PRI position didn't help fuel starvation this time

[SteveK364]

Hi,

I'm one of those "lucky" GS500 owners who struggle with that stupid fuel starvation problem.

I've had this 2000 model bike for about one month now and have been left stranded along the highway three or four times already.

Tonight was the latest episode.  Knowing I was going to be hitting 60 and 70mph, I switched the fuel valve over to PRI BEFORE getting on the expressway, but lo and behold, at around 65, the engine cut out on me.

The last time, this happened was one week ago. But that time, as the engine was starting to die, I just switched it over to PRI on the fly and the engine kicked backed in and things were fine.  Now this.

So, I'm a little disappointed in this bike (my first one, no less) and don't know what to do.  Plus, don't you think the seller of this bike should have told me about this problem?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Steve in Michigan

[aaronstj]

It's possible you have crap in your petcock or your carbs that's choking the flow of gas.  That happened to me, and caused fuel starvation that PRI couldn't really help.  Our tanks are notorious for getting rusty.  The best thing is to pull your carbs and petcock and give them a good clean.  While you're at it, install a fuel filter.  That seems to be a big help.

[SteveK364]

Also, does anyone know if PRI draws from the regular tank reservoir or reserve area?

[pandy]

How many miles since your last fill up when this happened? My little commuter would go about 100 miles between fill ups. I could stretch him to 110 or 120, but he was really happiest when I filled him up every 100 miles.

When you're running on PRI, you basically don't have a reserve. You're drawing on the regular tank AND the reserve tank, so you have to be careful about keeping track of your mileage.

Personally, I would tell a buyer.... but to be fair, I think for some this is less a problem and more of an idiosyncrasy of our beloved Baby G. 

[Recreational_Anxiety]

Was there a crosswind on the expressway when you were having this problem?  ie. did the engine start to stumble when the wind would gust?

[SteveK364]

Gas was low, but not empty.  And no,  I don't remember any kind of crosswind issue.

[MarkusN]

Gas was low, but not empty.

Could have been the issue, though. Remember, on PRI there's no reserve warning. And when the engine cuts out you still have a pint or so slosh around on the bottom.

[pandy]

My Baby G commuter usually would have at least a gallon left in him when he'd start his tantrum. You might try keeping him filled up more often. It can be a pain, but it can make for a happier bike, too, and it doesn't cost anything to try, other than slightly more frequent stops at the pump.