Hello all. I just bought the wife a 2001 model GS500E and I need some help... This particular bike has 5000 miles and has been very well maintained ...however it just does not seem to runn well... especially when cold. The bike is very very cold natured and althought seeming to run better with the choke on even then the choke settings are very touchy.
Tonight I took the spark plugs out and they has excessive black carbon deposits (due to burning to cold and or to rich). I am going to take it to a Bike Mechanic to get the carbs, timing, ect.. checked/set... but I was wondering what performance set-ups seem to be the most popular due to gaining you the most performance for the lowest price. I don't care to spend a bundle on this bike... but I will invest in a jet kit, aftermarket filter and or exhaust pipe if it indeed its worth the money.
Any suggestions on my current problems and on ways to cheaply improve this bike?
Tested & Knowledgable replies only please.
Thanks in advance.
Crooz
skim through all the postings here about the cold blooded nature of this bike,
you can either monkey with the carbs and jetting like many of us have, or just be patient and wait for it to warm up,
I'm glad I wasn't learning on my in the winter
either way lots of help here
The spark plug will become black due to the choke being left on for a long time. A rich running condition will also cause this. Choke should be used for a minute to one and a half minutes on a properly jetted motorcycle and then shut off. After that, throttle may be required to maintain rpm's if you don't like to fiddle with the idle screw all the time.
rejetting stock settings pretty much cures the coldbloodedness. Check my site for loads of info on this and other mods. Keep in mind that the 01+ models have different carberation than the 89-00 models so read carefully.
Pod air filter (no airbox), rejetting and exhaust all are worth the money.
BUT, best use of your cash though is to install progressive fork springs and a Katana rear shock-these bikes are notorious for weak suspension. This and rejetting (stock) should be your first course of action.
And welcome to the site!
Quote from: pantabloPod air filter (no airbox), rejetting and exhaust all are worth the money.
BUT, best use of your cash though is to install progressive fork springs and a Katana rear shock-these bikes are notorious for weak suspension. This and rejetting (stock) should be your first course of action.
So any late model Katana rear shock will fit without problems / alterations? I have the progressive front fork springs already.
Its a direct bolt in, takes 15-30 minutes to install. I think its only the kat 750's though. You'll have to check my site or search here for "katana shock", its an often discussed topic.
Buy the newest one you can find. Ebay is most common place but you'll have to be patient. Expect to pay from as little as $10 to upwards of $50-that's why patience will pay off. $30 is a fair price IMO.
[forgot-it will raise your rear end from 1/2" to just over 1" depending on condition of shock so if there are seat height issues you may want to wait on this]
Quote from: pantabloIts a direct bolt in, takes 15-30 minutes to install. I think its only the kat 750's though. You'll have to check my site or search here for "katana shock", its an often discussed topic.
[forgot-it will raise your rear end from 1/2" to just over 1" depending on condition of shock so if there are seat height issues you may want to wait on this]
OK Thanks...