...here are my impressions. After coming from the cruiser style ride it took a few minutes to get used to the upright style, particularly the shifting and rear brakes. Good to go after about a half hour on the bike. Wow you definately feel the pressure on your hands leaning forward like this. Very cool though! Some other noticeable differences: Shift lever requires a lot more muscle to engage. Very difficult, nearly futile, to get the bike in neutral when idling. Nice being able to cruise comfortably around 40 mph doing hairpins in second gear. Excellent torque/acceleration-at least compared to the Rebel. Very nimble - again since my only comp is the Rebel, I'm sure any bike would feel nimble. All in all I'm happy!
 
 Two concerns. The problem getting the bike in neutral as well as the need to nearly completely release the clutch lever before catching. Could this mean I need a clutch adjustment or is this a sign of a tranny overhaul? Cost? Also, I have a bit of an oil leak, can't figure out exactly where. How much would it cost to get the 'upper' gaskets changed? Last owner said he just changed the 'bottom' ones and just didn't get to the 'uppers'. (Noob here, not even sure exactly what that means)
 
 Do these sound like major issues? I don't mind getting some stuff fixed to get the bike up to par. I expected this on a '94 with 12,000 miles. Just hope it won't cost a fortune. Thanks all. All in all, lovin' being a new GS rider!  

Quote from: pslamp32Wow you definately feel the pressure on your hands leaning forward like this.

Your weight should be held up by your legs, and your back should be straight; no weight should rest on your arms.  Coming from a cruiser, it will take conscious effort.  You should be able to lift your hands until just your fingertips rest on the handles.

Quote from: pslamp32Shift lever requires a lot more muscle to engage. Very difficult, nearly futile, to get the bike in neutral when idling.

Common issues; try a search.  An oil change might help; shift technique might help.

Quote from: pslamp32Also, I have a bit of an oil leak, can't figure out exactly where.

Take some degreaser and clean the engine very well.  Go for a ride.  Look at the engine for fresh oil.

Take it in your fingers and feel and smell it.  Chain lube can fling off on the engine and make a dirty trickle that can look like an oil leak at first glance.

Quote from: pslamp32How much would it cost to get the 'upper' gaskets changed? Last owner said he just changed the 'bottom' ones and just didn't get to the 'uppers'. (Noob here, not even sure exactly what that means)

This is one of the best bikes to start wrenchin' on...

On my GS I need to go into 1st gear before I bring it up into neutral.  Also, try downshifting into each gear (and release the clutch between gears) as you slow down.  It tends to bring the tranny gears up to speed and make things work better.  Good oil also helps shifting since the tranny and clutch share oil with the engine.  Good luck with the GS.

after cleaning put baby powder on the lower part and see where it gets wet

coming to stops, I'll down shift to second then with the clutch out just put a little pressure on the shift lever to drop it down into netural. for any advice, I'd go harrass Srinath over in charlotte. just don't let him stray too far from the subject. (he's known to tell stories)

Why do you shift into neutral at traffic lights. I put it in first gear and hold in the clutch so I am ready to go.

Quote from: ukchickenloverWhy do you shift into neutral at traffic lights. I put it in first gear and hold in the clutch so I am ready to go.

frees up that left hand for scratchin' the boys or making hand signals to the hottie in the car next to you.  (I only put it in neutral at long lights or when I have to pull out my key card to get through the gates at work.)

Quote from: pslamp32Shift lever requires a lot more muscle to engage. Very difficult, nearly futile, to get the bike in neutral when idling.

Check oil level. Oil level should be relatively full. Also, roll the bike forward or backward a little and that should help 'align' the gears, makin' it easier to snick into neutral.

Quote from: pslamp32Two concerns. The problem getting the bike in neutral as well as the need to nearly completely release the clutch lever before catching. Could this mean I need a clutch adjustment or is this a sign of a tranny overhaul? Cost?

Clutch adjustment is free and you can do yourself, although, by your description, that is way I like my clutch, nice and tight. You can adjust your freeplay by pulling back the rubber part over the clutch lever pivot and screwing the adjuster (after loosening the knurled locknob) into the clutch perch, however much you need.

The issue with neutral: it may help to turn the engine off really quick.  Hit the kill switch, should go to neutral easily when off.  But starter button and there you go.

But that is not a real solution.  Just a tip for when you are really fighting it.

didn't see this mentioned but roll the bike forward a little and shift up lightly into neutral.  Sometimes you have to rock it a little but it will slide right in.

BRAND new rider here fresh out of MSF, but the bike I was on there was a BEOTCH to get into neutral, and some more experienced folks recommended that I blip the throttle ever so slightly, just a thousand rpm even, and that with some light pressure on the shift lever made it pop right in.