hey guys, when I turn my key on, The oil light comes on and when i start the bike it goes out?? Is this normal?? Does the oil light suspose to come on when your driving if no oil or only when you turn the key at first?

Oil light should light up when you turn the key on to let you know that the bulb is good.
As soon as you start the bike the engine will build oil pressure from running and that turns the light off. It should remain off while the engine is running. If the engine is running and the light stays lit, well, that would be a bad thing...

Quote from: terry1013 on April 14, 2005, 06:48:16 PM
Oil light should light up when you turn the key on to let you know that the bulb is good.
As soon as you start the bike the engine will build oil pressure from running and that turns the light off. It should remain off while the engine is running. If the engine is running and the light stays lit, well, that would be a bad thing...

What would the problem be if the oil light stays on?

The ultimate problem would be a seized motor, because you'd be low or out of oil.

I suppose there's a chance of a bad ground keeping the light on, but I'd highly doubt that being the case. Pull over and put some oil in.

the problem would be no or very low oil pressure due either to a bad oil pump or low oil level.  This results in a dead engine (beraings worn out/ pistons melted/valves burned/ engine siezed in very short order.  If the light comes on while riding - pull over and shut it off!

OK, so I started the bike again and the light went off. After warming it up I tried putting it in 1st gear but as soon as it was in 1st the engine just died then the oil light went back on. What does that mean?
Also I put the bike in the garage and a little bolt fell off close to the kick stand.
Someone please help me. I've only had the bike for about 2 days so I have no idea what I'm supposed to do.

Was the sidestand down? The bike will shut off automatically if you try to put it in gear while the sidestand was down.

DPark14:
Have you taken the MSF yet? I highly recommend a safety course if you haven't taken one yet! 

So far, it sounds as though almost everything is normal.....er...except for that bolt falling out...?? One of our members might be able to identify it if you post a pic of the bolt. Did a Clymer's manual come with your bike? You'll find that the GS500 is a very wrench-friendly bike. 

One last thought... checking your oil frequently is a very good habit to get into (as well as checking your tire pressure). While I was riding my GS, I checked both weekly, and even though my oil light seemed to function fine, my oil level would be WAY too low by the time the oil light should have come on.

well.. your bike sut off because of the side stand switch... You have to have the side up before going into gear.

If that wasnt the case, maybee the bolt came from the side stand switch? 

Oh, ok. That makes sense, and makes me feel a whole lot better.

Just need to figure out what that bolt was for.

I plan on taking the MSF course sometime this summer.

Once again, thanks for all the help, everyone. I'm starting to like this forum and my bike more and more each day.