I went for my first ride of the season today (April 07, 2011). Kept to the neighbourhood and a paved service road nearby, but words cannot describe how good it was to get out again.
The day before, i did my de-winterization/ spring tune-up (chain clean/lube, fluids/filters changed out, cables, seals, tire pressures [which oddly enough were exactly at spec, even after 5 months of storage], etc... When i finished, i geared up and opened the garage door. Snow. I almost cried...
So today, I just had to make sure all was well. It was a little cool, +2C, but that's why we have warm clothes ;) The snow had cleared, and the roads were dry, so once again i geared up and opened the garage door, turned the key, and hit the starter. chug, chug, chug, vroom! started almost instantly. I Let her warm up, let off the choke and she just purred. Well, one thing led to another, and 2 hours later i returned home. Practiced starts, stops, turns, emerg. avoidance/ breaking, etc... and spent the last half hour just toodling about enjoying the scenery.
Quick question though. Anyone have any tips about gas? I filled the tank and added StaBil last November. On my ride, i didn't notice any loss of power; It's running fine, idles well and pulls nicely throughout the powerband. Should i keep riding and just burn through the old gas? Or, should i dump the old gas in my truck and fill the bike with fresh premium and a little carb cleaner. I've read and been told both, so i'm not to sure which way to go. I plan on another ride (2-3 hours) tomorrow if the roads are good, so any suggestions on this matter are welcomed.
Here's to a great season,
Cheers!
-Mike
Just leave the stabil, you'll be perfectly fine. I couldn't notice a difference in my bike with it in there and once you run through it you can just refill with some fresh gas.
I wouldn't waste my money on premium gas. Unless you're running a high compression engine where the anti-knock qualities are essential, you're throwing your money away.
Just run through the tank, or top it up with regular grade, and you're good to go.
My two-cents....
Stay safe, and enjoy!
:cheers:
I just bought my GS 3 weeks ago and the salesman said to run premium gas in it. :confused:
What do you all run in yours???
Salesmen... Geez! Most don't know jack about what they are selling.
Use what your owner's manual tells you to use.
GS500 owner's manual specifies use of regular gas of minimum 87 octane. That's good enough for me. Runs great on it!
Thanks for the tips everyone. One other question though; what about running the first tank of fresh gas with some pour-in carb cleaner? Necessary, or just a waste of money? I do it on my truck once every few months, so just wondering if its the same with the GS500.
I use 95RON, but only because regular unleaded usually has ethanol added now. If you just want petrol you've usually got to buy premium. Riding a GS500 still works out cheaper than taking the bus whatever grade of fuel you use.