Ok, I've got a few (hopefully) *minor* maintenance tasks that I'd like to pick your guys' brains about. The way I see it, there are 3 issues she's got coming out of hibernation, and I was curious as to what you folks think the rank order should be in terms of getting them taken care of, (or fixing them myself). here they are:
- front tire has some minor cracking (i.e. tire replacement and mounting)
- carbs have probably never been synched (currently bike has >8000 miles)
- super small oil leak. (DIY?)
Some details:
She's a '96
The front tire had some cracking in it when I bought it, looks no worse now than it did then, they are fine cracks in the sidewall. no pressure losses, enought tread for I'd guess conservatively at 1/2 the season.
the bike has some mild hiccups occasionally when starting from a stop. usually gentle throttle application and there's no big issue. also somewhere in the vicinity of past 2/3s full throttle the bike will sometimes give a split-second lurch. it may have done this since I bought the bike w/ 5622 miles, it now has >8000. it's still a helluva lot of fun to ride, and once we're pluckin along, rowing through the gears/accelerating is generally pretty darn smooth. it's just the full stop to going again where's it's noticable. is resynching worth it at this point? how much $$ does that usually run?
The oil leak is almost nonexistant. it's on the right side, appears to be coming from where the little hose comes out underneath the "Suzuki" label. The bottom of the bike is a little wet w/ oil, (who knows how long that took) and that hose is definitely wet, but I've been checking the ground and it's less than 2 eyedrops worth in the last 3 days. I mean TINY. I keep looking at the ground and there's nothing there. The oil level looks pretty darn unchanged. I did some searching for it and found someone whose posts look like the same problem: http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9978&highlight=oil+leak+right+side
but I'm not positive if this is the right thing (etams images don't load) and I'm not sure how hard of a fix it is. (I should probably put a clymer manual on that list :oops: ) furthermore, maybe I should wait until this is more of an issue before tackling it.
So there you have it. what order would you guys tackle those in? any insight into cost/benefit? I know the thing about any cracks in the tire=replacement, but they seem so minor. I can take pics of the leak and the tire if anyone's really curious.
Regards,
Riz
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I would suggest getting that front tire replaced first. If it goes, you will crash. Thats a bad thing :lol: You might want to think about replacing the back too. Especially if you are running the stock excedras since it isn't a great idea mismatching tires (yes, it can be done but I choose not to)
Second would be the carbs. It might be worth the time/$ (depending on if you do it yourself or not) to have them cleaned and rejetted. I believe that sirinath is still offering that service if you are interested.
My bike leaks a little oil too. It burns oil, so I wouldn't worry about a little leak like that right away but it might be nice to take care of it sometime.
SAFETY FIRST - ALWAYS!!!!
you can ride a bike with hiccups.....you won't be riding anywhere without a tire!!!....
Order of importance
1. Tire
2. Carbs
3. Almost all bikes leak eventually....
then get out there and enjoy!!!
I will third the replacing of the front tire now. Cracks are a sign of age. The cost of replacing the tires is much less than the cost of repairing after a crash.
The oil leak sound like the crank shaft seal. To check, remove the small round cover then remove the signal generator rotor and pick-ups. You will then see where the crank come through the case and its seal. If it needs replacing, the whole right side cover has to come off. Besides the crank seal, you will need the case cover gasket as well. Easy fix.
Quote from: rizp
The oil leak ... on the right side, appears to be coming from .. little hose... bottom of the bike is a little wet w/ oil and that hose is definitely wet:
If the oil is coming from the hose it is normal blow-by that is intended to drain through that hose. Hiccup could be carbs - but, I bet you have not adjusted the valves since you got the bike and it is time for that to be done.
Ordered the front tire today (yeah fleabay). Thanks for all the helpful advice. I figured the front tire was the 1st thing to do, the 2nd opinions from everyone here are always great reinforcment. I might try and tackle the oil leak next weekend. Any idea about costs for valve adjustment and carb resynching?
Regards,
Riz
:thumb: