Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I recently bought a 1998 gs500e with 10k miles on it. This is my first MC and I'm having a blast so far. Taking my MSF course today through sunday.

The guy that had it before me put the stage III jet kit on it, there was also a tank of gas with Stabil in it from the winter. I got a very good deal on the bike so if my 'problem' ends out with me taking it to have a few tune-ups done, so be it. I know the previous owner kept very good care of the bike as he had all of the oil change / maint receipts and the bike was still (i've replaced it ) on its original battery.

I've noticed while riding that if i let off the throttle (so if i'm cruising at 6k rpm and I let off the throttle completely and I essentially engine brake down to 4k rpm) and the choke is fully closed, the engine makes a loud popping noise (backfire?). The old owner warned that this would happen until the stabil was completely flushed through the system, but I'm a little skeptical about it.

The problem is also related to when I come to a stop and let the bike idle, as it stalls out if the choke is fully closed. Keep in mind, this is after 30-45 min of riding, so the engine is definantly warmed up! There is a 'sweet spot' on the choke where if I keep it ever so slightly open, the engine does NOT make this sound, and the bike doesn't stall at idle.

Is the engine running too rich? I was reading up on the dynojet page to learn about the stg III kit and there is an screw to adjust the fuel mixture level, so I'm wondering if this could be the solution.


any ideas???


-thanks

i'm not a mechanic, but i get the popping every once in a while if i just chop the throttle off, not sure if it's normal or not though.

if it dies when it's warmed up without having your choke on, maybe your idle is set a little low?

The bike "pops" usually from a lean condition. Most modern bikes are set lean from the factory to meet emissions standards. The fact that your bike runs better w/ the choke half on suggests that your pilot jets in the carbs have some kind of blockage.

Either have the carbs cleaned, or try dumping some carb cleaner/fuel injector cleaner / sea foam / whatever into the tank to try and clean out the crud. If the Snake oil doesn't work, well then you are only out a few bucks, and then you can take the carbs to be cleaned

I'm trying to learn all of the mechanics on my bike as to do all of my own maint... (my car hasn't been in a shop other than my garage since i've owned it and I'd like it to be the same way with my gs500)

would it be possible to adjust the pilot jet while the carbs are still on the bike? i was thinking you switch off the fuel petcock and remove the float bowls to access it but I'd love a reply to this before giving it a go! from what I've read, per your comments, it does sound like it is simply a pilot jet issue and I'd like to avoid having an entire rejetting done as it seems a bit over the top for what needs to be done!

thanks,