:guns:
I just bought a new, used 2001 GS500.  I'm starting to notice something.  When I drive in the first 3 gears, the RPMs are quite a bit higher than 4th gear.  Example:  if I'm driving 10 miles per hour in 1st, the RPms are like at 3000 and so on.  Once I hit 4th gear everything starts to get back to normal.  50 mph is close to 5000 rpms.  Am I doing something wrong or do I have a clutch issue?

I am not quite sure I understand what you are asking.

Clutch problems are one of two basic problems, they either don't transmit all the power they should (slipping) or they don't completely disengage the power like they should (drag). Clutch problems will typically be most apparent in 1st gear (either starting off in 1st or trying to get in into/out of 1st) but there can be lots of other symptoms of clutch problems.

Can you try rewording your question??

When i ride i can always tell what gear im in.  In 4th gear the speedometer and tach usually match (ie 50 MPH @ 5K RPM). 5th gear the RPM runs under the speed by about 10 (ie 60 MPH @ 5K RPM)
From your description, everything sounds normal.  You can test if the clutch is slipping by riding at a slow speed and then shift up to a high gear.  Give it full throttle, if the engine revs for a second before the bike starts to pick up speed. Your clutch is slipping.

atleast i'm not crazy.  it was weird because i noticed it after i put some Chain Life spray on the chain.  i don't think I could have messed anything up.  maybe i'm just hard on the throttle.  it seems like i have to shift to 2nd just seconds after takeoff.

Quote from: tharp:guns:
I just bought a new, used 2001 GS500.  I'm starting to notice something.  When I drive in the first 3 gears, the RPMs are quite a bit higher than 4th gear.  Example:  if I'm driving 10 miles per hour in 1st, the RPms are like at 3000 and so on.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/gear-ratio.htm
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/gear.htm

I guess education can't hurt...

D.