I have a 2001 gs.


Its been parked in the garage for about 7 weeks w/o being ridden since I was on travel.  I started it up yesterday and heard a loud "pop" once  but engine was able to start. 

I shut it off to see if anything was leaking or oil burning but didnt see anything. 


I took it out for a ride and did not notice any other strange noises. 

Should I be concerned or is it something expected since I didnt ride/start up the bike for such a long time. 

I wouldn't trip on it.  It's not uncommon.

Exhaust pop is an indication of lean mix. As the bike was parked for a while the carbs just did not fill up to the level when you started the bike, hence the occasional pop. If it's ok later, just forget all about it. Vehicles are to be driven/ridden to be in good health.  Much like humans   

Movement is life.

Mine occasionally does it, too ('01), when cold starting.
One of the last times it made such a loud BANG!!!! that it caught off my guard
But after that, it idles and runs fine.
There are chances my bike is leanish, it used to be rich from the PO so I had it fixed at the dealer's..they might have put it a bit on the other side.

Cold, still mornings are what your gs lives for. It LOVES to startle with a loud POP. It could just sit on a street corner in NYC during january and POP all day to watch people spill their coffee !

She's evil I tell ya.

Just kiddin, it's normal.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^