Another Newbie Saying Hello!

[Dandy D]

I have been reading this forum for a few months now - Great info  There does seem to be a lot of experience on this site. Good, 'cause I have none  :lol: ! Bought a 2002 GS a couple months back, did the Canadian equivalent of the MSF (one of my classmates lowsided at 20kph during the exam    - failed the course, needless to say, and provided a great example of how not to get complacent - he was okay, scratched an elbow), got my license etc and now I'm riding! :lol: BTW yesterday was my 39th BDay - 39 yep! and my first bike. Never to old to persue a dream! I love this stuff!
Today I road the bike to work so I could take it in for the 'first service' ever done on the bike. The previous owner did his own oil changes and that was it. There are 10,900kms on the bike (900kms of my own in 2 wks). He did that in one summer. That's a lot of riding here in Edmonton - sadly a very short riding season. Anybody have any input on whether this is a bad thing and what might be expected in terms of repair issues? The bike seems to run just fine except for some rough idling at startup. It takes about 10min to warm up. Anybody else find the choke really touchy - kinda like an on and off switch. 3500 rpm closed and 1200 rpm open - nothing in between.
You may be wondering why the bike was sold in the first place - UPGRADE. The previous owner, he's about 19, got himself a 2003 gixxer 600. Quite the upgrade I'd say.
Well this is my first post (I've used up my lunch break to do this) and I hope to have more! I'll let you guys and girls know how the servicing goes. I should get my baby back (ribs?!?) late Friday or Saturday morning.
Ride Well!!
Dandy

[Adam R]

Welcome to the site.  You'll find some useful information here especially if you do an archive search whenever you encounter a little problem - and since its a GS, you'll undoubtedly encounter a little problem here and there.

Adam

[dsmirnov83]

welcome and enjoy, BTW progressive springs make it feel like a much better bike in the turns
-Denis

[dgyver]

Welcome, enjoy your ride as no one is ever too old to start riding.

I wish I could help on the choke issue, but mine does not have one.

maybe a day late but........

[mwdbruno]

Welcome!  
The GS typically (as the experts will tell you soon!) takes 10mins to warm-up pre-jetting.  My choke isn't as touchy as yours...though it takes very little movement to drop the RPM's down when it starts to warm up.
Stay safe and enjoy!!!

[BRB96Z34]

Good Stuff Dandy!  I just got my license at 35.  First bike ever for me too!  Your gonna have lots of fun.

I agree with the choke as mine is kinda touchy too - seems like 3500 to 1200 or less.  I think that's just the way it is.  Warm up is the same for me too - 5 to 10 min.

Have fun on your new bike and stay safe!

[Dandy D]

Thanks for the Welcomes and the Happy BDay wish (nice emot dgyver). Got the bike into the shop (Suzuki/Yamaha dealership) this evening. Of course it's been raining all day . But my gear works well. Its the first time in the rain - its all waterproof. No gear - No riding, is my motto. Gloves, jacket, pants and boots. (helmet too for those of you ready to pounce  :lol: )
I mentioned the choke issue to the Service guy. He said its common and a result of the factory carb settings - which they will fix . He even told me that a common occurance related to this is a surging that will happen when crusing. Waddaya know - I get that too. So maybe there is something to it. He also said that the warm-up time should improve. The settings are just to lean he said - for emmission purposes. Getting new rear rubber too. After 10000kms by the orig owner, it is down to the indicators but only in the centre. The sidewalls are perfect. Take note you guys in the mountainy areas with the lovely twisties, prairie guys wear their tires flat. Am I correct BRB9? There should be a tire swap between the mountain folk and the prairie folk. The new rubber is the same as OEM on the 2004 models, at least here in Canada: Bridgestone BT45. A buddy of mine with a VFR750 has them and loves them.
That shock issue Dsmirnov83, I can see the truth of it. I have already bottomed out my front shocks a couple of times. Pothole, railway crossing, breaking while going down a steep hill - very steep. Thought the next step was an endo but never got that far. Yikes! I've only been riding 2 weeks. Are 'progressive' shocks a specific manufacturer or just a 'type' of shock? I've seen the references all over this site to change the front shocks if you do nothing else to mod the bike.
Again thanks for the welcome. Hope to write/read more later after the servicing.
g'night....

Dandy D

PS did Pantablo really sell his GS?? :dunno:

Good job on the bike.... great first bike for anyone of any age!

Stay Safe  

[pantablo]

Welcome Dandy!
My 2001 choke had the same issue. Progressive Suspension makes the replacement springs, its a brand. The same springs work for all years, at least up to 03 for sure. We're not sure about the new 04 with fairings but I suspect they [suzuki] didnt upgrade anything.

Check out my site for lots of additional info...

----
Uh, nothing wrong with upgrading...

[pantablo]

PS did Pantablo really sell his GS?? :dunno:

Yes-






:mrgreen: