New GS owner!!!

[FunkStylee]

Hey Guys,

I bought a '91 GS500 about a little over a month ago after taking the MSF course and getting licensed. I only paid $500 for it, its in really good cosmetic condition and even has some custom pinstriping. Anyways, after getting the bike I come on here at least once a day and I must thank everyone for providing this valuable resource to new riders. I also had a question, I've read on here about the GS is accustom to rattling however, I'm concerned because mine rattles but it has no sign of affecting performance. I was just wondering if you guys had any idea where the rattles usually come from? It seems like its coming from the engine... and furthermore the bike sounds pretty shitty as it is but I dunno, just wanted to thank everyone and ask advice.

P.S. - I know its a generalized question but I'm not very mechanically inclined, any advice would be appreciated! 

[Jay_wolf]

First of all , welcome , this is a excellent forum with pages of infomation

Post a pic of ur new bike , im sure the world want to see it ,
the rattling could be cams or Valves , im not to sure ,

Welcome Agen!

[Affschnozel]

Hi and welcome!
Camshaft end play may produce intermittent knocking sound from the head area at idle , it's annoying but harmless .
GS is very sensitive to improper valve clearances so it pays to keep them in check ( to loose valves also make bad noises )
If you don't know the exact history of the bike make a big service (valve check,oil+filter change) and then settle into the maintenance routine

[FunkStylee]

well, since I'm not very mechanically proficient my dad took the bike to a guy that does old cycle repair and he supposedly checked the valves and only suggested that I get a new set of sprockets over the winter. Also, the kid who had the bike before me painted the stock exhaust white, and it looks terrible so I'd like to repaint it black, however the repair guy said that the bolts will probably sheer and I'll be stuck with bolts in bike with no heads since they haven't been taken out in a while so I dunno how true that is but I would definately like to paint the pipes black but I dont want to have to pay someone to bore out broken bolts. 

[The Buddha]

Its definetly possible to have the heads shear off, but spray with penetrating oil etc for a few times ... Also, easier to take off when its hot ...
Like, ride till the motor gets hot. 20-30 mins. Then park it till the exhaust gets cold. 10-20 mins. Exhaust cold motor still hot ... or motor hotter than exhaust = good timetospray penetrating oil and try to get it out.
Cool.
Srinath.

[nastynate6695]

paint the exhaust while its on the bike...   just drop the forks off and it should be easier then messing with some bolts you probably wont ever end up messing with again. Unless you upgrade your exhaust.