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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: m_melen on March 29, 2013, 08:27:03 PM

Title: Uhhhhh, what happened?
Post by: m_melen on March 29, 2013, 08:27:03 PM
So I went for a ride today to cool off from a fit of stripped bolt induced rage, and I had an odd symptom on the bike.
Jumped right on the highway (a block from my house) and started accelerating.
The tach revved up like normal, but the power wasn't getting to the rear wheel like usual. It would jump to 6k and get noisy, but acceleration was VERY slow.
Could it be wind resistance, or maybe because I didn't let the bike warm up before taking off? I'm baffled. It got a little better after 10 minutes, but I didn't peg it hard the rest of the day to be cautious 
Title: Re: Uhhhhh, what happened?
Post by: Zwerski on March 29, 2013, 10:07:12 PM
Clutch out of adjustment?
Title: Re: Uhhhhh, what happened?
Post by: Twisted on March 29, 2013, 10:32:36 PM
Sounds like a clutch issue. You use a new oil recently?
Title: Re: Uhhhhh, what happened?
Post by: jacob92icu on March 29, 2013, 11:19:47 PM
Yup, sounds like your clutch is a little tight and its slipping. Adjust it a little at the three points and out should be better.
Title: Re: Uhhhhh, what happened?
Post by: ohgood on March 30, 2013, 04:24:25 AM
Quote from: Twisted on March 29, 2013, 10:32:36 PM
Sounds like a clutch issue. You use a new oil recently?

Quote from: Zwerski on March 29, 2013, 10:07:12 PM
Clutch out of adjustment?


two very good questions.

if new oil, warm up, then change with SAE (non fuel conserving, or energy conserving) whatever brand/weightviscosity you like, then fill again with whatever. the key is to make sure it is -not- 'energy conserving' or 'with modifiers' etc. as those will make the wet clutch slip. you do not have to use special motorcycle oil in a gs, or any motorcycle for that matter. 10w40 or 20w50 whatever brand will be fine, for 100's of 1,000's of miles.


if cable is out of adjustment, resist temptation to -only- adjust the barrel on the lever. it needs the proper, 3 point adjustment, defined in the manual. it works every single time, and will not damage the clutch pack.
Title: Re: Uhhhhh, what happened?
Post by: m_melen on March 30, 2013, 06:31:40 AM
I'll try loosening the clutch a little. I did an oil change right after since it was due, but I've only ever used 10w40 from Suzuki. Thanks for the input everybody!