A few problems to work on in the off season

[Puunjob]

This season I bought an 89 gs500 and I am ready to put it away for the winter and I want to try and fix a few things I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.  First the clutch plates need to be replaced I noticed there were several brands for this bike does it matter which one I buy.  Second when I ride I hear a metal clanging sound ( I tried adding oil and it didn't help) the sound is not very loud but sounds how I have heard piston slap in a car described.  Third sometimes when I accelorate I twist on the throttel and nothing happens.  There is a pause then the bike goes put put put and then takes off.  Any thoughts on this problem.  I know that is a lot but any sugestions on those or any other routine winter matinience would help this new rider out.

[Briggs]

It is kindof amusing to me that you have allmost the exact same story as I. I purchased an 89 in summer, and now I have to replace the clutch. I too have a slaping sound coming from my top end. The exepion is that sometimes this sound will stop when I am idleing. The first thing I am going to to check is cam chain assembly. If that isn't it, then its on to the pistons.
    Anyway, I would sugest that your problem with it going "put put put" would probably have something to do with the jets/tunning of the carbs. My bike came with V&H exhaust and the K&N pod filter. When I first got the bike it would do the exact same thing. (another coincidence) It was jetted with 122 dynojet mains (way lean), needles in the second from bottom position (rich), 37.5 pilot screws (lean), and the mix screw at 3.25 turns. I ditched the DJ kit and went with micuni 137.5 mains, original needles, 40 pilots, and 3 turns on the screw. The bike is running much better. It is a little rough from about 5800 to the 7000 mark, but I'll get that dialed in next year. I don't really know if this helps that much, but thats my two cents on it.

[scratch]

Welcome to the site!

The put, put, putting could be from being too low in rpm's and too high a gear. Try 1st gear and run it up to 5500rpm and then shift to 2nd, your rpm's should have dropped to about 4100rpm and you should be cruising at 25mph and feel no lugging. 4100rpm seems to be, on most bikes manufactured nowadays, the magic no-lugging cruise number. This is, of course, on a properly jetted and carbureted motorcycle.