Newbie Questions

[DocFree]

Just got a 2001 GS 500 (6500 miles) for my first bike. Bike runs wonderfully and I have put about 500 miles on it this month, it was inspected cleanly and had an oil change.   Unfortunatly there was no manual.  I ordered a Clymer manual (through this site via amazon) but it hasn't arrived yet, so I have two questions.  1.  What position should I leave the Fuel petcock in at night when the bike is parked? 2. Since I know nothing about the maintenance history of this bike what sorts of things should I look for? I want to make sure I take pristine care of it since it was very well cared for by the previous owner.  3. do I need to do anything special to change the air filter or can I just pop a new K and N filter in there?

Thanks everyone

[Kerry]

1) Leave it in the ON position.  The ON & RES positions don't allow fuel to flow unless the engine is running.  The PRIme position bypasses all that ... which can be problematic if you have a stuck float, etc.

2) Take a look through the regular maintenance schedule (HERE) and take care of anything that doesn't seem "up-to-snuff".  Then you can "reset the counter".

3) You can drop a new K&N in, but if you don't rejet you should install the restrictor ring.  (See this page.)

[DocFree]

Thanks so much!  Does the restrictor ring come with the filter or do you have to buy that seperately?

[Reddog787]

It came with mine

[scratch]

Welcome to GStwin!

[average]

Welcome to GStwin!

[Kerry]

Does the restrictor ring come with the filter or do you have to buy that seperately?

It came with mine

Same here - it came in the box.