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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: junk301 on June 30, 2011, 06:07:35 PM

Title: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: junk301 on June 30, 2011, 06:07:35 PM
Hey all,

Over the past few months my bike has been feeling sluggish and honestly alot slower than it has been.  In addition I lost my top end acceleration.  Before I was able to hit 180 in a few seconds, but now the max i can push is about 160 after full throttle for like 10-15 seconds.  Any clue.  I think it may be the carberator.

Cheers
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: Big Rich on June 30, 2011, 06:13:30 PM
It could be any number of things. Check the big 3: spark, fuel, compression.
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: BaltimoreGS on June 30, 2011, 07:44:38 PM
When was the last carb cleaning? Could be a partially clogged main jet.

-Jessie
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: junk301 on July 01, 2011, 12:36:11 AM
Thing is that i dont have the expertise to inspect the carb myself.  Last time the carb was cleaned was probably never hahah. I bought it at 14000 and its at 21000 now. The previous owner didn't seem all that mechanically knowledgeable.
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: mister on July 01, 2011, 01:25:45 AM
The fact you are taking the bike to 180 in a few seconds suggests something about your riding style and possibly a lack of mechanical sympathy and a few too many redlines too mayhaps  :dunno_black:.

Could be lots of reasons for why you think you have problems besides my dig at you above. Start simple...

Check Spark Plugs
Check airfilter
Drain airbox
How's the oil?
How's the battery?
Have you changed fuel brands?

Michael
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: crzydood17 on July 01, 2011, 06:16:55 AM
Valves might be horribly out also and causing loss of lift...
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: junk301 on July 01, 2011, 11:37:19 AM
Quote from: mister on July 01, 2011, 01:25:45 AM
The fact you are taking the bike to 180 in a few seconds suggests something about your riding style and possibly a lack of mechanical sympathy and a few too many redlines too mayhaps  :dunno_black:.

Could be lots of reasons for why you think you have problems besides my dig at you above. Start simple...

Check Spark Plugs
Check airfilter
Drain airbox
How's the oil?
How's the battery?
Have you changed fuel brands?


Not saying that I always ride like that but sometimes I just want to test the limits of my bike.  A have done all the above except draining the airbox.  I always use one fuel brand. Oil has been changed last week, but i had the same problems before. Battery also just changed and holding its charge.
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: cssprophet on July 01, 2011, 11:54:55 AM
Quote from: crzydood17 on July 01, 2011, 06:16:55 AM
Valves might be horribly out also and causing loss of lift...
+1 on this. Mileage seems about right for a check. It's a gradual thing you may not really notice (because you're having so much fun riding  :icon_mrgreen:  ), but one day you'll realize your bike doesn't have the pep that it used to. Definitely an important thing to keep tabs on and check regularly.
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: ben2go on July 01, 2011, 08:08:13 PM
My guess is tight valves or dirty carbs.All we can do is make guess and hope,without looking over the bike.If you don't feel that you can do the work,take it to a shop.
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: Jared on July 02, 2011, 05:17:49 AM


I'm leaning towards tight valves being the main culprit. What were the clearances when you checked the valves? Compression check?

Something else to do is check  your oil level.  Too much oil  = oil windage .

"The strict definition of windage is the power loss caused by the friction of the oil in the engine coming into non-lubrication contact with the moving parts inside the engine."

Read more: http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/ctrp_0603_oil_pan_design_windage_tech/index.html#ixzz1QwvgaeNU




Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: bill14224 on July 02, 2011, 11:55:28 AM
Quote from: mister on July 01, 2011, 01:25:45 AM
The fact you are taking the bike to 180 in a few seconds suggests something about your riding style and possibly a lack of mechanical sympathy and a few too many redlines too mayhaps  :dunno_black:.

Could be lots of reasons for why you think you have problems besides my dig at you above. Start simple...

Check Spark Plugs
Check airfilter
Drain airbox
How's the oil?
How's the battery?
Have you changed fuel brands?

Michael

I agree with Michael.  This bike isn't as quick as you say you've been riding it, which means you're flogging the pee out of it, time warps when you're on your bike, or both.  Make sure you have the proper oil level and get the valves done.  If it's still a dog, get the carbs cleaned.  After that, slow down before you disappear from this board forever.
Title: Re: Engine issue I'd like some input on
Post by: junk301 on July 02, 2011, 02:50:16 PM
Alright,  The first thing on my to do list is to get the valves checked.  Ill report back if this fixes the problem.

Cheers