beginning to get the hang of the basic wrenchy stuff

[Tyro]

So I got my 1993 GS home. It's kinda rough now that I look at it. This evening I got the tank off and then the airbox. I successfully installed an in-line fuel filter, though it's big as I got it from an auto parts store. It was a PAIN getting the airbox back in just right. Is the K&N lunchbox any smaller? The hardest part of the whole thing was getting those rubber things to go over the carbs from the airbox. What a PITA! The whole thing took me about 1.5 hours but it was also the first time I'd so much as taken the seat off.

Also notice the Oil light was on, checking oil (cold) it didn't register on the dipstick.  So I added about .7QT and now it's halfway up the hash marks. I picked up an oil filter and am changin' oil tomorrow.

When I added the Sea Foam and went to start it up for a quick test run, it wouldn't turn over, seemed like the battery was dead. Probably my fault as I left it in Parking-Light-On-Mode for 6 hours yesterday accidentally. I'll charge it tonight. Who knows how old it is. I'm gettig the feeling the guy I bought it from wouldn't know routine maintainence if it bit him in the rear. 

This is fun but also hard work. I did plenty of cursing at the bike! One of these days I will get photos up, I promise.

[pandy]

Congrats on your first wrenching session!!! 

[scratch]

Yes, congrats.  Check your oil after a ride.  Wait at least half an hour, so you don't burn your fingers on the hot metal oil dipstick.

[brett]

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=22993.0

I'm not sure if you did or not, but don't forget to check the oil while the bike is on the centerstand. I freaked out when I first checked it until I realized it was on the sidestand.

As for the oil light, that always comes on when you turn the ignition on, but goes off once you actually start the engine. Something about oil pressure in the engine building up, I dunno.