Won't run right when in in gear or off of brake.

[Shadley]

I just bought a 96 GS500E 2 days ago and don't now much about bike mechaning.  When it's in neutral or the front or back brake is applied it runs great, but when you put it in gear it spits and sputters until you apply the brake.  Can a yone give me a direction on what I should look for?

[Kerry]

While following colored wires all over the Haynes wiring diagram I kept coming across the "Sidestand relay" and the "Diode" as areas of commonality.  I especially suspect a blown diode, because if current is flowing in both directions when it should be "blocked" in one direction (the function of a diode) then I can see how weird symptoms might result.

If you have the Clymer 1989-1996 manual, tests for both the relay and the diode are described on page 272.  If you have a different edition, thumb through the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM chapter until you find the section titled SIDESTAND/IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM.

If you have the Haynes '89 to '97 manual, test procedures are described on pages 8-15 and 8-16.

EDIT: Changed link from gs500e.co.uk to bbburma.net

[Shadley]

Your info was very useful.  The diode and plug were coroded badly.  I cleaned them up, but it still did the same until I run jumper wires on the diode plug; neutral switch to neutral light and sidestand switch to sidestand relay.  When I did this it ran great.  So I unhooked the jumpers and plugged the diode back in and it still ran great.  I don't really understand it, but it's seems to be fine now.  Thanks a lot for the info.  I'm a pretty decent mechanic, but I'm not to familiar with bikes yet.  My first purchase will be a service manuel.  Even with a manuel I don't think I would have related the diode and sidestand relay to my problem.  Thanks again.

[Kerry]

Congratulations on fixing your problem, and thanks for the feedback.

It feels good to find out that a semi-shot-in-the-dark has hit the target!

[Jared]

I dunno Srinath.... I think Kerry should at least get to SHARE your title...

Good call Kerry...