I have been riding my '03 GS500E for about 6 weeks now, and I have been noticing the idle sits at around 1800rpm when totally warm, and I get a raw fuel smell at stops...

Any suggestions?

choke sticking on? idle mix screws too far out? jets too big?

Is this a new problem or something that's been there? Start by checking that the choke fully disengages when you move the lever to off. You're cable may be sticking. If this problem is not new check the carbs for leaking gas, a clogged dirty air filter, or it could also be the valves are out of spec.

I've only had the bike for two months, so I don't know if it is a new thing or not...

I mostly notice the fuel smell after a quick stop, or if I move the bike side to side (adjusting the pants...ahem) 

I have a feeling the previous owner has the idle adjusted higher to compensate for the cold starting issue on these bikes...I'll have to check that tonight when I get home from work.  I checked the oil at lunch, and it was down almost a litre...topped it up...maybe that was causing the bike to run hotter and affecting the idle??   

As for jetting and such, I think all is stock...I need to check the air filter...can you remove it without pulling the fuel tank?  I haven't tried yet, but this could also be a contributor to the problems...I was worried that the carbs need to be balanced, or adjusted...I hope not...

Other than these issues, it runs like a top...

You tank has a vent on top so air can enter the tank as the gas leaves the bottom of the tank, and also to prevent excess pressure buildup in your tank.  As for your idle, have you tried turning the idle screw located on the bottom of your carbs to adjust your idle speed?  I think counter-clockwise turns it down (clockwise from the vertical perspective,) but I could be mistaken.  Turn it whichever direction it makes the bike idle slower.  

Quote from: tialloydragon on July 06, 2010, 02:07:09 PM
You tank has a vent on top so air can enter the tank as the gas leaves the bottom of the tank, and also to prevent excess pressure buildup in your tank.  As for your idle, have you tried turning the idle screw located on the bottom of your carbs to adjust your idle speed?  I think counter-clockwise turns it down (clockwise from the vertical perspective,) but I could be mistaken.  Turn it whichever direction it makes the bike idle slower.  

I have a new (3 weeks) GS 500...........I noticed the fuel smell the first day..........traced it to the gas cap........Figured it was a vented cap..........drive fast and the smell goes away!

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