Great site -- I still have a lot of searching to do and go through the FAQ's (lots of great stuff in there!) but thought I'd say hello.

I've recently picked up an '01 GS500E.  Metallic blue, only 8400 km's on it...it's in great shape!  I could barely believe it's 8 years old, so I couldn't resist buying it.

The only issue I've found -- my gas tank is rusty up at the filler neck so I figure I'll POR/kreem it over the winter (I have no idea if the tank is rusty all over, all i see so far is a nasty looking filler neck).  In the meantime I'll grab an inline fuel filter (probably a good idea anyway!).  Any recommendations on filter size I should be looking for (along with hose diameter)?

Also, is there any mods that can be done to get a fuel low-level warning light or is the general consensus just to wait for some stuttering before flipping to reserve?

Thanks for any insight -- looking forward to cruising through this site on a regular basis! 

for the low fuel warning i just reset the tripometer at every fillup and usually go between 150-180 miles between fill-ups.  Just get used to how far your bike will go on a tank and use that as a gauge.

ha. searching for fuel filter works better when I can spell correctly too! 

I'm a member of the "Flip to Res on Sputter" group...  If you choose to join, you had better PRACTICE FLIPPING OVER before you're actually running out of fuel.

I mean it...  PRACTICE!

First, do it while you're sitting on the center-stand pretending to ride.  NO LOOKING!  Then try it when you're going slow on a straight, empty road.  If you KNOW you're going to run out (like when you're trip reads xxx miles), just flip to res and get gas within the next 30-40 miles.

Thanks for the tip!  I'll practice!  

Another question -- I seem to be leaking a bit of fuel out of my right carb.  I believe it's a leaky gasket around the lower bowl. (yeah, my carb lingo is probably wrong.  It's wet on the bottom of the carb, but not the top)

Is there such a thing as a carb gasket kit for ('01) GS500s?  

Also, anyone here from Canada?  Where's a good Cdn place to get OEM parts (or a US site with reasonable shipping?)

why would you fill up after you've gone 150 miles? just to be safe?

the way i figure it (and i'm asking because i don't have a bike yet and i'm trying to figure it out without having the experience), 5 gal tank x 50 mpg = fill up at 250 miles no?

sorry for the kinda thread jack...

Quote from: RVertigo on June 04, 2009, 02:00:37 PM
I'm a member of the "Flip to Res on Sputter" group...  If you choose to join, you had better PRACTICE FLIPPING OVER before you're actually running out of fuel.

I mean it...  PRACTICE!

First, do it while you're sitting on the center-stand pretending to ride.  NO LOOKING!  Then try it when you're going slow on a straight, empty road.  If you KNOW you're going to run out (like when you're trip reads xxx miles), just flip to res and get gas within the next 30-40 miles.

Funny as I became a member of this last week as I was going to work.  Was tooling down the main drag and all the sudden it went sputter sputter.  I knew exactly where the valve was as I practiced.  In the moment though I couldn't find the damn thing.  I eventually did as I pulled into the gas station.

I don't know if mine is like others but sometimes my bike will get 200 before reserve and 20-30! But, when Murphy's law is in full effect I get 150 and 4 miles reserve! This usually occurs at 0200 going down a very dark road dog tired from work and the gas station is a good mile away. So, I don't count on my reserve anymore at 150-160 I just pull in anyway pushing a bike with heart problems isnt' the greatest idea

And WElcome!
Mary