First of all my neutral light doesn't work, not sure if its the bulb, or the wiring... anyone with the same problem? 
Secondly, usually when I'm stopped, I can't upshift.  For example, if I pull up to a light and downshift to first, I can't get up to neutral sometimes unless I start moving again. 
Also my key sometimes doesn't wanna turn when it's in the ignition.  Sometimes it slides right in and turns to the on position instantly, other times it takes a bunch of tries... (copied key, not original gs500e key)

Neutral light: Take the bulb out and check it.

Shifting: What you describe is normal, may improve if you adjust the clutch.

Key: I drive a work vehicle that has this exact problem, it almost never turns with the key in one way up, but always works fine if you put the key in the other way up (supposed to be a symmetrical key, but the copy obviously isn't!).

Gear changing while stopped can be hard. Which is why... change down to first as you are coming to a stop. Leave it in gear while stopped - so you are ready to get the heck out of there should the need arise.

Check your oil level. And note your brand of oil. Any difficulty I have had was fixed when I changed to a slightly different oil.

At first, when I first got the bike, I thought the key was Stiff. Sometimes not allowing me to turn on the ignition, as you described. I sprayed some WD40 on the key and slid it in and out. And the problem went away.

Interestingly, sometimes the key will still stick depending on how you have the handlebars turned. And oddly - and maybe due to coincidence only - the key seemed to turn freely after putting it in neutral to start it (warm start with me sitting on the bike).

Michael

I also have that problem with shifting into neutral when I'm getting back on it after having the bike parked! I figured my clutch cable might need to be tightened a bit- I'm just enjoying the bike a while before tearing into this or that and end up having to wait for a new part to arrive in the mail   :-p
As my grandpa likes to say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Pearl of wisdom.

Does your neutral bulb light up when you first turn the bike on?  If it does, then it's probably a relay.  If it doesn't, it's most likely the bulb.

I haven't tried this for the GS, but I had the same crappy copy-of-a-copy key problem on my old Honda.  It had a number on the bottom of the ignition.  I just took that number to a Honda dealership and they cut me a couple of keys for about $30 bucks.

Quote from: 007brendan on June 04, 2010, 01:09:44 AM
Does your neutral bulb light up when you first turn the bike on?  If it does, then it's probably a relay.  If it doesn't, it's most likely the bulb.

I haven't tried this for the GS, but I had the same crappy copy-of-a-copy key problem on my old Honda.  It had a number on the bottom of the ignition.  I just took that number to a Honda dealership and they cut me a couple of keys for about $30 bucks.

Nope, the neutral bulb doesnt go on anytime at all.  Where can I find a new bulb?  Also I may try cleaning the inide with wd-40, or make another copy of it and see if its better.

If you're having trouble shifting after sitting, which is normal, there are several ways to work around it that are very easy:

Roll the bike forward a few inches and try again
If you're in gear, release the clutch a bit until it starts to catch, then engage the clutch and shift
If you're in neutral, release the clutch all the way and rev slightly, engage the clutch and shift

Does the key stick from every position or just from Lock to Off? If it's Lock to Off, move the handlebars just a bit to the left, then turn the key. The handlebar lock mechanism seems to cause this on my bike sometimes and it's just a matter of moving them a little. And you don't want to spray liquid lubricants into an ignition switch. Although it's a lock, it's also an electrical switch. I know I don't want anything petroleum based where there is the possibility of spark, except the combustion chamber!

I lubricate my locks on my bike and car with wd-40 every month or two, never had any problems.

Anyone know where I can find the neutral light bulb(#194)?  i'm gonna try PepBoys today

I also need a speedometer bulb too (#09471-12028).  Trying not to pay $8 shipping and handling for $.048 cent bulbs lol.

The indicator bulbs (oil pressure, neutral, turn signal, and high beam) are #74 and the gauges are #194. They're standard incandescent bulbs you can pick up at any local auto parts store.