have to get it up to about 3K to let out the clutch or throttle it up just as the clutch starts grabbing.  It seems that the GS is quite unhappy working under 3000rpm...I suspect this is completely normal.

[ratz]

I was just pondering this question the other day. Mine does the same thing. This is my 5th gs500, and this particular one has the worst case of it. I feel i am revving the bike higher than I should to take off from a stop.
I have checked everything from clutch adjustment ( lubed my clutch cable last night, and adjusted the clutch) to re-cleaning, and adjusting the carbs.
I still believe there is a problem with fuel delivery, and I haven't given up on that persuit.
To answer your question, I believe a certain amount of high reving to take off is inherent of this bike, but it can be minimized by fine tuning the fuel delivery, and clutch adjustment.

[finmac]

Thanks for the feedback! I asked a neighbour who rides about this as well. He said its how you use the clutch. I got back on the bike and went back to the basics of feeling for the grab. There are some fuel/air delivery problems with my bike, but it turns how it has a lot to do with my poor clutch technique. Revving it heats up the clutch and makes it grabby, increasing the chance of a stall before the bike is jot just enough momentum. I've found I can let the clutch out essentially all the way without wringing out the throttle to get it just moving, then gun it once the clutch is fully engaged. The clutch adjustment up on the perch also makes a huge difference in the feel of the release.

Easy,
Fin

[Badger]

I've found I can let the clutch out essentially all the way without wringing out the throttle to get it just moving, then gun it once the clutch is fully engaged.

If you wait until it just starts to catch, you can gradually roll on throttle to get it moving and keep it from stalling.  You'll get the feel for it and it makes for very smooth takeoffs.  I woudn't get into the habit of "gunning" the throttle...if you have an opportunity to ride a larger displacement bike you might end up on one wheel.

Bad thing.

[finmac]

You've got a good point Badger. I'm a new rider and I shouldn't let myself get overconfident or carried away. However, with my limited riding experience, there have been situations where moving off ahead of traffic means keeping in front of the 5-ton spewing asphalt dust, or the trailer with non-functional brake lights. I've been a sailplane pilot now for six years and recognize the importance of identifying bad habits and working within equipment and ones own limits.

-Fin

[Blueknyt]

i found its worse with the 140/70 series tire then the 130

[TarzanBoy]

If you wait until it just starts to catch, you can gradually roll on throttle to get it moving and keep it from stalling.  You'll get the feel for it and it makes for very smooth takeoffs.  I woudn't get into the habit of "gunning" the throttle...if you have an opportunity to ride a larger displacement bike you might end up on one wheel.
Bad thing.

Pulling a wheelie doesn't happen as inadverently as you think.  I throttled a GSXR-600 and a VFR-750 HARD from being stopped at a red light today and *barely* noticed the front wheels get any lighter than on my GS500 when I do the same thing.

The time to watch out for wheelies is when you throttle HARD after bouncing the front fork down then up...  I don't think just gunning the throttle will do it unless you're on a liter-bike.

[phire]

Sounds normal to me (assuming mine is normal).  I either have to get it up to about 3K to let out the clutch or throttle it up just as the clutch starts grabbing.  It seems that the GS is quite unhappy working under 3000rpm...I suspect this is completely normal.

Actually, I can begin acceleration right from idle speed if I time clutch release and throttle correctly without any problems. Since I'm not quite smooth enough yet, I throttle up a couple hundred rpm's first (1,600 or so) before I release the clutch. I also have a 2005 so I'm sure this is no help to you.  :dunno:

[WREX]

I can get the bike moving with just clutch work and no throttle if I wanted.  While I don't normally do it, because you have to space it out over a few seconds and let the bike build momentum to fully release, I still let the clutch grab before rolling on throttle for normal launches.  If i want to accelerate faster, I just roll faster, but I always let the clutch grab first.

Things got even better with the 15T and bob's rotor, but even before, the technique was still the same.

[Badger]

Actually, I can begin acceleration right from idle speed if I time clutch release and throttle correctly without any problems. Since I'm not quite smooth enough yet, I throttle up a couple hundred rpm's first (1,600 or so) before I release the clutch. I also have a 2005 so I'm sure this is no help to you.  :dunno:

Right...

...or throttle it up just as the clutch starts grabbing.

If you want to dump the clutch a bit quicker, it's easier to juice it a bit.