I f*cked up

[iv76erson03]

Alright here's the story. I've had my GS for about a month now. Today I was coming home and the thing started sputtering. I looked down the oil light was on. Just came one out of the blue, it wasn't on all day. Then the thing died like a mile from my house. After about a minute it restarted and ran fine and I rode it back to my house the last mile or so and the red light stayed off. After it cooled down I just checked the oil and it was pretty much bone dry.  It had enough oil in the thing when I checked it like 3-4 weeks ago. And I only put like 350 miles on it since. Basically what I want to know is:

1) Did I just complete f*ck up my engine
2) why the hell would i lose that oil that fast
3) how often do you all check your oil

[scratch]

3) check oil weekly
2) Our bikes have a history of eating oil, mediocre valve guide design, '77 engine technology...check your oil weekly.
1) Maybe not if you didn't notice any change in the sound of the engine, or performance.

Your bike is still breaking-in, so if anything does go wrong, it's under warranty.

But, please, check your oil weekly.

[CirclesCenter]

You can never check your oil too often. (But only when the bike if off and holding still, mmmmkay?)

I check it at least every other tank.

Oil loss that fast, major leak in the system, possibly a seal blew, possibly around the area of the oilf filter.

Did you pork your engine? No it didn't seize, so it's in OK shape, probably not good though.

Maybe you just experienced the high speed fuel starvation common to these bikes.

Where you low on fuel? that's a possibility.

Anyways, post some more info please and we'll try and help.

[Phaedrus]

Make sure that when you check oir oil, you do it properly too 

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

[pandy]

Yes...absolutely....put her on the centerstand to check the oil.  

[Phaedrus]

Or "change your oil every other oil change because it is good for the environment" 

[corndog67]

A new bike used that much oil in 350 miles?  Unacceptable.  Take it back.  But don't cop to the fact that you ran it out.  Say you have to add an unacceptable amount every tank. 

[TadMC]

Yes...absolutely....put her on the centerstand to check the oil.  

\


your a bastard

[Unnamed]

Yes...absolutely....put her on the centerstand to check the oil.  

\


you're a bastard

[makenzie71]

you ride a tank, man...put some more oil in her, run a bit, then change it and the filter, and you're good to go.

[iv76erson03]

hmm thanks for the info. I was a little low on gas too I guess. And I was going through some twisties when it started coughing so the gas was prolly slapping around in there. And yeah, I forgot to put it on the center stand when I checked it so there might be a little more oil in it than I thnk.

Also, are those warranties transferrable and is there a time limit? I'm not the original owner of the bike. Guy before me got scared after 200 miles and sold it.

And lastly, you guys put special motorcycle oil in it or will Mobil 1 10W-40 do the trick? The closest Zuki dealership is aways away and the prices are horrid so I'm hoping I can get the stuff at Wal-mart. Also, what's the number on the oil filter for an '05? I don't have an owner's manual and Zuki is taking a month to get me a new one. Thanks again.

[LimaXray]

yeah i think the 1 year factory warranty will transfer... there's nothing wrong with using regular 10w40 oil from walmart, but for the first couple thousand miles for break in you should use dino oil and not synthetic like mobile 1.  the only place i know of to get an oil filter would be the dealer, but my dealer keeps them in stock so that's not a problem for me.  there are websites that sell them, but not sure where.

[pandy]

your a bastard

Nope! I'm a beeeeeatch! 

And lastly, you guys put special motorcycle oil in it or will Mobil 1 10W-40 do the trick? The closest Zuki dealership is aways away and the prices are horrid so I'm hoping I can get the stuff at Wal-mart. Also, what's the number on the oil filter for an '05? I don't have an owner's manual and Zuki is taking a month to get me a new one. Thanks again.

When I rode my ol' boy ('91 GS500E), I used Wally World oil. I'm a chicken with my SVS, though. I use moto oil in him (I think half synth? Can't remember now)

[galahs]

Synthetic oils are preferable as they have higher film strength, meaning if for example the oil filter seal blows and most of the oil drains out, there will be a stronger film of oil on your moving parts to help you limp home.

[iv76erson03]

WARNING!!!! NOOB MISTAKES AHEAD!!!!!

Ok, well to start off, I have plenty of oil still. I didnt think of setting my bike up straight so thats why there wasnt any oil on the dipstick. so the good news is the isaac newton was right and oil flows down still.  secondly, it started running again after i switched to the reserve tank. my dad looked at it and informed me i was out of gas.  I guess i figured since there was still an inch in the tank i wasnt empty. So what's teh deal with that? Does the bike not use the last inch of the tank or is that the reserve, and the reserve is simply another tube that is lower in the tank. yay for my bike not being wrecked though

[Phaedrus]

.. and the reserve is simply another tube that is lower in the tank.

Yup. 

[Alphamazing]

Does the bike not use the last inch of the tank or is that the reserve, and the reserve is simply another tube that is lower in the tank. yay for my bike not being wrecked though

Bingo. That last little bit is the reserve. ~.9 to 1.0 gal in '01+ bikes.

[FearedGS500]

yea things happen you have to learn the hard way sometimes. i use a simi-sin.  in mine .   my 05 has s  5.4 gallon tank on it a and when i hit the resv. i have 2 gallons left ( or so )

[Yankee Punker]

  Just my thoughts about the oil thing, It does depend on the way you ride. You can get by just on standard Mobil oil, if you are a model rider, but I would recommend you use the right CLASS of oil, wal-mart oils are made for cage engines, not air cooled motorcycle engines. I believe that an automobile class oil will break down a lot sooner because of the heat, than what your Suzuki dealer will sell you. Also stay away from automobile synthetic oils ( your gs has a wet clutch) they will make your clutch slip. Use regular motorcycle oil for the first two oil changes too let engine and gears wear in , then if you like to ride aggressive I would recommend a motorcycle synthetic blend, or full synthetic if your racing around all the time. I used a synthetic blend in my old 92'GS all the time and it was just over 100'000 miles and still ran well and had good compression when  I traded it, now I use full synthetic in my 05' . What I hope you see though is 10w40 is an oil weight, codes like SL,CF,SG, SJ, is the class of oil. No matter what's your vehicle you should always follow the manufacturer's guides or research every little aspect.
  You should be able to get a filter at most autoparts stores have them look it up, and make sure there is a new o-ring in the box, I use a K&N filter  # kn-133  ( P.S.  Suzuki recommends an SJ class oil, and if you got to go cheap use Shell ROTELLA T Heavy Duty Engine Oil, its made for desiel engines and holds up against the higher heat)