A little background.
I just bought a 2006 Gs500 F for my wife's first bike. Took it out for a spin this afternoon and found it to be a little weaker than I thought it would be. The bike only has 1200 miles and was originaly bought in Denver (elevation 5200'), but I live and ride in the mountains at 9000'. This little guy is only 150 cc's smaller than my 650 V-Strom but is down on power a bunch. I've only put about 30 miles on it so far and plan on pulling a plug after a few more to see how it is burning. Any advise on jeting at this altitude? I had a tough time getting any acceleration from 65 - 70 mph even down a few gears and spinning at 7000 rpm. I do weigh 250 lb and may be just expecting too much. Any feedback is appreciated.
Also, how much extra protection do the taller windscreens provide? I'm thinking a taller windscreen, grip puppies and up and back handlebar risers or new taller bars will help make this bike fit Linda's needs a little beter.
Oh! I was plesently supprised at how much fun this little bike is in the twisties this afternoon.
Thanks,
Mike
Here's a link to some general jetting info:
http://www.motorcyclecarbs.com/carbs101.pdf (http://www.motorcyclecarbs.com/carbs101.pdf)
Compared to sea level, you would need a MUCH smaller jet at 10,000 feet. For example, a 125 main jet (I have an older GS -- the newer ones use a different carb) at sea level would go to a 112.5 jet at 10,000 feet, using the 0.9 conversion factor from the website above. You need to find out what is in there now (was it re-jetted for Denver?) and go from there. You will get a little more power and better mileage if you're not running so rich.
The other issue is comparing it to a V-Strom. It's apples and oranges -- the GS is a two valve per cylinder air-cooled, old technology engine. Reliable and simple, but not nearly as efficient. Compare the power of a Ninja 500 (4 valves, water cooled) to your GS. And they're the same engine size. So the V-Strom is in a different league.
As you have discovered, the GS is fun in the twisties. It's just not going to win any stoplight races against larger, newer bikes. :thumb:
SV650 ('04) 73.5 @ 8750 47.1 @ 7250 11.87 @ 110.0
GS500E ('01) 39.2 @ 8500 26.6 @ 7000 13.65 @ 95.5
Like Trumpet sez, the GS500 has an ageing 70's design 2 valve engine while the SV has a modern one. Look at the HP, torque, and quarter mile figeres above for the 2 bikes!
The GS500 has never been happy at less than 3-4k rpm, it's necessary to keep it above that just to keep it moving, :laugh: If your an experienced rider, try keeping it between 7-9k rpm while running in the mountains. Stock it runs a quick pace at those speeds.
My old 97 GS was about as lean a bike could be and I didn't notice any performance change at 6-6500' in the Smoky Mtns and I live in NE Ohio at about 500' elevation. Our eastern mtns just don't come any taller than that. :cry: You may just have to get used to running a GS500 at pace to get the most out of it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/jackjohnBRPhighburp04.jpg)
jp and me a few years ago.
I did realize that the engines were at least 2 decades apart in tecnology but the V-Strom is taller and heavier.
As I was riding the GS yesterday, I was thinking gack to my old 76 CB 500 which in my memory was quicker. This very well could be selective memory at its best.
When I have a few more miles on the little girl, I'll pull a plug and check the mixture.
Thanks,
Mike