Pete's GS500F Workshop (UPDATED 7/13)

[PiotrTheGreat]

Before you guys get too excited about the title: I only made this thread to get more assistance with my bike's issues and to condense them into one thread to keep clutter down on the boards (I'm pretty sure SOMEONE was getting sick of me starting multiple topics)

That said, here's what I need help with at the moment (will update this post as things get fixed and/or updated)

CLUTCH

More specifically, the gear lever. I'm currently having trouble shifting up from 1st into Neutral and down from 2nd at times. It seems that this only happens when the bike is more or less stationary than at speed.


Potential Suspects: Notched clutch basket
STATUS: Pending Further Investigation




BRAKES

This time, it's the front brake lever. It squeaks horrendously whenever I pull it back, unless it's pulled in the EXACT right angle


Potential Suspects: Old, dried grease under the plunger
STATUS: Pending Further Investigation




LEAKS

So far, the only one I appear to have is the oil leak from my airbox breather hose ( http://i59.tinypic.com/255rpt4.jpg )


Cause: My dumb ass overfilled with oil
STATUS: Working on getting solvents to clean airbox, new filter on the way




FUEL

A problem who's cause I don't have the foggiest idea about: I get something like 30 MPG. In addition, when I have the petcock turned to ON, the engine starts to sputter after 3.6 gallons of gas are expended, necessitating riding most times with the petcock turned to RES.


Potential Suspects: Damned if I know. Carbs, maybe? Old, clogged and/or crossed fuel lines?
STATUS: Pending Further Investigation





As always, any and all help is appreciated, and I thank you in advance for your consideration

[dk31285]

Front brake lever squeaking?  Maybe try removing it, cleaning up, and reinstalling with new grease?  Simple enough procedure, just one bolt with a nut on the end.  Not sure what others would recommend, but I tend to use white lithium grease on my pivot points.  For my brake lever I greased all over, and down into the bolt hole, then after installing just wiped up with a rag (to keep it looking good  )

[PiotrTheGreat]

Front brake lever squeaking?  Maybe try removing it, cleaning up, and reinstalling with new grease?  Simple enough procedure, just one bolt with a nut on the end.  Not sure what others would recommend, but I tend to use white lithium grease on my pivot points.  For my brake lever I greased all over, and down into the bolt hole, then after installing just wiped up with a rag (to keep it looking good  )

It's not the whole brake, just the plunger when the lever pushes into it

Thanks for specifying the type of grease, though

[PiotrTheGreat]

Whoo-hoo, one problem diagnosed!

Only took one week, four hours of travel, and $180! xD

[Big Rich]

Clutch: sounds pretty normal to me. The transmission always shift easier when the front sprocket is moving - even just a little bit. Now, if it was grinding hard between shifts and required a bit of force while rolling, then I'd say your clutch cable just needs adjusted per the manual.

Brake: I agree with DK above. Couple reasons.... you said it squeeks unless pulled back at just the right angle. The plunger only moves in & out, so there's no other angle there. The brake lever and pivot bolt though.... try cleaning and greasing it first. If that doesn''t fix the problem look for a new lever / pivot bolt.