Just started riding my 2009 GS500F longer distances. When I give full throttle in the powerband regards (7-9k), I notice that from 7-9k RPM in third or fourth gear, the RPM jumps quite quickly. Not like any of the GS500 videos on YouTube, where the RPMs seem to gradually go up instead of almost jumping from 7-9000. Why would the rpms change so rapidly just before approaching red line? I can hear the engine rev higher as well, but doesn't seem to pick up that much more speed. Maybe this is just normal? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks guys!
Sounds like your clutch is slipping. I would start with a cable adjustment and go from there. How's your oil? Fresh and wet-clutch friendly? The wrong oil can do it too.
If it does come down to the clutch slipping and the cable isn't the issue, what are new friction plates going to run me? Would it be the plates that are the only concern, or should I do the springs, clutch plates, and friction plates together at once (whole kit)? I'd prefer going OEM, so the parts will likely be coming from the Suzuki dealer and I'll confirm tomorrow the cost. I plan on replacing the plates myself if I have to; I hear it's not a very troublesome job. On a side note, I've also noticed that my clutch lever has little to no play. Just pulling the clutch lever in roughly half inch towards the grip is enough to change gears. Please look over this post and try to answer all my questions as clearly as possible, as I'm an inexperienced motorcycle rider. Much thanks to the previous responder. I hope we can figure out this issue together! I'll keep you updated. Warmest regards,
Andrew.
So it's going to cost roughly $200 for the (7) new friction plates, clutch springs, and a new gasket. Still have yet to make adjustments to the clutch (three point adjustment), but I ordered the parts in so they should be here by early next week. I will do make adjustments first before replacing any parts. If the adjustment doesn't fix the issue and I go ahead with replacing clutch parts, is it worth also ordering the steel drive plates? Bear in mind, the bike only has 14,500 some odd kilometers (km, not miles). There is the possibly that the previous owner was not responsible with it though (hard on the clutch). Also, when the carbs come off and go back on after cleaning, does this tamper with the clutch cable adjustment? I was thinking that after I cleaned them I could have thrown off the adjustments.
Recap:
1. Should I order the steel drive plates along with the friction plates, springs, and new gasket?
2. When the carbs have been removed for cleaning and reinstalled, does this mess with the clutch cable adjustment whatsoever?
The steel plates should be fine, they typically don't wear out. I've never had a gs clutch apart, but I've seen original clutches apart and still good on 50k mile bikes. I would definitely start with a cable adjustment.
If the oil is an unknown quantity, I would change that too. Non motorcycle oil in a motorcycle can make a bike clutch slip.
Also, carb removal should not effect your clutch adjustment, however the clutch cable does run next to the carbs. The jam nut on the engine side of the clutch cable can come loose from vibration and throw it out of adjustment fairly quickly.
Turns out it came down to a simple cable adjustment. You were correct! Thanks for the help, she's running much better now.