Cold Start

[Suzuk-E]

I have a 1999 Suzuki gs500. Love it.

...but it takes a bit to warm up and maintain a proper idle. My questions:

1) Once started..should I Let it warm up for a couple minutes or just take off. I've read that you should just start riding as soon as you get a cold engine started but it seen a little dangerous. Sometimes it stalls and unfortunately I live on a blind corner.

2) Whats the best way help an older "cold natured" engine run better?

3) Unrelated problem. When I turn my bike to the right it pulls on the throttle cable causing the inadvertent acceleration. There seems to be plenty of slack but the slightest movement of the cable still causes this problem. Any ideas?

Thanks for reading!

[Shorts]

Idle the bike on choke as long as necessary before you take off.

As for the throttle cable, it's gettingpinched somewhere in the routing. Check not only at the exposed ends, but under the frame and throughout as well.

[Suzuk-E]

Is it bad to ride with the choke on?

Pinched? Hmm, well, i don't see it being pinched...but everytime I push/push the wire it works the accelerator.

[mgdavis]

At some point the throttle cable was probably routed incorrectly. Check while turning the bars to see if it is being pulled taut by something.

[Hatch]

Riding with the choke on will foul up your spark plugs, just let it idle until its good to go.

[Suzuk-E]

Thanks for all your help.

Fixed the accelerator problem, simple wire adjustment.

Woke up everyone in my condos this morning while warming up my bike. Yay for V-Twins.

[Suzuk-E]

Hmm, someone suggested higher temp spark plugs. That make sense?

[thespirit]

When was the last time you cleaned out the carbs and balanced them?

[Skier]

I have a 1999 Suzuki gs500. Love it.

...but it takes a bit to warm up and maintain a proper idle. My questions:

1) Once started..should I Let it warm up for a couple minutes or just take off. I've read that you should just start riding as soon as you get a cold engine started but it seen a little dangerous. Sometimes it stalls and unfortunately I live on a blind corner.

2) Whats the best way help an older "cold natured" engine run better?

1. Once started, use as little choke as possible to keep the bike running. It will take a bit to warm up but it will get there. It's fine to ride on a cold motor, but keep the revs low until it warms up. That said, let the bike idle (without the choke) until you feel there's no chance of it stalling, especially in your situation.

2. Balance the carbs, replace the air filter if it looks bad, make sure the spark plugs are in good condition (replace if unsure).

[Suzuk-E]

When was the last time you cleaned out the carbs and balanced them?

haven't attempted that yet. Just read the thread. Thinking I'll give it a shot this weekend.