Air cooling on GS500 and heat issues in Southeast GA?

[dracflamloc]

It gets pretty hot here in the summer. I just learned these bikes are air cooled. How does this affect performance and reliability during the summer months down south?

[3imo]

welcome to the site.

heres a good read on this topic.   --> http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=24462.0

I live in lower AL and haven't had any issues. well I blew a head gasket but it wasn't a hot day.  oh well.

[onefastgs500]

no problem you just ride faster!!!

[Alphamazing]

I live in Texas. We regular see 100^o+ days for weeks straight. I have not noticed any problems riding in those temperatures. Just be sure to keep moving and not sit and idle for very long. My father has had problems of having his CBX (air cooled 1087cc inline 6) overheat, but only if he's stuck sitting in non-moving traffic for extended amounts of time.

[dracflamloc]

Thats good to hear!

[Chuck]

I overheat faster than my GS.

[lumpoffire]

I live in Texas. We regular see 100^o+ days for weeks straight. I have not noticed any problems riding in those temperatures. J

Hey Alpha, you have one of (I'll bet) the only naked GS's with an oil cooler.   Have you noticed any difference in how the bike runs/warms up/performs?

d.

[lumpoffire]

I live in Texas. We regular see 100^o+ days for weeks straight. I have not noticed any problems riding in those temperatures. J

Hey Alpha, you have one of (I'll bet) the only naked GS's with an oil cooler.   Have you noticed any difference in how the bike runs/warms up/performs?

d.

duh... I meant to say difference between your old E and new "naked F."

[Alphamazing]

I live in Texas. We regular see 100^o+ days for weeks straight. I have not noticed any problems riding in those temperatures. J

Hey Alpha, you have one of (I'll bet) the only naked GS's with an oil cooler.   Have you noticed any difference in how the bike runs/warms up/performs?

d.

I didn't get to ride my old E much. Three weeks, really, and even then it was in fairly cool weather (considering) since it was March. My bike starts with one quick click of the starter and requires about 10 to 15 seconds of warmup before it's ready to go. Any sooner than the 10 to 15 seconds and it bogs and dies. 

I'm experiencing a little backfire at idle every now and again, so not sure what to say about that...

[pandy]

Welcome, dracflamloc! 

[dracflamloc]

Thanks! I'll be getting my GS500 in a week! I'm very excited! Just got a nice jacket and some gloves for riding. And picked up a full face helmet today.

[pandy]

Thanks! I'll be getting my GS500 in a week! I'm very excited! Just got a nice jacket and some gloves for riding. And picked up a full face helmet today.

You MUST post pics when you get your baby!!! 

[dracflamloc]

Of course!

Question about helmets actually. I have TMJ (which is a jaw problem where clenching my teeth too much or excessive pressure, etc can cause my jaw to lock up.) A small helmet fits my head pretty well in general, as the medium seems to have a bit too much wiggling when I shake my head. However the sides put quite a bit of pressure on my jaw which is uncomfortable for me. Should I just try to break in the side padding a bit so it doesnt put so much pressure on the jaw?

[manofthefield]

Try on a few different brands of helmets to see if you can find one that fits you better.  But yes, the side padding will break in some... Just make sure you start with the best fitting helmet you can find

[dracflamloc]

Yea I tried on a few of them. They all seemed relatively the same which I suppose is to be expected from the price range I was looking in ($80-100).

I'll try wearing this one for a bit and maybe try squeezing something into the helmet a little when i'm not wearing it to break in the cheek pads a little because other than those its very comfortable.