Proud new owner '90 GS500E

[GeicoCaveman]

Just thought I'd post to say hello to the community.
About 2-3 weeks ago I bought my first motorcycle.
It was a 1990 kawi ninja 750r. I hated how heavy
it felt and how overwhelming it was for me. So I traded
down to a GS500E. I love it. The bikes been modified a bit.
It was in much better shape than the ninja, never laid down.
Had an alarm, full exhaust and was recently serviced (carbs
cleaned etc, oil changed, etc). It only had 16,3xx miles as well.
Anyways here she is.






modifications:
- stage 2 jets (can someone explain to me what this is?)
- Vance & Hines full racing exhaust system (this baby SCREAMS!)
- R1 tail light conversion ('99 model)
- racing carbon fiber mirrors (ugh these mirrors are crap honestly, i cant see past my arms)
- carbon fiber front & rear turn signals (short)
- red speedo & tach lighting
- K&N intake
- Alarm system with remote

Lastly I had two questions.
How do I tell when I need to put in more fuel? I thought I needed more fuel last time
but ended up only paying $1.00 before the gas pump clicked.

And what kind of mpg should I expect to get?

Thanks in advanced for the info.

-Geico

[scottpA_GS]

WELCOME! 


the "Jet kit" is used (mainly) when you change the exhaust to make up for the increased airflow into/out of the carbs 

As for your fuel question... Ride w/ the petcock on (res) when the bike sputters from lack of fuel switch the petcock to (RUN) or (PRI) and head for the nearest gas station 

Personally I ride till I hit about 120-40 miles on the trip meter and then fill up  You can expect 40-65 MPG depending on .... well.. lots 



Again... WELCOME~

[CndnMax]

As for your fuel question... Ride w/ the petcock on (res) when the bike sputters from lack of fuel switch the petcock to (RUN) or (PRI) and head for the nearest gas station 

If u run it on reserve you wouldn't u not have any fuel left once it sputters? 
Place the petcock at "on" then ran it on "res" once it sputters.


You can still ad much more fuel when the pump clicks, i add about a gallon more give or take.

[ohgood]

Man, that is a really nice looking machine. 

How I do it:
1) Run on "ON" for city commuting.
2) Run on "PRIME" for highway or interstate riding.
3) Run on "RESERVE" only after it sputters, beit 140 or 160 miles, and immediately fill up at the next possible station.

You'll understand why after reading about the petcock issues the gs500 has. Search the forum for 'fuel starvation' please.

Remember, keeping the tank topped off will prevent water forming in the tank and causing rust and / or very poor performance.


Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your experience with a heavier bike. I wonder, is this a play thing, commuter mule, etc for you ? Enjoy the cheap goodness of a fresh gs !

[GeicoCaveman]

Thanks for all the information guys!
Im starting get really rough finger tips from riding so much.

[warpzone]

Gotta say, I really love the retro paint job. Bad as hell, IMHO.

Welcome as well!