I just bought a 1995 Suzuki GS500E after reading that it is a real workhorse (dependable ... with proper care, fuel efficient, more horsepower than my Kawasaki 305 and not as overpowering as my Honda 750) .   I am trying to acquire as much info as possible about maintaining the bike since it has 6,000 miles on it.  I purchased an oil and air filter to start with (figuring that I can change them without too much of a problem).  I did some minor work on all my other bikes and this one looks easier than some and more difficult than others.  If you can direct me to the proper sections of this webpage, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks.

P.S.  After my inspection at Bettencourts in Bridgewater,MA., the dealer noticed that my tires had some minor cracks along the rims so he suggested that I purchase some new ones.  I have been looking at Bridgestone, Kenda, Dunlop, Cheng Shin, etc.  Don't know what the actual differences are but prices sure do vary ($100-$300 for front and rear).  Seems that sizes can vary a little bit from the OEM tires.  What's everyone's opinion about this?  Thanks.

Andy

Wecome to GStwin!

Probably the easiest way to find info is to do a search on one of the keywords. For drilling out the little brass plugs over the pilot screws for better carburetion and a shorter warm-up time, search for 'plugs'.

Tires: Everybody has a favorite. GSJack has an extensive tire log and has dicovered the Bridgestone BT-45's have the longest tread life (which translates to $ savings in the long run), while being sticky enough, and have a decent profile and selection of profiles. I myself have these in 110/80 front and 130/70 rear and am very pleased. You will read much the same with most people here. Stock sizes are 110/70 front and 130/70 rear for reference.

Hope this helps!

Another thing I think most people would suggest is to also buy a repair Manual(Clymer has maintanence schedule listed inside it).    There is also a link on the gstwin's main page for the maintanence schedule and what should be done.  Good luck and welcome to GStwin.

OT but Moose your avatar cracks me up.  I am easily amused.

Dude- where you located?  I use Bettencourts as do some others here.
About the tires, do a search... I have Pirelli's.
:mrgreen:

Quote from: LinhOT but Moose your avatar cracks me up.  I am easily amused.

:lol:

Always glad to be able to give someone a laugh.  :mrgreen:

Quote from: tarascio I just bought a 1995 Suzuki GS500E after reading that it is a real workhorse (dependable ... with proper care, fuel efficient, more horsepower than my Kawasaki 305 and not as overpowering as my Honda 750) .   I am trying to acquire as much info as possible about maintaining the bike since it has 6,000 miles on it.  I purchased an oil and air filter to start with (figuring that I can change them without too much of a problem).  I did some minor work on all my other bikes and this one looks easier than some and more difficult than others.  If you can direct me to the proper sections of this webpage, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks.

Andy, I'm in Waltham and used to own & (poorly) maintain a 90 GS500.  I would suggest replacing the fuel lines.  They degrade after 3-4 years (suzuki suggests replacing them every 4 years).  When they degrade, they clog the fuel lines.  Many older GS500 bikes have fuel starvation problems.  I would suggest replacing the fuel lines and adding a new fuel line filter.  The lines and filter should be well under 20 bucks (I paid 8 for way too much fuel lines and 3 for a clear filter).  If you don't know when the lines were last replaced (and if) then I would suggest replacing them soon.  I would also suggest bleeding the brakes and replacing the fluid if it looks yucky.

Welcome.  I purchased the Clymer's manual throught the gstwin link.  Very nice and detailed.  As for the tires I bought the Bridgstone BT45's stock size.  I love them.  I purchased from Chaparral $176.00 delivered in 2 days).  There are many wise people on this site so search, read alot, and enjoy!

L8

Welcome!
I purchased the shop manual from GStwin's link as well. I hope you were able to snag the owner's manual when you bought the bike. Otherwise, the dealership should be able to order you one - if not for the same year of the bike, a year that is relatively close.
Like fuzzy, I also replaced the fuel lines and installed two in-line fuel filters.
Keep up with your general maintenance, replace those tires and I'd say you are on the right track!  

Quote from: scratch

Quote from: LinhOT but Moose your avatar cracks me up.  I am easily amused.

:lol:

That is a great Avatar. I think I've seen it/you on BARF's website...  

Do not over tighten the oil filter bolts. They snap very easy.

Quote from: JohNLADo not over tighten the oil filter bolts. They snap very easy.

I was about to say that.   :mrgreen:

I have the Bridgestone BT45's in the stock sizes and love them.  No problems at all.  Better tread life than I expected and good and sticky for street use.

Welcome!  You will find many helpful people here at GStwin.com.  Of course I am not one of them