Hi,
I recently just purchased a '90 Suzuki GS500E (about a week ago) and soon after it started making a knocking noise (of course). The sound occurs at idle and is quiet and spaced out. Something like this: knock.....................knock..............knock................etc. I'm not sure what it could be or what caused it. I'm still learning how to ride and I did fall on it twice and it ran on its side both times. The oil level is at half hash mark with the bike being put on the center stand.
Also, the front fender rubs against the tire. Does this mean the forks are mal-aligned or that something on the front is out of adjustment?
Thank you for any help you can provide.
(http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/9893/davesbike72506004pz8.th.jpg) (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=davesbike72506004pz8.jpg)
Welcome!
The intermittent, non-rythmic knock sounds like the normal cam knock that occur in our older bikes.
How many miles on the bike? Valve adjustments should be performed every 4000 miles (or multiples thereof).
It's best to keep that oil level at the full mark. Check it weekly, as our bikes have a history of eating/consuming oil. It may very well eliminate the knock as well.
Forks being mal-aligned: It could. I'd suggest putting the bike on the centerstand and blocking up the front, loosening three of the bolts holding the forks, the four bolts on top of the fender brace, and using your knees to align the forks. Also, before you try alignment, be aware that the forks may slide through the triples, and make sure that the 12mm pinch bolt on the right fork leg is loose, too. Hope this helps.
Bike looks to be in excellent condition. :thumb:
Edit: more info: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25109.msg259227#msg259227
This may help too: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25400.msg263495#msg263495