First ride of the year

[tucsondog]

I went for my first ride of the season today (April 07, 2011). Kept to the neighbourhood and a paved service road nearby, but words cannot describe how good it was to get out again.

The day before, i did my de-winterization/ spring tune-up (chain clean/lube, fluids/filters changed out, cables, seals, tire pressures [which oddly enough were exactly at spec, even after 5 months of storage], etc... When i finished,  i geared up and opened the garage door. Snow. I almost cried...

So today, I just had to make sure all was well.  It was a little cool, +2C, but that's why we have warm clothes The snow had cleared, and the roads were dry, so once again i geared up and opened the garage door, turned the key, and hit the starter. chug, chug, chug, vroom! started almost instantly. I Let her warm up, let off the choke and she just purred. Well, one thing led to another, and  2 hours later i returned home. Practiced starts, stops, turns, emerg. avoidance/ breaking, etc... and spent the last half hour just toodling about enjoying the scenery.

Quick question though. Anyone have any tips about gas? I filled the tank and added StaBil last November. On my ride, i didn't notice any loss of power; It's running fine, idles well and pulls nicely throughout the powerband. Should i keep riding and just burn through the old gas? Or, should i dump the old gas in my truck and fill the bike with fresh premium and a little carb cleaner. I've read and been told both, so i'm not to sure which way to go. I plan on another ride (2-3 hours) tomorrow if the roads are good, so any suggestions on this matter are welcomed.

Here's to a great season,
Cheers!

-Mike

[tt_four]

Just leave the stabil, you'll be perfectly fine. I couldn't notice a difference in my bike with it in there and once you run through it you can just refill with some fresh gas.

[applecrew]

I wouldn't waste my money on premium gas. Unless you're running a high compression engine where the anti-knock qualities are essential, you're throwing your money away.
Just run through the tank, or top it up with regular grade, and you're good to go.
My two-cents....

Stay safe, and enjoy!

[ghostrider_23]

I just bought my GS 3 weeks ago and the salesman said to run premium gas in it.

What do you all run in yours???

[Paulcet]

Salesmen... Geez! Most don't know jack about what they are selling.

Use what your owner's manual tells you to use.

[TCARZ]

GS500 owner's manual specifies use of regular gas of minimum 87 octane. That's good enough for me. Runs great on it!

[tucsondog]

Thanks for the tips everyone. One other question though; what about running the first tank of fresh gas with some pour-in carb cleaner? Necessary, or just a waste of money? I do it on my truck once every few months, so just wondering if its the same with the GS500.

[Cosimo_Zaretti]

I use 95RON, but only because regular unleaded usually has ethanol added now.  If you just want petrol you've usually got to buy premium.  Riding a GS500 still works out cheaper than taking the bus whatever grade of fuel you use.