Trying to determine if there is a problem

[MAJikMARCer]

Well I tried to do a video for you all so you could hear and see what I'm dealing with but my phone isn't cooperating. If I get that resolved I'll get that up here.

In the meantime I've been checking out other's GS650s on YouTube and I'm thinking my bike isn't running quite right. I know I need to adjust the valve shims when I change my gasket. It's not so much rough as it is feeling like I'm wringing its neck any time I get over 4000 rpm. It's making me shift very early (I think). I'm in 3rd gear just putting through the neighborhood at 30mph. If I stay in 2nd it sounds like I'm running it hard.

Additionally I've noticed the exhaust smells 'rich'. That might be normal as these bikes don't have and emissions controls but I really dont know if it's normal or not. I kinda permeates everything too. My jacket already smells like I work in a mechanics garage.

Thoughts?

 

[tkent02]

It's not so much rough as it is feeling like I'm wringing its neck any time I get over 4000 rpm.

This I don't understand. 4000 is loafing.

Running rich is not normal, with or without fuel injection.

 

[BigD_83]

Richness is definitely not characteristic of our GSes as they are known to have run on the lean side from the factory.

What has your fuel mileage been like?

What does the engine oil smell like?

Are the mixture screw caps still on the carbs?

What do the plugs look like? This is not 100% definitive as you should be doing a proper plug chop where you are getting the stumbling, but the colour/fouling state will give you an idea if you are actually running rich.

 

[MAJikMARCer]

The PO rebuilt the carbs and works as a service tech at the local bike dealer, but that doesn't mean he knew what he was doing.

Ugh, I knew i paid too much for this bike.

 

[MAJikMARCer]

What do the plugs look like?

The plugs are new, so that should help. I'll check them later (damn work getting in the way).

 

[MAJikMARCer]

Granted this guy has other issues, but my bike sounds nothing like this. Even if this still isnt running optimally it's way better than mine currently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJC07xZ5WYY

 

[tkent02]

The PO rebuilt the carbs and works as a service tech at the local bike dealer, but that doesn't mean he knew what he was doing.

This is the first place I would look.

 

[tom203]

The PO rebuilt the carbs and works as a service tech at the local bike dealer, but that doesn't mean he knew what he was doing.

He sure did know what he was doing- he sold it to you!!!! Unfortunately, you got some fun ahead of you to correct this, IF you have time and patience- otherwise bail out now. At least it sorta runs, so you could pass it on to someone else without too much loss. Running right, these are great mid sized bikes.

 

[MAJikMARCer]

Audio/Video Evidence

Audio/Video Evidence

I didn't record the tach right away, but it's in there for a bit. (Hey I'm not a videographer )

Sounds ok at lower RPMs but I should be able to get more out of it than this yes?

YouTube Video

 

[Guest]

Pull the plugs, see what they look like. If your bike is running pretty rich at idle, run it at night in the dark, take a flashlight to the exhaust and if it's pretty rich the flashlight will light up the vapor, ask me how I know? Mine was a case of badly adjusted air screw(s).

 

[tkent02]

You are saying it won't rev over 6,000 RPM?

 

[MAJikMARCer]

You are saying it won't rev over 6,000 RPM?

I will, I'm just feeling like it's pushing the engine if I do. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. This is all very new to me. For all I know the bike is waiting for this old man (not old, but riding like I'm 80) to give it some instead of treating it like a baby.

 

[mike_of_bbg]

Sounds like it's moaning a bit. Look at (BUT DO NOT TOUCH) the cam chain tensioner knob from the right side under the carbs as you rev it. Is that shaking/kicking back?

 

[tom203]

Sounds like it's moaning a bit. Look at (BUT DO NOT TOUCH) the cam chain tensioner knob from the right side under the carbs as you rev it. Is that shaking/kicking back?

Been a long time since I heard anything moaning, but maybe it's starved for air- check air filter element to make sure PO didn't over oil it.

 

[mike_of_bbg]

Had another listen. Definitely sounds like there's probably a rattle around somewhere.

 

[BigD_83]

Did I hear clutch basket rattle in that video as well, or am I imagining it? Don't want to send you on a wild goose chase.

 

[Guest]

I don't know, it's hard to get the sound of the machine recorded like your hearing it standing in front of it.
Heard the ususal sounds of a machine running.
Actually it's fairly quiet compared to my 1100.
Get out and ride it a bit, put it through it's paces, as you get more familiar with it, you'll learn where the shortcomings are.

 

[MAJikMARCer]

Going to take it to a local shop that specializes in older Japanese bikes. If nothing else just to have some ears that are better tuned to this.
I am going to check out the air box and plugs too though.

Was hoping to do that this afternoon but the wife wanted to work on the garden.

 

[Guest]

Going to take it to a local shop that specializes in older Japanese bikes.

Good luck with that! Hope their reputable, and have some old school techs still around. I was turned away from one shop (Boulevard Suzuki, Deland Motosports in fact) for my '82 GS1100E because they didn't keep service manuals back that far, and another I had to explain what the ignition points were for on my 1000. Luckily you're just getting it looked over.

 

[tkent02]

Going to take it to a local shop that specializes in older Japanese bikes.

Good luck with that. I have actually heard of it working once or twice.
Usually what comes back is a parts bike.