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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: mistykz on June 11, 2011, 07:38:06 PM

Title: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: mistykz on June 11, 2011, 07:38:06 PM
Hey everyone,
I was doing some miscellaneous maintenance earlier today, and while slightly lifting the back end of the fuel tank to get at the air filter, the On and Reserve fuel lines decided to tear and start spraying gasoline all over the garage. Annoying, I thought, but no big deal since I can just replace them.
I also noticed that the hose end that attaches to the tank's petcock is much smaller than the end that attaches to the frame petcock; I'm assuming this just underwent some ridiculous stretching? Anyway, after poking around the boards to find what size works, I figured that if I could get a hold of 7mm or 5/16" hoses I'd be set. Well I picked up some 5/16" hoses, but they absolutely will not fit onto the frame-mounted petcock no matter what I do. I've tried stretching it, pounding the ends lightly with a hammer (as recommended by another member), and heating it up to try and reshape it. I just can't get this thing to fit! I'm not too keen on wasting more money on more hoses that won't work, so I figure that the OEM replacements on bike bandit will work. Are there any other options that will for sure work, or any tricks to get these mofos the heck on there? Any input would be greatly appreciated  :D
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ben2go on June 11, 2011, 08:07:14 PM
I use 1/4 inch which is smaller than 5/16.All I do is lay mine in the sun while I work and then slide them on.A hair dryer will help soften them a little.I sometimes use a pair of needle nose pliers to help push them all the way on.Just make sure there are no sharp edges or burrs on the pliers.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: gs500e on June 11, 2011, 08:54:39 PM
I ripped mine too the other day (i was able to cut it short and make it work temporarily, but i don't like it that way)  (i had the same problem with 5/16 fuel hose.... and 1/4... and.... hose i found laying around dad's garage....)

I don't see both fuel hoses listed at bike bandit for 95'.

(and just found out that my fuel hoses, 2001, are $25 a piece.... lol..., must be the platinum lined hoses)  (i think i will get 06' petcock, and hoses instead, and hope it all bolts up)

ehhhh... I think i will do the dirtbike petcock instead though.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: franke3c on June 11, 2011, 10:58:55 PM
I've used clear tubing from home depot 5/16" ID.

To fit the frame mounted petcock I made three tiny snips at the end about 1/16" in length so that the tube will fit around the frame petcock and then just use some lube (spit!) and push them in.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: crzydood17 on June 11, 2011, 11:10:30 PM
go to Advanced Auto, I bought 2 2.99 Lawnmower gas lines from there and they worked GREAT
(this was a hasty repair as my lines actually broke in the parking lot of Advanced Auto and I had to rush inside and borrow a fire extinguisher a 12mm ratchet and a long flat head... I had just filled up too I was so sad)

Anyway i think they are 1/4 inch and they fit perfect, stretch the petcock end with a pair of needle nose pliers first to slip them easily over the petcock fittings.

then slap on either the stock clamps or buy some cheap hose clamps and put on for security, I have read some members don't even clamp theres but thats a bit too trusting for me.

Also as a bonus they are clear and look pretty cool.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ben2go on June 12, 2011, 07:47:01 AM
Quote from: gs500e on June 11, 2011, 08:54:39 PM
I ripped mine too the other day (i was able to cut it short and make it work temporarily, but i don't like it that way)  (i had the same problem with 5/16 fuel hose.... and 1/4... and.... hose i found laying around dad's garage....)

I don't see both fuel hoses listed at bike bandit for 95'.

(and just found out that my fuel hoses, 2001, are $25 a piece.... lol..., must be the platinum lined hoses)  (i think i will get 06' petcock, and hoses instead, and hope it all bolts up)

ehhhh... I think i will do the dirtbike petcock instead though.


The factory lines are molded to fit the bike,that's why they cost so much.They still aren't worth it,especially if you have a petcock upgrade,lunch box air filter,or both.I can't use them because of this.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: BlurredLines on April 01, 2014, 03:49:16 PM
Quote from: franke3c on June 11, 2011, 10:58:55 PM
I've used clear tubing from home depot 5/16" ID.

