gs500 needs retoration work

[jherman]

I'm Josh I just got my first bike today. It's a 1996 Suzuki gs500. I put over 60 mi on it today but It needs some work done. looking for someone to help me with basic maintenance stuff and I'm also looking for people to ride with. Also where's a good moto parts and supply shop in santa cruz?If anyone could help or refer me to places that would be awesome.

anyway,
I need mirrors, choke cable, tach cable, sparkplugs, oil change, carb clean and adjust(I also have a second carb). clutch adjustment, raise the idle rpm, etc etc... i need help as to where i can find these things and how hard it is. if i can find write-ups i can usually do stuff.

if anyone could help me in or near santa cruz, i can trade you cool stuff or give you really good karma!

also my bike wont shift to neutral unless it is off or sometimes it will slip in when im coming to a stop. I think its because the clutch isnt disengaging all the way? anyone able to assist me with anything- help would be much appreciated!

[adidasguy]

Congrats on joining the group!

First suggestion is to get a copy of the Haynes manual for the GS500. It explains everything in simple terms and goes step by step.
Second, you  an search the FAQ and the forum as many topics have been covered in some method in the past. That's alweays a good source for information.

And I know you'll get people to help you. This is a great place for GS500 info.

Post in the for sale/want to buy section for the parts you need.

Idle is easy. There's an idle screw on the bottom of the carbs. Do a search and you'll find postings with pictures. Its also in the Haynes manual and should be in your owners manual (if you got one).

Clutch should engage and disengage about mid point when pulling in the lever. Clutch cables get stretched, so first try adjusting at the lever. Pull back the rubber cover and you'll see the adjusting screws. That's easy to do.

Others will hound in with more info and details.

Be sure to post a picture of your bike.

Lots of parts are available on ebay. I think these guys are in your area and have tons of parts at great prices and great service: http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/pinwall_cycle_parts/

[reajcox]

Welcome Josh,

I'm also fairly new here and I'll be one of the first to tell you the guys and gals in this group have been working on their bikes for a while some for well over 3000 post. There is a lot of knowledge in these pages.

There is a traders section where people are selling, trading, or giving  (+ shipping) a lot of parts. There are some really good folks here just helping other 500 riders and keeping the breed alive.

Congratulations on making your first bike one of the easiest to maintain and enjoy! There aren't a whole lot of bolt on modifications, but you'll find that a little creativity has led to some terrific looking bikes that are both cool to look at and a real blast to ride.

Get us some pics of your new toy... We love to see others rides and see the progress in the build. It not only lets us help you but gives everyone great ideas.

ShaZam! That's a lot of words for WELCOME!

[jherman]

i changed the spark plugs. they were nasty. i added a quart of oil, it still isnt full, and its nasty as hell, and needs to be changed asap. i fixed the idle. when its cold started, it needs to be bumped while the starter is cranking, otherwise it backfires. when opening the throttle, sometimes backfires, or will hesitate, then start to rev up. anyone provide me with some help? how much does a carb rejet cost? i need some help working on this bike and i have some things i can offer to trade maybe.. im in santa cruz.

[dread_au]

since you did the spark plugs i would do the oil and oil filter before adjusting anything else. good luck.

[the mole]

I need mirrors, choke cable, tach cable, sparkplugs, oil change, carb clean and adjust(I also have a second carb).

I'm glad you have a second carb, I have one too, its good for getting fuel into the spare cylinder........

[007brendan]

Definitely get the Haynes or Clymer service manual.  I have the clymer, but I have haynes for other bikes and they're just as good.  You should be able to do all the work and maintenance yourself.  

You can probably get some of the parts from a parts bike.  Check the "For Sale" forum.  If you can't find the parts there and are unwilling to wait for someone to part out their bike, you can buy new OEM stuff from BikeBandit.com.  Other stuff like mirrors, bars -- unless you absolutely want the bike to be factory stock -- can be replaced for much less with generic aftermarket parts.

Oh, and ditto about changing the oil and filter before you even think about riding the bike again.
And double ditto on pics!

http://www.amazon.com/Clymer-Suzuki-Gs500-Twins-1989-2002/dp/0892878339
http://www.amazon.com/Haynes-Manual-Suzuki-GS500-89-06/dp/B003CD10LA