Old carbs (89-00) vs new carbs (01-07)

[jjstabs]

Hey folks, new guy here. I have a 92 GS500 and need to do some jetting/tuning. I'm wondering if it is worth the $100 or so dollars to buy a newer set of carbs from say an 04 or 07 or just stick with the OG carbs. The benefit of the newer carbs would be the added 3rd circuit, but I wonder if the cost is justifiable.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[JAS6377]

Jets and o-rings are negligible in price. If you feel like doing the work yourself, then it may be more cost efficient to just clean up your current carbs.

However, that third circuit on the newer carbs is nice. If you can find a cheap enough set of 04+, why not?

[Kerry]

Along with the newer carbs you would also have to reconcile the matching dual-cable, push-pull throttle against the single cable setup used on the older models.

Just something to be aware of.

[jjstabs]

Ah, I was wondering if it would be a direct bolt on. I got this bike to commute, so I don't really want to drop a bunch of money if I don't have to. Looks like I have a bit more homework to do.

Thanks for the replies.

[Snake2715]

Search out the Buddha here and he will get you setup with jets, etc.

[Blueknyt]

convertin over to push pull ain nothin.  my 89 has em.  even then, unless the return spring is weaker on newer carbs then the older carbs, you should be able to cable it up and be fine. push pull is more critical on mechanical slide carbs rather then CV carbs.

[gsJack]

..........................The benefit of the newer carbs would be the added 3rd circuit, but I wonder if the cost is justifiable..........................

Had the pleasure of riding both 2 and 3 circuit carb bikes the same day a few times and I still don't know fot sure.   

When my 97 was totaled back in 03 with 80k miles on it I found a naked 02 bike quickly and bought it.  The ins finally paid off and I bought back my 97 for $100 and restored it except for a few minor cosmetic blemishes for about $250 in parts.  After it got retitled and had plates on it I rode both back to back a few times.

The 3 circuit carb 02 was so much smoother and more powerful thru the mid-range than the 97.  It was a pleasure to ride it and not so much fun to ride the old 97 again.  But the 97 still felt stronger on the top end than the 02.  I ride mostly mid-range day in and day out so a set of 3 circuit carbs for $100 for the 97 would have been a bargain if that did it.  BUT with the mid-range so much better on the 02 and the top end on the high mileage 97 still stronger there must have been a cam change too?  Never have found out since the parts fiches were changed at the same time and the cams for the newer ones had assembly numbers and the older ones had part numbers and they couldn't be directly compared.  Brought this up 10 years ago and a number of times since without an answer.  Maybe someone will see it this time that knows the answer?