What things should I do to ensure it's running in tiptop shape?

[jtl216]

Let's say I went out and bought a gs500 or any other bike for that matter, what general steps should I take to make sure it's going to run in tip-top shape?

I'm guessing valve adjustment then carb synch, then jet adjustments.  And a spark plug/oil & air filter change in there.  Am I missing anything?

[Big Rich]

Brake system, tires, and suspension are the big things. Especially brakes.

If your fuel and spark system craps out, it's a nuisance. If your brakes or tires give out......well, you know.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Fuel Stabilizer if your gunna let it sit for any length of time or store it. Buggered up carb post are always on the forum.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Brake system, tires, and suspension are the big things. Especially brakes.

If your fuel and spark system craps out, it's a nuisance. If your brakes or tires give out......well, you know.

our beloved gs like all 4 cycle engines, rub on the "whorehouse principle" which is:

Suck.             Intake
Squeeze.      Compression
Bang.            Combustion
Blow.            Exhaust
As long as you maintain these 4 areas, youre golden. If any of these arentthere, bike or vehicle will run poorly if at all.
Anyhoo, id make sure you have fresh fuel, good plugs, good wires, clean air filter, and good oil. Also good sprockets, chain, clutch, and brake fluid. Ranked at the top, tires. Now Gsjack is our resident tire expert. The man put over 100k on our beloved sewing machine,and almost a half mil. On motorcycling. He knows his stuff

[jtl216]

I don't need tires yet but sure enough I will be here when that time comes haha.

[enrgizerbunny]

I bought one that needed a rear tire. It also needed a front tire, but I didn't know it. It also needed a chain, but again being new I didn't know this.

I've put a set of tires on it, chain, sprockets (saved my old ones because they were good), synced/tuned the carbs and now it's like a dream compared to how it was before.

Change your oil often, keep an eye on your oil level. Don't leave your petcock on pri. Make sure you have a 10mm socket. Get a good cover if you don't have a shed/garage/carport to store your bike in. Good luck!

[yamahonkawazuki]

I bought one that needed a rear tire. It also needed a front tire, but I didn't know it. It also needed a chain, but again being new I didn't know this.

I've put a set of tires on it, chain, sprockets (saved my old ones because they were good), synced/tuned the carbs and now it's like a dream compared to how it was before.

Change your oil often, keep an eye on your oil level. Don't leave your petcock on pri. Make sure you have a 10mm socket. Get a good cover if you don't have a shed/garage/carport to store your bike in. Good luck!

well said