Some kind of a backfire...

[sanityfree]

my 2000 gs500 seems to be backfiring every now and then when it's hot. i was almost home, practically idling in 2nd gear, ready to turn, when there's this soft "pah" kind of sound, and the engine seemed to relax and idle down a bit before picking back up. this happens every now and then, always at slow speeds, and always when its warm. this just started this season. what's up with my bike?

[GRU]

low speeds of low RPM?

because some engines like the GS don't have a lot of torque and when they are under a lot of pressure like when they are at 1500 RPM and you are trying to accelerate by twisting the throttle a lot, then they backfire....

try to keep the engine RPM higher when trying to accelerate

[sanityfree]

no, i'm not trying to accelerate. i'm just cruising along, kind of engine braking.

[Maniac]

Engine braking? You mean your decellerating using the engine? Then yes, the engine is going to 'pop' occasionally, it's purely normal.

[aslam]

Mine doesn't do that when engine braking.  Why is that normal?

ASLAM.

[JoeSuzuki]

Backfires are quite normal when downshifting, but not necessary. They are mainly produce by some of the gas not burning inside the piston completly. You can help reduce it by using better quality spark plug or simply cleaning your plug once in a while. You could also have it retimed, or clean the carb to make sure its clean but backfires once in a while are notin serious and i recommend just enjoying it!!!!!

[sanityfree]

how often should i replace my plugs? i've had it for 1 full year as of the 3rd, it was in a garage all winter, but not winterized. should i replace them? they're a little dark, but they fire good.

[JoeSuzuki]

If they fire good i dont see a need to replace them. Since it sits in the garage for winter, you could only replace them about every 5000 to 10000 km.(dont know how many miles thats is) Thats what i do, every 2 oil change i change my plugs ,and i change my oil around every 3500km. So that makes 7000km. All depends on the condition your ride in, and the way you ride.

[aslam]

Sounds good.  When it happens I'll just try to enjoy it.  

ASLAM.