I have an '89 GS, 21K miles. I bought it about 7 months ago and ride it to work daily. My questions are:
Can I use normal car oil, or do I have to use motorcycle specific oil?
I just recently have a problem where I can not shift out of 1st when at stoplights etc (the lever will not go to neutral or any other gear, but if I start moving, I can shift to 2nd with no problems)?
My bike starts to idle faster after slightly harder riding, why? (that is to say the idle jumps from 1200 to 2000 when I get off the freeway, or have ridden in the city for more than 35 minutes continuously)??
Any help would be appreciated, thank you.
I should add that if I cut the engine at a stoplight etc. I can shift back into neutral without any problem, this is only when the engine is running...
regular 10w-40 is ok. however some brands have additives that have a negitive effect on the GS's wet clutch. it causes the clutch to slip some. if you can, find oil that is made for older cars. they dont have the same additives. there are different rated oils (SF and SE i think). someone else here will tell u which one to use.
for the idle problem.. when you first start your bike the idle will be lower than norm. after riding 15 min or so it should be fully warmed up. that is when you should adjust the idle to 1200-1300 rpms. im not sure if this is your problem but keep in mind what i said about how to adjust the idle properly.
The manual has the specific info on what type of oils are acceptable. I use Valvoline dino 4-stroke motorcycle 10W40, because it meets the standards of all the bikes I've owned so far, and I can get it at the local Schmuck's.
The gearbox can get a little tricky at 1st and neutral. Let up on the clutch (just a skosh and roll an inch if you're in first, let go and regrab if you're in neutral), and it should be fine again. Happened on both GSs I've had.
You can use car oil's, some of the oils we use are Castrol GTX, Castrol Super RX (diesel oil), shell rotella, mobil devolac or whatever.. they are just examples.
As for the not shfiting, make sure you got enough oil, sometimes it doesnt shift right if your low on oil. Also rolling forward a bit will loosen it to drop it into first gear..
However as a beginner i will give you this tip. When you come to a stop, be in first gear (not neutral), and your right foot on the rear brake, left foot down. That way you can get out of teh way if you see something not stopping in yoru rear view.
If you have a long light, youc an move to neutral, if you got a few cars behind you. But usually i stay in first.
Thank you for all of the replies. I will check the oil tomorrow and try rolling the bike to get it into neutral (I am spending the day with my family today so I will not be able to ride).
Quote from: mms16
I just recently have a problem where I can not shift out of 1st when at stoplights etc (the lever will not go to neutral or any other gear, but if I start moving, I can shift to 2nd with no problems)?
Caused by clutch drag placing a load on the transmission. Probably exacerbated by the high idle problem. Adjust excess slack out of the clutch cable and turn down the idle.