New bike

[kumar988]

Hi, I am a new member I finally bought a 1999 gs500e for $2000 (same guy who originally wanted $3000 for it but would let it go for $2800). I just had a question. When I bought it, the previous owner, told me to put it in the prime position when riding because in the "on" position it will die. I thought that was weird so I put it in the on position and after a few mins it died.

I did a search here about this problem and some people it was okay if it runs in prime just turn it to the ON position when your done. Also when I turned the bike on one cold morning it was making a clicking sound, which stopped after a few mins. It has 38xx miles on it. I took around the neighborhood a couple of times it was great fun So please tell me its nothing. Also if it helps I live at high altitude (5700ft)

I am also putting on some dominator headlights on it and will have some pictures soon.

[ohgood]

Search the forum about 'fuel starvation', it's the petcock, and it sucks. Running on 'prime' will rectify it, but not FIX it. You'll see what I mean.

The ticking while cold I would assume to be the valve train. Or timing chain. Or just a bike that doesn't like to run cold. Mine makes all kinds of rattletrap noise from one stoplight to another. It has good oil preasure and I'm told the suzukis just make alot of noise, for miles and miles and miles.

I believe 4,000 miles is the first valve service recommendation. Check the forum, the recommended services are listed too.

Congrats on the bike purchase, it's a load of fun, and with proper maintenance it can be a great commuter too.

[manofthefield]

ohgood beat me to it, but here's my response anyway

I did a search here about this problem and some people it was okay if it runs in prime just turn it to the ON position when your done.

Yeah, many GS owners have this problem and  you have the easiest solution there.  More permanent solutions would be to get a new petcock, rebuild yours, or hook it up to run without vacuum.  I just switch to prime when mine starts dying

Also when I turned the bike on one cold morning it was making a clicking sound, which stopped after a few mins. 

Most likely just camshaft endplay, which is pretty normal and doesn't hurt anything.  Keep in mind valve clearances should be checked every 4000 miles (you're coming up on that soon)