got meself a 97 GS 500 with an idle problem what ever I do it just wont idle propley ive tried to adjust it but when I get it just right by the rev counter and take it out on the road it cuts out & also when I come to a junction or have to stop its running very ruff like its getting to much petrol so I come back adjust it up a bit more and try again but now it over revs in between changing gear and also when I come to a junction Ive checked the throttle cable and thats fine
also when going along It has a lot of vibration & its like Im in the wrong gear Ive recentley changed the plugs and done a carb overall but alass no change Im not getting a very strong spark at the plugs could that be a coil problem?
Please someone help as this has been going on for months John
When do you adjust the idle? I don't know your experience level, so don't get offended for me treating you like a newb.
If you are adjusting the idle while the bike is warming up...stop doing that. Use the choke to let it warm up about 5-10 minutes or so depending on condtions.
If your adjusting with the bike warmed up and not fresh off a long ride...good job.
On the bottom of your carbs (each one) there is an idle air mixture screw; maybe someone can post a picture. Turn that all the way in until it is snug, not tight, snug. after both are turned in, turn them back out 2.5 complete rotations. After this, turn the big knob/screw in between the carbs while the bike is warmed up until you hit an idle of about 1500 rpms (people will debate this).
If this doesn't help, pull the pilot jet again and make sure that you can see light through it, if not, clean it out with a thin piece of wire.
Also, you probably want to take a look inside your gas tank to see what kind of gunk COULD BE getting into your fuel lines. Install an inline fuel filter and replace the lines going from the tank to the fuel switch and carbs (you should be due for this anyway).
Hopefully that helps with that issue, onto the vibration:
I have no clue and need more information on the problem to help with it. My first suggestion would be to adjust your chain PROPERLY, meaning not as tight as it will go, but instead with about .75 to 1 inch of slack in the chain.
Hope that helps, if not, provide more information on the problem.
The ignition system on the GS is simple, but a common point for the engine operation is the earth (ground) connection from the wiring harness / battery to the lower section of the engine. This provides a return point for the engine casing/spark plugs.
If your GS has been neglected, as many bikes have, a good going over the powered connections and the ground (earth) connections is in order.
The wiring harness connections to the battery are also a high suspect/failure location. The earth (ground) point for the wiring harness is a small wire leading from the negative terminal into the wirng harness under the seat at the battery box.
Check out my webpage (listed in my profile) and the photo section for pics related to my reply.
Carbs are another subject entirely. I recommend exhausting (pun not intended) an area before moving into another.