Sputters at 3000RPM and below

[zman93]

I have a 2002 GS500 that's all stock and initially noticed that when the bike is not completely warmed up, the engine sputters a bit at low rpm.  Over time, it's getting worst. It will sputter even after 10 mins of riding in 1st or 2nd gear below 3000 RPM.  I am relunctant to lean too much in my turns at low speed cuz I almost wiped out and threw me off balance a bit.  I was looking at the carb rebuilt but it only has 3000 miles on it.  or maybe a valve adjustment is needed or the easy way, get a can of the carb cleaner and spray it into the carb and hopefully it will clean it up a bit.   What do you think the problem is and how do I proceed?

[Mat]

these bikes don't really have anything below 3000 rpm
the only time my bike sees anything below that is when i am at idle

[gazingwa]

My 96 pulls just fine under 3000, not strong, but enough to maintain speed or lightly accelerate.  maybe clean out your carbs... you did have the 600 mile valve and carb adjustement right?

[scratch]

Keep the rpm's above 3000. You need to be in a lower gear. Don't be afraid to rev the motor, you're not going to hurt it. Feathering the clutch may help, too.

[zman93]

The guy I bought it from had the 600 mile tune-up/carb/valve adjustment done on it before I got it.  As far as keeping it above 3000 around turns, it's kinda hard sometimes when you're in 1st gear driving in residental area.

[gazingwa]

Your bike should run fine when warmed up down under 3000

My bike doesn't get pissed till i get down to 1000 and it is smooth all the way to redline.  carbs, valves, spark, fuel and air.... thats all there is

Check your filter
How old is your fuel
look at your plugs, there are many charts available online, plugs can tell the story of an engine.

[gobstopper]

3000 rpms equals about 17 mph in first gear.  There's no reason to go below that.

You may want to check your carbs, spark, fuel, etc. as mentioned above, but there's no reason to not be able to ride around it until you iron it out.

[conflicttheorist]

When a gs engine is not warmed up, it will sputter at low rpms.  Solution- warm it up.  If you want to go slower, get a smaller front sprocket.  Having a smaller front sprocket reduces the speed at the same rpms and the additional torque will allow you to be comfortable at slightly lower rpms.

[ukchickenlover]

If you are driving so slow that the engine is sputtering in 1st gear then pull the clutch in slightly. Practise this in a car park driving at walking pace by using the clutch and some back brake.
The bike is not meant to be driven at very low revs, the peak power is at 9K so driving it above 3K is no problem.

[zman93]

The spark plugs are fine with no sign of anything wrong(motorcycle mechanic looked at it) and the fuel is fine cuz I just filled up. I heard that the tank rust on the inside and stuff gets into the carb. So does that mean a carb rebuilt or just a good cleaning with some carb cleaner in a can will do?  
I was gonna check the air filter but couldn't figure out how to take the tank out. Took both screws off but not sure about the fuel line.  I've seen pix where there is some screw to turn to shut off the valve but I couldn't find it. It is on the tank side or the fuel switch side? Once I get the tank off, I could look at the carb too.

[The Buddha]

Pilot jets - you need 1 size bigger than stock ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[scratch]

I've seen pix where there is some screw to turn to shut off the valve but I couldn't find it. It is on the tank side or the fuel switch side? Once I get the tank off, I could look at the carb too.

The shut off is on the fuel switch side facing the right.

[Kerry]

there is some screw to turn to shut off the valve but I couldn't find it. It is on the tank side or the fuel switch side?

This picture was taken from the right side of the bike.  Turn the valve in either direction until the slot is horizontal (OFF).

[davipu]

hey man, i noticed you're from hills-burrio if you need someone to come kick yor tires and answer your noob questions while i drink your beer, I am free most afternoons.

[zman93]

Thanks for the pix Kerry!  Now I need to buy a manual so I don't F* anything up!