New owner checking in...

[pawo]

Bought a 05 w/7k miles about a month ago.

I took the msf course and bought quality gear. Ive taken the bike out a couple of times but Im still taking it slow. I really wanted a sv650 but decided that starting on a gs500 is the best way to learn. Depending on how much riding I get I'll probably buy a sv650 after a season or two.

My only concern is I'm 6'3 200lbs. I guess thats on the big side for this bike. It feels really rigid. Is it worth swapping the suspension if I'm planning on selling it in a season or two? (one of the reasons I wanted the sv650 is because it fit me alot better)

I'm having lots of fun on it.. just wish it would stop raining

heres a pic..

[adidasguy]

Welcome! Nice bike.
Good idea to start out slow and when you feel you're ready, upgrade. That's the safe way to do it. Who knows, you may decide to stay with the GS5400. You can raise it up or lower the pegs. Just ask. We're all here to help.

Raining? You're not in Seattle - 'cause for once it is not raining. I'd guess the northeast.

Check out the GS500 Picture Game. That is fun and will always give you a reason to ride. Current challenge was your GS500 next to a tennis court.

[Twisted]

I am the same height/weight as you and my GS has stock suspension and is fine. I am sure there are people who will disagree with me but if you are not in the habit of going around corners with the knee down it will be fine. The preload can be adjusted on the rear shock with 1 being the softest setting and 7 the hardest. Oh and welcome to the forums! 

[pawo]

I'm having some problems with it. It starts fine, runs great for a while then after warming up it shifts weird. Tr clutch just feels different. It's harder to start from a complete stop and 1->2 isn't as smooth. Idk it just doesn't catch the same.

Any ideas?

[Elijafir]

Oil Change?  (Rotella 15w40 or any good 10w40)  It's a wet clutch so old/used oil will make it shift rough.  You may also need to adjust your clutch free-play either at the handle or at the engine or maybe even both.  They tend to get loose/stretch after a while and need a little tightening.    Good luck and nice bike!
(or it's possible the previous owner adjusted it too tight..)

[pawo]

I forgot to mention he changed the oil like 2 weeks before I bought it. It looked brand new and still does. Idk what kind he used though. The oil level is good too.

With the adjusting the clutch free play, if it was set wrong wouldn't it have problems the whole time? Not just after warming up.

There's some dark black oil on the frame right undernerh the tranny/cluth. I'm going to change that asap and see if that might be causing it

[mister]

I forgot to mention he changed the oil like 2 weeks before I bought it. It looked brand new and still does. Idk what kind he used though. The oil level is good too.


There's some dark black oil on the frame right undernerh the tranny/cluth. I'm going to change that asap and see if that might be causing it

He may have changed it. But you said it... you don't know what he changed it with. He could tell you Motul 5100 but you still don't know if that's what he really changed it with. So first thing... change the oil and oil filter to the Correct level. Just5 how are you checking the oil level, btw?

This dark oil... is this where the gear changing foot lever it attached? Chances are it's just dripped down chain lube

Michael

[tt_four]

Those colors look great, I don't think I've seen too many of those.

I wouldn't worry about the suspension if you're looking to upgrade eventually. By the time you're good enough to notice any problems with the suspension you'll probably be getting ready to upgrade. The suspension on the SV isn't great either, so I'd save the upgrades for when you pick up the 650. Hope you get your problems sorted out. Not sure what the temperature difference of the motor would affect with shifting. Did you check the bike while it was standing up straight, and not on the sidestand? If you check it on the sidestand there may still be too much oil and that could be causing you problems. If not, your guess is as good as mine.

[Chuck500]

Welcome to the Forum!  Beautiful bike!

You didn't mention the RPM point you are using to shift.  It has taken me 2 years to get through my head that this motor likes to spin.  Shifts are markedly smoother in the 5000 to 6500 rpm range than at anything below 5000.

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[Twisted]

I think we all get a little paranoid too when we purchase a new bike. It might just be the way you are shifting as you are a new rider too...I think? Took me awhile to get that 1st gear to 2nd down pat and also when I got my bike any noise I immediately thought the worst. Just do as Mister said and give it another oil change so you know what has gone into it.

[adidasguy]

Every bike has its own preferences and personality. Mine shift OK around 3k-4k. Pretty rare they get above 5k except on the highway. Sometimes it can take an extra kick to go from 1st to 2nd as once in a while it wants to catch in neutral. That's not too often but usually it is a more forceful kick from 1st to 2nd than 2nd to 3rd. But then that's my bikes personality. Ride her more and work to find what makes her happy. Do that before worrying too much about shifting. When I first got Suzi, I was getting under 50 mpg. As I learned what SHE wants and how SHE likes to be driven and shifted, mileage went to 55 average in the city. Do check the oil like other said.

Remember to check oil level when on the center stand rather than when leaning on the side stand.

[Twisted]

Every bike has its own preferences and personality. Mine shift OK around 3k-4k. Pretty rare they get above 5k except on the highway. Sometimes it can take an extra kick to go from 1st to 2nd as once in a while it wants to catch in neutral. That's not too often but usually it is a more forceful kick from 1st to 2nd than 2nd to 3rd. But then that's my bikes personality. Ride her more and work to find what makes her happy. Do that before worrying too much about shifting. When I first got Suzi, I was getting under 50 mpg. As I learned what SHE wants and how SHE likes to be driven and shifted, mileage went to 55 average in the city. Do check the oil like other said.

Remember to check oil level when on the center stand rather than when leaning on the side stand.

Good call adidasguy. I noticed with mine sometimes you really gotta stomp on the lever to get it into first when you pull up to an intersection or traffic lights. I notice if i roll forward a touch it seems to go in a lil easier. Bikes do have character, just like people.

[adidasguy]

Right!. I always park the bike in gear. Sometimes it was in 1st, sometimes in 2nd when I park. To get into neutral (when starting up), it sometimes won't go unless I move the bike slightly in gear. I think its just the gear positions. You know - you can start KSU in gear then you want to be in neutral for a minute while finish fidgeting with stuff or just want to "pose" for a minute or let her warm up before taking off. Gotta slip the clutch a tad to get the gears into position to get into neutral.

It is kinda fun to learn what your bike likes.  Sort of becoming "one with your bike". Well, anytime you sit on something between your legs, you better know what it (he or she) likes. 

[reload]

Good call adidasguy. I noticed with mine sometimes you really gotta stomp on the lever to get it into first when you pull up to an intersection or traffic lights. I notice if i roll forward a touch it seems to go in a lil easier. Bikes do have character, just like people.

seriously. i went for a ride yesterday and this happened to me twice. the weird thing is that the neutral light was off but it wasn't fully engaged in 1st, so when i let the clutch out it was just grinding. had to pull the clutch back in and slam in into 1st.

[pawo]

Thanks for the replies.

I followed the instructions in the other thread on how to check oil. I let it run for a bit, put it on the center stand, etc etc. I'll be changing the oil asap though.

I was shifting anywhere between 3-5k. And I think I'm going to have to give it some more force like posted above, I think thats what screwed me up on one uphill red light.

I'll ride it some more, get used to it, and go from there.

Also, I kind of want to flush everything out and just get this bike running like new. My dads a really good mechanic and will help me out but whats a list of some major things I should definitely do?

Thanks again.

[pawo]

I forgot to mention he changed the oil like 2 weeks before I bought it. It looked brand new and still does. Idk what kind he used though. The oil level is good too.


There's some dark black oil on the frame right undernerh the tranny/cluth. I'm going to change that asap and see if that might be causing it

He may have changed it. But you said it... you don't know what he changed it with. He could tell you Motul 5100 but you still don't know if that's what he really changed it with. So first thing... change the oil and oil filter to the Correct level. Just5 how are you checking the oil level, btw?

This dark oil... is this where the gear changing foot lever it attached? Chances are it's just dripped down chain lube

Michael

yeah heres a pic, so I'm being too paranoid? lol

idk how well you can see it in the pic but theres a good amount of it there

[reload]

open that cover up and see what's going on. when i got my bike i took that cover off to check the sprocket and it was full of grease, oil, pebbles, and all kind of garbage.  clean it out and see if there's a leak

[gsJack]

Looks like chain lube collected in the front sprocket housing.  I use a lot of chain lube and have to clean it out once or twice a year to stop it from leaking out.  No problem.

[DoD#i]

I noticed with mine sometimes you really gotta stomp on the lever to get it into first when you pull up to an intersection or traffic lights. I notice if i roll forward a touch it seems to go in a lil easier. Bikes do have character, just like people.

Less stomping required if you downshift all the way to first while you are still rolling to a stop. Also means you are ready to go if there's a need to go. Don't sit at an intersection in neutral...

Also, I kind of want to flush everything out and just get this bike running like new. My dads a really good mechanic and will help me out but whats a list of some major things I should definitely do?

Depends what state it's in to start with. For now, I'd suggest (haven't looked carefully, assume northern hemisphere) riding it while you have the weather for it. Make sure the chain is adjusted and lubed, tire pressure good, perhaps see what comes out the carb drains (ought to be gas, might start with watery crud), maybe change the air filter if it looks dirty, try adjusting the rear shock down a few notches (less rigid, if rigid is a bad thing for you), and ride as much as possible - nothing like a whole lot of running to keep a motor happy.

Come winter (or what passes for it where you're at) look carefully at the chain and sprockets, and decide if they need replaced this year. Replace the brake fluid, and the hoses if they look at all suspicious. Check the brake pads, replace if needed. Check the valves. adjust if needed. Pull the carbs and clean them out throughly, check or replace the float valves, and adjust float height. Pull the forks, flush and replace the fork oil, see what's in there for springs - probably already upgraded if you are finding it "rigid" - mine clunked (bottomed out) every time I hit the railroad tracks until I swapped out the stock springs. If not leaking don't sweat the seals - if leaking, replace them. Inspect or replace clutch and choke cables. Same should apply to the throttle, but it is far less commonly a problem - still check the the cable(s). If you're really a glutton for punishment, pull the swing arm and grease (or replace if needed) all the bearings, likewise the wheel bearings and steering head bearings.

[mister]

Looks like chain lube collected in the front sprocket housing.  I use a lot of chain lube and have to clean it out once or twice a year to stop it from leaking out.  No problem.

+1

My bike does not use oil. Yet I have this too.

You would be surprised to see the crud that can get in there.

Michael