Mechanical failures

[joebothehobo]

I'm considering getting '94 GS, and I'm wondering if there are any typical mechanical failures outside of the realm of normal maintenance i should be aware of. For example, the suzuki savage, my current ride, tends to have a problem with its cam chain tensioner at 25-30k miles, has extra problems with bolts vibrating loose, and runs lean stock. Anything like that which is unique to the GS, aside from what is expected of any motorcycle?

[pizza]

almost every bike has a problem with vibrating bolts loose.. My gsxr600 and 636 did it lol

[lewismug]

The GS runs lean in its stock form as well.

[Affschnozel]

The GS engine often described as bombproof

[ben2go]

The only real issue that I know of is the alternator/generator magnets have been know to crack and come off.This is not very common but has happened to a handful of people on here.

[manofthefield]

The only real issue that I know of is the alternator/generator magnets have been know to crack and come off.This is not very common but has happened to a handful of people on here.

AFAIK, This really only shows up on bikes that have gone down on the crankcase, hitting the crankshaft.


Frame mounted petcock seems to crap out for a lot of people after a while

I had a ground wire break on me once, due to vibration.  No big deal, but I got a ride home since I didn't see it right away.

[ohgood]

I'm considering getting '94 GS, and I'm wondering if there are any typical mechanical failures outside of the realm of normal maintenance i should be aware of. For example, the suzuki savage, my current ride, tends to have a problem with its cam chain tensioner at 25-30k miles, has extra problems with bolts vibrating loose, and runs lean stock. Anything like that which is unique to the GS, aside from what is expected of any motorcycle?

The gs doesn't have a rev limiter, and will float valves if you don't mind the rpm's.

Carbureted. Need I say more ?
Age, some of the gs's are approaching 20 years old. You should be ready for what that means for mainenance.
I have the original chain and cogs on my 98, with 23,000 miles on it. Torque is low = longevity of drivetrain

The transmission still shifts like new.
The clutch is a a wet one, don't use oil with friction inhibitors.

Search for 'goats' and 'stalwarts' syndromes here on the forum. Those are the non-user induced failures.

Yes, it's lean stock, from the factory. A few jets and 45 minutes will fix that.

Don't beat on your gs, and she'll serve you well, long time. Kinda like any gal.

Some of the members get 80,000 miles out of theirs.

Good luck.

[joebothehobo]

Yea, every bike has problems with vibrating bolts, but the savage is especially bad, being a 650 thumper.

and thanks for the prompt responses, im finding fewer reasons NOT to buy a GS.

[The Buddha]

My savage did not loosen bolts, my 89 GS shook its butt at idle but at 3K and above was buttery smooth. I have a buddies 96 GS (who traded me his savage actually) that constantly loosens header bolts ... yes at the head and at the footpeg carrier.
GS is pretty decent, but each example has its unique quirks.
Cool.
Buddha

[scratch]

I'll second the every-bike-is-different sentiment.  The GS is lean.  Size 40 non-bleeder (no holes in the barrel) type pilot jets will do the trick, if the bike doesn't already have them.