To fit the frame mounted petcock I made three tiny snips at the end about 1/16" in length so that the tube will fit around the frame petcock and then just use some lube (spit!) and push them in.

isn't Spit always the best lube.....
:thumb:
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Toner on October 13, 2017, 11:59:33 AM
was gonna buy some 1/4 inch tygon fuel line to replace mine, does anyone know if the the vacuum line fits the same diameter? 
Does it matter if it's tygon or not?
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ben2go on October 13, 2017, 12:37:10 PM
Quote from: Toner on October 13, 2017, 11:59:33 AM
was gonna buy some 1/4 inch tygon fuel line to replace mine, does anyone know if the the vacuum line fits the same diameter? 
Does it matter if it's tygon or not?

I believe they are 3/16 and yes because they will get some fuel vapor in them.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Toner on October 13, 2017, 01:04:12 PM
Quote from: ben2go on October 13, 2017, 12:37:10 PM
Quote from: Toner on October 13, 2017, 11:59:33 AM
was gonna buy some 1/4 inch tygon fuel line to replace mine, does anyone know if the the vacuum line fits the same diameter? 
Does it matter if it's tygon or not?

I believe they are 3/16 and yes because they will get some fuel vapor in them.

Thanks. So you would recommend Tygon lines?
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ben2go on October 13, 2017, 02:38:53 PM
Quote from: Toner on October 13, 2017, 01:04:12 PM
Quote from: ben2go on October 13, 2017, 12:37:10 PM
Quote from: Toner on October 13, 2017, 11:59:33 AM
was gonna buy some 1/4 inch tygon fuel line to replace mine, does anyone know if the the vacuum line fits the same diameter? 
Does it matter if it's tygon or not?

I believe they are 3/16 and yes because they will get some fuel vapor in them.

Thanks. So you would recommend Tygon lines?

Yes, or motion pro line if you have a dealer close by that sales it.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Bluesmudge on October 13, 2017, 03:22:26 PM
I have to say though, there is nothing as good as a set of new OEM lines with the protective mesh. They are the perfect length and slip right on like they are supposed to.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Toner on October 13, 2017, 04:32:15 PM
Quote from: Bluesmudge on October 13, 2017, 03:22:26 PM
I have to say though, there is nothing as good as a set of new OEM lines with the protective mesh. They are the perfect length and slip right on like they are supposed to.

Seems to be impossible to find any. I'm in Europe but I can't even find them in US or anywhere. 
I have a 2000 GS500E. 
You think all the models share the same lines?
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ShowBizWolf on October 13, 2017, 04:38:59 PM
+1 to the OEM lines.

Toner, are you looking at OEM parts websites like bikebandit, motosport, partzilla etc? My favorite is motosport and I know they have international shipping... dunno how much it would be though....

AFAIK all the GS's have the same lines. When I got my OEM lines this past summer, they weren't exact length... not sure why... and I had to trim them a bit to my liking. No biggie tho!!
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Bluesmudge on October 13, 2017, 05:01:32 PM
Checking on Bike Bandit for my 2006 GS500F the reserve hose is $8.72 and the main fuel hose is $7.21.

I can't imagine saving enough money off the $16 for real Suzuki hoses that it would ever be worth it the extra trouble. I believe the tank petcock and the main petcock may have slightly different diameters. Couple that with how close the lines mount together on the tank petcock and you don't have much margin for difference in internal/external diameter compared to what Suzuki designed. I have been watching people discuss GS500 fuel hoses on this site for ~10 years and there has never been a consensus on an easy aftermarket option. Just spend the 16 bucks. The E model hoses are a little more expensive at $13.10 each but still worth it in my opinion.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Toner on October 13, 2017, 05:44:48 PM
Quote from: ShowBizWolf on October 13, 2017, 04:38:59 PM
+1 to the OEM lines.

Toner, are you looking at OEM parts websites like bikebandit, motosport, partzilla etc? My favorite is motosport and I know they have international shipping... dunno how much it would be though....

AFAIK all the GS's have the same lines. When I got my OEM lines this past summer, they weren't exact length... not sure why... and I had to trim them a bit to my liking. No biggie tho!!

