Question about a bolt...

[ralph13]

The engine plates have long since fallen off my GS500. I've wanted to get new ones, but I can't seem to find them anywhere. Anyway, I noticed a small bolt in the hole that was once covered by one of the plates. I just have to know, what is it for? 

[ssinema]

got a picture? that might help determine what it is.

[scratch]

If you mean the Suzuki emblems, then that bolt is on the ignition trigger.  It's not what you use to turn over the motor, but I can't remember what it is really for. 

[Chuck]

Clutch adjustment?? 

I don't even know what plates you're talking about, or where they are, or what side of the engine??

[jordanearl]

heel guards?

[nastynate6695]

If you mean the Suzuki emblems, then that bolt is on the ignition trigger.  It's not what you use to turn over the motor, but I can't remember what it is really for. 

you are correct it is the ignition trigger.  This  bolt holds it in place.  When the engine is at idle you can see it spin.  If it was me i would get something to cover that up with. eventually you will get dirt inside there and it will effect you points and weaken the signal sent you the spark plugs.

[sledge]

Points? .

[nastynate6695]

Points? .

Yea points...the signal generator acts as your distriputor cap does on a carburated car.  As the little metal flange goes over a metal contact point known as "points" it creats a electrical connection causing the spark plug to spark.  If your "points" get dirty you loose the ability to cause the electrical connection. Thus also loosing the ability to create spark which equals dead cyclinder.

If im wron someone correct me

[Chuck]

I believe our signal generator uses a magnetic sensor, so is not prone to the "dirty points" syndrome.  The signal is picked up by the ignition control unit which activates the coils.  04+ models have a few extra sensors on the carbs (vacuum and throttle position) so I imagine the ignition control on those is even more complicated with variable spark advance and stuff.  At least I hope that's what all that junk is for.

[ralph13]

Wow, that's fascinating...yeah, I meant the Suzuki emblems; I shoulda been more specific. I may see if I can pick up some of those emblems somewhere online to cover up the hole.

[sledge]

Nate? I am going to correct you as invited.

There are no "points" on a GS, or any other modern bike for that matter.  The japanese started ditching points triggered inductive ignition systems in the early 80s in favour of the far more reliable fully solid sate contactless CDI (capacitive-discharge) systems still in use today. The spark on the GS is triggered by a contactless sensor or pick-up known as a Hall-effect switch. In simple terms its a metal detector, it senses the presence of the ignition trigger rotating in front of it, when the notch in the trigger passes in front of the pick-up, it senses it and sends a signal back to the ignition module. The module then triggers the coils which in turn produce the HT sparks. The module also works out engine rpm and can advance/retard the ignition as required. Bob broussards modified triggers have the notch repositioned slightly, this fools the ignition module into firing slightly earlier/later than a stock one would.

http://autorepair.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-291.htm

[nastynate6695]

thanks  for the correction.   I guess i need to look closer at my bike.  Its always great to learn something new though.

[cosmiccharlie]

Wow, that's fascinating...yeah, I meant the Suzuki emblems; I shoulda been more specific. I may see if I can pick up some of those emblems somewhere online to cover up the hole.

I just bought two new covers from www.ronayers.com

www.bikebandit.com has them also.