I have a 2001 GS500 and the thing runs great...except for one annoying thing.  As you roll onto the throttle just coming off idle, there is a sudden increase in engine speed and power.  It's almost like an on/off switch just off idle.  The bike starts like a champ, has an idle as solid as a rock at 1200rpm, and has very good power and throttle response in all other ranges.  It's just the very very light throttle opening response that bugs me, especially in slow speed situations.  Anybody got any ideas or is this just par for the course with the GS500?  Thanks!

It's normal (unless I misunderstood your message), with 2 cylinder bike (and most bike actually, but with some 4 cylinder you don't necesserly have to) you have to push a little bit the clutch at the same time you give gas so it get smooth when you are coming off idle. I hope I made myself clear 

Quote from: tangledo on April 04, 2010, 08:14:22 PM
It's just the very very light throttle opening response that bugs me, especially in slow speed situations.  Anybody got any ideas or is this just par for the course with the GS500?  Thanks!

A little rear brake helps a lot in those situations.  I think it's normal for the GS.   

If I understand you correctly... while in gear and maybe just changed gears but while still going slow, you give a little gas and at first there is nothing and then there is Sudden power... then I'd say, situation normal. At least, mine's done it since new and for the 18k clicks I've put on it.

As mentioned, some clutch feathering and maybe a light rear brake.

I mainly notice this on mine on one particular round-a-bout. It's slightly down hill as you approach and enter. And the far side - from the entry point - is the lowest point. As I am making a 90` turn, I need to slow for the turn while the slight down hill wants to make me keep going. It's actually a little bit of a tricky one with how the approach and exit are - heading away from the turn while slowing, and down hill, and turning back into the turn et al. I notice this Sudden Surge thing as I am coming onto the gas at the apex to leave the round-a-bout.

To counteract this, for this turn I use some rear brake and feather the clutch while giving some throttle all the way through the turn. Result = smooth.

Michael

go faster 

Thanks for all the info guys! Yes, what I am referring to is the tip-in throttle response.  My question centered around whether or not it is typical for the GS500.  It seems that it is.  It is definitely manageable and not necessarily a  problem.  Again, Thanks!