Gear and clutch question

[gaspaonrocks]

Hi everyone !

I just bought a used Suzuki GS 500, and there is a lot to do on it. For now I'm wondering if switching gear should feel hard (as in I sometimes need to kick hard to engage). The first and second give me trouble but after that it's fine. Probably because they are the most used gears ?

Anyway what should I look for ? Maybe gear replacement/ restoration ? Clutch cable adjustment ? Foot selector ?

Thanks for any input !
Sacha.

[mr72]

Start with a proper clutch adjustment, there is a write up here in the forums for exactly how to do it. It can be very specific and leave little room for error. Also change the oil for proper 4t oil because ordinary car oil can cause hard shifting as well as clutch slipping.

[Bluesmudge]

You say there is a lot to do. So is the bike even running? The bike will be much harder to shift when the oil is cold and the bike has been sitting.

We don't see many clutch issues with these bikes. Mine has 45,000 miles and the clutch is still well within spec.
As mr72 said, if there is a problem shifting start with a 3 point clutch adjustment. Get a Haynes or Clymer repair manual if you don't have one already.

[gaspaonrocks]

Start with a proper clutch adjustment, there is a write up here in the forums for exactly how to do it. It can be very specific and leave little room for error. Also change the oil for proper 4t oil because ordinary car oil can cause hard shifting as well as clutch slipping.

Well the bike is due to a full oil change so I'll try and see if it improves. I bought 5w40 Total Quartz 9000 after reading a lot of reviews of bike owners. If shifting is getting worse I can still revert back to 4t 10w40 oil right ?

Also I suspect the clutch cable might be a bit worn out and I have planned on changing it.

You say there is a lot to do. So is the bike even running? The bike will be much harder to shift when the oil is cold and the bike has been sitting.

We don't see many clutch issues with these bikes. Mine has 45,000 miles and the clutch is still well within spec.
As mr72 said, if there is a problem shifting start with a 3 point clutch adjustment. Get a Haynes or Clymer repair manual if you don't have one already.

The bike is running, but the previous owner didn't care for it much. I'll check out the clutch adjustment.