Hey everyone I'm new to GStwin, but i just purchased a 2000 gs500e. The bike started right up and idled fine when i first got it. Its been only a few days since then and the bike won't idle any more. I'm not sure whats wrong with it, I tried adjusting the idle screw, that didn't work out, now I'm stuck....any suggestions...

Hiya Spyro - welcome to GStwin!

Tell us more about your idling issue.  Are you saying that the bike dies when you let off the throttle?  Does that happen shortly after starting the bike, or after riding it for a few miles, or ... ?  What is the position of the choke lever when this happens?  (I'm asking this because a cold bike will have a hard time idling without the choke, but a hot bike will often die at a stop if the choke has been left on.)

Regarding the idle screw ... with the bike NOT running, twist the throttle a bit and then close it again, over and over.  Each time you close the throttle you should hear a small "tick" sound when the butterfly link between the carbs contacts the upper tip of the idle screw.  If you can't hear it, either your surroundings are too loud or there is no contact being made.  Adjust the screw upwards until you CAN hear the "tick" sound.  From this starting point, adjusting the screw upwards should definitely make a difference in the RPM at idle.

[Bonus: Once you get things adjusted so the (warmed-up) bike idles around 1250-1300 with the choke off, see if there is any slack in the throttle cable.  Do you have to rotate the throttle a little bit before it "grabs" and starts to increase the engine RPMs?  If so, use the adjuster nuts near the handlebar to take out the slack.  Make sure that you can still hear the "tick" when you're done.]


Does the bike run well in general?  (You can ride it around, it accelerates OK, etc.)

Anything else we should know about?

As i start the bike I give it a bit of gas, as i let off the throttle the bike dies and will not idle, this happens as the bike is cold. At this time the choke is off. And yes the bike does run, I bought it from a guy, the day i bought it the bike started right up, idled, and i was able to ride it around for a bit.

P.S.- Thanks for responding so quickly!

You mentioned the choke is off.  Have you tried putting the choke on and starting it without hitting the throttle?  These bikes often require the choke to start when they are not warmed up at all.  Might not be your issue, but might as well start with the simple and obvious.

Bombsquad- ya i have tried starting the bike with the choke on, with no throttle, cant get it to consistently start without giving it some gas.

Check your gas level in the carb bowls with a clear flexible tubing. 

http://www.gstwin.com/float_height_check.htm

I have an inherent distrust for needle valves after all the issues with carbs on this bike.  Put the petcock in the PRI position when you test this, but don't leave it there or you will flood the airbox/engine.

If the level in the hose is off does that mean I'll have to adjust the carbs?

Yes it does.  Sounds like you are not confident with your ability to do this.  My suggestion would be to take it to or find someone who can help, if that is in fact the issue.

You got that right, not very confident lol. But okay thanks alot for the help. I'll be sure to let ya'll know how it goes

... Figure I might state another obvious because this does happen, but make sure there is plenty of fresh gas in there and that your fuel valve is on prime when starting up.  Gas level is deceiving if you haven't seen the tank a few times filling up.  Also, old/bad gas can act up with all kinds of wierd symptoms... Anyone would be mad at themselves if they didn't check through all the simples before spending any real time with 'trouble-fixing' 

- Bboy

As it is probably easy to see I am a newbie,  how do i check if my fuel valve is on prime? Oh and , my tank is full with new gas

Started the bike up last night with the choke on, didn't give it any gas and she started right up. She even idled for a bit, then afterwards i began having the same problems...weird?

Spyro, I'm having a similar issue! I checked the float height in the carb using the method stated above and they're off by a decent amount.  I'm adjusting them next week with a buddy and I'll let you know if that helps, possible that could solve both of our problems!

Crobwolfpack- Definitely let me know that would be great, thanks