Hey guys im new here. Just bought a GS500E today.

[Archer]

Hey guys im new around here.  I almost bought a 07 Ninja 250 a week ago, but I ran across this 2001 GS500E for $1,800
I wish I had a picture of it to post, but I just bought the bike today.

The bike has about 11k miles on it, and the previous owner was 71 years old, and let the bike sit since last fall.  Its still got the old gas in it, which i plan to drain out tomorrow.

Okay so its got a few minor problems, and I searched the boards for abit trying to see if it was already answered... so hopefully im not beating a dead horse...

It was cutting off when it idled, but i adjusted the idle to 1,200 and its running fine now.  Problems is, im hearing what sounds like a popping from the muffler, its hard to discribe. It also hesitates right when you take off.  I'm hoping its just from having old gas in it...
The other big problem i've noticed is my accessory lights arnt lighting up.  The turn signals work, but they dont come on with the rest of the bike.  (I didnt notice this problem in the day time)  and my instrument gauges arnt lighting up.  (darn that sunshine for not letting me notice)

Sorry for being a jerk and posting problems the moment i signed up.  I'll get ready to get flogged.

[Jay_wolf]

First of all welcome! good year for a gs 2001 , Like mine , and dont apolagise for asking questions ,  its how u start working out problems ,

the popping is a typical sign of a lean engine (but us spec bikes are jetted lean from factory ,),  the carbs may be a little sticky from sitting , drain the old gas , and seafoam or clean the carbs ,

Check for leaks round the boots of the carbs , see if theres any tears

Mhmm the gauge bulbs have probley burnt out , and just need replacing , alot of people uise LEDS for those, theres plenty of posts about it , and im not sure what your saying with the *they dont come on with the rest of the bike ,but they work ?*

[Archer]

Like the turnsights flash, but they wont just stay lit when the bikes on.  if that makes sense

[1 wheel peel]

   Hey Archer looks like you and I are the new kids on the block    Not sure if the 2001 are any different from the 2007 but the turn signals on mine are just that, they don't double as running lights or brake lights, when the bike is running the only lights on are the headlight and tail lamp.  Hope this helps.

   Hey how do you like the ninja 250? Thats what I was looking at before I bought the GS.

[Archer]

the new 2008 250R's are great except how the gauges work, the Speedometer is front and center, and the tach is just a afterthough, small and off to the side.  the 07 and earlyer and great bikes, a little underpowered.  It also felt a little small with me 6'1 170
I also like the naked streetfighter style of the GS500 better.  Although im wondering how im gonna geting a parking decal for it when i go back to college in august XD

Oh so the turnsignals dont double as running lamps?  O_o.  thats interesting, never seen that before, of course this is my first suzuki.

[starwalt]

The turn signals work, but they dont come on with the rest of the bike.

The turn signals don't come on until commanded. This is normal. 

...and my instrument gauges arnt lighting up.  (darn that sunshine for not letting me notice)

There is one bulb in each of your gauges. It inserts from behind the gauge and has a rubber plug mounting. Just pull/pry the plug out and the bulb should be there. You should be able to visually inspect the filament if broken or blackend.  It is a common bulb you can pick up at an auto parts store.

Converting to LED can be tricky. Many people have a painful experience if they are not aware of the GS's unusual wiring tricks. Bulbs are plenty cheap and easy to replace. Easier than troubleshooting an botched mod via this forum or the net. 

[Jay_wolf]

Ive never seen a bike thats indicators are on all the time .... isnt the ideal to show that (by flashing) what direction u want to take?

[ohgood]

Ive never seen a bike thats indicators are on all the time .... isnt the ideal to show that (by flashing) what direction u want to take?

On, as in running lights. When you use the signals, it works just like your normal signals.

Most of the newer bikes are setup this way. More lights = please don't kill me.

[scottpA_GS]

Ive never seen a bike thats indicators are on all the time .... isnt the ideal to show that (by flashing) what direction u want to take?

I see ohgood beat me by a bit so... +1

I think its a good idea... more lights = a bit more visibility  I recall someone moding the GS to have the signals act as running lights/signals.  A good idea I think 

[Teek]

Welcome to the forum, it's a super place to visit to get help and ideas for your bike, and there are a lot of terrific GS'ers here.

And 2001 is a great year! 

[beRto]

Welcome 

[frankieG]

welcome...your decision not to get the ninja, in my opinion, is apt considering most will quickly outgrow the tiny 250 cc engine

[Archer]

so uh, im about to attempt to seafoam the bike, i've never done this before, do i pour it in with the gas? or uhh

[El motociclista]

so uh, im about to attempt to seafoam the bike, i've never done this before, do i pour it in with the gas? or uhh

Yes, it can be poured directly into the gas tank. On the bottle should be directions as to how and where the sea-foam can be applied. I believe for the gas tank the recommendation is 1oz. per gallon of gas. For a full tank you can put in about 4-5oz. A measuring device comes in handy for this or you can just eyeball it and put in an amount that appears to be the right fraction (4-5 oz. in this case) of the entire bottle's worth. For example, if you have the smaller 16oz. bottle of Sea-foam, you can put in about a quarter of the bottle (approx. 4oz.)

[GeeP]

So, how many times have you gone out to the garage to stare at it / sit on it / make motersickel noises?   

[Archer]

Lol, nah man, I have a pretty big yard, thats connected to my grandmothers pretty big yard, and a long private street going out to the highway.  So i've put some miles on it just riding it around.  Its actualy lost abit of its hesitation problem.  But for the sake of humor, i will now go out and make motorcycle noises while it sits in my garage.

[wreckhog]

Have a 2001. Did the same stall/hesitation thing today after not riding it for a month. Did a little better after opening the gas cap and playing with idle. I assume that I fouled the plugs and will replace them. Hit 80 degrees by me, after riding it in 40-60 for the last few months. Hesitation does suck when merging don't it....lol.