Hello!
This is my first post here. I just bought a 1997 red GS500 a few weeks ago, and had oil filter, air filter, brakes, suspension, etc fixed.
Yesterday I rode 50km on the highway with 110 on the clock, and there was no problem. Then today I rode the50 km back home, and suddenly the engine started loosing power, like when she's out of gas. I pulled over, and activated reserve tank. Rode on for a while, but the problem came back a few minutes later. I carefully rode on and found a nearby gas tank and filled it up. It could consume 10 liters - which means there must be around 7 liters left in the tank, right? So it is not because she was out of gas? Anyhow, after I got fueled up, the problem was gone. Afterwards I tested the bike and drove up to 160 on the clock, and there was no problem at all.
What can be the cause of this? I'm going on a 3000km trip soon, and I would love to solve these kinds of problems before I go :)
Best regards, new GS'er - Jonas
If it starts happening again, try switching to PRI and see if the problem persists. The vacuum feeds from the petcock are known to have issues, especially if left sitting for a long time.
Also try opening the gas cap then closing it and riding on to see if the problem persists. If doing so solves it for a while, you gas cap vent might be blocked and need cleaning.
Had same problem today, but switching to reserve solved it this time. Weird.
While I'm at it, I have another problem:
RPM go up when I turn my handlebar left or especially right. I figured it is the throttle cable needing adjustment. The throttle adjustment screw(or bolts) at the handlebar is tightened to the max, so I can't loosen the cable length more. I guess I have to adjust it another way. How do I do this?
Best regards, Jonas
There's likely more adjustment available at the carburetor mounting bracket. Pull the tank and eyeball that. There might be a mid-cable adjuster to cheeck out, too.
This problem occured after the bike was at the mechanic to have a few parts and filters changed.
The cable should be adjusted right - I dont't think they have adjusted the cable screws/bolts, so maybe it's the routing that's a bit different? Should I still try to adjust on the middle or at the carb?
When you lift the tank. . There is a crossmember above the engine that the cables pass over, usually there is an ADJUSTABLE cable tie that loops around the crossmember and throttle/clutch cables.... make sure this is fairly loose! .. its there to keep them roughly centralised, NOT to pinch them down tightly....
I tightened mine up a while back because 'it was loose' and suffered instant turn bars/throttle gain.. loose again and the problem disappeared. ..
Not saying it can't be another issue but it would be one of my early checks!