Quote from: Bluesmudge on October 13, 2017, 05:01:32 PM
Checking on Bike Bandit for my 2006 GS500F the reserve hose is $8.72 and the main fuel hose is $7.21.

I can't imagine saving enough money off the $16 for real Suzuki hoses that it would ever be worth it the extra trouble. I believe the tank petcock and the main petcock may have slightly different diameters. Couple that with how close the lines mount together on the tank petcock and you don't have much margin for difference in internal/external diameter compared to what Suzuki designed. I have been watching people discuss GS500 fuel hoses on this site for ~10 years and there has never been a consensus on an easy aftermarket option. Just spend the 16 bucks. The E model hoses are a little more expensive at $13.10 each but still worth it in my opinion.

Found some OEM fuel hose in the UK here but they don't have the reserve hose. I'll check out those US sites, thans:
https://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/ourshop/prod_5781140-HOSE-FUEL-GS500-T-Y-GSF650-GSF600-RGV250.html

yeah, nobody seems to have the conclusive answer for non OEM hoses but this guy is persuading me to try Tygon 1/4 inch.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=51643.msg848711#msg848711

Then I could get some 3/16 Tygon for the vacuum line. 
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Toner on October 13, 2017, 06:42:55 PM
Guys, I'm confused now. You see this hose here: 
https://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/ourshop/prod_5781140-HOSE-FUEL-GS500-T-Y-GSF650-GSF600-RGV250.html

Is that hose 6 going from the tank to the petcock or is hose 3 going from the petcock to the carbs?

(https://i.imgur.com/eXoLFVV.png)
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: rg500gamma on October 13, 2017, 06:59:53 PM
Quote from: Bluesmudge on October 13, 2017, 03:22:26 PM
I have to say though, there is nothing as good as a set of new OEM lines with the protective mesh. They are the perfect length and slip right on like they are supposed to.
boy  that's  the truth  :thumb:
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ben2go on October 14, 2017, 07:57:57 AM
Quote from: Toner on October 13, 2017, 06:42:55 PM
Guys, I'm confused now. You see this hose here: 
https://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/ourshop/prod_5781140-HOSE-FUEL-GS500-T-Y-GSF650-GSF600-RGV250.html

Is that hose 6 going from the tank to the petcock or is hose 3 going from the petcock to the carbs?

(https://i.imgur.com/eXoLFVV.png)

3 is petcock to carb and 6 is tank petcock to petcock.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Toner on October 14, 2017, 09:21:35 PM
Quote from: ben2go on October 14, 2017, 07:57:57 AM
Quote from: Toner on October 13, 2017, 06:42:55 PM
Guys, I'm confused now. You see this hose here: 
https://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/ourshop/prod_5781140-HOSE-FUEL-GS500-T-Y-GSF650-GSF600-RGV250.html

Is that hose 6 going from the tank to the petcock or is hose 3 going from the petcock to the carbs?

(https://i.imgur.com/eXoLFVV.png)

3 is petcock to carb and 6 is tank petcock to petcock.

:laugh: I know but which is the hose in the link?
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: ben2go on October 15, 2017, 03:51:38 PM
The hose in the link is standard 7mm fuel hose. It should do all the hoses except the vacuum hose to the petcock which I think is 5 or 6mm.
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: user11235813 on October 16, 2017, 03:04:25 AM
good information in this thread

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=51643.msg848848#msg848848
Title: Re: GS500 Fuel Hoses
Post by: Kookas on October 18, 2017, 02:01:59 PM
Had the exact same happen to me. From what I can tell, the little metal clips abraded the hose over time and that combined with aging rubber and being pulled on slightly as I pulled the tank up lead to a rip and a giant fuel stain on the ground.

I bought some 8mm (5/16") hose. Nothing fancy - it's known as SAEJ30R6. I used a hairdryer for about 30 seconds on the petcock ends of the hoses, and that let them go on really nice and easy. The other ends just slipped onto the tank nipples cold. I also didn't use any metal clips, and just made sure the hoses were all the way on the nipple - the barbs on the nipples create all the seal you need and there's no way the hose is coming off without your say-so.