Upgrading a stock '95 GS500E

[Swift63]

This is my first bike, I bought a used '95 GS500E from Craigslist and it seems to be in relatively good condition. I've set about making some small modifications changing the oil filter and bleeding the brake lines and getting fresh fluid in the MC. I've been following Jen's threat on her rebuilt '89 for tips and pointers about what needs/should be upgraded on an older bike and I will be getting new handlebars, gauges, and levers later this week.

The first big question I had was about the higher than normal idle. After riding it for a while it tends to idle around 3k RPM and only feathering the clutch in the friction zone seems to drop it back down. On the reconstruction thread the primary suggestion was cleaning/rejetting the carbs. Is that still the best route?

Also aftermarket exhausts; is it best to get a slip on or just do it big and swap out the whole system? I am relatively new at all this so any/all suggestions are very welcome.


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[jar75]

Congrats on your first GS! . As for the other issues I'll let the resident pros address that.

[cbrfxr67]

Welcome!  Great pic!  Hope to read more of your experiences soon! 

[crispy_22]

If you go full system, it might make oil changes a bit difficult. It might not allow you enough clearance to pull the oil filter out, at least mine doesnt seem to, its a yoshimura on a 2000 GS500E.

[ShowBizWolf]

Welcome to the site and congrats on the bike!!  Can't wait to see what ya do with it 

Have you tried adjusting the large idle screw after the bike is warm?  It should be between 1200 and 1500 rpm when the bike is warm.  This is the most simple thing to try first!  Other than that, the more knowlegable ppl on the site will hafta chime in 

[cWj]

Show Biz makes a good point. Start with that.

Search "fast idle" in the magic search box.

I had low idle problems. Those were addressed by replacing the intake boots/manifold and adjusting the valves.

If you don't know whether the valves have been checked in the past 4000 miles, should get them checked anyway. Search for "extended valve intervals" and decide if you want adjust them for longer intervals.

Do all your maintenance/repair checks BEFORE upgrading. Sometimes an upgrade addressed a maintenance issue. You will be annoyed if you do an upgrade and find out you have to undo/ do it over again because of a maintenance issue. Get 'im running right, then make 'I'm pretty.