Jets and pipes and airboxes and rejetting carbs... Lotsa questions...

[Queso]

In most circumstances I'd just leave it be, but my GS could be running better. Does fine under accleration, but when I let off the throttle the exhaust pops quite a bit. Idles alright, a little unstable (goes between 1k and 1.5k at each stoplight). So I'm waiting to get my clymers and some parts and stuff to do some serious maintenance work. But being I'll be yanking the carbs soon here, I might as well upgrade 

Where can I learn the basics about rejetting, and different airboxes (do you mean swapping out the whole intake, or just the filter??)? I think it's got a vance and hines exhaust right now. I have no idea what that means. I'm completely new to bikes, so I'm looking to learn as much about them as I currently know about cars (though hopefully learn even more...) Like how to you know what exhaust/intake/jet/carb setting combo works? I don't want to buy a new exhaust, so how can I optimize what I currently have, and how do I figure out what I currently have??

Is that popping when decelerating "backfiring"? What does that usually indicate if it runs fine most of the time? It doesn't pop at idle at all, except with the choke open while warming up it does a bit.

What RPM should it be at when warming up? When I first start the bike from cold with the choke open, it sits at 1k for a couple seconds, then shoots up to 4k. I usually close the choke a bit and let it idle at 2.5-3k for a minute, then take off and close the choke a couple stoplights down. I notice it doesn't pop as much decelerating with the choke open a bit.

Here's a pic of my bike...

[Egaeus]

You can learn the basics by looking at the FAQ section of the board, as well as "search, n00b!" 

You can either replace the filter with a different (e.g. K&N) filter (drop-in), or replace the entire airbox with either a "lunchbox" (square filter that goes onto both carburetors) or "pods" (individual filters, one for each carburetor). 

You can tell what jets you have by taking off the carbs.  The main jet has the number stamped into the bottom (e.g. 122.5) and the pilot jet has the number stamped on the body of the jet, so you have to remove it to see it.

From your symptoms, it sounds like at least one cylinder may be running rich.  Backfiring from the exhaust is typically an indication of this. 

It doesn't sound like one cylinder is running reliably if your idle is unsteady.  Try checking your float heights and making sure they're level with the float bowl mating surface and that they're even.  Check that your valves are correctly adjusted.  Check that the air/fuel idle mixture is set correctly (a tricky proposition that Clymer doesn't discuss at all, which is why I recommended Haynes).  Then balance your carburetors.  Check the FAQ for how to make a $5 carb balancer (i.e. a differential manometer) instead of the dual vacuum gauges that Clymer suggests. 

[scratch]

Popping and an unstable idle can be caused by valves being out of adjustment.

How many miles on the bike?

And, when was the last valve adjustment done (should be every 4000 miles)?

[Queso]

Searching brings up a bunch of stuff that I have no idea what it means...

The bike has about 12k on it now (I've put a good number of miles on it the entire week I've had it now  ) I have no idea what maintenance has been done, but it seems to have been pretty well taken care of. I'm going to be doing all the maintenance on it once I get all my stuff I ordered for it (including a Clymers)...

I got some stock replacement foam type filter, but I haven't used it yet. Do I have to take off the gas tank to replace the air filter? If I end up going ahead with some of the other mods, I might just return the filter.

[hmmmnz]

no you dont need to take the tank off to change the filter just the seat, the air box is in front of the battery you'll see 4 screws on the top of the box, unscrew those, and wham there is your filter.
before you start balancing and all that, get some new spark plugs, oil and oil filter and do that,
that will eliminate the basics and we'll work with ya from there.
enjoy the new ride.
oh yeah get some engine guards, its only a matter of time till you slide off so be prepared

[Pkaaso]

Hey Queso,

I'm in Lake Forest,  where are you?

Paul

[Pkaaso]

Oh, and by the way... Very clean looking bike.

What kind of riding gear do you have?

Paul

[Queso]

I've done the oil change... Couldn't find my wrench to change the oil filter, so that'll have to wait for now. I got some spark plugs to change, soon, too.

Pkaaso, I'm in La Mirada. If by "what kind" you mean brand, my jacket, boots, and pants are Frank Thomas, alpine star gloves, and a KBC helmet. I think it's a nice set of gear, it's plenty comfy, even in the hot sun. My bike has a tiny bit of rust, but not enough to cause any trouble (though I'm going to have to replace my fork tubes soon  )

[Egaeus]

Try aluminum foil on the fork tubes.  Worked wonders on mine.

[Queso]

Aluminum foil? How so? I got a few little divots at the top that'll eventually tke out the fork seals, which is why I'll need to replace them.

[Egaeus]

Just like sandpaper.  It's abrasive enough to remove the rust spots, but not so abrasive that it will scratch the forks.  I had quite a few spots between the pinch bolts, and they are gone.  Nothing but beautiful shinyness now. 

[Queso]

I'll give that a shot! I'm planning to upgrade the forks soon, though anyway... When you put in better front suspension, are fork tubes something that gets replaced, too?

[Egaeus]

No, just the springs inside.  You can always put on different forks, but IMO it's too much trouble.  For me, it's a "if you want GSXR forks, buy a GSXR...." type of situation.

[Pkaaso]

Cool, not to far.

I have the tool to take the shocks apart (if I can find it) if you need it.

As far as the gear question, I just wanted to hear that you wear it.  Lots of guys/girls own some great gear but always seems to have not worn it the day they hit the asphaldt.

Not to preach mind you, just to support it's importance.

Cheers,
Paul

[Queso]

I definitely gear up, I like my skin where it is, and I know I'll go down someday, my fault or not. I want to replace the suspension simply cuz it keeps bottoming out. I'm not looking for fancy suspension, just better than stock. There should be a OC GS'er get together soon