Just got GS back from Shop and now weirdness is happening...

[00sanchez]

Thanks again. I don't usually ride jerking it. I was just testing the system to make sure I don't have any other issues. I'm planning a trip to NC in September and want the bike to be in tip top shape. I had a buddy of mine rearended at a stoplight, so I always give myself room from the car in front of me. So, the reason I was fiddling with first gear acceleration was for those moments when you need to get out of the way quickly in first gear... but, if this is something that is normal, it's good to know if I'm in that situation. Thanks again

[Kijona]

Thanks again. I don't usually ride jerking it. I was just testing the system to make sure I don't have any other issues. I'm planning a trip to NC in September and want the bike to be in tip top shape. I had a buddy of mine rearended at a stoplight, so I always give myself room from the car in front of me. So, the reason I was fiddling with first gear acceleration was for those moments when you need to get out of the way quickly in first gear... but, if this is something that is normal, it's good to know if I'm in that situation. Thanks again

Not a problem. The GS500's are a fickle bunch but once you work out their kinks they're extremely reliable. Just don't run it out of oil, don't redline it, and keep lube on the chain. It'll last forever, haha!

[Kijona]

I should note that it's usually not the best for motorcycles (or standard-shift cars) to sit at stop lights in gear. Just think...those minutes add up to hours with the clutch pulled in which is excess strain on the cable and other parts, including clutch springs.

Also, since there's a bit of friction left over (just try rolling the bike with it not running and in gear with the clutch pulled in - there's a noticeable difference in amount of effort required to roll the bike), it's going to cause the clutch to generate some extra heat versus just leaving it in neutral. Not a HUGE problem but something to consider. 

[Paulcet]

I'll sit at the light with it in gear, thank you.  I want every opportunity to GTFO if a car comes upon me too fast.

Once there is a car or two behind me, I'll put it in neutral.

[average]

DId you send it? 

[Kijona]

I'll sit at the light with it in gear, thank you.  I want every opportunity to GTFO if a car comes upon me too fast.

Once there is a car or two behind me, I'll put it in neutral.

I guess it just doesn't seem natural to me...here in Atlanta there's tons of traffic all the time so there's ALWAYS a car behind me.

Average...wrong thread maybe?

[00sanchez]

Yeah, in cars holding the clutch in will wear out the release barring, but I don't do that in the car. I'm like Paul and take every precaution I can when I'm on my bike. I wait for a car to get behind me and then I pull up a bit in case he gets rearended, I have a better chance to pull away, and I always pull up to a car at an angle so I can make a quick getaway. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I feel safer this way.

As an update, it was just condensation as there is no residual smoke after the engine is turned off, and the bike ran rather well today. I do worry about the engine temp from time to time because I can feel the heat on my face when I stand next to the bike. Again, not used to these types of engines, so have no standard to gauge against. Not having a functional tach is also a bit worrying for cruising rpms, but I think I'm ok on those. I just shift to the highest gear to where I still have good torque at half throttle.

I do still have a slight hang on the rpms if my idle is set higher than around 900-1k rpm. If I set it lower than 1k, it will go back down to idle nicely after a healthy rev; however, if I set my idle to 1.2-1.3k, it will hang at around 2.5-2k rpms for a few seconds or so. I guess I'm still lean and should just adjust the mixture screws another half turn or so?

[Kijona]

Yeah, in cars holding the clutch in will wear out the release barring, but I don't do that in the car. I'm like Paul and take every precaution I can when I'm on my bike. I wait for a car to get behind me and then I pull up a bit in case he gets rearended, I have a better chance to pull away, and I always pull up to a car at an angle so I can make a quick getaway. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I feel safer this way.

As an update, it was just condensation as there is no residual smoke after the engine is turned off, and the bike ran rather well today. I do worry about the engine temp from time to time because I can feel the heat on my face when I stand next to the bike. Again, not used to these types of engines, so have no standard to gauge against. Not having a functional tach is also a bit worrying for cruising rpms, but I think I'm ok on those. I just shift to the highest gear to where I still have good torque at half throttle.

I do still have a slight hang on the rpms if my idle is set higher than around 900-1k rpm. If I set it lower than 1k, it will go back down to idle nicely after a healthy rev; however, if I set my idle to 1.2-1.3k, it will hang at around 2.5-2k rpms for a few seconds or so. I guess I'm still lean and should just adjust the mixture screws another half turn or so?

Might not hurt to richen the idle a hair more. It's an aircooled engine...expect heat. LOL

Not to worry...you'll know if it starts overheating. Usually the first thing that will happen is it will act like it's starving of fuel because the fuel will start to boil as it hits the carburetors. Excessive backfiring or loss of power is another sign. A lot of valvetrain noise is also another good indication (the oil gets so thin from being hot that it doesn't do a great job of lubing the top-end). Engine knocking/pre-detonation is another good sign that things aren't going so well.

Just be sure to keep an eye on your oil level. Check it at every fillup and you should be good to go. Also, if it ever does start getting blistering hot during the summer, a heavier oil (20w-50) will help keep things together.

[00sanchez]

You are the man, sir. I feel like I have a great knowledge base to keep me safe out on the road and trouble shoot common problems. You guys are the best.

[Kijona]

You are the man, sir. I feel like I have a great knowledge base to keep me safe out on the road and trouble shoot common problems. You guys are the best.