considering the GS500....got some Q's

[kennyj]

I'm thinking about getting a cycle in the spring. I had a Yamaha SR500 in the 80s for a year, have not ridden since then. I like the GS500 and it seems to be a good bike to suit my needs - seat height fits my 30" inseam, gets good MPG, has enough power if I want to get on the freeway or ride 2 up, but not so much to be intimidating. A few things are bugging me, and I did search and read the FAQ.

Valve adjustments every 3500 miles - this is a much shorter interval than any other bike I'm considering. What is a typical shop or dealer charge for this?  Can you push this out longer without problems and if so, what should be the max mileage?

Just about every test I have read of this bike says that rejetting the carb is needed to make the bike idle and run smoothly. How much does this normally cost to have done at a shop? How do you know you need it done?

Also alot of reviews mention a long warmup time. Can you get on and ride if you're just going to be putting along on suburban streets for a mile or two?  Will rejetting help this out?

A review I downloaded comparing the GS500 to the EX500 says the Ninja had the more aggressive riding postion, and alot of messages on various boards say basically the same. Well I want a more upright riding postion so that sounded good. But after visiting a dealer, I felt that sitting on the GS500F I was more leaned over the bars than either the Ninja 250 or 500. I have only sat on the brand-new F model, does this version have different bars, pegs, ergos, etc, compared to the pre-03 naked bikes?

Thanks in advance for any help, answers or thoughts.

[pantablo]

I think people are going 10k without a valve check. pretty easy to do yourself actually. I ran my 2001 gs500 to 10.5k miles before selling it and never checked the valves-lazy.

The bike is jetted lean. Means that when cold takes a bit of time to warm up, how long depending on what climate you live in. In SoCal, parking it outside in the winter, with temps as low as low 40's and sometimes dipping into high 30's the bike would take a bit to warm up. I'd get my gear on, then get on and ride but would have to make sure not to stall the bike because it was still running cold. Also this means when the engine is warm the rpms go to 3-4k and sit there when idling. I never rejetted. I just adjusted the idle speed when warm so it was only like 1500-1800 (when it ran high), and didnt see any adverse starting issues. Rejetting does cure this. Given that this is like that from the factory to pass emissions in the USA, I'd be surprised if the kawasaki's didnt do the same sort of thing. necessary to rejet-not really. helpful-definitely. There are a couple of great write-ups on how to do it-I have a good link myself I could pass along if you need it.

The F model (and the 01-03 naked model) might have felt like you were leaned over more because they are wider at the tank than the older gs and the kawasaki's. Otherwise, the gs is actually quite a upright sitting position, same as the 01-03 gs. The older gs is also quite upright but is very narrow through the tank and seat so feels even more upright because of your legs not being splayed out.

Check my site for some additional information.
Good luck. Hope this helps.

[makenzie71]

I've owned all three, the EX's and the GS, feel free to hit me up with any questions.

[ajgs500]

Just get it it is an awesome bike.

[pantablo]

Valve adjustments every 3500 miles - this is a much shorter interval than any other bike I'm considering. What is a typical shop or dealer charge for this? Can you push this out longer without problems and if so, what should be the max mileage?

if you havent come across it yet, here's a link to the How-To video Kerry, a member here, made some time ago.
p-

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=23515.0

[kennyj]

Hey thanks for the replies and info. I can live with 10K or even 8K valve adjustments, that would probably be like every 2-3 years, I was worried I'd have to do it, or pay for it, every year.

So the GS500 is definately on my shopping list now. have to try some more test-sits and try to find an older one to compare.

[Larry]

On my 2000 GS500E I set the air mixture screws from 2.5 turns out to 3 turns out (that makes it run a bit richer).  Kept the stock jets.  Bike runs great, warms up in minutes and still get 60-70 mpg. Toughest part of the job will be getting the factory caps off the air mixture screws to gain access.  These are very dependable bikes and a blast to ride.  Get one!

[surlybruce]

Get the GS 500 and you will be very happy . Everyone on this site will help with any questions you may have. I love my 05 500 F although I get some heat from the old lady she says that I [ spend more time serviceing the GS 500 than serviceing her ] I will in 06 try to service bolth a little more evenly.

[Grainbelt]

On my 2000 GS500E I set the air mixture screws from 2.5 turns out to 3 turns out (that makes it run a bit richer).  Kept the stock jets.  Bike runs great, warms up in minutes and still get 60-70 mpg. Toughest part of the job will be getting the factory caps off the air mixture screws to gain access.  These are very dependable bikes and a blast to ride.  Get one!

I think I need to do this. The choke/then adjust idle method is a little dodgy on mine, it tends to die if I remove the choke too soon or have the idle high while the choke is on. I need a winter project anyway...