Hopefully an easy answer

[Jayhawk]

So here is the deal. Got a couple things I need to get checked out on my 2007 GS.

The bike is being a real pain in the ass starting. I always have to start it with the choke in (even on days where its 80 degrees F.), and if the bike isn't fully warmed it will die if the pull the clutch in for to long. EX. stop lights/signs.

Also I noticed my fuel efficiency have dropped down to around 35 mpg.

I just bought a feeler gauge and plan on checking the valves, as its on my list of things to do. I'm just hoping it's nothing to do with the carbs, its to advanced for what I'm able to do in an apartment complex parking lot.

Any help would be great.

[dropitlow88]

mileage on the bike? how often do you ride? 35mpg sounds like a huge increase in fuel usage. which = carb related

[RichDesmond]

So here is the deal. Got a couple things I need to get checked out on my 2007 GS.

The bike is being a real pain in the ass starting. I always have to start it with the choke in (even on days where its 80 degrees F.), and if the bike isn't fully warmed it will die if the pull the clutch in for to long. EX. stop lights/signs.

Also I noticed my fuel efficiency have dropped down to around 35 mpg.

I just bought a feeler gauge and plan on checking the valves, as its on my list of things to do. I'm just hoping it's nothing to do with the carbs, its to advanced for what I'm able to do in an apartment complex parking lot.

Any help would be great.

Unfortunately, 95%+ chance that the carbs are gunked up and need to be cleaned. If you can't do it you'll need to take it to a shop.

[Jayhawk]

mileage on the bike? how often do you ride? 35mpg sounds like a huge increase in fuel usage. which = carb related

11,000 miles
I ride to school and work everyday. anywhere from 2 miles to 10 miles depending on what kind of detour I take.

[dropitlow88]

with that kind of usage i coulod only see the o-rings on the carbs needle and seat causing issue or trash in the tank preventing the needle and seat from properly sealing. What do the spark plugs look like? black is rich, white is lean, a nice pancake color is about right.

[Bluesmudge]

My GS would take ages (like 15 minutes) to warm up and would easily die at stop signs and stop lights when I pulled the clutch in. Turned out my valves were on the tight side. Eventually putting them back into the looser end of spec fixed the problem and she runs like new. I didn't do it until 21,000 miles but it could happen earlier.

[BaltimoreGS]

Also I noticed my fuel efficiency have dropped down to around 35 mpg.

Are you sure it is running on both cylinders?  That mileage is really low.  If it is only running on one cylinder I would do a compression test to see if a valve is stuck open.  Check the valve clearance ASAP if it has never been done. 

-Jessie

[mister]

11,000 miles is overdue for a valve check.

Do that.

As for needing choke, don't be too concerned. A LOT of GS500s need choke to start when the engine is cold, even on hot summer days. But if yours has been getting harder and harder to start, THAT is a sign your valves need checking cause they are too tight.

Michael