Hello everyone,

I am hoping to get some help and ideas on an issue with my 03 gs500 which I've had for about a month now, first bike! 

I haven't determined if it occurs at a certain rpm but the bike will stutter and cough as if it is out of gas, the headlight flickers so the electrical is affected too and also the tachometer will go limp and and drop to 0 for a second or two for however long the bike takes to stop stuttering and coughing.
I took it out last night and it even had trouble warming up and starting.  The RMS would slowly drop till the bike stalled even with the choke completely out and after it had been on for a few minutes and taken on a quick ride around the block 

I have the day off tomorrow so I am planning on taking the carbs apart and cleaning them out and what not , hoping this will help out the problem.  I have never worked on any kind of engine and the only knowledge I have on how to do it I got from this site so i am a bit intimidated to take it all a part, well actually more so putting it back together haha 

So any thoughts and opinions from more experienced riders/do it yourselfers would be greatly appreciated!! 

I had the same symptoms last year...maybe the year before. Ended up being a bad connection with the regulator/rectifier. Check that all your electrical connectors are tight. Maybe unplug and replug them making sure to lightly tug on all the wires coming out of the molex connectors to check that none have come loose.

Thanks for the quick reply!

I hope I don't sound too stupid but where/what are these connectors?   

Are you thinking that it is entirely an electrical issue so taking the carbs a part and fooling around with them wouldn't help in any way?

I think It could also be a partial ground connection.  Either way the connectors are the key.  Just check over everything and let us know.

Don't forget the battery acid level (if it is that type) and the connections to the battery.

The voltage regulator/rectifier/RR (called all 3 things at times because it is a regulator and a rectifier) is that squarish thing with the fins. Follow its wires and be sure the connections are good. It is under the side plastics. Be careful pulling the plastics off so you don't break off the pins that hold it in place.

FYI: To the right of it are:
Side stand relay
Flasher relay
Starter relay and fuse the red & green thingy  (Fuse under the rubber, the fuse in the open is a spare)

Actually you might be onto something when it comes to the battery acid levels.  I replaced the battery a couple weeks ago and on my way home it tipped over on my seat.  I didn't notice it at the time but some acid leaked and left a heft stain and hole 

Thanks for the photo I would never have found those.  But I will screw around with those tonight and see if it rides better.  between periods of playoff hockey of course