I successfully replaced my air filter with a K&n Oem replacement.  

It was a pain in the ass to try to hold up the tank with just 2 hands and try to screw/unscrew it on.  

Haven't test drove it yet but hopefully it makes a little difference.  

*bows*  :dunno:

Congradulations!

I use a small block(s) of wood to prop up the tank. Even with the bike on the sidestand.

Quote from: scratchCongradulations!

I use a small block(s) of wood to prop up the tank. Even with the bike on the sidestand.

yeah, i figured it needed to be propped up, i used a brand new roll of duct tape to put underneath the tank  :mrgreen:

worked like a charm since i couldn't find anything else...hehe.

duct tape solves everything!

Hey everyone, I'm a newbie and have been lurking this board for about a week or so. I just got a 95 GS500E, which has been very well taken care of over the years. The previous owner installed a K&N filter, I believe the stock one, and at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I was hoping you could tell me how I maintain this thing! I don't really know how it works, but I think you have to oil it or something every once in a while? Am I right on this?

Also, I am told the bike has an ignition advancer. I don't really know what this is. However, I am having fun riding regardless of my ignorance! I don't even have an owners manual, much less the Clymer or Haynes. I would like to be able to maintain this thing myself, and am not a total moron, but admitedly, I know next to nothing about motorcycles (yet!)

This site has been very helpful so far though, everyone seems really friendly.

Well 1st, welcome  

Glad to hear you found a bike in good shape, that's always a bonus. HERE is a little step by step on how to take care of that filter. You can buy the cleaning supplies online or at any speed or bike shop.

The ignition advancer just advances the timing a few degrees to get you a little more low-end grunt. Nothing you need to do except maybe put in mid-grade gas w/ the increase in timing. Listen for pinging under load or when it's hot.

Sounds like the bike is good to go. I assume it's jetting correctly or you'd know otherwise. Good luck with it!

trey

Greetings Nathanael! The water is fine, jump on in!

If you are at all mechanically inclined with modest resources, you should be able to take care of that GS. You are fortunate to obtain one well cared for. For some reason, the used market often turns up cases of abuse or neglect. See my thread in this section "Just picked up..." for my quest to make mine road worthy after a major failure.

Once again, Welcome!

Welcome to the site and enjoy your ride!  

Quote from: nathanaelThe previous owner installed a K&N filter, I believe the stock one, and at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I was hoping you could tell me how I maintain this thing! I don't really know how it works, but I think you have to oil it or something every once in a while? Am I right on this?

Cleaning a K&N is fairly simple. There are kits availble at most auto parts stores which include the cleaner and oil. I use Simple Green a lot when I run out of cleaner. Have 5 different filters does that. Just spray on the cleaner, let it soak for a few minutes and then rinse. Let it dry completely (usually over night) and then spray a light coat of oil on the outside of the element (relative to the air flow direction). Do not use foam filter oil.

Quote from: nathanaelAlso, I am told the bike has an ignition advancer. I don't really know what this is.

As for an advancer, remove the small round right side cover (3 bolts). Underneath the cover is the signal generator and rotor. If it is Vance & Hines it will have "VHR" stamped on it. I think it would be black. Or it could have a stock rotor (gold color) that has modified by Bob Broussard (a racer member here). There would be some welding at the indexing slot that could be seen once the rotor is removed. The other option is that the mounting plate has had the hole elongated allowing for advancing the timing. Look in the "racers corner" on the home page for details.

Quote from: nathanaelI don't even have an owners manual, much less the Clymer or Haynes. I would like to be able to maintain this thing myself, and am not a total moron, but admitedly, I know next to nothing about motorcycles (yet!)

At the top of this page is a link to buy a service manual. This helps the site. It is a Clymer manual and for less that $20 it is well worth it.