New "used" bike issue - I think it's the C

[GeorgiaPlum]

Hello...new to riding here and have a problem i hope can easily be fixed.  Just purchased a 1995 GS500E a couple of weeks ago.  Bike has been running like a top until yesterday.  Went to take off...bike lost all power and quit on me entirely (also had my first dump due to the sudden stop).  Anyway...got back up no problem...bike started up with just a little hesitation but when i rpm up to around 6-7, i will completely lose all power and the rpms instantly drop and the bike dies.  The bike will stay running if i do not twist the throttle, but will eventually die after a few revs of the motor.  Looks like the float might also be stuck up due to the fact that after she dies, the overflow drips gas at quite a steady rate.  Had to turn off the fuel all together to get it to stop.

Long story short, is this maybe just a dirty carb problem?? and can it be easily fixed??

Again, new to riding, and this is my first bike, so any help i can get is appreciated.

[starwalt]

First thing to check is the fuel level.
If the switch is set to ON, you could be at the RES point. RES = Reserve. The other setting, PRI is to Prime the carbs if they are empty of fuel.

You might be looking in the tank, see some fuel, but still be set to ON.

Did you get an owner's manual with this GS?

[GeorgiaPlum]

Fuel level is just shy of full, so i'm pretty sure i do not need to be in RES.  Did not get owners manual, but did just order the Clymer Manual from this site.  I'm hoping that will help as well as feedback from this post.

Any other suggestions??

[starwalt]

Well, if I had read the rest of your post, I would have seen the bit about fuel running out.  

Do a search for "stuck floats" or variations thereof. I saw Srinath floating around here also. He's our carb guru and resident powder coating addict! He has forgotten more about carbs than I remember.

Soon enough though, I've got to get into the carbs of my 90 rebuild. Been doing skads of little things and repainting the worst parts.

[GeorgiaPlum]

Thanks for attempting to solve my problem.  I'm just trying to get around having to take it in to get fixed if at all possible.  Just want to get a little confirmation on my problem first.

Carb Guru where are you??

[dbNnc]

You can often remedy stuck floats with a few taps on the float bowls with the end of a ratchet or screwdriver.

[GeorgiaPlum]

Have tried that as well.  Still have to shut off gas now just to get it to stop dripping.  In the previous 2 weeks, never dripped once....now won't stop and won't keep running.

[secondgen7]

Where in Atlanta are you?  If you're near downtown or Decatur, I could maybe swing by with my Clymer sometime (assuming you haven't received yours yet).

Also, Is it only when revved (to 6k+) that the bike dies on you, or will it eventually stall even if left idling?  Did you do anything to the bike in the days prior to the initial stalling?

[GeorgiaPlum]

I work right off of 85 & N. Druid Hills.  Bike is not here, but will be getting a ramp to put it in the truck.  Won't have my Clymer until next week (chose snail mail).  

usually 6+ is where i lose all power.  Almost like it stops getting gas all together and just dies unless i throttle all the way down in enough time.  Left it idling for a good 20 min with no problems....only when trying to throttle will it die on me.


Bike has been running like a top for the two weeks i've had it.  Starts right up...no throttle issues....nothing.  Came out of the blue.

[secondgen7]

sent you a PM.