Zethioth's 2005 GS500F

[weedahoe]

You carb settings, valve clearances, type plugs, ambient temps all depend on how much (if any) choke you need. On my bike, I can hit the started with no choke and it will fire right up

But to answer your question, you engage the choke and try to start it.

[Zethioth]

I'm more worried about warming it up, my bike needs choke to start and to stay started until it's warm.

But I can't seem to find a good warm up speed. It's either 4,000RPM+ (very loud) or nothing.

[weedahoe]

Thats how the choke works.......... 4k or idle

If its doing that then its fine.

[Zethioth]

Thats how the choke works.......... 4k or idle

If its doing that then its fine.

Really? Thank you for clearing that up.

[MaxP]

For the side cover have a look in the For Sale section of this website. Here, found it for you http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59323.0

I don't know if it is an illusion or not but your front forks look bent. There also seems to be a large dark grease/dirty oil ring on them, which usually means leaking seals. You'll also want a front fender. And some mirrors by the look.

Good luck with your project.

[Zethioth]

Thanks for that link and suggestions. I've messaged two people about the side covers.
I'm just waiting for responses.

Do they really look bent? Can I get a second opinion on that picture? It may be the camera,
I'm waiting on better weather.

I do have the new seals. I've read a few threads on doing it yourself, I need the courage
on tearing it all a part.  More importantly, I need a really good tutorial
on making a "tool". I'm very confused when I read the threads on making a tool.

I purchased an eBay fender, it is installed, waiting on better weather for pics. The bike has bar end
mirrors, might be hard to see in the pics.

[Zethioth]

Here are a few pics after I got her home.






Yes I know, the headlight sits low and looks funky. I didn't put it on. Until I get
the fairings fixed, I'm going to raise it closer to the gauges.


Look at that longgggg fender.

[MaxP]

Yeah, pics can make forks look like the top and bottom are at different angles. If it looks fine to your eye from the side it is probably ok 

[Zethioth]

Wanted to ride today but she wouldn't start no matter how hard I tried. Just put in a
new battery but no matter how much I cranked, even with choke and prime on, nothing. 
The cold weather only made it worse.

I think it's time to pull the carbs and give them a good clean, with the amount of miles,
I'm considering rebuilding and replacing the jets, just to be on the safe side. 

Also going to invest in new (better) plugs and a new (better) air filter.

[Zethioth]

Small update.

Was able to take the tank off and get a look at everything. It seems like water got into the airbox.
Bike still won't start, tried everything, she just cranks. 

I don't have the space to take things apart where she currently sits. Waiting on that and some more
tools before I can do some serious maintenance.

Think water got into the carbs, worse, the engine? Am I screwed? 

[Snake2715]

Personally in my opinion don't start to change air intake and jets till you know she runs good.. That sounds lime a headache to me. Clean carbs, replace bad orings, leave it stock. Buy a non hiflo, just standard air filter (or clean yours good) put it back together, check valves, change oil and go. After you had it a bit and know the bike fun monkey with it.

[Zethioth]

She runs! 

After a lot of cranking, spark plug adjusting, and starting fluid (It was the last resort) 

The bike is just a really really really hard starter. A solid carburetor overhaul is necessary, imo. I'm
also ordering new plugs, air filter, and oil filter. She needs a lot of TLC.

I like the NGK Platinum's, and the K&N Oil and Air Filter, (not the lunchbox, I wanna keep the stock
housing)

I hear the spark plugs wires are pretty tough and last forever, do you guys recommend changing them?

[Zethioth]

Hm, not much going on. I don't have much room to take things a part. I need my own garage, or a shed. But I did get two things done today!

New Iridium plugs are in the bike!
New K&N Air filter is in the bike! (w/ restrictor on)

I finally got a good tool set for Christmas.

Bike is starting better now, I make sure to start it every day even if I don't ride. This is keeping everything flowing.

I still have some new carburetor parts to put in. Waiting to order new jets before I take them apart. Where is the best place to buy carburetor jets?

I hear the GS doesn't like oil additives, is this true with SeaFoam?
Not expecting to update this thread every day, but once in a long while.

[MaxP]

Do you still have the old plugs? A photo of them posted here could get you some advice on how the engine is running.

[Zethioth]

My camera couldn't quite focus and pick up the details. After I uploaded I found this one was the only one recognizable.

The plugs look normal in my opinion, but I am no expert.

[weedahoe]

Nice pic but a better place be would be to see the other end where the spark is at

[Zethioth]

Nice pic but a better place be would be to see the other end where the spark is at

Tried, camera is crap, this is the only one that came out good. I'll post a different one soon.

[Snake2715]

I am sure you know but a macro setting will help focus on a close item. Even most phones have that now.