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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: silverslp on April 27, 2015, 04:47:04 PM

Title: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: silverslp on April 27, 2015, 04:47:04 PM
I was just adjusting my idle speed down from 1500 RPM to 1200 RPM, when I realized that moving my handlebars to the far right made my RPM's go way up. Wiggling the throttle cable produces the same results so I'm pretty sure it's the throttle cable versus the choke cable.

I was wondering if others have had this issue and what they did to fix it, as it is quite dangerous. Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you! 
Title: Re: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: Slack on April 27, 2015, 05:02:00 PM
All bikes will slightly tighten the throttle when the handle bars are turned to the right. With the bike off twist the throttle and let go, you should hear the carb butterflies snap closed. Now turn the bars to the right and do it again. I bet the throttle didn't return. If so then: One of (or both of) your throttle cables are adjusted too tightly.  Look at your carbs where they connect. You should see a bit of slack in both cables. If the slack isn't there then make some adjustments.

I have NEVER purchased a used motorcycle that would return the throttle when the bars are spun to the right. Since bikes naturally sit on the side stand with the bars to the left most people mistakenly adjust the throttle in this position.
Title: Re: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: silverslp on April 27, 2015, 05:07:25 PM
Very interesting. Thanks for the reply.

The gas tank will have to be removed to adjust the slack, correct?
Title: Re: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: Slack on April 27, 2015, 07:21:30 PM
You may be able to get by with just messing with the fine tuning adjusters on the bar, but if not you'll need to pull the tank and make some adjustments at the carbs.
Title: Re: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: silverslp on April 27, 2015, 08:11:38 PM
I tried adjusting the fine tune at the bars, but they could only go one way and that raised the rpm more. I will do the carb adjustments, but feel better now that it is common across motorcycles. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: gsJack on April 27, 2015, 08:31:33 PM
I've never had a throttle cable problem with any of my 4 Hondas and 2 GS500s, 3 bought new and 3 bought used.  I did have a problem with the choke cable pulling the choke open racing the engine on my 97 GS at hard right lock when I put on bar risers and had to reroute the choke cable to fix.  By the way the 97 GS has only a single throttle cable, the 01 and later GSs with the 3 circuit carbs have dual cables.
Title: Re: Higher RPM when handlebars are moved to the right side
Post by: Janx101 on April 27, 2015, 10:06:03 PM
Only time I had this issue was when I overtightened the adjustable cable tie that goes around the cables and that round crossbar under the tank, thereby removing any free play/flex. ..

(I seem to be mentioning this more lately but it's still a possibility)

Might not be this issue but agree it's almost certainly the throttle cable. ... or the 'choke' cable .. lol

The cable tie should be loosey goosey. . If it's snug at all you can have this described problem! ... among other issues the chaps have mentioned...

:thumb: