Same problem over and over

[jllkc3]

Ok, I have a '96 GS500 with less then 3000 miles on it. The reason.... when I give it some gas, there is a severe hesitation. Pretty much to the point that it is unrideable. There also seems to be some hesitation when I let go. Basically, there is a large delay in the response of the throttle. To the point I'm not sure when it is going to kick in.  Usually upon startup, the rpm's will vary between 1000 and 3000, constantly reving up and down on it's own. I have had the bike in four times, I always get it back working fine for a few months, then same issue. Sometimes they tell me that it was the carb, other times they "didn't do anything." The funny thing is that even though they didn't do anything, it still runs better for a little bit.

I am not a mechanic by trade, just frustrated with my bike. It has come time to fix it right or dump it..... to many headaches at this point. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Egaeus]

Sounds like it could be running rich.  To see, go get some new spark plugs (~$4) and install them.  Ride it around town, and then inspect them.  If it's running rich, they'll be black.  If it's running correctly, they should be tan.

It could be as simple as the float height.  To check it, put a short piece of clear tubing on the nipple at the bottom of the carburetor float bowl, hold it up so that the open end is pointing up and is higher than the float bowl, and loosed the drain screw.  The level of fuel should be even with where the float bowl joins the main carburetor body.  There are 2 carburetors, so check both.

It could also be the idle air adjustment.  This is a screw on the bottom of each carburetor, and will have a brass plug covering it if it's never been adjusted.  If it has a plug, then don't mess with it, because that's not your problem. 

Another possibility (which is what I'm thinking given your bike's age vs. mileage) is clogged pilot jets.  If you're feeling lazy, get some carburetor cleaner fuel system additive and add it to your gas tank when you fill it up.  However, this will only help if fuel can still get through the jets.  The carburetors are really simple.  They're so simple that I would bet anyone  $100 that I can disassemble and reassemble one enough to clean the jets with my eyes closed.  So it's almost as easy to just take them off, remove the jets, and clean them out with compressed air (if you have it) or a thin piece of brass or copper wire and some spray carb cleaner.   If you've never worked with carbs before, I recommend a service manual like Clymer or Haynes.  I don't particularly like the Clymer manual because it has some mistakes and omissions (about carb adjustment and rebuilding no less), but I haven't seen the Haynes manual. 

Hope this helps.  I've personally found that good mechanics are rare.  There are a few that truly enjoy and understand the inner workings of an engine.  Many, however, just went to some school and got a cert.  They don't have the troubleshooting skills and understanding that it takes to be good, and just fumble around blindly a lot of the time.  Good luck.

[The Buddha]

Its most likely the slide comming up too fast, if you open throttle slower does it reach better if so definetly slide rising too fast. Then I guess ... open it slower ... or block off 1 hole on the bottom. Of course rejetting and cleaning up the thing may work as well ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[Egaeus]

Its most likely the slide comming up too fast, if you open throttle slower does it reach better if so definetly slide rising too fast. Then I guess ... open it slower ... or block off 1 hole on the bottom. Of course rejetting and cleaning up the thing may work as well ...
Cool.
Srinath.

What would cause the slide to rise too fast?  A weak spring?