Nused GS500E, just got it, have a few questions.

[IN_DET]

I currently own an 07 Kaw Ninja650R and its the first bike I've really ridden.  Its fuel injected and the clutch has never been used so I know I shouldn't be comparing the 95 GS500E I picked up for my GF to it but its all I've got for comparison. 

The GS is a 95 with just under 6000 miles on it.  It looks mint and I have no reason to believe it has been abused.  The first issue I have is with the clutch.  It seems like there is NO friction zone, the bike doesn't start trying to roll until the lever is almost totally released as opposed to the GZ250 I learned on at the MSF and the Ninja which start to roll slightly at about a half release of the clutch.  The prior owner claimed he just tuned the bike up since it had been sitting, is there something he could have done wrong to eliminate the friction zone?

Taking off in 1st is my second issue and may be due to the clutch issue, but it seems like I have to give the bike more throttle than I should have to.  I can ease off the clutch on the Ninja with no throttle and it will begin to roll nicely.  The GZ250 at the MSF class was also able to leave the line (although slowly) without using the throttle.  This GS will not leave the line unless I utilize the throttle.  Like I said, it could be due to the clutch issue I'm having, or the carborator being too rich/lean maybe.

The last issue I have is probably just me.  I don't know exactly how to describe it, but the front end seems heavier/harder to turn at low speeds than the other bikes I've been on.  I feel pretty unstable at low speeds.  It also seems like there might be  a slight wobble at speeds around 60.  I'm not sure if the higher speed sensation that I'm feeling is just due to the lack of fairings on the bike and being used to a faired bike as my daily.

I'm trying to make sure that everything with the bike is as it should be before I turn my GF loose on it, I don't want her to have an issue when I'm not around to help her.

[The Buddha]

Fuel injected or not, you still need the clutch ... you wanted to say choke
Cool.
Srinath.

[IN_DET]

Actually no, I meant clutch.  Never been used as in no miles on it when I got it.  The 650 has no choke.

[frankieG]

fi bikes don't have a choke do they? it would not make sense to me

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

FI bikes have a fast idle.. same general thing as a choke.

Anyway, the GS powerband doesn't start until 5.5K. You can't launch below 3K comfortably. I usually launch at about 5.5K, while slipping. It's a wet clutch, slip it.

The clutch has a very small friction zone. You can adjust where it is in the lever to an extent (There is a howto in the FAQ section), but you cannot adjust its size very much.

[mach1]

I agree with NGFL, Whe launching you will need to rev the bike a little and once your past 4k or 5k start letting out the clutch lever.  As far as the friction zone you may just need to adjust the clutch lever.  . Dont really compare to the MSF bikes, when I did mine I was on a handa rebel and the idle was way high, I asked the guy what the deal and he told me it was easyer for new rider to get the feel for the froction zone without giving any gas, The second day I got tired of hearing it rev so I lowered the darn thing.

[blue05twin]

The clutch can be adjusted in or out.  Just play with it until you find it comfortable for you.  

What is your bike idleing at?  It should be idleing at around 1500ish.  If you want it to roll as you let off the clutch have it idle a bit higher.

Sounds silly but did you check the tire pressure?  Also the front suspensions in the GS is total crap, almost everbody who has one has upgraded the front springs with either progressive springs or recetec springs.  Also suggest you replace your rear shock to a kat shock.