Noob with broken bike

[BaoQingTian]

I just bought a '92 GS500, and I'm going through trying to get it running well.  It ran the first day, but backfired badly and really carbon fouled the plugs.  I had difficulty starting it the second day.  It would idle for just about 10 seconds and then die.  I tried with choke on and off, it wouldn't even get started with the choke off.  Whenever I tried to gently increase throttle, it would die as well.

So I pulled it apart to clean the carbs.  Lo and behold, the airbox was half filled with a dirty blue shop towel   Is there any reason for that to be there?  I removed the entire airbox and started the bike.  Now it idled just fine.  However, whenever I tried to increase throttle, it would sputter and die.

Right now I'm waiting for a carb rebuild kit to come, and that rubber connector that connected the carbs to the intake that literally disintegrated. 

Any ideas what the problem could be?  I'm brand new to motorcycles, but I did buy the Clymer manual to help myself along.  Any help would be appreciated.

Oh also,  the airbox is filthy.  I've read on here that it's possible to clean it with gasoline.  How do I do that?  Just swish the whole filter, screen and all, around in a tub of gas? 

Thanks again.

[aaronstj]

If it starts and idles, but doesn't like you to touch the throttle, it may just need a bit more warming up.  Sometimes (especially when it's cold out), they need a lot of coaxing and slow adjustments of choke and throttle before they're happy.

[Egaeus]

Sounds like clogged jets.  I had the exact same problem with mine.  Cleaning the carbs worked wonders. 

[tussey]

Oh also,  the airbox is filthy.  I've read on here that it's possible to clean it with gasoline.  How do I do that?  Just swish the whole filter, screen and all, around in a tub of gas? 

Thanks again.

Remove airfilter housing from bike. Remove air filter from housing. I just cleaned mine with a bucket full of water and plain old dish. Then I sprayed it down with a garden hose and wiped the inside dry. Additionally I let it sit out in the sun for an hour before I reconnected.

[scottpA_GS]

I would think that cleaning the carbs is a great start.. There are a ton of great posts on here on how to do it and do it well.. As far as the shop towel.. was there an air filter in there as well? maybee they used the towel as a filter? If there is a filter, maybee the previous owner just forgot it in there 

I think a good cleaning would take care of your problems.. Use a good carb cleaner. I like Suzuki cleaner.. gummout just isnt as tough as the Suzuki cleaner. Follow the instructions in the how to, and you should be running fine in no time!

[Yankee Punker]

Let it idle and warm up for sure,about 5-10 mins. depending on air temp. dont adjust a cold engine- me two cents - enjoy the ride 

[scottpA_GS]

My bike sat for the past 5 months... I adjust idle with the choke as it warms up (keeping the reves in about 2-3 RPM.. I never have let it sit for more than 5 mins before I jump on and go.. sometimes I ride with about 1/4 choke for 1-2 mins. I dont think its a warm up prob.. you need those carbs cleaned dude..

[xtalman]

If there's a freaking shop towel in your airbox, I'd check and double-check everything before I started riding it anywhere.  Do you know the history of the bike?

Pulling the airbox completely off the bike is not recommended.  It won't run very well that way.  The GS500 is pretty sensitive to changes in air intake and exhaust, usually requiring re-jetting.

Clean the carbs, check the gas tank for rust, check the fuel hoses for damage, install an inline fuel-filter, lubricate the cables, tighten all the bolts, inspect the chain and sprockets, check the valve clearances, change the oil and filter, etc. etc. etc.

Another idea is to just buy a K&N filter (do a search, there are several varieties) to be certain your airbox is fine.  There are various "recipes" (Stage 1/2/3) if you look at the older posts on here.

Good luck!