01 & 03 is there a difference?

[Frost]

I'm going to buy a manual soon...but Clymer or Haynes only have manuals up to 01's...is there a difference betweek a 03?...

also...did the GS ever change anything?...engine?...carbs?

[Kerry]

I don't think anything changed between '01 and '03.  The big change was in '01: new carbs, larger fuel tank, new bodywork, new fuel petcock.  I also noticed some minor changes in part numbers in the forks and front brake caliper - I haven't examined other subassemblies.

There were a few changes prior to 2001.  The significant ones that I know of are:

* From clip-on handlebars in '89 to tubular bars for every succeeding year (in the US).
* Change at the countershaft around '94 that required a different front sprocket.
* Totally new front brake caliper in '96.[/list:u]There may have been some "internal" changes too, but as far as I know the basic engine has not changed at all.

[Frost]

THanks kerry!

[Frost]

hey...I found a good priced service manual for sale...but it's only up to '97...will it be sufficient to service my 03 GS?...

[JohNLA]

Despite claiming to be for models up to 02 the new Clymer manual does not include the updated carbs but they are pretty close to the old style enough to figure it out. Although doing a vacume synch was tricky but I can help if you need it. I would buy the cheapest manual even if it says it is only good through 97. I also printed out the bikebandit schematic for the carbs and keep it in my manual.

[Frost]

Thanks!